

We chose practical tasks that most people might need to accomplish with these impact wrenches. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience operating these tools to determine the best options. How We Tested Impact WrenchesĮvery impact wrench on this list has been thoroughly vetted and evaluated by our test editors. Their size and capability for common tasks makes compact impact wrenches incredibly versatile.

Because they are smaller, they don’t have the high torque specs of the larger models, but they have more than enough for most assembly/disassembly tasks the average person might encounter. However, these bigger tools may not fit in the spaces where they are needed.Ĭompact and sub-compact impact wrenches have shorter, less bulky, tool heads that fit into tight spaces better. They’re great for removing stubborn, rusted nuts and bolts. Full-size impacts will have larger, longer tool heads, with beefier internals, and thus higher torque specs. If the tool isn’t labeled specifically compact or sub-compact, you can assume, it is a full-sized model. There are also smaller ⅜- and larger ¾-inch drive models, with the latter being for heavy vehicle maintenance, agricultural equipment, or other industrial uses.Īmong half-inch impact wrenches, there are also tool body sizes-generally, full, compact, and sub-compact. What are we talking about when we say size? The most common size impact wrenches are ½-inch drive models-those with a square anvil measuring ½ x ½-inch, that accepts ½-inch sockets. And high RPM help drive nuts or bolts faster, while IPM kick in harder as the resistance increases. Impacts per minute (IPM) increase as revolutions per minute (RPM) increase. Think of amp hours like the volume of a gas tank-a bigger number equals more gas. Generally, 18-volt tools with advanced features and capabilities make them more versatile and easier to use.Īmp hours (Ah) equals the number of amps that the battery will discharge, continuously, for an hour. Tools with 18 and 20 volts have less difference between them. This makes them good for smaller jobs, working overhead, or getting into tight spaces. With smaller batteries, 12-volt impact wrenches are more compact. Batteries: Volts and Amp Hours (Ah)Īll things being equal, higher voltage will give you more power-but there are cases for lower voltage. As a result, the twisting motion-known as reactionary torque-that you feel when using an electric drill is virtually eliminated. Fortunately, impact wrenches are extremely comfortable to use because the concussive blows smoothly transfer most of that high-energy torque directly to the fastener, not to your hand, wrist, or arm. However, all that brute strength isn’t very useful if you can’t control the tool. By comparison, cordless impact wrenches can easily produce torque outputs of over 250 foot-pounds, which is more than enough muscle to power-drive the fattest lags and bust loose rusty, corroded nuts.
MILWAUKEE DRILL SET PRICE DRIVER
For example, most cordless drill/drivers produce about 50 foot-pounds of torque, and the average impact driver delivers about 125 foot-pounds. It employs both rotational force (torque) and short-burst concussive blows (impacts) to deliver an unparalleled amount of power. Unlike cordless drill/drivers and impact drivers, which excel at drilling holes and driving screws, the impact wrench is specially designed for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. In addition to the compact drill/driver, the kit includes two M18 CP1.5 RedLithium batteries, an M18/M12 multi-voltage charger, and an all-metal carrying case that provides impact and shock durability.What You Need to Know About Impact Wrenches How They Work The RedLithium CP1.5 Battery Packs deliver more work per charge and more work over pack life when compared to competitors, and feature fuel gauges to monitor life. It also features RedLink Intelligence which provides you with advanced protection in heavy-duty applications and manages the tool's temperature to ensure maximum life. metal chuck to provide you with maximum durability, even on the most challenging job sites. It also comes with an all-metal gear case and 1/2 In. length, giving you better access to the tightest work spaces. This drill/driver is compact at only 7-1/4 In. It is built with a 4-Pole frameless motor combined with rare-earth magnets for longer life. Drill/Driver is the most compact and powerful drill/driver in its class and can drive up to two times more screws in a single charge. The Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Drill Kit Has everything you need to get the job done fast.
