10 Best Cordless Impact Wrenches of 2021
Unfastening extremely tight or rusted bolts using a manual wrench can be very challenging or even impossible. Luckily, there are powered impact wrenches that can make this work a lot easier.
Even better, there are cordless impact wrenches that can be used practically anywhere, so long as they have charged batteries. However, with this convenience, a lot of cordless impact wrenches have been produced by different brands, which means there is a wide array to choose from.
That said, we have narrowed it down to the best cordless impact wrenches below for easier selection on your end.
10 Best Cordless Impact Wrenches – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DCF899HB (Multi-Speed Control) | ||
 | 2. Milwaukee 2767-20 (Most Powerful) | ||
 | 3. Porter-Cable PCC740B (Best for Automotive) | ||
 | 4. Milwaukee 2763-20 (With Brushless Motor) | ||
 | 5. DeWalt DCF883M2 (Compact) | ||
 | 6. Ingersoll Rand W7150 (Durable Construction) | ||
 | 7. DeWalt DC820B (Best for the Money) | ||
 | 8. Makita XWT11Z (Fastest) | ||
 | 9. Porter-Cable PCC740LA (Variable Speed Trigger Control) | ||
 | 10. Bosch IWHT180-01 (Good) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. DeWalt DCF899HB (Multi-Speed Control) |
2. Milwaukee 2767-20 (Most Powerful) |
3. Porter-Cable PCC740B (Best for Automotive) |
4. Milwaukee 2763-20 (With Brushless Motor) |
5. DeWalt DCF883M2 (Compact) |
6. Ingersoll Rand W7150 (Durable Construction) |
7. DeWalt DC820B (Best for the Money) |
8. Makita XWT11Z (Fastest) |
9. Porter-Cable PCC740LA (Variable Speed Trigger Control) |
10. Bosch IWHT180-01 (Good) |
1. DeWalt DCF899HB – Multi-Speed Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: DeWalt
- Torque: 700 foot-pounds
- Speed: 1900 RPM
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
DeWalt’s DCF899HB offers you multi-speed control, in which you can run it at 0-400 RPM, 1200 RPM or at the maximum speed of 1900 RPM. This makes it very versatile because you can use it for a variety of tightening applications, such as in tightening lug nuts.
Additionally, the unit delivers a maximum torque of 700 ft-lbs., which is quite strong, with a breakaway torque of 1200 ft-lbs.
On the inside, a brushless motor provides this superior rotational performance while running cooler and having a longer lifespan because of the reduced wear and tear.
This motor is powered by a 20-volt battery but this is not included in the kit. You must buy the battery and charger separately.
On the bright side, the wrench has an LED light with a 20-second delay for better visibility and with its half-inch anvil size, it comes with a hog ring for fast and easy socket changes.
Other features include a chemical, cleaner, and grease resistant construction that is durable enough to withstand a 6-8-foot drop.
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2. Milwaukee 2767-20 – Most Powerful Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: Milwaukee
- Torque: 1000 foot-pounds
- Speed: 1750 RPM
- Weight: 5.91 pounds
In considering the strength of an impact wrench, torque is the determining factor and the higher the value, the stronger the unit. Well, this piece from Milwaukee does pack in a lot of torque, hitting a maximum of 1000 ft-lbs. and 1400 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque.
With this power, the wrench is equipped with a 4-mode drive control, which includes a bolt removal mode for ultimate control. This mode actually reduces the torque to 750 ft-lbs. after busting the nut lose, thereby giving you more control over this process.
In addition to this high torque, the unit has a fairly high speed that goes up to 1750 RPM and while in operation, a built-in Redlink Plus intelligence technology prevents tool and battery damage by sensing an overload or overheating, then shutting it off.
Power is provided using RedLithium batteries, but these are not included in the set. A charger is also not included and therefore, you have to buy these separately.
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3. Porter-Cable PCC740B – Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Automotive
Photo: Porter-Cable
- Torque: 330 foot-pounds
- Speed: 1650 RPM
- Weight: 5 pounds
This cordless impact wrench is built with a chemical resistant housing that is very automotive friendly because it protects all the internal components from fuel, grease, oil and other chemicals that may pour on it as you do car repairs.
Other than this, the unit has a variable speed trigger, which gives you precision control over the fastening/unfastening process, while a 1650 RPM speed lets you drive large fasteners quickly.
However, the unit has a low torque that goes up to 330 ft-lbs., which might not be enough to bust tight nuts open. It is also relatively long, measuring 9.9 inches from front to back and with this size, fitting in tight spaces can be somewhat challenging.
On the bright side, a half-inch hog ring is included for quick and easy socket changes while a built-in LED light helps to illuminate your work area in the dark.
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4. Milwaukee 2763-20 – Cordless Impact Wrench with Brushless Motor
Photo: Milwaukee
- Torque: 700 foot-pounds
- Weight: 6.64 pounds
Milwaukee’s 2763-20 is equipped with a Powerstate brushless motor that runs very smoothly with little wear and tear, making it durable, quiet, cool and powerful. With this motor in place, the unit delivers up to 700 ft-lbs. of maximum torque and up to 1100 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque.
Redlink Plus intelligence technology is also included, and this enables you to choose between 2 fastening modes. These include mode 1 with 100 ft-lbs. of torque and mode 2 with 700 ft-lbs., effectively giving you drive control.
Other features include a variable speed trigger and a 1/2-inch anvil with a friction ring for quick and easy socket changes.
On the downside, the unit is quite heavy and its 18-volt lithium-ion battery plus charger are not included, which means you have to buy them separately.
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5. DeWalt DCF883M2 – Compact Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: DeWalt
- Speed: 2300 RPM
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
If you want an extremely compact cordless impact wrench to work on tight spaces, then this DCF883M2 from DeWalt is a good option to consider because it measures only 5.7 inches from front to rear.
Another benefit you get with this unit is that it comes with a pair of its lithium-ion batteries, a fast charger and a kit box for safe storage after use. This means you don’t have to spend anything extra before getting down to work.
However, the wrench has a 3/8-inch square drive, which is not ideal for heavy-duty use such as in unfastening lug nuts and suspension bolts. It is recommended for tightening or removing fasteners in wood, concrete, and metal using impact sockets.
On the plus side, the unit is easy to handle, owing to its lightweight 3.4-pound design and textured anti-slip grip, while 3 LEDs illuminate your work area with a 20-second delay after releasing the trigger.
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6. Ingersoll Rand W7150 – Durable Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: Ingersoll Rand
- Torque: 780 foot-pounds
- Speed: 1900 RPM
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
Though quite heavy, this W7150 has a durable steel-lined aluminum casing that is designed to protect all the internal components from damages in case of accidental drops.
This metallic structure is covered by a comfortable soft-touch over-molded grip, which reduces fatigue by minimizing the vibrations that reach your hand.
The wrench is run by a brushed motor, which is not as efficient as its brushless counterpart, but at least it provides 780 ft-lbs. maximum torque and 1100 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque, which is ideal for fastening/removing lug nuts.
Other features include a variable speed trigger switch for precision control, a chemical-resistant housing and a durable all-metal drivetrain that is optimized for maximum power output and efficiency.
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7. DeWalt DC820B – Best Cordless Impact Wrench for the Money
Photo: DeWalt
- Torque: 145 foot-pounds
- Speed: 2400 RPM
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
If you are tight on cash, DeWalt’s DC80B is a good option to consider because of its affordability.
Despite this, the wrench is quite fast, reaching a top speed of 2400 RPM for fast application. However, it does have low torque at 145 ft-lbs., which may not be enough to bust open tight, rusted nuts.
On the bright side, this 1/2-inch-drive unit is very easy to handle because it weighs only 2.2 pounds and has a compact size, measuring 5.75 inches from front to rear. This means reduced hand fatigue and the ability to fit in very tight spaces.
A frameless brushed motor runs the wrench, and though not as durable as a brushless motor, this one is designed with easily replaceable brushes for quick servicing.
Other features include a sturdy and durable magnesium gear case, built-in LEDs and a fully metallic transmission that is very durable and directs all the torque to the fastener with minimal losses.
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8. Makita XWT11Z – Fastest Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: Makita
- Torque: 210 foot-pounds
- Speed: 2800 RPM
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
Though a bit low on torque, this cordless impact wrench runs very fast, reaching a top speed of 2800 RPM. A 3-speed power selection switch is used for control, enabling you to run at a variable 0-1600, 0-2100 or 0-2800 RPM for precision control in a wide variety of applications.
This fast speed is achieved using an efficient brushless motor, which is more durable than the brushed kind, and this particular one is electronically controlled to optimize energy consumption such that it gives a 50% longer run time on a full charge.
For convenience, you get built-in LED lights to illuminate your work area, a rubberized soft grip for comfortable holding and a 3-stage LED battery gauge to show you the battery level.
Additionally, the unit weighs only 3.8 pounds with the battery attached, which reduces hand fatigue, and has a compact design that measures only 5.75 inches, enabling it to fit in very tight spaces. However, you must buy the battery and charger separately as they are not included.
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9. Porter-Cable PCC740LA – Variable Speed Trigger Control Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: Porter-Cable
- Torque: 330 foot-pounds
- Speed: 1650 RPM
- Weight: 6 pounds
Porter-Cable’s PCC740LA features a full variable speed trigger that goes all the way from 0 to its maximum 1650 RPM, thereby giving you precision control in driving your fasteners.
Another benefit is that you get a full, ready-to-use unit that is equipped with a powerful 20-volt 4.0Ah battery, which has durable pro-grade cells that provide superior performance, enabling the motor to provide up to 330 ft-lbs. of torque.
A chemical resistant housing helps to protect all these internal parts from damages in case fuel, oil, and other chemicals come into contact with the wrench, especially when doing repairs on cars.
