Top 5 Best Cordless Impact Wrench Kits (1/2 inch)- 2018 Review
Last updated on August 14th, 2019 at 02:16 am
It sucks when you have to tow your broken truck to the garage because a stubborn nut such as the axle nut refused to come off. What makes it even worse is the hose of an air wrench or the power cord of the electric wrench being too short to reach where your broken truck has been deposited in the garage yard. Needless to say that no one even likes anything, including hoses and cords, coming in their way while they are trying so hard to punish a notorious nut. Good news is that you can buy some freedom and power, literally, by investing in one of the most robust 1/2 cordless impact wrench guns that will break lose those sticky nuts in seconds.
A 1/2 inch cordless impact gun is a heavy-duty battery-powered tool that delivers the same or even more power than a typical air impact gun. Typically, a cordless impact wrench will feature a very robust brushed or brushless motor and a long-lasting high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The two combine to deliver a huge amount of torque for a couple of hours to get your heavy-duty tasks done anytime and anywhere. In this article, we review the top 5 cordless impact wrench kits in order to help you select the one that suits your needs.
Comparison Table for Top 5 Best 1/2 inch Cordless Impact Wrench Guns
Detailed Review of Best Cordless Impact Wrench Kits
DCF899P1 1/2 Dewalt 20v Cordless Impact Wrench Review
With an incredible amount of nut-busting torque, the 1/2 DCF899P1 Dewalt Cordless Impact Wrench is what all stubborn nuts and bolts deserve. It will take off lug nuts, axle nuts, brake calliper bracket bolts, and other hardcore nuts and bolts on trucks, tractors and other heavy-duty machines and bodies with the deserved brutality. To ensure that all hidden stuck nuts and bolts are discovered and hammered away, this impact gun has an LED light at the base of the grip next to the selector switch that shines light on them. The light has a 20 seconds delay to increase visibility in dark work areas. However, because of the position of the LED light, sometimes it casts shadow on the target thus affecting its effectiveness in the dark.
I consider the dewalt cordless impact wrench 20.0v 1/2in a multipersonality tool. This is because it is capable of being either rough, mild, or smooth on nuts and bolts courtesy of the three operation modes. Depending on how hard you want to fasten a nut or bolt, the selector switch allows you to deliver the right amount of torque without risking damage. The lower torque setting delivers torque at a speed of up to 400 RPMs while the mid-torque delivers up to 1200 RPMs and the high torque at 1900 RPMs and maximum torque.
The dewalt high torque impact wrench features a brushless motor that ensures that the tool operates more effectively and efficiently. It also increases the overall lifetime of the tool. The motor has an electric brake that stops the socket from spinning immediately. This impact gun runs off the 20V max DeWalt battery pack and can be used with any 20V max battery. It has a dual voltage charger that can charge the 20V max battery and the 12V max battery.
The DeWalt high torque cordless impact wrench is without a doubt the best and most powerful cordless impact wrench that will take out rusty lug nuts and axle nuts in seconds without whining. With an unmatched 5Ah battery, you can be sure to have an uninterrupted 8 hours of light and heavy use. You can definitely count on the DeWalt 20v cordless impact gun if your work involves a lot of suspension works, brakes systems, tire rotation and various other low and heavy duty applications. The major downside of this impact gun is that it is quite bulky on your hand because it weighs a whopping 7.2 pounds and measures 10.5 inches from top to bottom and 8.81 inches from front to back. Additionally, although its head is angled for versatility, the tool is still too big to fit very tight spaces.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2763-22 High Torque 1/2 Impact Wrench Review
Like the dewalt, milwaukee m18 cordless impact wrench delivers almost an equal amount of nut-breaking torque. More precisely, it delivers 1100ft-lbs of reverse torque against dewalt’s 1200ft-lbs and up to 700ft-lbs of forward torque. It also has two torque settings in forward; mode 1 and mode 2. Mode 1 is a low torque setting that delivers up to 100ft-lbs while mode 2 delivers up to 700ft-lbs. With such settings, you can be sure to crank down nuts and bolts with the right amount of torque without breaking them or over-fastening.
The milwaukee 18v cordless impact wrench features a brushless motor to prevent it from sparking and overheating. This ensures that the tool holds up longer than if it had a brushed motor. You can use the impact wrench for as long as you need without feeling uncomfortable due to heat. However, in the instance that the impact gun overheats, it will automatically shut off courtesy of the overload protection feature built into it. This feature shuts off power to the gun whenever abnormal heating is detected on the electronics, battery, or motor until the unit cools off. In order to ensure that you remain productive even in less illuminated work areas, the cordless impact wrench milwaukee features a bright LED light with a 20 seconds delay. This ensures that nuts and bolts don’t hide in the dark from action.
