The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches: Blast Fasteners Away Like a Pro
These impacts will make stubborn fasteners the least of your concerns.
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Working with your hands can be therapeutic and give you the opportunity to ponder life’s big questions as you're loosening fasteners. That is up until the point you remember that it’s the hottest, most humid day of the year and you’ve only just started to rotate your tires.
Adding a cordless impact wrench to your collection may change your life. You'll spend less time fussing over stubborn bolts and more time actually enjoying the work or your car. Even if you’ll only ever use one for freeing wheels and tires, it’s still worth adding to your collection because of the dramatic impact it’ll have on your working experience.
And there’s no shortage of options for new cordless impacts, either. Nor is it hard to track down the latest and greatest model with all the bells and whistles. Is that really what you need for your project, though? Obviously, there is such a thing as overkill, but you also don’t want to go cheap and wind up with a fancy paperweight. That’s what we’re here for as our goal is to highlight some of our favorite impacts on the market so that you can decide what’s best for your home garage.
I'm all for doing things the hard way. Taking the long way around is a great way to grow closer to your car and do more of what you love doing most. However, some jobs just suck. An impact wrench is usually the best way to blast through them. Something as painstaking as breaking the lugs and lifting the vehicle so you can finish removing the wheel becomes as trivial as pulling a trigger. Using impacts is also a good way to rival the efficiency of the competitors if you're into doing this sort of thing for a living. There are a ton of options out there, and it can be tough to decide which is worth your while if you're new to this side of the industry. I'm here to help.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Mid-Torque Half-Inch Impact Wrench
- Compact and manageable
- Excellent performance
- Thoughtful features
- Five-year warranty
- Expensive
- No batteries included
Ryobi One+ 18V Half-Inch Impact Wrench Kit
- Affordable
- Includes battery and charger
- Compact and easily manageable
- Great performance
- Three-year warranty
- Short battery life
- Quality control issues
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Half-Inch Impact Wrench Kit
- High power output
- Bolt removal control prevents accidents
- Includes bag, battery, and charger
- Competitive price
- Issues with batteries and charger
- Too large for regular use
Summary List
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Gen-2 Mid Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
- Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. Impact Wrench
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Half-Inch Impact Wrench Kit
- DeWalt Atomic 20V Cordless Impact Wrench
- RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench
- Makita 18V LXT® Cordless 4-Speed Mid-Torque 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench
Our Methodology
Impact wrenches are some of the first tools you learn about when you start slinging wrenches. I'm willing to bet most of us skipped right over learning the ins and outs of ratchets and other hand tools to drool over impacts because they're way cooler. Despite offering vast improvements in efficiency and making many projects far more enjoyable, there's really not all that much to them, and it's easy to learn about what makes one better than another. I made sure to do the research on every top pick. I factored in what both pros and hobbyists have to say to come up with a list that offers something to anyone with grease under their fingernails.
Best Cordless Impact Wrenches Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Part Number: 2962-20
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Compact and manageable
- Excellent performance
- Thoughtful features
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- No batteries included
Milwaukee's Mid Torque half-inch impact may not be the brand’s most powerful offering, but it's what I consider the most practical. The six-inch length fits easily into many spaces you'll encounter on the job, and the weight of just 5.1 pounds is something you can easily manage. It's also no slouch in terms of performance and is capable of belting out 650 pound-feet of torque and reaching 2,575 RPM. The automatic shutoff to prevent stripping during assembly and bolt removal control functions further separate it from the competition, and a five-year warranty offers customers the protection they need in demanding environments.
As a Milwaukee tool, the price is the reason folks are going to pass up on it. By the time you invest in the battery and charger, which aren't included with this part number, you're easily paying double what you would for some other impact tools.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Ryobi
- Part Number: P262K1
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and easily manageable
- Great performance and features
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Short battery life
- Quality control issues common
Ryobi has clearly stepped up its game with the One+ line. This half-inch impact is a clear choice for the home mechanic and is even making waves among professionals. That's because it's able to deliver 600 pound-feet of torque in a compact package that closely rivals the top-shelf alternatives. It's also working with an automatic stop mode that prevents stripping fasteners out while tightening or slinging them across the room when loosening. Toss in a three-year warranty, and it's hard to see why it's not everyone's first choice. As unbelievable as this impact wrench seems, a couple of issues bring it back down to Earth. The battery life of this tool is short in comparison to the competition. Also, there are some quality control issues that are evident in the many reviews of defective tools showing up on customers' door steps.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Ryobi
- Part Number: P262K1
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes battery and charger
- Compact and easily manageable
- Great performance and features
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Short battery life
- Quality control issues common
Ryobi has clearly stepped up its game with the One+ line. This half-inch impact is a clear choice for the home mechanic and is even making waves among professionals. That's because it's able to deliver 600 pound-feet of torque in a compact package that closely rivals the top-shelf alternatives. It's also working with an automatic stop mode that prevents stripping fasteners out while tightening or slinging them across the room when loosening. Toss in a three-year warranty, and it's hard to see why it's not everyone's first choice.
