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The Top 6 Cordless Impact Wrenches
We are going to cover some of the most technologically advanced impact wrenches offered today. Everyone knows how important a cordless Impact Wrench is to have around the house, shop or race track. Most people would say that it is the MOST important tool anyone could have. With the ability to take off numerous rusty and stuck bolts makes one unstoppable. It took me forever to choose which impact would be the best for me. If you need to take off bolts in a garage, shop or even in the field you came to the right place!
All we want to do is to show which Impact Wrench is right for what type of work. From auto mechanics to construction workers. Everyone has a different need and want out of a cordless Impact Wrench. Some will need more power while others will want lightweight. Sometimes quick socket changes are better than overall power or even durability.
We will see who ranks the best for value and which ones are the best deal.
Contents
#1 Milwaukee 2767: Best Overall (Affiliate Link)
The first Impact Wrench we will talk about is the Milwaukee model 2767-20. It has the lightweight and portability that many look for in an impact. However, at the same time, it also packs quite the punch in the power department. With the highest torque forward and reverse in the segment. It has a 1/2″ friction ring anvil that makes socket changes quick and painless.
With over temperature and over amperage safety settings making this one of the toughest on the market. A brushless motor and high amp hour batteries make this cordless Impact Wrench almost unstoppable. At 1400 ft lbs of torque at your disposal make short work of stubborn bolts. A super bright led light shines right on the anvil. Putting the light right on your work area.
This impact is perfect for everyone. From the homeowner to the automotive mechanic. A perfect blend of power and poise is what sets the Milwaukee apart from all the others.
A contoured handle with rubber embossed grips allows you to use this in even the worst conditions. Having the rubber lets the impacts go to the fastener and not your hand. Fatigue will soon be a thing of the past!
Milwaukee Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Power
- Low Weight
- Great Led Light
Cons
- A little more expensive
- Many Power Options
Check it out on Amazon!
#2 Dewalt: Close 2nd, A little down on power (Affiliate Link)
The second Impact Wrench on the menu is the Dewalt DCF899HB. With a weight, just a touch lighter than the previous two the Dewalt has some great portability. Having 700ftlbs of torque makes sure any fastener comes loose! No bolt is too big or too tight! A 1/2″ friction ring anvil is included which is becoming an industry standard.
With three different speed and power choices, this impact has a setting for every job. An led light allows you to see where you are working. The Dewalt has a lot of torque and features that make it very popular for everyone from mechanics to construction workers.
Saying this is a tough impact wrench is an understatement. Dewalt advertises that this can survive a 6-foot fall. That is what I call confidence in your product.
Dewalt Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Torque Output 1100 ftlbs
- Brush less Motor
- Bright Led Light
Cons
- Expensive
- Shorter Warranty than Others
- Middle of the Road for Weight
Check it out on Amazon! (Affiliate Link)
#3 Makita: Good Power and Value (Affiliate Link)
The third Impact Wrench is the Makita 18 volt LXT. It has 1180ftlbs of reverse torque and 740ftlbs of fastening power. A 1/2″ friction ring anvil along with a 7.9lb weight is along industry standard. There is a trend among impact wrenches that have lightweight and high torque, with the Makita being no different.
While not having the most power or lightest weight the Makita is a good value for the power. It has a brushless motor that will allow your batteries to last a long time.
A comfortable handle with decent grips makes it a great buy for the money. If you have other Makita cordless tools this would be a perfect addition to your collection.
Makita Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Torque Output 700 ft lbs
- Brushless Motor
- Bright Led Light
Cons
- Not as Well Known as Other Brands
- Shorter Warranty than Others
- Middle of the Road for Weight
Check it out on Amazon!
#4 Ingersoll Rand: Most Powerful but Unproven (Affiliate Link)
The fourth Impact Wrench is the Ingersoll Rand W7152 20 volt brush-less high torque impact. With a weight of 7.6 pounds, it is one of the lighter impacts in our review. Having 1500lbs of reverse torque make it a highly rated impact in terms of power. If you use your impact in the dark the led light and great ergonomics make this a real crowd pleaser.
While it is the most powerful 1/2″ cordless Impact Wrench. That doesn’t mean it is the most ergonomic. It has a higher angle to the anvil compared to the others in its class. Some people like it and others don’t. I didn’t feel like spending my money on something I don’t like to use so I choose otherwise.
It is new to the market and does have a lot of power so I know it will have a lot of people that will like it. However chasing power numbers only means that you will be buying a new Impact Wrench every few years.
