What is an impact wrench used for?

If you’ve ever watched the pit crew at a professional car racing event rush out and change the race car’s tires within just a few seconds, you’ve seen an impact wrench at work. These powerful tools are used to turn nuts and similar fasteners with far more force and speed than could be delivered by hand or with a traditional wrench. But the uses of an impact wrench go beyond the racetrack. Mainstays in automotive shops, impact wrenches are widely used by both professionals and hobbyists to affix or remove lug nuts from car wheels. But they are also a very useful tool for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and other threaded fasteners on all manner of large machinery, during construction or remodeling, and similar scenarios that involve lots of large threaded fasteners. While most DIYers won’t need an impact wrench, if you plan on taking on a large home remodel or addition, you enjoy doing your own auto maintenance, or you live on a farm or work on large machinery, an impact wrench is a worthwhile addition to your tool collection.

Do impact wrenches need special sockets?

You might wonder if you can save money by using the same socket set with both your ratchet and your impact wrench. Unfortunately, while it’s generally okay to use an impact-wrench socket with a ratchet, the opposite is not true; affix a regular socket to an impact wrench, and you risk a potentially dangerous shattering of the socket. The steel of an impact-wrench socket is slightly softer than the steel used for regular sockets. This allows the impact-wrench socket to have a tiny bit of “give” under the tremendous torque forces of the tool. The harder and more brittle steel of a regular socket is prone to cracking or shattering when exposed to so much force, but entirely suited to the force of your handheld ratchet.

What size air compressor do I need with an impact wrench?

If you have a pneumatic, or air-powered impact wrench, you’ll need an air compressor to use it. Pneumatic impact wrenches are especially popular for work on automobiles, as they have a lot of power, are light in weight, and typically cost less than battery-powered or electric impact wrenches. The size air compressor you’ll need depends somewhat on the size of impact wrench you are using. These tools are often named by the size of their drive—the part of the impact wrench that holds the socket. The most common size for the average DIYer or automotive enthusiast is the ½-inch impact wrench, which has enough power to turn the lug nuts of a typical car. As a rough guideline, to power your ½-inch impact wrench, you’ll need an air compressor with a 6-gallon tank and an airflow of 3.5 to 5 cubic-feet-per-minute (cfm) at 90 pounds-per-square-inch (psi). For a smaller impact wrench with a ¼-inch drive, an air compressor with 1 to 2 cfm airflow at 90 psi is sufficient, while a tool with a ⅜-inch drive does best with an air compressor that has 3 to 3.5 cfm airflow at 90 psi.

The 8 Best Impact Wrenches of 2022

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If you spend much time on auto repair or DIY projects that involve repetitive tightening or loosening of nuts and bolts, an impact wrench is a handheld tool that will save you a great deal of strain.

We evaluated impact wrenches based on power, impacts per minute, reliability, and overall performance. Our top pick, the Milwaukee Fuel High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, is versatile, durable, and surprisingly compact.

Here are the best impact wrenches across a variety of categories.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench at Amazon

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Best Budget:

PORTER-CABLE PCE211 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench at Amazon

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Best Kit:

DEWALT 20V Max XR Brushless High-Torque Wrench Kit at Lowe's

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Best Cordless:

DEWALT 20-Volt Max Cordless Impact Wrench Kit at Amazon

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Best Hybrid:

Bosch Bosch Freak Cordless Impact Driver/Wrench at Amazon

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Best for Lug Nuts:

DEWALT 20-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit at Amazon

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Best Pneumatic:

Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Drive Air Impact Wrench at Amazon

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Best Quick Change:

Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 ½-inch Stubby Impact Wrench at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust The Spruce

4.9

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

What We Like

Very powerful
Durable, sturdy construction

What We Don't Like

Somewhat heavy

From assembling the patio furniture to removing stubborn lug nuts on vehicles, the Milwaukee Fuel High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench can handle almost any job. The cordless high torque wrench has a four-mode drive control with bolt removal that makes it a stellar choice for serious weekend warriors. You'll appreciate the L-shaped handle with rubber overmold that offers a comfortable grip while plowing through lengthy jobs. It even has a handy LED worklight that lights up your work area to make the job easier when working in dim or tight quarters.