As unbelievable as this impact wrench seems, a couple of issues bring it back down to Earth. The battery life of this tool is short in comparison to the competition. Also, there are some quality control issues that are evident in the many reviews of defective tools showing up on customers' door steps.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Part Number: 2767-21B
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- High power output
- Bolt removal control prevents accidents
- Includes bag, battery, and charger
- Competitive price
Cons
- Batteries and charger issues are common
- Too large for regular use
Milwaukee's M18 half-inch impact is what us power nuts are after. This absolute monster can slam hardware with up to 1,400 pound-feet of torque. Despite what you might think, it's not all that massive. With an 8.39-inch length and weight of 7.5 pounds, this isn't small, but it's pretty good for the power. Of course, Milwaukee's bolt removal control carries over to keep you from sending fasteners to the moon, as does its five-year warranty. The price is also decent considering that it comes with the battery, a charger, and storage bag.
As for the downsides, the batteries and charger are a real issue, with many complaints surrounding malfunctioning units. This also isn't the most practical choice for regular use around the shop. Although it’s not as massive as it should be for the power, you still need plenty of room to wield it.
Specs
- Manufacturer: DeWalt
- Part Number: DCF923B
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Compact
- Excellent power to size ratio
- Precision Wrench control prevents accidents
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Takes a while to reach max torque
- Quality control issues common
DeWalt's Atomic impact is way better than you need it to be. It can hit fasteners with 450 pound-feet of torque, which far surpasses expectations for something of its size. It boasts a low weight of 2.77 pounds and a length of just five inches, which is more than within reason for all-day use. It also offers control to prevent stripping threads and losing fasteners while you plug along. DeWalt also backs this solid piece of equipment with a three-year warranty.
It's only fair to note that this is not going to effortlessly apply 450 pound-feet of torque. It will take some time to get there. There are also a few complaints about defective units.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Part Number: 2564-22
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Perfect for tight spaces
- No air hoses
- Thoughtful features
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Batteries have short life
Milwaukee's M12 Fuel right-angle impact isn't the only one of its kind, but there are a few reasons it takes the title. For one, it's not pneumatic. Ditching the air lines typical with this type of tool for a compact M12 battery is perfect for tight spaces. This wrench comes with two M12 batteries and a charger to get you laying down 220 pound-feet of torque right away. The automatic shutoff and bolt removal control functions also save lives in tight spaces by preventing stripped threads and lost fasteners. As you would expect, Milwaukee's five-year warranty backs this impact for peace of mind.
This is a tool that's great when you need it but is expensive for something that sits on the shelf most of the time. The M12 batteries also drain fast, so you’ll want to use this tool sparingly.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Rigid
- Part Number: R87208
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Compact
- Excellent power to size ratio
- Comes with battery and charger
- Battery compatible with other Rigid power tools
Cons
- Not as common as other brands
Rigid's SubCompact brushless 18V 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench is one of the best around. It's small enough to fit into tighter than average spaces, including your engine bay, and has more than enough power to blast off fastners and more despite it's size. In this specific kit, you get the tool, a battery, and charger which allows you to get started right away and not have to purchase additional batteries or chargers, like you do with other tools. However, unlike DeWalt, Ryobi, or Milwaukee, Rigid's tool lineup isn't as common or expansive and you could find yourself switching to other makes for other projects.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Makita
- Part Number: XWT18Z
- Type: Cordless
Pros
- Compact
- Excellent power
- Adjustable torque
Cons
- Expensive Tool only
Makita is one of our favorite brands here at The Drive. It's a company that makes products that last and last. Seriously, managing editor Jonathon Klein has had his Makita power tools up and running for over ten years. He's never had to do a single thing to them and this 1/2-inch impact wrench will do the same for you. It's robust, has plenty of torque for all fastner blasting, and compact. While it has the specs, this is just the tool. No battery. No charger. And it's expensive. However, if you invest in it, it'll outlast your current and future projects.
