An impact wrench commonly known as impact gun, air wrench or torque gun is used to deliver high impact torque output by storing the energy in a rotating mass and then, providing it to the output shaft for a greater force with minimal exertion by the user.
Check out the best of these wrenches below!
10. Craftsman Impact Wrench ($105.48)
This cordless 19.2 V impact wrench driver comes with a kit. The unit asserts a torque of 200 ft-lb and has a better handle design suited for fatigue-free working. The built-in LED lets you work in dark places. It can be readily used to change tires. It is battery-powered.
“It was a birthday gift for my brother. He loves it and uses it every day; he’s a mechanic.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
9. Porter Cable Impact Wrench ($77.98)
This 7.5-ampere motor, impact wrench comes with a total torque of 240 ft-lbs. The cast metal gear housing dissipates heat, and the unit boasts 2700 IPM and 2200 RPM for fast applications. It removes all the struggles of larger nuts or large jobs. It is powered by AC adapter and is an excellent tool for hobbyists.
“Should have got one of these years ago. Lots of DIY jobs are very difficult or impossible without an impact wrench.
Just used this to remove the anode rod from my HWH. Made the job quick and easy as pie.
This is a relatively large and cumbersome tool but not hard to handle -but make sure it will fit your needs lengthwise because this is NOT a compact model for tight spaces.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
8. ACDelco Impact Wrench ($50.95)
This pneumatic impact wrench comes with a twin hammer. The unit has a durable housing made from aluminum and has three speeds for the forward applications and one speed for the reverse ones. The unit has a handle exhaust design, an air consumption of 3.9 CFM and a free speed of 7000 RPM. It has a maximum torque of 500 ft-lbs and an overall length of 7-1/4-inch. It is incredibly useful.
“My first impact wrench purchase. I bought it to use with a small 4 gallon 135 PSI compressor. Low air consumption a big plus for that compressor. Dialled to 90 psi, it easily runs this gun. I have just used it for lug nuts so far, but I’m sure it will prove very useful. Very well made.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
7. Astro Pneumatic Tool Impact Wrench ($98.86)
This 1/2 inches nano-impact wrench exerts a maximum torque of 450 ft./lbs. It has an extremely short profile of full length less than 3-7/8″. It has three forward and three reverse settings and has an integrated innovative twin hammer with high power to size ratio. It is affordable and most importantly, portable.
“I have other tools from Astro Pneumatic, but I was a little sceptical of this. How much torque from a case so small? Anyway, I didn’t have a choice; I was getting tired of the old fashioned way of breaking crank pulleys loose. This fits in crazy small spaces, and yes, I got mad on the job and threw it. Picked it up, dreading what I’d done, and it continued and continues, to work just fine. The listed torque spec seems to be accurate. This is my go-to impact now. My three Chicago Pneumatics sit in their holsters gathering dust, which is sad and awful.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
6. Hammerhead Impact Wrench ($79.80)
The Hammerhead’s 0.5 inches impact wrench has a powerful 7.5-ampere motor and delivers 2200 RPM and 2700 BPM. The unit exerts 240 ft.lbs torque for heavy-duty applications and has a metal gear box for added durability. The 0.5 inches square drive comes with a friction ring that promises a secure socket retention. It also has an integrated forward/reverse rocker switch for quick and easy two-fingers operation.
“Solidly built and more than met my expectations considering its relative budget price. Yes, it’s heavy, but consider the alternative – you’d have more impact delivered to your arm and less to the object you’re trying to move (Newton’s Laws), as some reviews seem to verify. That’s also relevant to anyone at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, which vibrating tools can cause or aggravate.
My intended purpose for this device was different from any of the other reviews I’ve read – I needed to remove a frozen water heater anode that after five years was overdue for inspection & possible replacement. They are designed to corrode & are notoriously difficult to remove. I had already tried a sturdy socket wrench with a cheater bar, but getting enough torque was not so much an issue as was the fact that the entire water heater would start to turn, putting stress on the three attached water pipes instead.
Now, within 5-10 seconds of pressing the reverse button on the Hammerhead, the old anode spun loose, like it wasn’t any contest. So, I not only got the job done, but saved on what I’m sure would have cost more to have someone else do it, plus I’ll be ready for the next time in another few years.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
5. Kawasaki Impact Wrench ($70.50)
This 0.5 inches impact wrench is manufactured using the highest quality standards. It takes an input power of 7.5 amperes, 60Hz, 120 V and gives a maximum torque of 220-feet pound with an impact per minute of 2700 IPM. You may feel a little torque when you are using it for a fatigue-free working.
“I got this tool a while ago in anticipation of some suspension work on my Honda. After putting it off as long as possible, and my back was feeling OK I decided to tackle the job. First off, this thing is BIG. Air impacts are much more manoeuvrable in tight spaces. The supplied sockets are low profile and seem to be intended for lug nuts, invest in a set of deep wall impact sockets and a couple of extensions. The extensions allow you to get to places that you are not going to be able to with this big boy. Well the first lower control arm bolt I attempted with a breaker bar, and it was tough, so I tried the Kawasaki, and it took it out with ease and surprisingly fast. That earned the price of the tool on that first bolt for me. You feel the little torque in the handle as you use it, there is no variable speed control so once the bolt breaks loose, it comes out fast so watch your hand on the back of the wrench doesn’t get squished (not that I would know anything about that) and yes it’s deafening. Overall this tool is useful for the home mechanic doing some occasional heavy jobs; a pro would grow tired of its size and weight. I’m euphoric with it; it made a dreaded tough job go a lot easier and faster.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
4. NitroCat Impact Wrench ($157.99)
This unit is a 1/2 inches, air impact wrench with twin clutch mechanism. The flip lever is easy to change. Most importantly, the ergonomic design reduces operator fatigue. The patented tuned exhaust muffler technology allows discharged air to pass without developing back pressure, thus retaining more power, while significantly reducing the noise. It is a valuable addition to your air tool workforce.
