This most powerful of power tools is up for the toughest tasks.
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Designed to deliver high-torque rotational force, the impact wrench has long been the go-to tool for auto mechanics and other trade professionals who deal with a lot of bolts, nuts and lag screws. But thanks to recent advances in technology, these power tools have made their way into consumers’ hands. That's what the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute found when they reviewed a dozen impact wrenches, including these five standouts:
Not to be confused with an impact driver — a tool well suited for driving screws into metal, concrete and wood, such as when building a deck — an impact wrench is all about tightening and loosening. It can tackle a variety of tasks, from changing car tires to removing rusted bolts on a swing set, all with minimal effort. Plus, most impact wrenches are now battery-powered, and hence cordless, unlike in the past when they ran on an air compressor and were therefore tethered to a hose.
As we did with other power tool reviews, including cordless drills, circular saws and pressure washers, our experts performed both Lab and field tests, and we compared testing notes with our partners at Popular Mechanics, who recently wrapped up their own round of performance tests. Once you've perused our picks, read on for more information on impact wrenches, including details on how we test them and key features to consider to find perfect model for your needs.
DeWalt has been making tools for nearly 100 years and it shows with the MAX XR 1/2-inch impact wrench. This well-constructed piece of equipment would make for a great addition to any car owner or homeowner’s tool set. Our partners at Popular Mechanics found it removed lug nuts on a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck seamlessly, breaking them free in a fraction of a second. Rusted nuts and bolts were also no match for it.
And talk about power. This three-speed impact wrench delivers up to 700 foot pounds of fastening torque and 1,200 foot pounds of breakaway torque — almost on par with the best heavy-duty impact wrench we tested. The disadvantage: All that power also means it weighs a hefty 6.4 pounds — and it clocks in at 7.2 pounds when loaded with one of the 5-Ah batteries (which come included) clipped to the bottom.
Nonetheless, according to DeWalt, the tool’s brushless motor delivers up to 57% more runtime over a brushed motor.
This wallet-friendly 20-volt 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench from Hart is no frills, but it’s a solid pick for budget shoppers. (Note that the battery is sold separately.) In Popular Mechanics’ tests, the tool had no problem breaking loose large, rusty nuts and bolts on an old piece of farm equipment. It was also able to remove lug nuts on a F-250 farm truck, despite its limited torque capacity of 350 foot pounds.
Featuring a friction ring that allows for quick socket changes, this impact wrench can switch between tasks with ease. It’s also lightweight, at just 3.3 pounds (tool only), so it won’t take much muscle if you’re using it for long stretches of time.
However, there are a couple notable drawbacks. Because it lacks a brushless motor, it might not stand up to daily use. Also, the tool has only one speed — that makes it simple to use, but it’s not the most versatile as a result.
Milwaukee is the power tool brand of choice for many pros, who value its exceptional power and rugged design. The M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch impact wrench shows again why that reputation is well-deserved. “With its 1,400 foot-pounds of torque and 5-Ah battery, this is a lot of tool for the average DIYer,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “But if you’re looking to take on tougher projects, or you want an impact wrench that you’ll be able to pass on to the grandkids,” the M18 is worth a look. (Note that the kit listed here includes three batteries; you can also purchase the tool by itself at Home Depot for hundreds less.)
The 18-volt impact wrench was a beast in our tests, removing and replacing lug nuts with ease. Our partners at Popular Mechanics had similarly positive results, noting that the Milwaukee had no trouble breaking free rusty bolts from old farm equipment, thanks to its bolt removal mode, which also helped prevent damage to the rusted fasteners by slowing down the tool speed to 750 revolutions per minute (RPMs).
Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, the M18 requires some arm strength to operate all day (and its 5-Ah batteries should give you that much run time and more). But like we said, this brawny impact wrench is built for heavy-duty work. Plus, its top-quality construction, including a brushless motor, means it will stand up to daily rigors for decades to come.
Don’t underestimate the subcompact Ridgid. Despite its modest size, this tool — which weighs just 3.6 lbs without the battery — delivered strong performance in our tests. Removing and replacing lug nuts was a cinch with this impact wrench, which delivers a respectable 500 foot fastening torque and 650 ft./lbs of breakaway torque. The kit shown here includes one 4 Ah battery, a charger, and a carrying case.
Equipped with brushless motor technology, this impact wrench features three speeds and an auto-tightening mode that automatically shuts off when fastening bolts to avoid overtightening, making for a user-friendly experience. Another selling point: The device’s built-in pin detent did an impressive job of holding onto the socket in our tests.
The downside? When our partners at Popular Mechanics assessed the tool, it struggled to break free a 9⁄16-inch, grade-8 bolt tightened to 200 foot-pounds. It also had trouble removing a 1/2 x 8-inch lag bolt—though a smaller ⁵⁄16 x 4½-inch lag bolt proved no problem.
