Best Cordless Impact Wrench Reviews 2024

Best Cordless Impact Wrench Reviews

Too Many Cordless Impact Wrenches to Choose From? We’ve Got Your Back!

On the hunt for the best cordless impact wrench this year? You’re in the right place! While impact wrenches are one of the core tools for mechanics covering the automotive and heavy equipment sectors, construction, landscaping, MRO, utility, and so many others use them as well. We got our team of experts together and determined which models deserve your consideration.


The good news is that most of the major brands caught up with one another in performance over the past year. If you’re already invested in a battery system, there’s a good chance that brand has the perfect cordless impact wrench to fit your needs.

Check out our article on the differences between impact drivers and impact wrenches!

Our Best Cordless Impact Wrench Top Picks

Also in this Article

Best Overall Cordless Impact Wrench

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches

Using Milwaukee’s latest generation of M18 Fuel mid-torque impact wrenches, we’re getting the performance that helps us avoid turning to high-torque models thanks to fastening torque up to 550 ft-lbs and nut-busting up to 650 ft-lbs. When you’re working on passenger vehicles, this one impact wrench can replace the need for a heavier high-torque 95% or more of the time. Even for heavy equipment and diesel mechanics, they handle a ton of the work aside from lug nuts.

At the same time, these impacts are incredibly compact for their power level, just 6 inches in length and weighing right at 5 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery. All that makes this generation of M18 Fuel models the best cordless impact wrenches in our book. They’re available in a 3/8-inch friction ring (2960), 1/2-inch friction ring (2962), or 1/2-inch pin detent styles (2962P).

While these aren’t the most powerful in the mid-torque class, Milwaukee has the best balance of performance, size, and features at the moment.

Numbers to Know (based on the 2962)

  • Fastening Torque: 550 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 650 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 1250/1950/2575 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 3100 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Length: 6.0 in

Price: $249 bare tool, $479 kit with two 5.0Ah batteries (based on the 2962 friction ring)

Best 3/8-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench 2960

While there are plenty of 3/8-inch impact wrenches to choose from, most are compact. However, Milwaukee’s next-gen M18 Fuel mid-torque impact wrenches have a 3/8-inch option, and that model is our top choice as the best cordless 3/8-inch impact wrench. Aside from the performance and size we discussed above, there are a couple of big feature upgrades.

The 3-LED light ring does a much better job of eliminating shadows than foot-mounted lights. There’s also a 4-mode Drive Control that includes an assist mode. Using it, you can set nuts or bolts quickly before the tool automatically stops at 35 ft-lbs max. From there, use your torque wrench to finish it off and ensure you don’t damage the workpiece by over-tightening.

Numbers to Know

  • Fastening Torque: 550 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 600 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 1250/1950/2575 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 3100 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Length: 6.0 in

Price: $249 bare tool, $329 kit with two 2.0Ah batteries, $479 kit with two 5.0Ah Resistant batteries

Best 1/2-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench

Makita 40V max XGT 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench GWT07

40V max 1/2-inch Impact Wrench gwt07

This year, it was tough to decide which model deserves the title of best 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench. The competition is legitimately tight. In our opinion, Makita’s GWT07 from its 40V max XGT line edges out everyone else. Sporting 560 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 810 ft-lbs of breakaway, it’s the strongest performer we’ve seen in the mid-torque class.

It’s also a control freak with 4 standard speed plus 3 forward and 3 reverse assist modes. There’s even a flexible joint to help absorb some of the vibration before it gets to the battery. While it’s not quite as compact as some of the others at 6.7 inches, many Pros won’t mind adding a little extra length for the additional power.

