The best impact wrench on our list is the Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench due to having a max reverse torque of 930 ft lbs and up to 1,350 ft lbs of nut busting torque. Its durability is unquestionable due to its titanium hammer case. In addition, it also has a steel wear plate. The sturdy housing is composite to better protect the impact wrench. It has a twin hammer impact mechanism that has been fine tuned and has pricier options for anvil extension and sound reduction.
Jen’s Top Pick: Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench
Meanwhile, the Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impactool, Charger, 2 Li-ion Batteries and Case Kit is our step-up pick. It has 780 ft lbs of max reverse torque and a nut busting torque of 1,100 ft lbs. It weighs only 6.8 lbs and is cordless. Comfort is at its finest as the grip is soft touch and over molded to prevent vibration. The overall design reduces user fatigue and gives user comfort. Its hammer case is steel lined aluminum. Being lightweight but having strong housing components, it includes charger and 2 lithium ion batteries.
Our budget pick is the AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, Black which has 1,400 BPM or blows per minute. Having a loosening torque of 1,295 ft lbs, it is set to be very quiet at only 86 dB. The rotor is 15% larger than previous models. This impact wrench is under a 2 years warranty for parts and labor.
A Little Background
Over the years, the impact wrench has been a necessity for most repair jobs to get the work done as soon as possible and for more solid results. Because of its high torque, it has been hailed as an essential in any industry that requires power tools and screwing. The impact wrench can have different power sources: compressed air or electric / hydraulic power. In addition to this, the cordless electric ones are becoming popular due to their affordability, but compressed air impact wrenches are still available on the market as well.
Impact wrenches, in general, are used more often on heavy equipment maintenance, auto repair, construction projects, product assembly and any job that requires a high torque power tool. They have various handle styles, from butterfly, inline and pistol grip. Nonetheless, these various designs all impact the wrench’s ability to be able to cater to the user’s comfort and needs and the ergonomic design should be able to mask away the vibrations to lessen user fatigue.
How We Picked
So how did we pick the best impact wrench? Here are some of our criteria:
Does it have a good amount of torque? The torque is the most important thing to look for in any impact wrench. Higher torque often means better workability and efficiency, especially if you are looking forward to using the impact wrench in the industry or at a workplace where tough deadlines and quality standards should be met. Home use impact wrenches do not necessarily have to have high torque, though, and it all depends on what kind of material you usually work with and how often you are going to use the impact wrench. However, high torque impact wrenches are very much recommended.
Was it rated high on Amazon and various sites? If you see the name of the product on various sites and they, too, have hailed it a top pick for the best impact wrench then you are sure of its quality. You might also want to check the user reviews so you can know if they experienced any major or minor cons from using the product, so in that way, you can know which one to buy best.
Is the price all worth the value of the product and its features? Again, take note of the reviews and weigh in the product features. Is it just right for its price? Most kits are heavily priced, but some have smaller prices but less quality products. It is your take on how to choose which one is the best by comparing products side by side.
Does it come with various accessories? Most power tools work best with different accessories. Because not everyone enjoys a bare tool only impact wrench, some people find it better if the tool comes with lithium ion batteries and a sturdy case, even for a higher price. Again, this is your take on which suits your budget better.
Is it ergonomically designed and flexible for various tight spaces? There are many impact wrenches out there, but only a few are ergonomically designed to fit in narrow spaces that makes it good for automobile industry and DIY repair when you absolutely need to go through those small spaces just to work with your impact wrench.
Does it have a good sound reduction system? Impact wrenches are power tools, so it is a good idea to have an impact wrench that has a low noise level so that it does not disturb you or the people around you. Most impact wrenches with a good sound reduction system have mostly 80-100 dB of sound levels.
Is the motor well protected from overloading? The motor is the most important part of the impact wrench and it should be properly protected from overloading being equipped with a system that does such so it can last longer than you think it should and can be able to service you for a long time.
Does the impact wrench provide user comfort? Is it light weight and easy to grip? An ergonomic hand grip that is nonslip is a good buy for any impact wrench that you will use. A good grip design provides better user comfort and gives you less hassle and makes you less tired while working with the impact wrench in general.
Is the item very durable to use even on the toughest conditions? An impact wrench must not only deliver great impact but also receive impact and still be able to withstand without damage whatsoever. It should be built to last and for the toughest jobs out there. The material should not be just some scrap or cheap metal, but preferably a high grade composite material that will keep the impact wrench intact for a very, very long time.
