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Tested: The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches for 2023
A 1/2-inch impact wrench is essential for any heavy-duty automotive work. We tested a bunch of the most popular brands on the market; here are the ones to buy.
A tool's value lies in its ability to ease demanding tasks. Among power tools, the impact wrench stands out for removing stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts. It's a game changer for both DIY enthusiasts and pro mechanics, making the difference between a productive day and a struggle with obstinate hardware.
This article dives into the high-torque universe of cordless, battery-powered impact wrenches. We've evaluated various models on power, durability, usability, and cost-effectiveness.
Our Top Picks
The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches
There are three common impact wrench sizes for automotive work: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch. The 1/4-inch impact wrench is great for small, delicate jobs; 3/8-inch wrenches are nice "do-it-most" tools; and 1/2-inch impact wrenches are for heavy-duty nuts and bolts. We strictly tested 1/2-inch cordless impact wrenches for this test, but most brands have offerings in different sizes.
Battery life is a big consideration for any cordless tool, and a good rule is to solve this with the batteries themselves, rather than the tool, as each brand offers batteries with varying capacity. (We tested all of these impacts with either 4- or 5-amp-hour batteries.) It's also worth being extra diligent when purchasing cordless power tools in general, as many come in full kits, some without chargers, and some are simply tool-only options.
If you're in the market for an impact wrench, it's a good idea simply to buy the tool that goes with your at-home cordless tool system, whether that be DeWalt, Milwaukee, or another brand. It's a better, cheaper option than brand-hopping and accumulating a bunch of different batteries.
Here's our test of top 1/2-inch cordless impact wrenches ideal for auto work. There's something here for all needs and budgets.
How We Tested 1/2-Inch Cordless Impact Wrenches
When evaluating the top juggernauts of the cordless impact wrench market, we considered what people are looking for in their impact wrenches. Most of us want a powerful tool to grapple with high-torque needs like rusty bolts, lug nuts, and time-bound jobs. In addition to considering what the average person wants in an impact wrench, we also concentrated on verifying manufacturer claims through an industrial-grade torque measurement tool from Inertia Torque.
During our tests we took detailed notes on the design of each tool, the time it took to remove an axle nut, and we measured their loosening and tightening torque output. We noted the following parameters during testing:
- Weight of tool
- The time it takes to remove a 200-ft-lb axle nut
- Decibel reading
- Loosening torque output
- Tightening torque output
- Comfort and grip
After running each 1/2-inch impact wrench through these testing parameters, we decided which ones proved their mettle and which ones fell short. Here are our picks for the best 1/2-inch cordless impact wrenches.
Katherine Keeler is an Assistant Testing Editor at Hearst Autos. By day she evaluates tools for your enjoyment; by night, she Frankenstein’s her ever changing fleet of rust-bucket-oddities back to repair. Her dream is to open a roadside attraction where the public can view, drive, and learn repairs at her emporium of curious cars.
Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.
Collin Morgan is an Associate Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.
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