When working on automobiles, you will often become very familiar with impact wrenches are they are an essential tool for both speed and productivity. An impact wrench is a tool used for fasting different objects including nuts, bolts, fasteners, and others. You’ll find a great example of this on a car tire where there are multiple lug nuts that hold the tire in place.
Having an impact wrench speeds up the work needed to accomplish the fastening and unfastening task. While this can certainly be accomplished by simply fastening them by hand with a wrench, if you have to take off hundreds of times a day at a workshop you may find yourself spending the majority of the day on this. With an impact wrench, you can make small work of those nuts and bolts in seconds.
What are the different kinds of impact wrenches? Corded vs Cordless vs Air Powered Impact Wrench -- So What Is The Difference?
There are a few different types of impact wrenches including corded, cordless, and air-powered impact wrenches.
Cordless Impact Wrench
Cordless impact wrenches are the most portable type of wrenches since you are not tied to an outlet in order to use them. This means you can carry them between different worksites easily without worry if extension cords are needed which makes them great for field-work (Especially for roadside help or when fixing field machinery).
The cordless wrenches include battery packs which you can easily snap on and off when it runs out of juice. Many of these cordless models include LED lights making it easy for you to work in dimly lit areas.
Corded Impact Wrench
Corded impact wrenches typically have the highest level of torque output as compared to the cordless wrenches as they have a constant strong power supply. This is a big benefit for those working strictly in a workshop as you won’t have to worry about charging/changing batteries when it gets low and you’ll have the strength to tackle heavy jobs.
Corded impact wrenches are typically also much lighter than the alternative as they don’t have a heavy battery pack that goes along with them making it easier to use long-term. Typically, the cord isn’t very long on corded impact wrenches so extension cords will be needed to ensure you can reach.
Air Powered Impact Wrench
Air Powered impact wrenches are also very common but typically used more in professional environments as they require an air compressor tank to be set up to use it.
The benefit of an air powered impact wrench is the amount of power they have but not at the higher rate of the corded/cordless wrenches. These are the types of impact wrenches you’d see Nascar pit crews use as they need to make fast work of the bolts.
We’ve selected the best 10 corded impact wrenches on the market and reviewed them to determine their functionality, benefits, and shortcomings so you can get a better overview of which is best suited for you.
Top 10 Best Corded Impact Wrenches 2020
OUR TOP PICK
- The dual bearing system that reduces vibration of the power tool
- Max torque of 260ft. lbs
- ½ inch hog ring anvil
- Includes sockets and hard carrying case for protection
This powerful impact wrench from VonHaus kicks out a max torque of 260 ft. lbs perfect for your garage or workshop to make short work of lug nuts, sockets, nuts, and bolts.
Pros
- Strong power with up to 260 ft. lbs of max torque
- Includes accessories for you to start working right away.
- With the dual bearing system, you’ll have increased balance and reduced vibration for improved comfort.
Cons
- Not ideal for commercial use
- No built-in LED light
The Good/What I like
You’ll enjoy the powerful motor that VonHaus has with the 8.5-amp motor that can put out up to 260 ft. lbs of max torque. This impact wrench works great for removing tires and other nuts/sockets in seconds saving you the arm work and time.
With a ½ inch hot ring anvil and including many sockets inside a hard carrying case, this is a great wrench to add to your workshop or garage to improve your productivity.
The Bad/What I don’t like
While this is a powerful impact wrench, it’s not ideal for long-term commercial use in an industrial space. This impact wrench is better used for quick jobs inside a personal garage or used for side-jobs in workshops. We also wished it had the built-in LED light to make low-light situations easier to work in.
EDITORS CHOICE
- 8.5amp motor with up to 260 ft. lbs of max torque
- ½ inch hog ring anvil keep sockets in place
- The dual bearing system provides stability and reduces vibration
This Capri Tools impact wrench is quite a powerful tool considering its affordable price with up to 260 ft. lbs of max torque. With a dual bearing system and easy grip, this is a great wrench to keep around the shop.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable straps
- True to size
- Handles elements very well
- Removable ear pads
Cons
- Plastic tension straps around the neck can be uncomfortable
The Good/What I like
Although this producer isn’t as well known, the wrench turned out to be a very strong choice. With an 8.5-amp motor pushing out up to 260 ft. lbs of max torque, it works perfectly to get jobs done around the garage. Along with the dual bearing system and a rubber grip on the handle, it handles pretty well.