Our Pick
Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench
For our best impact wrench, the durability of the Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench is unquestionable due to its titanium hammer case. Having a twin hammer impact mechanism that has been fine tuned, this impact wrench also has a steel wear plate that adds to its awesome durability and features that will keep it running for the many years to come, provided that you use it with care and treat it carefully.
The impact wrench’s housing is composite to better protect the impact wrench. It has a max reverse torque of 930 ft lbs and 1,350 ft lbs of nut busting torque. The impact wrench also has pricier options for anvil extension and sound reduction, if you want to upgrade your simple tool. This is suitable for general automotive, heavy equipment repair and general industrial purposes.
Having 4.6 lbs of weight (5.4 lbs overall package) and dimensions of 10 in x 4 in x 9 in. In addition, there are 3 other options: sound reduction, 2 inches extended anvil and sound reduction + 2 inch extended anvil.
Who Else Likes It?
Many other websites and tool review sites have praised the Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench. It is said to be a very powerful to use on hard bolts and nuts. One more positive thing it praised is that the tool has extremely good weight balance. In addition, the comfortable grip design makes it a very user friendly impact wrench. You don’t need to worry about its quality when dropped from a high place because it is very durable with its material build.
The Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench is also easy to carry around and handle. However, it is said to be slightly louder and larger than the previous model, but not a major con. Being fairly new in the market, this impact wrench is very ideal for any repair activity that you might work on.
A countdown review from Best Products Online 2016 ranks the Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench as the number 5 impact wrench on the list. It has been praised for having a good reverse torque and nut busting torque. It was tested to be very durable from the Rand series. Its favored feature is the impact wrench’s twin hammer which is fine tuned. It is definitely built to last the harshest of working conditions possible.
The site Power Tools Expert also reviews the Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench and has included the tool in their top impact wrenches. Possessing a very good power to weight ratio, this impact wrench has an awesome tool design and in addition to those features, it has a very quiet technology due to low sound levels. Overall, the impact wrench is extremely durable due to its titanium hammer case.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
There is not much to say about its flaws but it is said to be slightly larger and louder than the previous model but should not be a problem due to its upgraded features and power. Despite all of this, the handling and noise is still bearable compared to market competition.
Step-up Pick
The 
Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impactool, Charger, 2 Li-ion Batteries and Case Kit is our step-up pick, having a design that reduces user fatigue and gives user comfort. Weighing at only 6.8 lbs, it is a cordless design. It has 780 ft lbs of max reverse torque, which is fairly good. It has a sound level of 100 dB, which is also in the good noise level range. Its nut busting torque of 1,100 ft lbs makes it worth buying.
Having a hammer case that is steel lined aluminum, the impact wrench’s grip is soft touch and over molded to prevent vibration. It is also very lightweight but has strong housing components. Overall, the Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impactool, Charger, 2 Li-ion Batteries and Case Kit includes charger and 2 lithium ion batteries, has 15.3 lbs overall weight, is clad in gray coat finish, has overall dimensions of 18 in x 15 in x 5 in and a hog ring accessory connection type. It also includes a blow-molded case and has a 1/2 inch square tool tip. There are cheaper variants: bare tool only, charger + 1 lithium ion battery only. The tool is under a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty, 2 year free battery replacement, 1 year free replacement of charger, batteries and tools.
Budget Pick
AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, Black
Very quiet at only 86 dB, the AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, Black is a good and convenient impact wrench to own at a minimal budget range. Its loosening torque of 1,295 ft lbs makes it an ideal compact tool. Its rotor is 15% larger than previous models and it has 1,400 BPM or blows per minute. Being made from composite material, its aluminum finish and black color makes this medium sized impact wrench a worthy tool that is very durable to withstand the test of time and work load.
Having overall dimensions of 7 in x 2 in x 7 in, the AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, Black has 4.5 lbs of weight. Being an air powered impact wrench, it has a bottom handle / lever placement. Having a convenient and reliable variable speed, it was designed to have a flip lever switch style.
With speeds up to 9,000 RPM, the AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, Black is made from composite handle material, having an L shaped design.