Ingersoll Rand Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Torque Output 1500 ftlbs
- Brush less Motor
- Bright Led Light
Cons
- Tilted Anvil Angle, Not Straight Like Other Brands
- Middle of the Road Warranty
- Unproven, New to Market
Check it out on Amazon!
#5 Snap-On: Good Impact, Needs Some Updating (Affiliate Link)
The fifth Impact Wrench we will cover is the Snap-On CT8850. With about the same weight as the Milwaukee but half the torque, the Snap-On is a handy tool! With 700ftlbs of torque on hand, no job is too big! This Impact Wrench also has a 1/2″ friction ring anvil so changing sockets are no problem!
Many other impacts have more power and a lot less weight. This impact is a tad bit dated and it shows. With no updates to led placement or angle, the light output suffers. Most mechanics will like this tool because they have a Snap-On representative that comes to them. That makes for a very high convenience factor.
This is not a very cheap impact, but it does have very high brand recognition. If you have other cordless Snap-On tools in your toolbox then this would be an easy choice.
Title Here
Pros
- Highly Reliable Name Brand
- High Power Lithium Battery
- Tough Outer Case
Cons
- A lot more expensive
- On the Heavier Side
- Not the Highest Power Output
Check it out on Amazon!
#6 Craftsman: Amazing Starter Impact (Affiliate Link)
The sixth and final cordless Impact Wrench that we will cover is the Craftsman CMCF900 1/2″20-volt impact wrench. With a friction ring anvil and 350ftlbs of breakaway torque, there are very few bolts that won’t bend to your will! With a low tool only weight of 4.5 pounds, it is one of the lightest impact wrenches we are covering.
While not having the most power it is the lightest in the group. The weight per power ratio is the same as the others. That makes this impact super portable and easy to take with you! It is a 20-volt tool so it does have power.
This impact ranks very high in portability and price. A homeowner is the perfect type of person who should own this Impact Wrench. It is the right blend of power and options at its price. The low price point makes this a very easy choice if it is your first impact.
Craftsman Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cheapest of the Group
- Hog Ring Anvil for Quick Socket Changes
- Bright Led Light
Cons
- Tilted Anvil Angle, Not Straight Like Other Brands
- Middle of the Road Warranty
- Lowest Torque Output
Check it out on Amazon!
Verdict
If you are looking for the best cordless impact wrench for all-around use then the Milwaukee 2767 (Affiliate Link) is what you want. With enough technology that you can change torque settings on your phone. To the high torque output that lets anyone that uses it looks like a superhero. With the best warranty in the industry, your purchase will be covered for years to come.
If you are more interested in a great starter impact for a DIYer than the Craftsman CMCF900 (Affiliate Link) is an amazing deal if you don’t need a lot of power.
If you have some existing Dewalt tools then the Dewalt DCF899HB (Affiliate Link) would be a solid choice.
6 thoughts on “Absolute Best Cordless Impact Wrenches”
Hey Lance, Great review of the choices available. I can tell you that I’ve dropped my DeWalt quite a few times, my personal best being about 12′ from the deck we were building to the concrete patio below. Still works as good as the day I bought it. Cheers!
I have been debating about updating my tools to the new 20 volt versions. I’m not loyal to any brand name, so it was good to see the brand comparisons.
I have several little used Dewalt 18 volt tools that need new nicad batteries. However, the impact wrench has had a lot of use. So, it looks like I’ll upgrade to the new Dewalt, keep the old one for a back-up, and buy new batteries for the older tools.
Thanks for helping me to sort this out.
I like the way you presented some of the less known socket wrench power tools like Ingersoll Rand, Snap-On or Craftsman.
Personally my favorite is the Ingersoll Rand W7152 1/2” Impact Wrench and it is a proven tool, it is just that people don’t know the history of Ingersoll Rand and that it was founded in 1905 in Ireland.
I’ll stay away of all the DeWaalt power tools as their batteries are usually faulty and need regular replacement.
Nice work!
The Milwaukee has got the right spot as number one. Great review. I have used DeWalt for years and used a friends Milwaukee screw-gun when my dewalt was in being serviced. I loved the feel, weight and performaceof the Milwaukee straight away. I’m not knocking DeWalt, I just love Milwaukee tools better now. Thanks for a great in depth review.
Hi Lance, I have an older version Makita impact wrench that’s still rocking, so I can vouch for the dependability of the brand. I am intrigued by the Ingersoll-Rand though. At some point I need to give that brand a try. Thanks for the overview.