Our Verdict on the Best Cordless Impact Wrenches
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Mid-Torque Half-Inch Impact Wrench is a clear choice for those who need something practical, reliable, and powerful. Those of us tearing it up off the clock will find the Ryobi One+ Impact Wrench Kit more reasonable. It's more affordable but still delivers the performance you expect from modern power tools.
Consider Secondhand
When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.
If those options don’t have what you need, swap meets are a great resource. Just Google it and head on down.
What to Consider When Buying Cordless Impact Wrenches
Buying an impact is a fun, straightforward endeavor. I have no doubt in my mind that you can master the subject and shop around like a pro with just a little bit of research. This quick buying guide is intended to get started in the right direction.
Types of Impact Wrenches
Pneumatic
Pneumatic impacts are the choice in many professional settings. The robust internal workings will take hours of abuse each day without flinching. They also offer a far better power-to-weight ratio, which makes a big difference when you need a lot of juice from a tool you’re handling all day. Many professionals favor pneumatic impacts because the shop they work in has an air compressor. That can significantly reduce their overall investment when compared to cordless tools that require batteries.
Cordless
Cordless impacts are a go-to for many simply because they have grown to be the most sensible option. Cutting ties with air lines and power cords is a huge deal in a small shop. There's also no need to sacrifice floor space or invest in costly compressed-air systems. The drawback to cordless impacts is that they usually have to be larger to match the power of their pneumatic counterparts. Cordless impacts are growing more and more powerful as time passes, however, and what they can dish out is often more than enough for the average mechanic and will certainly serve the DIYer well.
Corded
With just one corded impact on the list above, it's easy to see that they aren't all that common. They generally aren't as powerful as cordless or pneumatic impacts, nor does every leading manufacturer offer a corded impact. Still, they are highly attractive to the right person. Some DIYers just need something to bust lug nuts and nothing else. Investing in a pneumatic or cordless impact and the batteries or compressor to power it isn't justifiable in that situation. Corded impact wrenches, which don't require either, are far more practical in that situation and worthy of your consideration because of it.
Key Features
Torque Output
There are a few performance characteristics you want to research, but torque is the spec every manufacturer wants you to know. That's because it tells us how much power an impact can hit fasteners with. More often than not, the torque output of impacts is higher than any torque spec on your vehicle, but the numbers given are still relevant. The higher the output, the easier it is for the tool to deal with the fasteners you encounter, including those that need a little extra grunt due to rust and gunk. Other performance specs to look at are revolutions per minute (rpm) and impacts per minute (ipm). They also give you a good idea of how the tool performs under various conditions.
Weight and Size
Unless you're only using an impact to bust lug nuts, you will be forced to balance weight and size against power and performance. You need an impact that you can use in the spaces you're forced to work in, and the weight has to be something you can manage for extended periods. As you can imagine, decreasing the size often means cutting power. That’s why you don't want to be consumed by who has the most powerful tool overall. Instead, you should look at who offers the best performing tool relative to a size that fits both into your typical working area and your budget.
Variable Speed Control
Maximum power can become more of a liability than an asset if you can't control it. You don't need to hit absolutely every fastener with maximum force because that’s how you break things. Sometimes a little is all you need. In the case of battery-powered impacts, you're also just wasting battery life by using the highest setting when you don’t need it. Most modern impacts offer variable speed and power control for these reasons. You just need to make sure the impact you're considering offers settings that you feel comfortable using.
Pricing
How much you spend on an impact wrench depends on the type, level of performance, and quality of the unit you select. An entry-level air impact is about $50, while a top-of-the-line unit will land anywhere from $300 to $500. A good cordless impact will cost about the same, but most entry-level units start around the $100 mark unless you're buying a tool without batteries. Corded impacts are a different story as they rarely go for more than $200, with the most affordable options starting around $30-$50.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Is it worth getting a cordless impact wrench?
A: Yes. An impact wrench is worth buying. Even if you use it solely for busting lug nuts, it will transform your working experience. Whether it's worth investing in the top-of-the-line model relies on your intended use and how much scratch you're willing to spend.
Q: Can I use regular sockets on a cordless impact wrench?
A: Nope. Regular chrome sockets shouldn't be used on impact wrenches. They are harder and more brittle than impact sockets. You might get away with it a few times, but there is a potential for chrome sockets to crack and shatter when used on impact tools.
Q: What can I use a cordless impact wrench for?
A: Impact wrenches are fantastic for wheel, chassis, and suspension work, and you're pretty much free to use them in any project that falls within those categories. You don't want to use them for engine or driveline work, as they are usually far more sensitive to torque settings, and the vibrations could cause harm to the many delicate parts.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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