Numbers to Know

  • Fastening Torque: 560 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 810 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 600/1200/1900/2300 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 2900 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 3.4 lbs
  • Length: 6.7 in

Price: $394 bare tool, $609 kit with two 2.5Ah batteries

Best 3/4-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt 3/4-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench WR36DFQ4

Best 3/4-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt 3/4-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench WR36DFQ4

The 3/4-inch class is tantalizing with several quality high-torque options available. In the final analysis, it’s the Metabo HPT WR36DFQ4 that takes home the trophy of the best cordless 3/4-inch impact wrench this year. Performance is the primary talking point, with a whopping 1401 ft-lbs of fastening and 1770 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. It’s no slouch in the speed department, either, with 1500 RPM and 2600 BPM on the top end.

There are a couple of other key points as well. This model earns an IP56 ingress rating to deal with dust and water better than most. Metabo HPT’s 36V impact wrenches are also the only ones among major brands to have the option of running corded using an AC adapter.

Numbers to Know

  • Fastening Torque: 1401 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 1770 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 600/900/1200/1500 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 2600 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 7.1 lbs
  • Length: 8.7 in

Price: $299 bare tool

Best 1-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench

When it comes to convincing stubborn lugs on tractor-trailers or heavy equipment to get moving, there’s no sweet-talking them loose. You need massive power beyond what our other recommendations can achieve. Two models stand out from the crowd.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench 2868/2869

Milwaukee brought the first legit cordless D-handle 1-inch impact wrench to life on its M18 platform. With standard and extended anvil versions available, they deliver up to 1900 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 2000 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. If this impact wrench can’t budge the lugnut you’re working on, chances are high you’re going to have to take a torch to it.

To deal with vibration levels that can damage the battery, Milwaukee developed an isolation zone to dampen it out—the first we ever saw developed. You also get customizable controls, tracking, and inventory management thanks to One-Key.

Numbers to Know (based on the 2868)

  • Fastening Torque: 1900 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 2000 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 600/700/900/1200 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 1440 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 21.5 lbs
  • Length: 17.9 in

Price: $899 bare, $1399 kit with two 12.0Ah High Output batteries

Ingersoll Rand 1-inch Cordless Impact Wrench W9000 Series

Ingersoll Rand’s W9000 series 1-inch cordless impact wrenches are the most powerful models by a wide margin. Boasting 3000 ft-lbs of breakaway and 2200 ft-lbs of fastening torque, no one else comes close, not even Milwaukee. With standard and extended anvils available, they use a pair of batteries to help fleet and heavy equipment techs leave the days of dragging a hose behind.

Numbers to Know (based on the W9691)

  • Fastening Torque: 2200 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 3000 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 500/540/890 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 1170 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 25.9 lbs

Price: $1408 – $1599 kit with four 5.0Ah batteries

Best Compact/Stubby Impact Wrench

DeWalt 20V Max Atomic 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench DCF921

DeWalt hit the scene with an unexpected surprise for us in the Atomic line—a compact stubby with 450 ft-lbs of breakaway torque… and we verified it on our test rig! It’s also legitimately compact with the sub-5-inch head angled up to ensure the battery doesn’t get in your way.

For control, there are two standard and two assist modes. While there are other brands with more advanced controls, you have to give up some power to get it.

Numbers to Know

  • Fastening Torque: 300 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 450 ft-lbs
  • Top Speed: 2500 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 3550 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 2.4 lbs
  • Length: 5.0 in

Price: $219 bare, $429 with two 5.0Ah batteries (3/8-inch version also available)

Best Cordless Impact Wrench for the Money

Flex 24V 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench FX1451

Flex Mid-Torque Impact Wrench

In our search for the best value cordless impact wrench, we wanted power combined with a quality, Pro-grade build at a price lower than the competition. Those characteristics are exactly what we found in Flex’s 24V 1/2-inch mid-torque impact wrench. It boasts more power than Milwaukee with 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of breakaway torque.

The speed tops out at 2700 RPM in mode 3 and there’s an assist mode for both forward and reverse. Under load, there’s an isolation zone between the housing and the motor to help reduce the vibration you feel in your hand. The only downside is that it’s heavier and not quite as compact as its closest competition.