Specifications By The Manufacturer:
- Noise Level (dB): 86
- Variable Speed: No
- Min. Hose Size (in.): 3/8
- Hammer Mechanism: Twin clutch
- Reversible: Yes
- CFM at Load: 4.5
- Inlet Size (in.): 1/4
- Average Air Consumption (CFM): 4
- Drive (in.): 1/2
- Impacts Per Minute (IPM): 950 under load
- Operating PSI: 90-120
- Speed – No Load (RPM): 8,000
- Tool Length (in.): 8 1/4
- Max. Torque (ft.-lbs.): 1,295
- Working Torque (ft.-lb.): 200-900
- Tool Weight (lbs.): 4 1/2
“I work in a tractor-trailer shop and most of the guys there are snap-on fanatics…granted snap-on is awesome, I didn’t like the $450 price tag on the mg725, so I went with the nitrocat 1200k…I have to say I made an excellent choice!!! It impressed a master mechanic and put his mg725 to shame removing lug nuts on a rusted out Kenworth and then left another speechless when removing the top starter bolt on a Cummins six engine (heavy truck mechanics will know this is a feat to be proud of)…that all being said I’ve only had the gun for about a month but…properly oiled and with the right air pressure AND volume applied to it… it WILL perform right along side the snap-on mg725 ($450) the timax2135($400) and any other powerful 1/2″ impact you can find and will deliver at a reasonable price!!” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
3. Dewalt Impact Wrench ($81.95)
This cordless impact wrench comes in a frameless motor for extended tool durability. The compact size and weight allow access into tighter areas and reduce user fatigue. The unit can assert a torque of 1740 in-lbs to perform a broad range of heavy-duty fastening applications. It also has 0-2400 rpm/0-2700 IPM for faster application and replaceable brushes for increased serviceability. The textured anti-slip comfort grip provides maximum comfort.
“If you are looking at the DC823 or DC825 or any other 18v impact, get this instead. Why? 25% more torque than DC825 (1330 in/lb) and 240 more inch pounds than DC823(1500in/lb). The DC820 has 1740 in/lb. With a couple of simple adapters, you can do anything you can with the other two impacts. Any “impact rated” 1/2″ to 3/8″ adapter will get you the functionality of the DC823. There is several adapters to go from 1/2″ to 1/4″ hex as well, I chose the “ASIN: B002KKBBR4 Milwaukee 48-03-4410 Shockwave 1/2-Inch Square by 1/4-Inch Hex Adapter” and now I can do anything the DC825 can do as well. Just one bit of caution however when using it with the 1/4 hex adapter to drive screws, it is so powerful you can overdrive/break conventional strength fasteners if you aren’t paying attention. I also have the option of just putting a socket on and using it for automotive applications. It pulls lugs nuts off like a champ. This thing rocks, just buy it already!” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
2. Ingersoll-Rand Impact Wrench ($106.82)
This air impact wrench is constructed from metal and plastic allowing easy to service two-piece construction. The contoured handles provide incredible comfort and control, and it has patented one-hand forward and reverse operation. With twin hammer and impact mechanism, the unit boasts an average air consumption of 4.2 CFM. This compact tool delivers a maximum torque of 425 ft./lbs. It provides an impressive speed of 8000 RPM (1200 BPM) for fast and efficient performance.
“That’s right. Our shop uses these 231’s for regular duty and tire service. These things last for years despite being dropped on the floor, not oiled regularly, and zero maintenance. Typically the power selector knobs are the first thing to go on these wrenches. If you need a good performance and a tool that will last a long time, then this is your wrench.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
1. AirCat Impact Wrench ($159.99)
This impact wrench has a killer torque, as described by the manufacturer. The large rotor creates unmatched power while the unit is patented at 86 decibel. The 1400 BPM makes this the strongest hard hitting Twin Hammer and impact wrench in the market.
“Hello, I am an auto technician, and I owned a Snap-On MG725 for about 3-4 years, and it started to give up on me. Rather than get it rebuilt by Snap-On and pay all that money. I decided to try this “Aircat 1150” in a pinch to keep me working. I must say:
Pros
1. It’s just as powerful if not more powerful than the $460 Snap-On.
2. They have a two-year warranty, and they sell tune up kits “YOU” can rebuild yourself.
3. It’s quiet, to me noise does not bother me, but for others, it’s a mute impact gun.
4. It’s not a heavy gun.
Con
5. This one is a con of the gun compared to the Snap-On MG725. The 1150 anvil where the socket goes on, the snap ring on the anvil does not hold onto the socket very well, it’s just the way it’s made. The MG725 the snap ring will wear out, but it will not let your socket go smoothly.
I must say, I think I’ll just keep my Snap-On now as a spare, and make this my main gun.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
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