10 Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Automotive
Many people need an impact wrench in their toolbox, but only a few have a durable one. That’s a fact many people only realize after getting a new impact wrench and use it for some time. When it comes to buying impact wrenches, there are lots of variables to consider. These variables come in forms like torque, IPM, BPM, RPM, and lots of other acronyms. While these numbers may sound more confusing to a novice, we won’t confuse you with them. On this review are ten of the best impact wrenches from different manufacturers. But just before we write on best cordless impact wrench for automotive, we are going to educate you on factors that make them the best. Also, we are going to give you an insight into how these products made our list. Therefore, you are going to understand what we did behind the scenes by reading this review. Furthermore, we are going to reveal to you some factors to consider before buying the best cordless impact wrench for automotive. The products in this review have gained traction in several marketplaces (offline and online). Therefore by reading this review, you will save some time and money you would’ve spent on the wrong wrench.
How we came up with the best cordless impact wrench for automotive
Getting the best cordless impact wrench for automotive is quite dicey for lots of people, but for us, it is not. In our search for the best cordless impact wrench for automotive, there are some factors we considered. One of which is the Torque generated by the wrench. Yes, torque matters a lot if you want to have an easy work done. Also, the ability to control the amount of torque generated also matters. Since every application needs a certain amount of force on it, having one with just one torque setting is not ideal. Also, adjusting your wrench to the minimum required torque saves some battery life for more work. Other than torque, the battery life also matters (since we are considering cordless impact wrench). More battery life means more work time. The shapes and socket size is another factor we considered before writing this review. Nevertheless, the importance of this factor depends more on the user. Some people prefer to go with an inline design instead of pistol grip, but that depends on what they are comfortable with. We also considered durability when searching for the best cordless wrenches. We did this by considering the changes in design and the material used in making the wrenches. The materials used in making these wrenches helps in preventing damage due to drops or heat. Price is another factor we considered though most products are in the same price range. The last factor we considered is the perception of previous users of the product. The more positive the user perception is, the better impact it has on our ranking.
Things to consider before buying a cordless impact wrench for automotive
Torque:
The amount of torque generated by the wrench is a measurement of the power of the wrench. The more torque it has, the faster the motor rotates, and the faster it screws up nuts.
Torque control settings:
If the kind of work you do involves a specific amount of torque, having a torque-adjustable wrench is important. Another reason why you should consider torque setting is the battery life. If you’re considering having long working time with a battery powered wrench, you should get one with variable torque setting.
Durability:
Before buying a wrench, you should consider the kind of material it is made of. Sometimes when working with a wrench, accidental drops may happen. If you don’t have a tough wrench, there may be damages due to accidental drops. These damages may add to your maintenance costs in the long run. Therefore, it pays off to get a wrench with great build quality.
Comfort:
The kind of handle a wrench can determine the level of comfort you’ll get during its operation. Also, the anti-vibration mechanisms on the wrench determine how comfortable it is to use it. As a result, you should be considering these factors before getting the next wrench for your toolkit. Getting a wrench with exactly the right level of torque to perform the job can improve comfort. However, getting one with an adjustable torque level is a great bargain and is more useful for different tasks.
| Maximum Torque | Power source | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingersoll Rand W7150 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impactool | 1100 ft-lb | Battery powered | 6.8lb |
| Astro 1822 1/2" Nano Impact Wrench | 450 ft-lbs | Air powered | 6.4 pounds |
| PORTER-CABLE PCC740B 1/2" Cordless Impact Wrench | 330 ft-lbs | Battery powered | 5 pounds |
| PowRyte 1/2-Inch Air Impact Wrench, 600 ft-lb | 600 ft-lbs | Air powered | 6.02 pounds |
| Ryobi P261 18 Volt One+ 3-Speed 1/2 Inch Cordless Impact Wrench | 300 lb-ft | Battery powered | 3.45 |
| DEWALT DCF880HM2 20-volt MAX Lithium Ion | 150 ft. lbs | Battery powered | 9.05 pounds |
| Craftsman C3 ½” Heavy Duty Impact Wrench | 300 ft. lbs | Battery powered | 2.2 pounds |
| AIRCAT 1076-XL Kevlar Composite Compact Impact | 550 ft-lbs | Air powered | 2.5 pounds |
| Tradespro 837212 24-volt 1/2-Inch Drive Cordless Impact | 249 ft lbs | Battery powered | 10.17 pounds |
| Bosch IWH181-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 3/8-Inch Square | 133 ft. lbs | Battery powered | 7.2 pounds |
Reviews of the Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Automotive:
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Ingersoll Rand W7150 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impactool
Ingersoll Rand W150 is a sturdy wrench tool with an ergonomic design. Featuring a torque of 1100 ft-lb this workhorse can do almost any task you want it to do. The body is made of steel which makes it tough and resistant to damages against accidental drops. It is the preferred choice for most people when it comes to the best cordless impact wrench for automotive.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are a mechanic looking for a wrench that tightens and unscrew nuts, then this product is the perfect one. While this may be an overkill for home use, you will still find it useful for if you do a lot of tough tasks at home. Nevertheless, it is our best cordless impact wrench for automotive.
