You can also unscrew a sour nut, bolt or large self-tapping screw manually. But why waste time and effort, risking injuring your hand or breaking the edge on the fastener, if such a useful tool as a wrench has long been invented?
There are models that operate from the mains, from a battery, or from a pneumatic compressor. Our list of the best impact wrenches 2020 will feature all of these options.
Which is better, an impact wrench or a screwdriver?
It is best to purchase both tools at once. Best screwdrivers of 2020 will allow you to quickly tighten or unscrew several screws and other fasteners, but they have much less torque than a wrench. For home models, it usually does not exceed 30 Nm. Screwdrivers are lightweight, compact and allow you to adjust the torque.
In turn, a wrench is much more powerful than a conventional screwdriver (for homework, a wrench with a torque of 250-300 Nm is enough), but you don't need such a power to twist and unscrew small fasteners - it will rip off the cap. Wrenches are also heavier and more expensive than screwdrivers. But they will not twist your hand during operation, since the torque is supplied in a metered manner.
Bottom line: A screwdriver is best suited for small fasteners. For unscrewing and twisting automotive fasteners and assembly and disassembly of metal structures, you need a wrench.
How to choose an impact wrench: a brief excursion into the capabilities of the tool
To find the best impact wrench for the money you have, you should consider the things below.
- To begin with, you should choose the option with a large torque. A model with a torque of 100 Nm is sufficient to work with M12 wheel nuts. To unscrew nuts up to M18 in size, you need a wrench with a torque of 250-300 Nm. To work with M20 nuts, tire work and dismantle old and rusty fasteners, you need a tool with a torque of 600 Nm. Many of the best impact wrenches of 2020 have multiple torque settings, making them much more versatile than single torque tools. Reducing the torque to the required minimum prevents over-tightening.
- Second, a good impact wrench should have a higher RPM. Higher speed (over 3000 rpm recommended) means less human effort.
- Third, the power source is important. Nut runners can operate from a 220 V mains, from the vehicle's on-board network, or from their own battery or compressor. Note that cordless impact wrenches provide the best mobility and allow you to work where there are no electrical outlets.
- Finally, you should use a compact and lightweight impact wrench. This will make it easy to carry and use. If you are buying a tool to periodically tighten your machine's bolts and nuts, you will want an option that is low effort and easy to operate.
- Motor (brushed or brushless). In a brush motor, brushes wear out quickly.On the other hand, the brushless motor has a longer service life and higher working efficiency. Therefore, the brushless option is better.
- Chuck type (1, 1/4, 3/8, 3/4 or 1/2 inch).
- Small wrenches for home use have a 1/4 ”hex chuck.
- Less common is the 3/8 ”hex chuck. Impact screwdriver bits and suitable socket heads can be used with it.
- The most common impact wrenches use a 1/2 '' square chuck suitable for M8 to M20 socket heads.
- 3/4 "or 1" square chucks handle large socket heads for unscrewing and tightening fasteners on trucks and metal structures.
- Some impact wrenches come with adapters or universal chucks.
From theory, let's move on to choosing a specific model of a wrench for your tasks.
Rating of impact wrenches for home and garages 2020
10. DeWALT DW292
- impact wrench
- power 710 W
- Max. torque 440 Nm
- mains supply
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 3.2 kg
If you are looking for a high performance electric impact wrench with high torque, rpm and many features, then feel free to try the DEWALT DW292. Its ball bearing design, ergonomic rubberized grip, and durable metal body ensure a hassle-free use of the device.
This impact tool is designed to easily loosen and quickly tighten difficult-to-remove bolts and other equipment. With stunning features such as a user-friendly design and powerful engine, the DEWALT DW292 is a valuable addition to your toolbox.
pros: high build quality, excellent weight distribution in the center, thanks to which the device fits perfectly in the hand, long rubber wire, average noise level.
Minuses: no case, torque of 440 Nm is indicated for tightening, for loosening it is less, however, it is quite enough for M12 bolts.
9. RYOBI R18IW3-0
- impact wrench
- Max. torque 400 Nm
- removable battery, 18 V
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 2 kg
If you are looking for an inexpensive impact wrench for your home and garage, check out the RYOBI R18IW3-0. This rechargeable model with a metal gearbox housing, electronic speed control and a brush motor can work with both branded RYOBI batteries and with Chinese 2.5-5Ah batteries.
According to user reviews, this model is light, fits comfortably in the hand and at the same time easily copes with the wheel nuts of passenger cars.
pros: three speeds, the kit includes an adapter for bits, there is a backlight.
Minuses: Battery and charger are not included.
8. Goxawee 20V
- impact wrench
- Max. torque 300 Nm
- rechargeable
- weight 3.5 kg
- dimensions: 35x25x15cm
If you are looking for a good brushless cordless impact wrench that has both a battery and a charger, then look at the Goxawee 20V model (found on Aliexpress). Optionally, the kit also includes adapters for the drill chuck, as well as a carrying bag. You can choose the option with a 4000 mAh or 3000 mAh battery (the second is cheaper - about 5700 rubles).
According to reviews, the wrench does an excellent job with wheel nuts, fits well in the hand, is compact enough, and the battery holds a charge well. Its maximum torque is less than the declared one (200 Nm), but this is quite enough for garage work.