The tool is just over 8 inches in length; it's one of the most compact impact wrenches in its class, but that certainly doesn't mean it lacks power. The friction ring cuts back on difficult socket changes, and the Redlink Plus intelligence prevents the tool from overheating or overloading, which could damage the many moving parts. It is one of the more powerful wrenches on the market for its size and has 1,000 foot-pounds of fastening torque and 1,400 ft-lb of nut-busting force.

Power Source: 18-volt battery | Max. Torque: 1,400 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 1,750 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 2,100

PORTER-CABLE

View On Amazon View On Home Depot

What We Like

Easy to use with one hand
Powerful performance

What We Don't Like

Few complaints of freezing up during use

Just because a tool isn't expensive doesn't necessarily have to mean it's low on power or performance. PORTER-CABLE makes a powerful line of tools, and they are affordable to boot. The tool company’s PCE211 7.5-amp ½-inch impact wrench is one of the better reviewed models on the market. It has 450 ft-lb of torque with 2,200 rpm, so you're not sacrificing anything with this impact wrench. The forward-and-reverse rocker switch is easy to manipulate with one hand, and the grip is comfortable to hold. This is an ideal tool for removing lug nuts on commercial vehicles as well as quickly changing out nuts and bolts on lightweight items such as furniture, shelving, and door hinges.

Power Source: Corded | Max. Torque: 450 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 2,200 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 2,700

Here Are the Best Impact Drivers for All Types of Projects

Dewalt

View On Lowe's View On Home Depot

What We Like

Brushless motor
Reasonably light in weight and compact in size
Powerful performance

What We Don't Like

Expensive

For those just starting out or who want to buy an all-inclusive starter package that includes the battery, charger, and carrying bag, this wrench kit deserves attention. Designed for comfort and power, the DEWALT DCF899M1 20V Max XR Brushless High-Torque Wrench Kit packs a punch. And it has all the high-end features that you would want in a wrench kit.

With up to 700 ft-lb of fastening torque, 1,200 ft-lb of nut-busting force, and 2,400 impacts per minute, the DEWALT kit is powerful. It is small and lightweight, measuring just 8-13/16 inches and weighing in at 7.2 pounds. The impact wrench is versatile with multi-speed control to be used in a wide range of odd jobs. It has a bright LED light with a 20-second delay for tight, dark spots and a half-inch anvil with detent pin.

Power Source: 20-volt battery | Max. Torque: 700 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 1,900 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 2,400

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Amazon View On Toolup.com View On Zoro.com

What We Like

Light in weight and compact in size
Includes two batteries

What We Don't Like

Not for the heaviest-duty tasks

For jobs that require power but no fuss, the DEWALT 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Wrench Kit offers maximum torque without the inconvenience of a long cord. The tool has 130 ft-lb of maximum torque and 2,700 ipm that works on fasteners in even tough wood, masonry, and metal in no time. It is a breeze to use in small spaces, and cuts through rusted bolts or oxidized lug nuts quickly and easily. It is also stocked with items for long-term use in places that may not have easy access to power.

The kit includes two 20-volt lithium-ion batteries with built-in fuel gauge so you can go longer and faster on those difficult jobs that put you in a tight squeeze. The three front-facing LED lights offer brightness to dark workspaces. It’s also one of the smaller impact wrenches with the most torque at 3.4 pounds.

Power Source: 20-volt battery | Max. Torque: 130 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 2,300 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 2,700

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Bosch

View On Amazon View On Lowe's

What We Like

Two tools in one
Brushless motor

What We Don't Like

Not for the heaviest-duty tasks

Sometimes a tool that is required to do two things at once actually does one thing better than the other. This isn't the case with the Bosch Freak 18-Volt Impact Wrench. It’s both a driver and a wrench, and it makes quite an impact at both.

It uses ¼-inch hex screwdriver bits and ½-inch impact sockets. The practical tool quickly switches between screwdriver and nut-driver bits (as well as sockets), so you won’t have to search around for an adapter for the more complicated jobs that require different tools. The powerful brushless motor delivers a maximum of 150 ft-lb of torque and up to 4,200 impact-per-minute for professional power and impact.