Numbers to Know

  • Fastening Torque: 600 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 750 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 450/1600/2700 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 3100 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 4.2 lbs
  • Length: 6.3 in

Price: $199.99 bare, $269.99 kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger, $299.99 kit with a 3.5Ah Stacked Lithium battery and charger

Need even more torque? Flex also has a high-torque model that’s also a great value!

Best Budget Cordless Impact Wrench for DIY and Home Use

Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless 1/2-Inch Mid Torque Impact Wrench IW5761B-10

Best Budget Cordless Impact Wrench for DIY and Home Use

Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless 1/2-Inch Mid Torque Impact Wrench IW5761B-10

Until recently, it was tough to find a mid-torque that had both the quality and price for us to recommend it as the best budget cordless impact wrench for DIY and home use. Unsurprisingly, it’s Skil that finally makes the breakthrough.

Turning to the PWRCore 20 line for a battery and a brushless motor, Skil’s design hits hard with 48- ft-lbs of fastening and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. What’s most notable, though, is the combination of that power coming in a brushless tool packaged in a kit that’s well under $200.

Numbers to Know

  • Fastening Torque: 480 ft-bs
  • Nut-Busting Torque: 800 ft-lbs
  • Top Speeds: 800/1400/1900 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 2600 IPM
  • Bare Weight: 5.0 lbs
  • Length: 8.0 in

Price: $129 bare tool, $169 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best-Selling Cordless Impact Wrenches

Amazon

  • DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-inch High-Torque Kit DCF900P1 – $349
  • Avid Power 20V Max 1/2-Inch Kit JSS1 – $99.99
  • DeWalt 20V Max 3/8-inch Comact Bare Tool DCF913B – $199

Acme Tools

  • DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-inch High-Torque Bare Tool DCF900B – $299
  • Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Mid-Torque Bare Tool 2962-20 – $249
  • Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch High-Torque Bare Tool 2967-20 – $299

Home Depot

  • DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-inch High-Torque Kit DCF900P1 – $349
  • Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch High-Torque Bare Tool 2767-20 – $249
  • Ryobi One+ 18V HP Brushless 1/2-inch High-Torque Kit PBLIW01K1 – $259

Lowe’s

  • DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-inch High-Torque Kit DCF900P1 – $349
  • Kobalt 24V Next-Gen 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque Kit KIW 4024A-03 – $229
  • Craftsman V20 Brushless RP 1/2-Inch High-Torque Kit CMCF940M1 – $229

Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Pros – More Recommendations

Best Bosch Cordless Impact Wrench

Bosch revitalized its 18V lineup with advanced batteries and BiTurbo brushless motors to form the ProFactor line, and the newest 3/4-inch high-torque impact wrench is a beast designed for professional use! The 3-speed GDS18V-770 packs 770 ft-lbs of fastening and 1250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque with merciless efficiency. Right now, it’s in the hands of our marine mechanic, saving him some torch time by breaking loose bolts that have been exposed to saltwater way too long.

Price: $269 bare tool, $279 connected-ready bare tool, $419 kit with an 8.0Ah battery and charger

Best DeWalt Cordless Impact Wrench

As our friend Paul pointed out to us, DeWalt has a ton of cordless impact wrenches to sort through on the 20V Max line, plus some 12V Max offerings. So which one would we pick if we could just have one? The 1/2-inch Atomic we mentioned above certainly makes a strong case. However, it’s the DCF891 that Pros can turn to for all-around performance. It’s a solid mid-torque pick with 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway—a big jump from DeWalt’s previous mid-range model. You also get the option between hog ring (DCF891) and pin detent (DCF892) drive style.

Price: $249 bare, $429 with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger, $479 with two 5.0Ah Oil Resistant batteries and a charger

Need a high-torque option instead? DeWalt’s DCF961 is now available with 1750 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque!

