Impact wrenches are a must-have for any automotive worker, but they can also be highly useful around your home. Cordless impact wrenches provide maximum mobility and a high power level, making them useful for anything from removing lug nuts to metalworking to changing a tire. The best cordless impact wrench for you will largely depend on what you need it for and how much power is required. To help you find the best tool for your needs, we created this guide to the best cordless impact wrenches available. Here are our top picks.
Best Cordless Impact Wrenches: Our Top 5 Picks
- Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench: Best Overall
- RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench: Best Value
- PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench: Best Mid-Level
- DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench: Best Heavy-Duty
- SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit: Best for Small Jobs
Compare Top Cordless Impact Wrenches
| Product | Torque | RPM | Weight | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Milwaukee High Torque Impact WrenchCheck Price | 1,400 foot pounds | 1,750 | 7.5 pounds | 5.0 Ah |
RYOBI 18-Volt Impact WrenchCheck Price | 300 foot pounds | 2,900 | 3.5 pounds | Not included |
PORTER-CABLE Impact WrenchCheck Price | 330 foot pounds | 1,650 | 6 pounds | 4.0 Ah |
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact WrenchCheck Price | 700 foot pounds | 1,900 | 6.4 pounds | Not included |
SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench KitCheck Price | 150 foot pounds | 2,850 | 5.7 pounds | 2.0 Ah |
Best Overall
Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench
Good for: This cordless impact wrench is a good choice for a serious do-it-yourself (DIY) project or for a professional who needs a tool capable of handling large jobs with a high torque level.
This heavy-duty impact wrench from Milwaukee is great for large tasks or professional use for mechanics or construction workers. It features a powerful 1,400 pounds of torque that can work on any job, eliminating the need for pneumatic tools. This wrench is also compact enough to fit into tight spaces, and it’s easy to control with four different modes and three working speeds.
Pros and Cons of Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench
- Includes a bolt removal mode for maximum control over fasteners
- Is designed with premium rubber-molded grip for increased comfort
- Comes with two 5 Ah batteries
- Has a high price point
- Has a lower maximum RPM than expected for such a heavy-duty model
What People Are Saying About The Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench
We found that customers who gave this product positive reviews liked that it was highly durable, powerful, and easy to grip. Several others were impressed with this wrench’s batteries and that the tool kit included two separate and long-lasting 5 amp hour (Ah) batteries. On the other hand, a few customers felt this tool was overly heavy, and some also said the case didn’t fit properly.
Best Value
RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench
Good for: This impact wrench is good for those who need an impact wrench for standard household tasks but don’t want to break the bank.
Our team found that this impact wrench was an excellent option for those looking to perform smaller, routine tasks but still want a powerful tool that is easy to handle. This wrench has three-speed settings and a 1/2-inch drive and can produce up to 300 pounds of torque. Additionally, it includes tri-beam LED lights, making it easier to see the nuts or bolts you’re working on and ensure a smooth drive.
Pros and Cons of RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench
- Available at an affordable price for its power level
- Can reach speed levels of 2,900 RPM
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t include a brushless motor
- Doesn’t come with a battery
What People Are Saying About The RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench
We found that customers who left a positive review for this wrench liked that it had excellent power and speed for its size and that it was lightweight and maneuverable. On the other hand, others felt that this wrench struggled to loosen lug nuts, and others felt it didn’t have as much torque as advertised.
Best Mid-Level
PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench
Good for: This impact wrench is a good option for DIYers seeking a well-built, mid-torque model that can work for small and medium-sized household projects.
This impact wrench from PORTER-CABLE is a smart choice for medium-sized projects. It features a maximum speed of 1,650 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 260 feet pounds of torque to go along with a 1/2-inch hog ring. This impact wrench also includes a variable speed trigger that allows for more precise control and comes with a pro-grade lithium battery.
Pros and Cons of PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench
- Has a 4.0 Ah battery
- Hog ring allows for quick and easy socket changes
- Weighs only 6 pounds
- Not enough power for heavy-duty projects
- Some customers felt the charger was not high-quality
What People Are Saying About The PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench
Our team found that this impact wrench drew positive feedback from Amazon customers for its portable, lightweight design, durable build, and high power level. However, we did note that some other customers felt this tool’s battery died too quickly, and others said its charger was inefficient.
Best Heavy-Duty
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench
Good for: This impact wrench is a good choice for those working on large household automotive or construction projects looking for a well-built, efficient tool with high torque output.
This sturdy impact wrench can produce 700 foot pounds of torque and produce 2,400 RPM, making it a great choice for serious DIYers. We also like that this tool features variable speed control for maximum control and a 1/2-inch anvil with a hog ring.
Pros and Cons of DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench
- Can produce 1,200 pounds of breakaway torque
- Features an LED light with a 20-second delay
- Includes a brushless motor
- Doesn’t include a battery
- May be too heavy for routine use
What People Are Saying About The DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench
We found that customers who liked this wrench said it was well-built, had excellent torque, and easily removed lug nuts and bolts. However, we noticed that a few customers felt this wrench’s variable speed was difficult to control. Others said that this cordless impact wrench ran out of battery life quickly.
Best for Small Jobs
SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit
Good for: This impact wrench is good for customers looking for a less expensive impact wrench that still produces enough power to work on small and medium household tasks.
This lightweight impact wrench is useful for small household tasks. It weighs less than 6 pounds but can still produce 150 foot pounds of torque with a maximum RPM of 2,850, much faster than similar models. This wrench features three torque settings with a variable speed switch for increased control.
Pros and Cons of SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit
- Has a halo light that provides extra-bright lighting for up to 10 minutes
- Features a long-lasting battery
- Charges in just five minutes
- Not made for heavy-duty projects
- The square anvil is 3/8 inches, smaller than other models in this review
What People Are Saying About The SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit
Our team found that customers impressed with this cordless impact wrench said it was durable and well-built. Others found that it had a long-lasting battery. However, one customer did note that they felt this impact wrench’s fan was too loud when charging.
What To Know Before Buying Cordless Impact Wrenches
Cordless impact wrenches are extremely useful tools for construction, mechanical, or landscaping projects, but finding the best option for you will depend on several factors. You should consider the wrench’s battery, ergonomics, power level, and size before purchasing.
Battery
The battery level of cordless impact wrenches is measured in voltage, while the battery size is measured in Ah. Typical power levels include 12 volts and 18 volts for small- and medium-sized tools and 20 volts and 24 volts for larger impact wrenches. Tools with a higher Ah will typically run for a longer charge. Ah levels can range anywhere from 1.5 to 6 depending on the make and model.
Ergonomics
Impact wrenches can be challenging to use and maneuver if you’re not used to them. However, most modern tools have features that make them easier to operate. Look for cordless wrenches with a comfortable handle to ensure the tool won’t cause hand or wrist pain. Additionally, many cordless impact wrenches come with ring lights and vibration control to reduce common pain points. Models with a lightweight design will usually be easier to handle than heavier models.
Power Level and Speed
The higher the power level, the more efficiently you can get through the job. Powerful tools can run at a higher price point, so it’s important to know what job you’ll be performing and if you need maximum torque and RPM.
The power level of a cordless impact wrench is determined by its torque, which high-level models are capable of upwards of 3,000 pounds, and compact models sometimes offer as low as 100 pounds. The speed is measured by IPM (impacts per minute) and RPM, which indicates how quickly it can drive nuts and bolts.
Size
Most cordless impact wrenches are 1/2-inch drive models that accept 1/2-inch sockets, but smaller (usually 3/8-inches) and larger (1/4-inches) models are also available. Cordless impact wrenches are typically full compact or subcompact, with most models being full compact unless labeled otherwise. Full-sized models have longer tool heads that can produce higher torque. However, a sub-compact model may be better for fitting into tight spaces. Sub-compact wrenches will typically be lighter and more maneuverable than full-compact tools.
Common Uses for Impact Wrenches
Many associate impact wrenches with professional construction or automotive projects, but they can also be extremely useful to have for less-intensive household jobs. Here are some ways you can utilize a battery-powered impact wrench to help you get things done around your home:
- Assembling furniture
- Changing tires
- Checking brakes
- Crafting metal when welding
- Installing cabinets
- Installing shock absorbers
- Mounting TVs
- Putting together a swing set
- Replacing bike pedals or handlebars
- Securing rail components on a deck
- Swapping lawn mower blades
- Tightening and loosening bolts
FAQ About Cordless Impact Wrenches
What’s the difference between an impact wrench and an impact driver?
Impact wrenches can deliver more torque than an impact driver, making them more suitable for use on heavy-duty projects such as removing lug nuts or large bolts. Additionally, impact wrenches usually have larger chucks ranging up to 1 inch, while impact drivers typically have 1/4-inch chucks.
What are the advantages of a cordless wrench vs. an air-powered wrench?
Cordless impact wrenches provide more maneuverability and convenience than corded wrenches or wrenches that run on compressed air. Air-powered (also called pneumatic) models may be less expensive, but they require an air compressor setup to work properly.
How do you maintain a cordless impact wrench?
Cordless impact wrenches need routine maintenance to ensure they continue to work properly. Cleaning the tool regularly, lubricating it after each use, and properly charging and storing the battery are some basic steps you can take to keep your wrench working properly and extend its shelf life.
What safety precautions are needed when using an impact wrench?
You should wear proper safety equipment, such as hearing protection and safety glasses, when using an impact wrench. You should also keep the work area free from hazards and ensure the area is well-lit before operating the device. Never use an impact driver if intoxicated, overly tired, or on medications.
Who This Cordless Impact Wrench Guide Is For
Cordless impact wrenches are highly useful for any homeowner or professional looking for an efficient tool that can perform various heavy-duty professional jobs and make it more efficient to complete at-home DIY projects. We examined cordless impact wrenches of various sizes, power and speed levels, and designs to find the best options for you.
How We Selected the Best Cordless Impact Wrenches
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of cordless impact wrenches with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.