Small and Compact Impact Wrench
Astro 1828 ONYX 3/8″ Nano Impact Wrench 450ft/lb
The Astro 1828 ONYX 3/8″ Nano Impact Wrench 450ft/lb has a max torque of 450 ft lbs and working torque of 400 ft lbs, so it is minimal for small operations only but also significantly great for hard to reach areas due to its small size.
You can choose from 3 reverse and 3 forward settings and its design makes it easy to fit with 3/8 inch impact sockets due to its size. It is a good companion on any workplace because it has 85 dB noise levels so it’s very quiet. Having 5.6 CFM air consumption, it has speeds up to 10,500 RPM.
Equipped with a twin hammer design, the Astro 1828 ONYX 3/8″ Nano Impact Wrench 450ft/lb has an air pressure of 90 Psi and a 1/4 inch air inlet. It is very good for super tight spots and spaces such as suspension, transmission and engines. Its overall length of 3 7/8 inch also adds to its accessibility feature and it is lightweight at only 3 lbs, having overall dimensions of 3.9 in x 7.5 in x 2.4 in.
Combo Kit with 3 Tools
Milwaukee 2896-23 M18 FUELTM Gen 2 Cordless Lithium-Ion 3 Tool Combo Kit
If you want a 3 tool combo kit that comes with a work light and charger, you should get the Milwaukee 2896-23 M18 FUELTM Gen 2 Cordless Lithium-Ion 3 Tool Combo Kit. You get 700 ft lbs of max torque and nut busting torque of 1,100 ft lbs (2763-20 tool) and fastening torque of 200 ft lbs (the smaller 2654-20 tool). The work light (2735-20) has 160 lumens to help you better see the subject you are working on. It also includes a multi voltage charger that can charge any M12TM and M18TM type batteries.
The Milwaukee 2896-23 M18 FUELTM Gen 2 Cordless Lithium-Ion 3 Tool Combo Kit comes with red lithium M18TM battery packs (XC 5.0). The item’s overall package weight is 17 lbs which includes the 3 tools, and product dimensions of 5 in x 17 in x 13 in. It comes with an 18 V lithium ion battery. It is by far the most perfect set for those who absolutely need various cordless high torque tools.
Best Air Impact Wrench
Nitrocat 1250-K Air Impact Wrench
With a max torque of 1,300 ft lbs, the Nitrocat 1250-K Air Impact Wrench is a power tool that has a forward reverse switch that is patented. It is also ergonomically designed housing and Kevlar handle to provide versatility and user comfort.
Very quiet at only 86 dB, it is an ideal choice in the shop or DIY home repair if you want a very low noise and low fatigue impact wrench. It has a twin clutch mechanism that gets the job done the way you want it to. Having an overall weight of 4.7 lbs, the Nitrocat 1250-K Air Impact Wrench has overall dimensions of 7 in x 2 in x 4 in.
Best Brushless Motor Impact Wrench
DEWALT DCF899B 20V MAX XR Brushless High Torque 1/2″ Impact Wrench with Detent Anvil
When it comes to the best brushless motor impact wrench, you should look no further than the DEWALT DCF899B 20V MAX XR Brushless High Torque 1/2″ Impact Wrench with Detent Anvil. This one includes an LED work light. The LED light has 20 second delay for better visibility on any working condition.
It also has a battery fuel gauge to monitor battery life, which is perfect for those moments that you want to be more focused on your work rather than worrying about the charge of your battery. In addition, the selector switch has up to 3 speeds to give you a very convenient workflow. It has a max torque of 700 ft lbs and breakaway torque of 1,200 ft lbs.
Its brushless motor gives it a very efficient performance and its impact mechanism is heavy duty. What makes it most unique among similar impact wrenches on the same price range is that it has a detent anvil design. Durability is also great because it was tested to drop 6 to 8 feet and survive.
Being very light weight and ergonomic design, the DEWALT DCF899B bears an overall weight of 6.4 lbs. It has overall dimensions of 9.9 in x 4.2 in x 10.6 in. It is 20 V battery powered and has 3 years limited warranty. Keep in mind that this is a bare tool only.
Detent Anvil Type Impact Wrench
DEWALT DCF880M2 20-volt MAX Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit with Detent Pin
The DEWALT DCF880M2 20-volt MAX Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit with Detent Pin includes lithium ion batteries with a fuel gauge. In addition, for better visibility, it includes 3 LED lights that has a 20 second delay after release of the trigger.