Other features include LED lighting for better visibility in dark areas and a 1/2-inch hog ring for quick and easy socket changes. On the downside, this piece is quite long (9.9 inches), which makes it a bit tricky to use in tight spaces.
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10. Bosch IWHT180-01 – Good Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: Bosch
- Torque: 500 foot-pounds
- Speed: 1900 RPM
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
This cordless impact wrench is quite heavy and costly, but it has the features to show for it. For starters, it has a spring-loaded hammer and anvil, which provide high torque with little torque reaction.
That said, the unit delivers up to 500 ft-lbs. of torque at 1900 RPM, making it one of the best cordless impact wrenches for lug nuts because this power is ideal quick removal or tightening of lug nuts, lag screws, concrete anchors and other heavy-duty fasteners.
A couple of accessories are also included in the kit and these include two 18-volt lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a carrying case and a friction ring for quick and easy socket changes.
Other features include LED work area lighting, electronic cell protection for damage avoidance and a comfortable soft grip. Combined, these features make the top-rated cordless impact wrench in our review.
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How to Buy the Best Cordless Impact Wrench
Photo: Porter-Cable
1. Torque
Torque can be defined as the force required to turn an object around its axis and with that, the higher the torque value, the stronger the impact wrench.
Even if the unit has a fast speed (measured in RPM), ultimately torque is king and it is the one that shows how strong the wrench is.
To remove lug nuts, you need about 100 ft-lbs. of torque but with old, rusted nuts, the required torque is much higher. Basically, the higher the torque value the better because this makes the unit very versatile in terms of its application areas.
2. Motor
There are 2 main types of motors that are used in cordless impact wrenches. Brushed motors have a simple design, but they are not as durable and not as efficient as their brushless counterparts.
On the other hand, brushless motors are the better option because they have a longer lifespan (due to reduced wear and tear), run at a cooler temperature and are more energy efficient.
Even though such motors are costlier than the brushed type, they are highly recommended and contribute greatly towards making the best cordless impact wrenches.
3. Weight
It is very important to consider the wrench’s weight because of fatigue. The heavier the unit, the faster your hand will get tired from holding it in position.
Generally, lighter cordless impact wrenches are recommended because of their easy handling but this might mean that some features are sacrificed so as to achieve this light build.
What you can do is to narrow your list down to the units that meet the specifications you need, then pick the lightest one from them.
4. Battery
A majority of these cordless wrenches run on replaceable lithium-ion batteries but most require you to buy the power station and its charger separately.
If a battery is included, well and good. However, if you are to buy it separately, ensure you get the right voltage for the machine, which is usually either 18 or 20 volts, as per the wrench’s rating.
For the capacity though, the larger the better. Measured in Ah (ampere-hours), this shows the charge capacity that the battery can hold and with a large capacity, you can power the wrench for a longer time with minimal battery-replacement or charging-interval interruptions.
5. Drive Size
The wrench’s drive is quite important as it aids in its torque performance. The higher the drive size, the higher the torque performance and this means that 1/2-inch drive sizes are better for heavy-duty work such as in removing tight and rusty wheel nuts.
On the other hand, the smaller 3/8 and 1/4-inch drive sizes are better suited for light duty work such as in removing fasteners in wood, concrete or metal.
6. Design Features
Lastly, you should consider the convenient design features that make the cordless impact wrench easier to use.
For instance, a soft grip makes the unit easier and more comfortable to handle, and also helps to absorb any vibrations that may cause fatigue.
LED lighting is also very convenient to have as it illuminates your work area, especially if you are working in the dark. With a time-delay, this lighting is even much better.
An LED battery gauge is also ideal as it helps you monitor the battery level at a glance while safety features for tool and battery protection help to enhance the wrench’s durability. Generally, you should ensure that the wrench you buy has as many of these features as possible.
Conclusion
With the convenience offered by a cordless impact wrench, it is important to consider all the necessary features that make up the most suitable piece for your intended use.
As you can see above, these features are quite varied per product but having gone through the cordless impact wrench review, you should be able to easily pick the best cordless impact wrench that suits your needs.
- 10 Best Cordless Impact Wrenches – Review
- 1. DeWalt DCF899HB – Multi-Speed Cordless Impact Wrench
- 2. Milwaukee 2767-20 – Most Powerful Cordless Impact Wrench
- 3. Porter-Cable PCC740B – Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Automotive
- 4. Milwaukee 2763-20 – Cordless Impact Wrench with Brushless Motor
- 5. DeWalt DCF883M2 – Compact Cordless Impact Wrench
- 6. Ingersoll Rand W7150 – Durable Cordless Impact Wrench
- 7. DeWalt DC820B – Best Cordless Impact Wrench for the Money
- 8. Makita XWT11Z – Fastest Cordless Impact Wrench
- 9. Porter-Cable PCC740LA – Variable Speed Trigger Control Cordless Impact Wrench
- 10. Bosch IWHT180-01 – Good Cordless Impact Wrench
- How to Buy the Best Cordless Impact Wrench
- Conclusion