The Bad/What I don’t like
While this is a strong impact wrench with a powerful motor, the handle is slightly small which might feel difficult to control when it picks up speed. The handle has a rubber grip to help you with this but just be sure to have a stronghold when you start it up to avoid loss of control.
BEST VALUE
- Forward and reverse trigger that switches back and forth for ease of use.
- ½ inch and up to 230 lbs of max torque
- The comfortable grip helps to reduce vibrations
This impact wrench from Topcraft has a 7.5-amp motor that can produce up to 500 impacts per minute with 230 ft. lbs of max torque.
Pros
- Includes 4 sockets and hard carrying case for transporting
- 2-year limited warranty
- Up to 500 impacts per minute
- 7.5-amp power with up to 230 ft. lbs of torque
Cons
- Not ideal for commercial use
The Good/What I like
Overall, you’ll find this is a very strong impact wrench with a 7.5-amp motor that can produce up to 500 impacts per minute. You’ll find it’s very comfortable to hold with a rubber grip on the handle that also reduces the strong vibrations that come from most impact wrenches. Stores easily inside a carrying case with 4 sockets to get you started.
The Bad/What I don’t like
While you’ll get some great power out of this impact wrench, it’s primarily used for car maintenance and machine installation/maintenance and not meant for heavy-duty industrial/commercial use.
RUNNER UP
- 8.5amp strong motor to tackle tough jobs
- Comfortable grip and build with easy to change directional switch forward/reverse
This impact wrench from OEMTOOLS is built with a powerful 8.5-amp motor that helps you tackle some of the more difficult jobs around the shop including an easy rocker switch for one-handed use.
Pros
- Really strong power and performance
- 8.5amp motor with up to 165 ft. lbs of torque
- ½ inch hog ring retainer
Cons
- Overall quite heavy
The Good/What I like
When we used this impact wrench, we absolutely loved the strong power it produced. We were able to quickly remove even rusted and stuck bolts from fixtures with ease. This is all due to the powerful 8.5amp motor that can produce more than 165 ft. lbs of torque. The rubber grip on the handle also made it very easy to hold while working as well as the simple rocker switch to change between forward and reverse.
The Bad/What I don’t like
One of our only complaints is that the impact wrench is quite heavy so we don’t suggest using it for long durations or it might become stiff/difficult to hold onto.
RUNNER UP
- 7.5-amp motor with up to 240 ft lbs of torque
- ½ chuck with forwarding/reverse switch
If you’re searching for a strong impact wrench that performs like the popular brands but has a budget price tag, this is a great product to choose with a ½ in the chuck and up to 240 ft lbs of torque you will have no problem driving bits with no problem.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Affordable price but powerful motor and performance
Cons
- Does not include an LED light for working in low light
The Good/What I like
You’ll love the strength of this impact wrench with the 7.5-amp motor it puts out 240 ft. lbs of torque which is perfect if you want to tackle most vehicle and machinery jobs including engine removal. It can handle a chunk of up to ½ inch with a square anvil that makes it easy to swap on and off sockets.
The Bad/What I don’t like
Overall performance wise we were extremely satisfied with this impact wrench but we wished it included an LED light that operates for low-light situations. Since it’s a corded wrench this should be an included feature.
RUNNER UP
- Lightweight and easy to hold/use
- Up to 450 ft lbs of torque
You’ll be surprised with the power that this 7.5-amp wrench can produce with up to 450 ft. lbs of torque it’ll get the job done quickly in your garage or workshop.
Pros
- Very strong and powerful
- ½ inch chuck with hog ring anvil for simple socket swapping
- Rocker switch for easy forward/reverse adjustments
Cons
- Not meant for long-term heavy-duty jobs
The Good/What I like
The motor on this Porter-Cable power tool is strong with 7.5 amps you’ll be able to remove lug nuts within 2-3 seconds easily. With it being electrically powered, we felt it had a very consistent performance at all times unlike those that use air-power.
Although it’s 7.5 lbs we felt it still felt quite lightweight and sturdy while doing long-term work.