You don’t need to be a mechanic or a professional home contractor to wield this Ryobi impact wrench. For starters, the tool itself weighs just 2.3 lbs — the lightest model in our tests — paving the way for a low-effort user experience. Removing lug nuts was easy overall, breaking them free in a couple seconds.
The tool’s brushless motor prolongs its motor life, enabling it to stand up to daily use. It offers three speeds, plus an auto-tightening mode that provides controlled removal and helps avoid overtightening. It’s not the most powerful impact wrench out there, delivering only up to 275 ft-lb. of torque, but it gets the job done for most basic tasks. Moreover, the wrench’s built-in LED lights allow for clear visibility in lowly lit workspaces.
Backed by a standard three-year manufacturer’s warranty, this Ryobi impact wrench makes for a solid choice for beginners and everyday users. We also appreciate its affordable price tag, which is among the lowest of all reviewed models.
Product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute keep constant tabs on the power tool market to determine the makes and models that you’re most likely to find on store shelves and online. That includes attending trade shows and industry events, like the National Hardware Show and International Builders Show, where they're also able to stay on top of the latest innovations.
Next, we tap the power tool brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through years of testing. The top picks in our current round-up were culled from more than a dozen models reviewed by our tool experts, as well as our testing partners at Popular Mechanics. Our team spent hours analyzing hundreds of technical and performance data points, including manufacturer claims around battery power output, speed, torque, weight and more.
We then put these power tools through their paces by using each piece of equipment to loosen and tighten lug nuts on a tire. We judge their performance based on how easily and quickly each impact wrench accomplishes these tasks. Testers also evaluate each impact wrench’s ease of use based on weight, grip, and ergonomics. And because you want a tool that’s going to last, we assess durability using a drop test to see how well the impact wrenches can withstand falling several feet onto a hard surface.
All the impact wrenches selected by our experts are high-quality power tools. Still, there are a few important factors to consider when you go shopping.
✔️ Power: Impact wrenches can vary widely in terms of torque. Some compact and subcompact models offer as little as 100 ft. lbs. of torque, while other full-sized models product over 3,000 ft. lbs. How much power you need depends on what tasks you’re looking to accomplish. Also pay attention to speed, measured in RPMs (revolutions per minute), since it tells you how quickly you can drive nuts and bolts.
✔️ Drive size: This refers to the square anvil at the tip of the tool that accepts sockets. Most consumer-friendly impact wrenches have a ½-inch drive that accepts ½-inch sockets. There are larger ¾-inch drive models, but we didn't test them since they're intended for industrial use, like maintaining commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment.
✔️ Comfort: An impact wrench should be easy to use and comfortable to hold. Weight plays a factor here. Generally, impact wrenches with higher torque weigh more than less-powerful models. Some impact wrenches can also be bulky, making them less comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
✔️ Price: Budget models start at around $60, while premium models can run up to $400 or more depending on the brand, features, and craftsmanship. But keep in mind, price doesn’t always translate to quality.
Impact wrenches use both rotational force (torque) and short-burst concussive blows (impacts) to deliver a twisting motion. The concussive blows smoothly transfer most of the high-energy torque directly to the fastener instead of your hand, wrist, or arm, eliminating the twisting motion that you feel when using an electric drill. Most impact wrenches designed for consumers are cordless, battery-powered tools, opposed to the air-powered models that professional mechanics often reach for.
Impact wrenches are designed for tightening and loosening hex-head bolts, nuts and lag screws. Impact drivers, meanwhile, excel at drilling holes and driving screws — capabilities that can come in handy when tackling heavy-duty home improvement projects, like building a fence or a deck. Most cordless impact drills produce about 50 foot-pounds of torque; some impact wrenches produce over 1,000 foot-pounds of torque.
Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer in Arlington, VA who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from power tools to smart home technology, as well as articles on real estate, personal finance, and more. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, among others.
Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, oversaw the latest round of testing for this report. Dan has covered power tools for more than two decades for brands like This Old House and Consumer Reports before joining the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022. Prior to writing about home improvement, Dan worked on various roofing and remodeling crews, where he spent all day, every day wielding impact wrenches, cordless drills, pneumatic nailers and other power equipment. He has also managed several remodeling projects, most recently the gut renovation of a 19th-century Brooklyn brownstone.
Daniel Bortz (he/him) is a freelance writer in Arlington, Va who has written about home improvement for more a decade, including product reviews across every major category, from appliances to smart home technology, as well as articles on real estate, personal finance, and more. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, among others. He’s also a licensed real estate agent who watches way too much HGTV.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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