What makes it different from most impact wrenches of the same category is that it has a detent pin anvil type. It has an overall length of 5.7 inches and is completely light weight at only 3.4 lbs. The overall package weight of 8.8 lbs and it has 15 in x 10 in x 4 in dimensions. It is very advantageous when it comes to its energy saving purposes because it is Energy Star certified. The package includes 2 lithium ion batteries (4.0 Ah), fast charger and a kit box.
Includes Friction Ring
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2- Inch. High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
Having a power management technology called REDLINK PLUS, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2- Inch. High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring is a unique and useful impact wrench that uses M18 REDLITHIUM battery system to make your life easier with its super energy saving battery and optimum charge.
It has 700 ft lbs of torque and the friction ring gives quick socket changes. The impact wrench measures only 9 inches overall length to fit on narrow spots. With its cordless design, you get a compact and comfortable workflow in the long run.
Overall, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2- Inch. High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring is a good buy. It has an overall weight of 6.2 lbs. Having dimensions of 3 in x 10 in x 9 in, it runs on a voltage of 18 V and coated in red color finish.
Best Bare Tool Impact Wrench
Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2663-20 18-Volt M18 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only, No Battery)
With over 475 ft lbs of torque, the Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2663-20 18-Volt M18 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only, No Battery) is a must have for those who want a bare tool impact wrench for any desirable and required job that they should have.
It has a 4 pole motor and to promote user comfort, it greatly reduces user shock and fatigue due to its compact size. There is no need to worry about electrical surges because it has an overload protection system that protects your motor well. In addition, to further maximize its flexibility and diversity, it has a variable speed trigger lets you choose between up to 1,900 RPM and up to 2,200 RPM. Added to that, it also includes a friction ring for easy and quick socket changing.
Having 5.7 lbs of overall weight, the Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2663-20 18-Volt M18 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only, No Battery) has overall 10 in x 8 in x 3 in dimensions. Its cordless electric design makes it a very versatile and convenient tool to use almost anywhere and every situation possible. It’s got a high reputation among customers. Having a good price, remember that this is a bare tool only that accepts lithium ion battery. It has up to 5 years warranty.
The Competition
Impact wrenches that have not made it to the list are a bit too pricey, ranging from $300 to $500 but don’t have enough features, whilst the ones we reviewed here are the same items and same quality features but on a lower price. Others also received quite a lot of negative reviews and low ratings that they don’t really give the impression of a reliable tool.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How beneficial are impact wrenches to our lives?
A: According to this informative article from Do It Yourself , an impact wrench is very useful for mechanics and any work in similar fields of the same kind. It is super handy for tightening sockets and it also has a higher torque compared to a drill, making it very useful for such purposes. In general, an impact wrench, according to the article, saves more time and effort.
The impact wrench is also fairly good for home use and small home project whenever the need calls for it, especially with repairs and fastening. The cordless design makes it easy to move around as compared to corded designs, especially if you are looking forward to using it on a convenient basis. It is also attachable with various accessories and has great adaptability on work location, making your job easier.
Q: Any beginner’s guide to using impact wrenches for the first time?
A: This guide from explains the basics of impact wrenches and how to use them properly. There are different types of impact wrenches – the air impact wrench, electric impact wrench or cordless impact wrench. These various options depend on what kind of job you want to finish, and which is the best for your budget and working conditions and purpose of use. A final word of advice from the article: it is important to choose the size properly so as you only buy and invest a good impact wrench that is more suitable for your job.
Q: How do I maintain my impact wrench?
A: According to this guide from Do It Yourself , you should check impact wrench parts regularly and the cords should be inspected more often. You should always use the proper bits and sockets and maintain and clean the accessories. Take warning and don’t apply too much torque so that the impact wrench doesn’t break quickly. Only use grease and cleaners that are recommended and remember to store the impact wrench properly. Last, but not the least, do an overall check for the impact wrench regularly
Q: How do I lubricate my impact wrench?
A: According to this article from Ingresoll Rand , you should lubricate on both tool ends and put up a lubricator or regulator system. As also mentioned above, you should only use recommended cleaners and grease and take time to lubricate the impact wrench regularly. Last but not the least, store the impact wrench properly and keep them dry.
Wrapping It Up
The Ingersoll Rand (2235TIMAX) 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench is our winner as the best impact wrench due to its high quality features and very balanced price among the impact wrenches out there.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.