The Bad/What I don’t like
When we tested it out on some more heavy-duty jobs the power tool heated up quite easily so we suggest using it in short bursts instead of constant use.
RUNNER UP
- The input of 7.5 amps at 120 volts
- Can support up to a ½ inch chuck
- Has a maximum torque of 220 ft. lbs
If you’re looking for a light-duty impact wrench that you can use at home for maintenance on your cars or trucks, this Kawasaki may be perfect for you.
Pros
- Strong motor with 7.5 amps
- Can handle tough jobs with its 220 ft. lbs of max torque
- Perfect for most home garage jobs with up to a ½ inch chuck
Cons
- Not designed for commercial use
- No built-in LED light
The Good/What I like
Overall this bright green impact wrench from Kawasaki is really a strong choice for home and garage to tackle projects. While it’s not perfect for commercial use, it’s got plenty of power to take lug nuts off a tire, fix your machinery, and other tasks around the house. With its 7.5-amp motor, it can push out a maximum of 220 ft. lbs of torque making it more than strong enough for anything home-owners may want to do.
The Bad/What I don’t like
Overall, we love this power tool, but we really wished it had an LED light that came on when you used it as we don’t always operate in optimum lighting situations. It also isn’t ideal for large-scale projects and commercial use and is better suited for home garages instead.
RUNNER UP
- ½ inch square drive
- Up to 2,000 impacts per minute
- Strong 260 ft. lbs of torque
- Ergonomic handle with a rubber boot to cover the gears
If you’re looking for that impact wrench that can both be used at home or in your professional garage to improve your team’s productivity and quality of work, then the Makita TW0350 is a great choice for you!
Pros
- A very strong motor of 3.5 amps kicking out 2,000 rotations per minute for heavy-duty work
- Impact system is strong and generates fewer vibrations to increase the tool’s lifespan
- Aluminum gear case with a rubber boot for increased durability.
- Easy to use rocker switch for forwarding/reverse direction
Cons
- Does not have LED light for visibility
- Higher price tag than others
The Good/What I like
You’ll love this Makita impact drill starting with the powerful 3.5-amp motor that will deliver up to 2,000 rotations per minute so you can tackle those heavy-duty jobs. Designed with a low-vibration impact system to ensure an extended lifespan of your power tool.
Compact and lightweight design for those hard to reach places as well as a rubber grip handle for comfort.
The Bad/What I don’t like
Overall you won’t find much not to love about this impact wrench except the fact that there is no built-in LED light. This definitely isn’t a deal breaker, but with all the strength and longevity that this drill brings it also comes with about double the price tag of other impact wrenches – you get what you pay for though!
RUNNER UP
- Strong 7amp motor getting up to 2600 impacts per minute
- Reaching up to 300 ft. lbs of torque
- Lightweight design with sturdy rubber grip on the handle
Made by the most reliable and trusted manufacturer of power tools on the market today, the Milwaukee 9072-20 impact wrench is guaranteed to be the most trustworthy wrench to add to your toolbox.
Pros
- Lightweight at 6lbs making it easy to use for long-term jobs
- Powerful 300 ft. lbs of torque to save you time
- Strong motor with 7amps of power going up to 2600 impacts per minute
- Made by Milwaukee and designed to last a lifetime!
Cons
- The cord is a bit short
- Does not come with a carrying case
The Good/What I like
Milwaukee designed this powerful tool to tackle all of those heavy-duty jobs around the house/garage or even in the professional workshop. If you’re looking for an overall well-rounded impact wrench, this is a good choice.
While it comes with a hefty price tag, you’ll be pleased with the 300 ft. lbs of torque that come out of this 7amp motor. It’s designed to still be very lightweight coming in just over 6 lbs and has a strong rubber grip on the handle. Flip the variable speed trigger between forward and reverse easily to put on or take off those pesky rusted nuts and bolts.
The Bad/What I don’t like
There really isn’t anything bad to say about this impact wrench except a few cosmetic things. The cord is a bit short which is normal for most of these power tools so expect to use extension cords. It also does not come with a carrying case or accessories so be ready to purchase a case to keep it from acquiring too much dust.
RUNNER UP
- Ergonomic and lightweight at 7 lbs
- 7amp and 120-volt engine
- Up to 2100 rotations per minute controlled with a trigger switch
- 345 ft. lbs of max torque
- ½ inch detent pin anvil using magnets to fasten its grip
An electrical impact wrench is a key necessity of any productive garage and DEWALT has been supplying power tools like this for a generation which is why the DEWALT DW292 is one of our top picks for a versatile impact wrench for you.
Pros
- Strong 345 ft. lbs of torque make fastening and unfastening done quickly
- Built very sleek and comfortable
- The lightweight design of 7lbs making it easy to use long-term
Cons
- Pricey power tool
The Good/What I like
You know and trust DEWALT to make strong tools so you can rest assured that this impact wrench won’t let you down either. The 7amp motor can pump out 345 ft. lbs of max torque meaning you can use it not only on home projects but also heavy-duty ones. With up to 2100 rotations per minute, you may expect it to vibrate out of control but overall, it’s designed to reduce the vibrations and be comfortable to hold.
The Bad/What I don’t like
DEWALT makes extremely great power tools but they typically come higher priced. This one is almost $300 but it also is built to last longer than you’ll need it for so you can use this for decades to come.
Top 10 Best Corded Impact Wrenches 2020 Buying Guide
Every home and garage will benefit from an impact wrench as they are highly effective and efficient in removing and tightening bolts, nuts, and screws. It’s especially helpful in removing those that have become rusted and stuck in place over time. Below is our overall buying guide that will help in making the decision about which impact wrench to get. Learning the terminology and details about your impact wrench are important prior to making the purchase.
- Torque: Overall the torque of an impact wrench just stands for the “power” that the wrench can produce. The higher amount of torque that your impact wrench has, the stronger ability it’ll have over the nut or bolt you’re working on. If you’re dealing with heavy-duty machinery that requires a very tight fastening to be done or it’s quite stuck, you’ll need high torque to get it off in the end.
- Weight: The weight of the impact wrench is important in two ways. The first reason weight is important is in the ability to exert pressure down on the nut/bolt so it can be removed so, in this case, a little bit heavier impact wrench can be helpful. On the flip side, the heavier the impact wrench is meant it’ll get that much harder to hold onto for long durations. You should typically look for an impact wrench that is between 6-8lbs max.
- RPM/IPM: The rotations per minute is important when picking an impact wrench because the tool relies on the rotations to tighten or loosen a screw or nut in place. The higher the rotation, the faster it will come off making you more productive. Similar to rotations, the impact per minute is also important because this type of power tool requires a high level of impact to both tighten and loosen the target screw or lug nut in place.
- Brands: While you typically shouldn’t use the brand as your top point when picking a power tool, there are a few brands that you should be aware of that are known for making incredibly strong, long-lasting power tools. These companies include Milwaukee, Makita, and DEWALT. When picking out your impact wrench, keep these 3 in mind because having one of these brands around will mean you won’t regret your purchase (although they typically come with a higher price tag).
- Warranty: Any drill you purchase should come with a limited lifetime warranty that will cover you for at least the first few months or year. Without a warranty, if the power tool stops working you won’t have any guarantee that it’ll be fixed or replaced. While all power tools won’t last forever, they should last you a few years so covering yourself for any factory defects should be top of mind when investing money in an impact wrench. Check that yours comes with a warranty prior to purchase.
- Type of Impact Wrench: There are also different kinds of impact wrenches including cordless, corded, and air-powered impact wrenches. This article focused on the corded impact wrenches to give you the best picks. Overall you should pick the impact wrench based on your needs. A cordless impact wrench is best when you need to be on-the-go jobs like roadside assistance. A corded impact wrench is perfect for home-owners that use an impact wrench for more personal work. An air-powered impact wrench will typically have the biggest power and these are the best picks for commercial and industrial use.
Conclusion and best pick!
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for the best of the best on the market for a corded impact wrench, the best suggestion is the Milwaukee 9072-20 1/2 Inch, Impact Wrench. This impact wrench is extremely powerful with a 7 amp motor that can do up to 2600 impacts per minute. The even better part about the Milwaukee branded power tools is they have a great warranty and typically will last you a lifetime if used properly.