The Freak comes with battery, charger, and soft case, as well as a belt clip to keep it near at hand.

Power Source: 18-volt battery | Max. Torque: 150 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 3,400 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 4,200

DeWalt 10V Max XR Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

Courtesy of Home Depot

View On Amazon View On Toolup.com

What We Like

Powerful performance
Sturdy and durable construction

What We Don't Like

Few complaints about detent pin breaking

Removing stubborn lug nuts can be a painstaking task, so you'll want to invest in a heavy-duty tool that can get the job done quickly. Our top pick is the DEWALT 20V Max XR Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Wrench because it has 700 ft-lb of maximum fastening torque, 1,200 ft-lb of nut-busting torque, and a brushless motor that will extend its life. Choose from three speeds—0-400/1,200/1,900 rpm—depending on your needs.

A ½-inch anvil with a detent pin makes the wrench resistant to breakage and the annoying shearing that so often comes with lug nut removal. It can handle drops from as high as 8 feet with its compact design and durable casing. This impact wrench also has an LED light with a 20-second delay for use in dark spaces.

Power Source: 20-volt battery | Max. Torque: 700 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 1,900 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 2,400

The 8 Best Rotary Tools for DIY Projects

Ingersoll Rand

View On Amazon

What We Like

Very powerful performance
Compact in size and reasonably light in weight

What We Don't Like

Requires air compressor for use
Few complaints about ergonomics

If you're looking for a high-performance tool that is lightweight but still able to pull off big jobs, the Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Drive Air Impact Wrench is a great option. It has a well manufactured drive mechanism to put out serious spin ability with 1,350 ft-lb of nut-busting torque. Ingersoll’s ½-inch air impact wrench is known for its power-to-weight ratio, as it weighs in at only 4.6 pounds and has a four-position power regulator (which makes the torque easy to adjust).

This heavy-duty tool has a 4-position power regulator, so you can fine-tune the power to your needs, and it's very easy to switch the forward/reverse mechanism with just one hand. Note that you will need an air compressor capable of delivering at least 6 cfm of air at 90 psi for reliable performance of the impact wrench.

Power Source: Air compressor | Max. Torque: 1,350 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 8,500 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 1,200

$CP7732 ½-inch Stubby Impact Wrench$

Chicago Pneumatic

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Compact size for use in tight spaces
Powerful performance

What We Don't Like

Requires air compressor for use

The Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 ½-Inch Stubby Impact Wrench is an absolute workhorse. Its stubby shape can easily maneuver in tight spaces, and it packs a powerful punch with 450 ft-lb of torque and up to 9,000 rpm. Use it to pull out stubborn stripped screws or oxidized bolts that are squirreled away in an inconvenient location. It's the perfect tool for working on transmissions or other deep-in-the-engine car parts.

The tool has a one-hand operation trigger with three position settings that come in both forward and reverse. Plus, this tool works well for people who are left-handed and right-handed. Remember that it requires an air compressor that can deliver at least 5 cfm at 90 psi for power, which is not included.

Power Source: Air compressor | Max. Torque: 450 foot-pounds | Max. Speed: 9,000 rpm | Max. Impacts per Minute: 1,400

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Final Verdict

The Milwaukee Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench (view at Home Depot) is one of the most powerful impact wrenches for its size; it makes quick work of even the toughest nuts and bolts, letting you loosen or tighten them with ease. But if you merely need an impact wrench for simple tasks around the house or garage, and don’t demand the utmost in power and torque, you’ll find the PORTER-CABLE PCE211 (view at Amazon) is very reasonably priced and a great choice for the average DIYer.

Power Source

There are three basic types of impact wrenches: those powered by air, AC current, or batteries.

Pneumatic, or air-powered impact wrenches, are standard in auto-repair shops, but aren’t so popular for at-home or DIY use. These tools are very powerful, lightweight, and generally less expensive than electric impact wrenches, but require an air compressor to work and are generally more tool than required outside of a professional auto shop.