Best Flex Cordless Impact Wrench

Flex earned our pick as the best value for a cordless impact wrench with its mid-torque model, but you may want to give the high-torque a close look if you need more power. The FX1471 sports 800 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1150 ft-lbs for breaking with a top speed of 2000 RPM. Three standard modes take care of the majority of your fastening needs. Plus, a bolt removal mode helps control the how fast a bolt runs out or a nut comes off after it breaks loose. Like the mid-torque model, Flex offers Pros a lot of bang for their buck here.

Price: $199 bare, $299 kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger, $349 kit with a 6.0Ah Stacked Lithium battery and charger

Best Hilti Cordless Impact Wrench

Hilti is high on quality and a great choice for commercial and industrial jobs in addition to general construction and they’ve announced the Nuron line as a higher-performing platform moving forward. For installation or steel construction jobs, get your hands on Hilti’s Ultimate Class 1/2-inch SIW 8-22. With 738 ft-lbs of fastening and a monster 1217 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, it’s the most capable model currently in the line. Backed by a 20-year warranty, this premium professional impact wrench is sure to still be kicking long after other models hit the trash bin.

Price: Starting at $389

Best Kobalt Cordless Impact Wrench

Look no further than Kobalt’s XTR line for a high-torque impact wrench if you’re on the hunt for solid power on a budget. The 1424A-03 is capable of an eye-popping 1200 ft-lbs of nut-busting and 750 ft-lbs of fastening torque. At the same time, this advanced tool is just $269 as a kit. It’ll handle nearly anything you come across and the price is awfully tempting for budget-conscious Pros.

Price: $269 kit with 4.0Ah Ultimate Output battery

Best Ridgid Cordless Impact Wrench

Now that we’ve left the Octane line behind, Ridgid has the compact, mid-torque, and high-torque classes covered with its latest generation of brushless impact wrenches. Each earns our recommendation, but if we had to pick just one, it would be the mid-torque R86012. Its balance of size and 500 ft-lbs of fastening torque with 650 ft-lbs of loosening torque is all you need in most cases. With an assist mode to supplement the three standard modes, you have some additional control as well. This one is suitable for serious DIYers and Pros on a budget.

Price: $179 bare, $269 kit with a 4.0Ah Max Output battery and charger

Best Cordless Impact Wrench for Prosumers – More Recommendations

Best Craftsman Cordless Impact Wrench

Craftsman joined the 1000 ft-lbs club with its V20 RP Brushless CMCF940M1. This high-torque model can fasten with up to 700 ft-lbs of torque and break up to 1000 ft-lbs. Considering Craftsman’s previous generation of impacts, the amount of power they’re getting in a relatively compact package is a big step forward in both performance and design. This one’s a good fit for serious DIYers and value-minded Pros that need an occasional-use impact.

The best part might just be the price tag, though. At $229.99 for the kit, this is currently the best value you can find for a high-torque model.

Price: $229.99 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Ryobi Cordless Impact Wrench

Ryobi brackets your options on its high-performance 18V One+ HP Brushless lineup with a compact, mid-range, and high-torque option to cover the three major classes. The strongest is the 4-mode 1/2-inch PBLIW01. Its brushless motor can deliver 700 ft-lbs of fastening and 1170 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. Targeting DIY needs and tempting Pros who need an occasional-use option, it’s the model we were anticipating to round out the HP Brushless line, and Ryobi delivered.

Price: $219 bare tool, $259 kit with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery and charger

Best Skil Cordless Impact Wrench – PWRCore 20 Brushless IW6739

The Skil impact wrench we recommended as the best budget pick is the highest-performing in the line currently. If you’re looking for something more compact on the line, check out the PWRCore 20 Brushless 3/8-inch model. Significantly more compact than its 1/2-inch brother, its 170 ft-lbs of fastening and 220 ft-lbs of breakaway torque tackle many of the smaller nuts, bolts, and structural screws that are too much for an impact driver, but don’t need the power of a mid-torque.