Get more details about the pricing on Amazon.
Astro 1822 1/2" Nano Impact Wrench
Looking for the best air impact wrench for your daily use? Then the Astro 1822 is a great choice for your home and work needs. This power wrench can generate up to 450 ft-lbs of torque, has a sturdy design and is lightweight. We found it convenient to use during our testing, and it is something we would recommend to anyone.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are out there searching for the best cordless impact wrench for automotive, then this is a good choice. Furthermore, if you’re looking for the best air powered wrench for your home, then this is the best choice. Other than being loved by our testers, this product has lots of positive reviews on various online marketplaces. It is something we would recommend to anyone looking for the best air impact wrench.
PORTER-CABLE PCC740B 1/2" Cordless Impact Wrench
Porter Cable cordless impact wrench, is a powerful tool for home and work use. It has a maximum torque of 330 ft-lbs which works perfectly for light and medium applications. The torque can be adjusted to a level that is suited for the application. Also, the product is priced at sub $150. If you’re looking for the best wrench for the money, this is a great choice.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
We love this product for its excellent design and for being easy to grip with the hands. It is one of our best cordless impact guns for the price. If you are out there looking for a sturdy, elegant and beautiful wrench, then this is perfect for you.
PowRyte 1/2-Inch Air Impact Wrench, 600 ft-lb
Looking for the best budget torque wrench? Then the Powryte is just what you need. Price at under $60 this product can do basically anything you would do with a wrench. It has a total torque output of 600 ft-lbs with a twin hammer. Also, its power output is also adjustable (regarding torque). So if you don’t have all the money to spend on a wrench, then consider getting the PowRyte wrench.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are looking for the best pneumatic impact wrench, then this is the best choice for your toolbox. It is priced at a point where many competitors can’t beat. In addition, it also supplies more power than lots of the products we’ve reviewed. If you are out there looking for the best torque wrench for the money, you should get this product.
Ryobi P261 18 Volt One+ 3-Speed 1/2 Inch Cordless Impact Wrench
The Ryobi P261 is an 18-volt power wrench with up to three-speed adjustable torque. It delivers a maximum 300 ft-lbs of torque to anything you apply it on. It comes with an ergonomic handle, and it looks sturdy. Priced at over $90, this product has all it takes to assist you in completing your home jobs easily. It is powered using a battery which is not included in the box.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Having a good wrench for your home toolkit is a great idea. A greater idea is having a wrench a battery powered wrench like the Ryobi P261. This wrench has fewer vibrations while using it. It also produces low noise during operation. It is something we would recommend for people looking for the best cordless impact gun.
DEWALT DCF880HM2 20-volt MAX Lithium Ion
Looking for one of the best battery powered impact wrench for home use? Then consider the DeWalt DCF880HM2 battery powered cordless wrench that comes in a sturdy kit. The batteries of this product are made of Lithium-ion cells which last for a long period of work time. It has a maximum torque of 150 ft. Lbs. Which is really small compared to others we’ve reviewed. Nevertheless, it is still a great battery powered wrench for your home.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are out there searching for a lightweight wrench which comes with a battery, then this is the right wrench for you. It is ideal for home use, and it works great for home tasks. However, you should be looking at the other wrenches on our list if your demands are different from the pros of this product.
Check out the prices form different sellers Amazon today.
Craftsman C3 ½” Heavy Duty Impact Wrench
Having a high-speed wrench with a great level of torque is great for home and work use. If you are a mechanic with the daily workload, then you should have the Craftsman C3 wrench in your toolbox. It is a battery powered and a cordless wrench which produces a torque of 300 ft-lbs. A good side of this product is the battery pack that comes with it. The battery works for long periods of time on a full charge. For this reason, it made our list of the best impact wrench for automotive.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Craftsman C3 is a great wrench for both work and “play.” Having a 300 ft-lb torque makes it ideal for light home use which may be considered as a play by serious mechanics. Having a battery and charger included in the box is a big plus for this product. We highly recommend it for those looking for the best cordless impact wrench for automotive.
AIRCAT 1076-XL Kevlar Composite Compact Impact
Intend to use a wrench for tight corners and stiff nuts? Try getting the Aircat 1076-XL impact wrench. This air powered wrench boasts a maximum of 550 ft. Lbs of torque. It has a comfortable grip which is easy to handle. Also, it is very silent during operations as well. It is one of our editor’s choice for the best cordless impact wrench for automotive.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are in search for the best cordless impact gun, then this product is something you should consider. Priced at under USD 150, this product can actually handle pretty much every suitable task you throw at it.
Tradespro 837212 24-volt 1/2-Inch Drive Cordless Impact
Looking for a wrench priced at under 100 bucks? Then consider the Tradespro 837212 cordless impact wrench. It is powered by electric courtesy of the lithium-ion battery which is not included in the package. However, these accessories can be bought separately from the Amazon store. It supplies a maximum torque of 240 ft-lbs which is just okay for home use.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you don’t have much cash to spare and you don’t need a high powered wrench, then this product is for you. Just like almost every other battery powered wrench, this product is really silent during operation. It is recommended for people looking for the best budget torque wrench.
Check out prices from different sellers on Amazon today.
Bosch IWH181-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 3/8-Inch Square
Unlike several wrench kit we’ve reviewed, this one is quite different from the rest. It comes with two batteries (other wrenches have no batteries included). In addition to the batteries, it comes with a standard charger and case. However, one should understand that this product comes at a great price when compared to the ones without batteries. But it is still a good bargain if you consider the price of the individual battery.
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Product features :
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are looking for something for home use and for light tasks, this is just the perfect wrench for you. Having two batteries and a charger included in this casing make it one of our best cordless impact wrench for automotive.
How to use a cordless impact wrench
Just had an impact wrench and you can’t figure out when to use an impact driver and how to use an impact wrench? Well, this section will address those issues. In addition, you are going to understand how an impact wrench works. Also in this section, we are going to throw some light on impact driver vs. impact wrench. So let’s start impact driver vs. impact wrench.
An impact wrench is used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts by reducing the effort required by the user. While an impact driver/drill is made for drilling holes into a surface and drive screws into it. An impact wrench is used to drive screws into already threaded holes. It does that faster than any other tool you would have used for such purposes. On the other hand, an impact driver is only used when you what to drive holes into thick surfaces. Such surfaces could be metals, concrete, wood, etc. The impact driver uses rotation and blows to drive screws into dense surfaces.
Impact drivers normally have great force when compared to impact wrenches. Of course, it has to be so because they do different tasks and that of the driver is much harder. Therefore you should consider getting an impact driver if the project involves driving a ton of screws. Impact drivers aid in the building of decks, installing tile backer board and screwing plywood subfloors. You should only use a cordless driver if your project involves loosening and tightening of nuts and bolts.
An impact wrench works by applying a force which causes rotation (alias torque) in short bursts (alias impacts). This force is caused by a rotating motor inside the casing. The rotating motor may be powered by compressed air, electricity from batteries or a power outlet. The ones powered by air or batteries are known as a cordless impact wrench. While the ones powered by electricity from a mains outlet are referred to as corded impact wrench.
So how can you use an impact wrench? Well, you should know that there are different types of wrenches and each has the own specific system of operation. So let’s talk about how to use an air impact wrench.
That’s it for air powered wrenches. If you have an electric wrench, then you should follow these simple steps
Step 1:
Look for the appropriate socket: Changing the socket is the first and most important step to take when you’re using an electric wrench. If you’ve connected the wrench to the mains power supply, you will have to disconnect it before changing sockets. After choosing the appropriate socket, keep it tight onto the square drive of the torque gun.
Step 2:
Hold the wrench firmly in your hands, and pull the rocker switch. Next, put the socket at the tip of the fastener. Leave if for some time and allow the wrench to build more torque as you retain the wrench on the nut. The wrench will loosen the nut gradually.
Step:3
Dislodging the nut: Change the wrench motion mode to the reverse mode. Next hold the wrench firmly with both hands in order to be more stable as you work. Hold the trigger to the greatest extent and place the socket on the nut head. Keep your fingers on the trigger while the wrench is still on the socket head. The torque action will loosen the nut. After the nut is dislodged, release the trigger. Continued hold on the trigger after dislodging the nut may damage it. You can repeat these steps if you have several nuts in your work-piece.
Step 4:
Tightening of nuts: Place the nuts into the threaded hole using your hands (make sure it isn’t cross threaded). Choose the appropriate socket to be used on the wrench. Place the socket firmly onto the wrench. Next, adjust the switch to the forward mode. Place the socket over the nut head and hold the switch firmly and pull the trigger. Carefully regulate the spindle speed by controlling your fingers on the trigger. Keep doing this until the nut is nipped in the hole. Do not tighten the nut yet until you’ve place other nuts on the workpiece in a similar manner.
Step 5
Turning off the machine: Once you are done with your work make sure to put off the machine. Unplug it from the power socket (if you are using a corded wrench). Remove the sockets and keep in a cool, dry place. Make sure your pets and children never get to where these tools are. It may injure them if not handled properly.
FINAL VERDICT
Having a good wrench is essential and knowing how to use it is vital. In this article, we have put together the helpful tips that guide you in getting the best cordless impact wrench for automotive. We hope that you will find these tips helpful when you embark on your next projects.
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