Corded impact wrenches are next in line when it comes to power, but tether you to the closest electrical outlet. Still, if you need a lot of power and don’t want to be bothered keeping track of a battery’s charge level, this could be the right choice for you.

Cordless impact wrenches are the most popular type for homeowners, DIYers, and those who do car repair as a hobby. On the plus side, these tools give you the utmost in freedom to use them wherever needed. On the downside, you’ll need to keep track of the battery life, cordless tools tend to be heavier than the other two styles, and they are a little less powerful when it comes to torque.

Torque

An impact driver is all about torque; that’s the tool’s twisting force. Some manufacturers state the torque in foot-pounds of force, while others use inch-pounds. Don’t automatically assume that you need the highest amount of torque; too much torque and you’ll find your fasteners snap in half.

As a general rule, you’ll find impact drivers with torque as low as 100 foot-pounds (1,200 inch-pounds) and as high as 1,000 foot-pounds, as well as everything in between. But for most people not working in professional auto shops, a tool towards the lower end of that range is more than sufficient, while a tool in the mid-range is suited for most automotive work.

Speed

The rate at which an impact driver spins is measured in revolutions per minute. As a rough guideline, most cordless impact wrenches have maximum speeds of anywhere between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm, with the middle of that range being average. Some impact drivers have variable speed controls so you can choose from two or three different settings depending on your needs.

Impact

The “impact” in an impact wrench is a burst of additional power that adds to the tool’s turning strength, and is measured in impacts per minute. As a general rule, most cordless impact wrenches deliver anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 impacts per minute.

FAQ

What is an impact wrench used for?

If you’ve ever watched the pit crew at a professional car racing event rush out and change the race car’s tires within just a few seconds, you’ve seen an impact wrench at work. These powerful tools are used to turn nuts and similar fasteners with far more force and speed than could be delivered by hand or with a traditional wrench. But the uses of an impact wrench go beyond the racetrack.
Mainstays in automotive shops, impact wrenches are widely used by both professionals and hobbyists to affix or remove lug nuts from car wheels. But they are also a very useful tool for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and other threaded fasteners on all manner of large machinery, during construction or remodeling, and similar scenarios that involve lots of large threaded fasteners.
While most DIYers won’t need an impact wrench, if you plan on taking on a large home remodel or addition, you enjoy doing your own auto maintenance, or you live on a farm or work on large machinery, an impact wrench is a worthwhile addition to your tool collection.
Do impact wrenches need special sockets?

You might wonder if you can save money by using the same socket set with both your ratchet and your impact wrench. Unfortunately, while it’s generally okay to use an impact-wrench socket with a ratchet, the opposite is not true; affix a regular socket to an impact wrench, and you risk a potentially dangerous shattering of the socket.
The steel of an impact-wrench socket is slightly softer than the steel used for regular sockets. This allows the impact-wrench socket to have a tiny bit of “give” under the tremendous torque forces of the tool. The harder and more brittle steel of a regular socket is prone to cracking or shattering when exposed to so much force, but entirely suited to the force of your handheld ratchet.
What size air compressor do I need with an impact wrench?

If you have a pneumatic, or air-powered impact wrench, you’ll need an air compressor to use it. Pneumatic impact wrenches are especially popular for work on automobiles, as they have a lot of power, are light in weight, and typically cost less than battery-powered or electric impact wrenches.
The size air compressor you’ll need depends somewhat on the size of impact wrench you are using. These tools are often named by the size of their drive—the part of the impact wrench that holds the socket. The most common size for the average DIYer or automotive enthusiast is the ½-inch impact wrench, which has enough power to turn the lug nuts of a typical car.
As a rough guideline, to power your ½-inch impact wrench, you’ll need an air compressor with a 6-gallon tank and an airflow of 3.5 to 5 cubic-feet-per-minute (cfm) at 90 pounds-per-square-inch (psi).
For a smaller impact wrench with a ¼-inch drive, an air compressor with 1 to 2 cfm airflow at 90 psi is sufficient, while a tool with a ⅜-inch drive does best with an air compressor that has 3 to 3.5 cfm airflow at 90 psi.

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of impact wrenches, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback.