Best Impact Wrenches For 2022

The 20v Max XR is DEWALT’s most powerful compact cordless impact wrench, offering a breakaway torque of 1,200 pound-feet and an overall max torque of 700 pound-feet, which ought to be enough to break loose almost any lug nut or stubborn bolt. Its brushless motor is energy efficient and generates less heat than brushed motors, which extends run time and battery life.

DEWALT equipped their DCF899HB model with an LED light for maximum visibility, a three-speed selector switch and a ½-inch Anvil with hog ring to secure and remove sockets easily. This particular package includes one pack of two premium XR 5.0h Lithium Ion batteries, which are compatible with other DEWALT 20V Max tools. However, the charger is not included.  

Air tools are known for packing more punch than their electric competitors while also being lighter and smaller. Air tools can push more torque and RPM to finish jobs faster, and the AIRCAT 1150 impact wrench is no exception with its 1,295 pound-feet of loosening torque and 900 pound-foot max torque. It’s reportedly the hardest hitting twin-hammer 1/2-inch impact wrench on the market at 1,400 blows per minute.

The AIRCAT 11500 is surrounded by a compact and durable composite housing. A small rear dial features a flip lever to switch between three forward speeds or reverse. The motor is tuned to be a quiet operator at 86 decibels, however that does not account for the noise that your air compressor puts out when it kicks on for a refill. 

The Porter-Cable PCE211 is one of the best budget-friendly 1/2-inch electric impact wrenches on the market. Its 7.5-amp motor hammers out 450 pound-feet of torque, which is heavy-duty enough for most jobs. Its 750 pound-feet of breaking torque is strong enough to hammer bolts loose on rust belt cars, but you may find yourself using more PB Blaster when compared to competing impact wrenches on this list.

Being a plug-in unit allows the Porter-Cable PCE211 to operate at higher RPMs than its battery-operated competitors. A handful of customers reported that the motor of this impact wrench didn’t last much longer than a year, however the purchase includes a three-year warranty.

Introducing the most compact impact wrench on the market, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel, stubby edition. It measures just 4.9-inches long. If you’re looking for a compact impact wrench to pack in your vehicle’s tool box, this one is the most likely to fit in small spaces. 

The M12’s long-living brushless motor withstands repetitive use without overheating. It’s 250 pound-feet of torque is reportedly powerful enough to regularly remove lug nuts for wheel and tire swaps at race tracks. Since wheel changes are typically more frequent for race applications, corrosion or stuck lugs are unlikely. If repairing old cars or fixing daily drivers is more your speed, you might consider making room for a more powerful tool with a high break torque rating.

The Ryobi P261 impact wrench kit isn’t just affordable. It’s also easy to use and able to handle a variety of heavy-duty applications. Three speeds allow for better control of the machine’s 300 pound-feet of max torque and 3,200 impacts per minute. The kit includes the impact wrench, an 18V charger, one battery, a storage bag and an operator’s manual. 

The dual-chemistry P118 IntelliPort charger reportedly charges the battery in as little as an hour. To avoid pauses in projects, purchasing a backup battery or two is recommended. There are just enough complaints about the included battery not providing enough power during tough jobs for us to mention it as a possible issue. More importantly, the brushless motor could overheat if too much pressure is applied, but pressing with that much force shouldn’t be necessary for the tool to do its job.