Price: $169 kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Cordless Impact Wrench for DIY and Home Use – More Recommendations

Best Greenworks Cordless Impact Wrench

Greenworks has been busy expanding its line of 24V/48V lawn care equipment for homeowners and there are power tools that run on the same battery to supplement them. As a solid consideration on the high-value side, check out Greenworks’ 24V 1/2-inch IWD401. This model is capable of breaking up to 300 ft-lbs—plenty for most jobs around your house and garage. As an added bonus, there’s a USB port built into the battery so you can use it as a power supply.

The best part is the price. As a kit with either a 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery, you come in under $150. For an impact wrench to keep around your garage for projects and repairs, it’s tough to beat.

Price: $89.99 bare tool, $129.99 kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger, $149.99 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best HART Cordless Impact Wrench

HART has been creating a DIY emporium at Walmart and even expanding into other cordless products you can use around your home, such as vacuums. For impact wrenches, they now have a brushless model that reaches into the mif-torque class. The 1/2-inch HPIW25 can break up to 600 ft-lbs, giving you legit power to break lugs loose and handle just about anything else your automotive and weekend projects might throw your way.

Price: $169 bare, $219 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

What is an Impact Wrench Used For?

An impact wrench is similar to an impact driver in that its impacting mechanism consists of hammer rotating around to strike an anvil. As impact wrench does this typically at a slower rate but with far greater force in most cases.

The force of an impact wrench is useful for fastening or removing nuts and bolts, or driving very large screws. While most people think about them in automotive shops dealing with lug nuts, nearly every trade uses them frequently.

In general, the size of the fastener you’re working with determines how powerful your impact wrench needs to be. Be careful, though—using a powerful impact wrench can damage threads or even sheer off bolts. That can be a costly mistake, so make sure you’re using the right amount of power for the job and avoid going overboard.

What We Look For When Testing Cordless Impact Wrenches

Power and Speed

Whether you’re fastening or loosening, power is the name of the game for cordless impact wrenches. The more power you have, the better chance you have of getting the fastener moving quickly and not straining the motor.

Speed is secondary but still important. If you’re in construction or landscaping where you’re running long timber screws and the like, you want to run those as fast as you can while keeping them under control.

Size and Weight

Once you know how much power you need, finding it in the smallest, lightest package you can without giving up on quality is high on the list. Most impact wrenches are much heavier than impact drivers, and the vibration and noise of the tools can fatigue you quickly. Rising up to take the title of best cordless impact wrench in any category requires a lot of attention to the power-to-weight ratio.

In general, there are 3 primary categories to look at: compact (including stubby), mid-torque, and high-torque. You move up in power as you move up in size. Just keep in mind that today’s brushless models perform at a much higher level than before. It’s common to use a class size smaller to get the same performance as larger models that are just one generation back.

Electronic Assistance and Smart Controls

Assist modes and smart controls are highly valued features for impact wrenches. Many fasteners have a torque rating and it’s easy to over-torque them if you’re not careful. Having an automatic stop helps you run a nut or bolt quickly and still leave it short to finish off with a torque wrench.

In reverse, auto modes can back off a fastener and stop or slow down significantly so you don’t run it completely off. When you’re working at height or just hate chasing rogue nuts and bolts, it’s incredibly helpful.

Smart controls such as Milwaukee One-Key, DeWalt’s Tool Connect, and Bosch Connected tools have added benefits. Inventory management and tracking are the major highlights, but there’s a lot more inside the apps that are worth considering.

Ergonomics

Impact wrenches are violent, noisy, heavy tools and ergonomics can be an afterthought on some designs. However, reducing the weight, perfecting the balance, and creating a comfortable handle all make the tool easier to use and less fatiguing on long days.

Price and Value

As always, value is a big part of what we look at with any tool. It’s not about which one is the cheapest, it’s about getting the job done well while getting the most bang for your buck.

Check out our review of mid-torque impact wrenches to see who we thought was the best overall (you won’t be surprised):

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