A plus: well-built, capacious battery.
Minuses: the button for switching modes may not work the first time, inconvenient switching of operating modes - by pressing the "trigger".
7. AEG BSS 18C 12Z
- impact wrench
- Max. torque 360 Nm
- removable battery, 18 V
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 2.3 kg
It is a reliable, high torque cordless wrench for professional mechanics and DIYers who need free movement when working in tight spaces.
It is equipped with electronic speed control, is assembled with high quality and “straightens out” even with sour bolts in a couple of seconds.The manufacturer recommends using at least 4 Ah batteries with the AEG BSS 18C 12Z-0, however, one of the wrench owners reported that the tool works fine with a 1.5 Ah battery.
pros: the set includes an adapter from 1/2 square to regular bits, powerful, fits comfortably in the hand.
Minuses: Battery and charger must be purchased separately.
6. JONNESWAY JAI-1054
- shock
- kind: pistol
- chuck type: outer square
- landing square, inch: 1/2
- pressure 6.20 atm
- air consumption 119 l / min
- diameter of the air connection, inches: 1/4
- inner diameter of the hose, mm: 10
- threaded connection
- torque adjustment
- fastener size 16 mm
The main advantages of pneumatic impact wrenches like the JONNESWAY JAI-1054 are high efficiency, low maintenance, the ability to use in high humidity conditions and ease of use. They are powered by compressed air, which gives more torque than electric models.
JONNESWAY JAI-1054 works great with inexpensive small-sized compressors and is excellent at unscrewing automotive fasteners. It has 4 positions of adjustment, from the lightest to the most powerful, but 2 positions are enough for most car nuts.
pros: like a glove in the hand, small-sized, well-assembled.
Minuses: no.
5. Bort BSR-12X
- impact wrench
- Max. torque 380 Nm
- power supply from 12V network
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 2.6 kg
A distinctive feature of this model is the ability to work from the on-board 12 V network. This is very useful if you have to change a wheel on the road when there is no electrical outlet nearby.
Users recommend using this tool only with a fully charged car battery or with the engine running. Otherwise, there is a chance to drain the battery.
The Bort BSR-12X comes with 2 fuses and a high-quality plastic case. Also, the manufacturer has provided LED illumination of the work area, which makes it easier to work in low light.
pros: 3.5m long power cord, comfortable in hand, powerful, inexpensive, easily handles sour wheel nuts and pulley bolts.
Minuses: heavy.
4. Fubag IW720 (100193)
- shock
- kind: pistol
- chuck type: outer square
- landing square, inch: 1/2
- pressure 6.24 atm
- air consumption 226 l / min
- diameter of the air connection, inches: 1/4
- rapid connection
- torque adjustment
- fastener size 27 mm
This air impact wrench has a four-way switch in both directions, and comes with a case and a set of 10 heads from 9 to 27 mm.
It is a fairly compact machine, but it can deliver good torque (720 Nm) and revs (8000 rpm). The capabilities of Fubag IW720 are enough to carry out most of not only home, but also professional work.
pros: tooling included, large torque, large number of heads.
Minuses: tight reverse switch.
3. Milwaukee M18 FIWP12-0
- impact wrench
- Max. torque 300 Nm
- removable battery, 18 V
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 1.8 kg
Milwaukee is one of the world's top brands when it comes to build quality, product durability and product performance.
Take the M18 FIWP12-0 impact wrench, for example. It has 4 speed adjustments and can provide enough torque to take care of the toughest of passenger car bolts without draining the battery too quickly. It has electronic overload protection, electronic speed control, which not all nutrunners can boast of, even more expensive ones. And the built-in LED backlight makes it easy to use in low light conditions.
Overall, the Milwaukee M18 FIWP12-0 is perfectly balanced in terms of price and features, and would be perfect if not for a couple of cons, which we will discuss below.
pros: light weight, removable battery, case included.
Minuses: Battery and charger must be purchased separately.
2. Makita 6905B
- impact wrench
- power 340 W
- Max. torque 300 Nm
- mains supply
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 2.7 kg
The Japanese company Makita has been offering high-quality tools for advanced users for years. And one of them - the Makita 6905B - is a good choice for those who want a quality, reliable and durable corded impact wrench.
Torque may not be the highest on the ratings, but this wrench is still strong enough for most applications that require loosening and tightening fasteners. You can save hours of labor by using this tool for your car or home. According to user reviews, it unscrews car bolts in 2-3 seconds.
The impact wrench is equipped with a reverse trigger switch so that the user can quickly switch modes without being distracted from work. And it comes with a comfortable and sturdy case.
pros: long cord, honest power, fast work.
Minuses: not too compact.
1. Metabo SSW 650
- impact wrench
- power 650 W
- Max. torque 600 Nm
- power supply from 220-240V network
- cartridge: square 1/2 ″
- weight 3 kg
The best impact wrench of 2020 is equally well suited for occasional garage work and the workshop.
It has a 5-meter long cord, is electronically controlled and has a die-cast aluminum gear housing for increased strength and durability. With such a powerful tool, many long and hard work is noticeably accelerated - for example, changing wheels and replacing a car's suspension.
pros: solid build, fits comfortably in the hand.
Minuses: no case, heavy.