Masterforce 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench Balances Mid-Torque Power and Affordable Pricing
In our series on Masterforce’s brushless cordless power tools, it’s time to turn our attention to the Masterforce 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench. This is a mid-torque model with a sub-$200 kit price that’s backed by a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Competitive performance and price for serious DIYers
- 3-speed brushless motor
- Auto-stop mode helps avoid over-torquing
Cons
- No major drawbacks
Recommendation
The Masterforce 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench is a solid mid-torque model that serves automotive weekend warriors well. There’s enough torque to handle most of what you run into on any passenger vehicle. Its price and performance level give Ryobi a serious run for its money in the competitive Prosumer space.
Performance
This Masterforce impact wrench fits in the mid-torque class with 500 ft-lbs of torque. Is that fastening torque or nut-busting? They don’t tell us, but we have our own testing to do.
It has three speed/torque settings plus an auto-stop mode that stops the motor after 1-2 seconds of impacting. It helps avoid overdriving fasteners when that’s an issue.
Here’s how the standard specs break down:
- No Load Speed: 0 – 1100/1600/2200 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 1500/2500/3000 BPM
- Max Torque: 360/440/500 ft-lbs
Torque Testing
Let’s answer that question about fastening and nut-busting torque. We set up on the same torque testing rig we use for impact drivers minus the 1/4″ hex to 1/2″ socket adapter. Keep in mind that it’s not a replacement for a manufacturer’s torque testing methods.
On the fastening torque side, we see an average of 327 ft-lbs of torque giving the tool 5 seconds to hit as hard as it can. Nut-busting torque hits between 480 and 510 ft-lbs. So 500 ft-lbs of breakaway torque is a reasonable number.
It’s plenty of muscle for most of the automotive tasks you come across, including breaking lugs on passenger vehicles. You can certainly tackle construction fasteners that require a socket as well. However, this is going to be at its best in the hands of automotive enthusiasts rather than Pros.
Key Features
3-Speed Brushless Motor
Brushless motors last longer and give you better performance and runtime. It’s a nice upgrade over Masterforce’s brushed model and you have 3 speeds to work with.
Auto-Stop Mode
In addition to the 3 standard speed modes, auto-stop mode help avoid damaging fasteners by stopping after 1–2 seconds of impacting.
You can use it on any speed. Cycle to the speed you want to use and then hold the blister button down until the auto-stop LED lights up.
LED Light
Most LED lights are just fine, but Masterforce does have a slightly different take. A partial trigger pull lights up the LED without turning the 1/2″ drive and it stays on for about 10 seconds after you let go.
1/2″ Friction Ring Drive
Drive styles are personal preference and I like a friction ring on 1/2″ and smaller drives. Masterforce agrees and goes that direction instead of using a pin detent.
Additional Features
- Variable speed trigger
- Electric brake
- Compatible with all Masterforce FlexPower chargers and batteries
Price
You can pick up the Masterforce 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench from your local Menard’s or on their website for $179 with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger. Out test kit came with a 5.0 Ah battery.
Here’s where some other retailer-exclusive 1/2″ models fall in line:
- Ryobi P261: $129
- 300 ft-lbs
- Bare tool only
- Kobalt KIW1524A-03: $169 kit
- 650 ft-lbs breakaway torque
- 4.0 Ah battery and charger
- $249 regular price
- Masterforce 5736: $179 kit
- 327 fastening torque, 500 ft-lbs breakaway torque
- 4.0 Ah battery and charger
- $199 regular price
- Ridgid Octane R86011B: $159
- 485 ft-lbs fastening, 620 ft-lbs breakaway torque
- Bare tool only
Premium brands like Makita and Milwaukee are quite a bit more expensive as a kit.
Masterforce’s closest competition is Ryobi given its performance and price point. Ridgid and Kobalt give you more power, but their non-sale prices require a bit more from your wallet.
Note: Prices as of 4/22/19.
The Bottom Line
The Masterforce 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench is a solid mid-torque model that serves automotive weekend warriors well. There’s enough torque to handle most of what you run into on any passenger vehicle. Its price and performance level give Ryobi a serious run for its money in the competitive Prosumer space.
Masterforce 1/2″ Brushless Impact Wrench Specifications
- Model: Masterforce 2410477
- Power Source: Masterforce FlexPower 20V battery
- No Load Speed: 0 – 1100/1600/2200 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 1500/2500/3000 BPM
- Max Breakaway Torque: 360/440/500 ft-lbs
- Weight: 3.25 lbs. bare, 4.88 lbs with 5.0 Ah battery
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $179 ($199 regular price)