Another amazing thing about this tool is that it ships with a Red Lithium m18 4Ah battery. This battery stores enough charge to last you a day of intensive work. Even cooler, you don’t have to wait for long hours waiting for the battery to charge. With the quick charge technology introduced in the M-series battery line up, 30 minutes is enough time to charge the m18 battery from 0% – 100%. As if that is not all, the REDLink technology built into the battery allows it to deliver the same amount of power from the time it is fully charged to when it discharges. It also features an onboard fuel gauge to show you the state of charge of battery so that you can plan your work more effectively.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2763-22 High Torque 1/2 Impact Wrench is the real deal for an automotive technician who needs to drive nuts and bolts with the same amount of power irrespective of the battery state of charge. With this tool, you can drive crank bolts, axle nuts, large and small lug nuts, press ball joints, and take off rusty bolts from anywhere effortlessly. There is also a massive warranty on this tool and charger of up to 5 years and 3 years on the battery. The only challenge is the straight head that might be a bit of a problem when trying to access nuts and bolts in very tight spaces. It also lacks a belt clip although there is a place to screw one in.
Ingersoll Rand w7150 k2 Cordless Impact Wrench Review
The 1/2 inch Ingersoll rand w7150 is another angled head cordless impact wrench that delivers an impressive 650ft-lb of forward torque and up to 750 ft-lb of reverse torque. To take off the rusty and nasty bolts and nuts, the Ingersoll rand cordless impact wrench delivers up to 1100ft-lb of nut-busting torque at an impact rate of 2300 blows per minutes through its 1/2 inch pin detent drive.
Although not the most efficient type of motor, the Ingersoll rand’s brushed motor drives sockets up to a maximum speed of 1900RPMs. The variable speed switch, on the other hand, allows a user to have maximum control of the tool and deliver just the right amount of torque at an intuitive speed. This tool is light on your hand as it only weighs about 7 lbs with the 20V battery attached. It is also comfortable on your hands, courtesy of its patented soft-touch over-moulded grip.
To withstand accidental drops and physical abuse, the Ingersoll rand w7150-k2 features a steel-lined aluminum hammer case that protects the tool internals. It is also strong and yet lightweight to ensure that it can hold up to hard impacts. The tool also boasts an intelligent 20V IQV20 series of the high-capacity lithium-ion battery to ensure that it lasts as long as you need it as well as make up for its relatively less efficient motor technology.
If you are looking for cordless impact tool with a brushed motor that can deliver as much torque as the equivalent air impact without the hassles of cables and messy oils, then the Ingersoll rand w7150 impact gun is the real deal. It will make quick work of even the toughest daily jobs although the sparks from its brushless motor might be a little uncomfortable though not unsafe.
Bosch IWMH182-01 18V Brushless Impact Wrench with 1/2 Square Drive Review
Although not made for high torque applications, the bosch 1/2 cordless impact wrench delivers up to 185ft-lbs of torque at a speed of up to 2600 RPMs and and an impact rate of not more than 3500 blows per minute. It features a slope pin detent on its 1/2 inch square drive for fast and easy socket attachment and removal without the need for a tool. The ball detent also ensures maximum socket retention during operation.
Equipped with the top-of-the-line EC brushless motor, the bosch cordless impact wrench 18V delivers power with high level of efficiency. The motor also ensures that the tool runs longer and lasts twice as long as the conventional motor, thus providing a good return on investment. Unfortunately, with this bosch tool, there is only one operation mode. In other words, the amount of torque and speed is controlled using the variables speed trigger.
The tool is powerful and compact with the head measuring 6.4 inches long. This increases its maneuverability in tight spaces. Its LED light allows a user to be productive even in dark work areas. Its light weight (3.6 lbs) and ergonomic design extends comfort to a user in all-day applications.
If you are looking for an impact wrench that is light on your hands and delivers as much torque as an impact drive for driving sockets, the Bosch IWMH182-01 18V Brushless Impact Wrench with 1/2 Square Drive is the real deal. It is an exceptional driver for large lag bolts and other mid-torque applications. This makes it a perfect tool for installers, electricians, plumbers, concrete masonry pros and other tradesmen. It even features a belt clip that can be used to hang it securely onto a tool belt for easy access when not in use. This cordless tool has an amazing 3 years warranty and 2 years on the charger.
Craftsman C3 Heavy Duty Impact Wrench Review
Albeit dubbed a heavy-duty cordless impact wrench, the craftsman c3 1/2 heavy duty impact wrench kit powered by 4Ah xcp only delivers a maximum of 300ft-lbs of torque. This is half the amount of torque you get from the other high-torque heavy duty impact wrenches such as the Milwaukee and dewalt.
This cordless craftsman impact wrench is equipped with a brushed motor, that spins the 1/2 inch pin detent drive at a speed of up to 3000 RPMs and a hammering of up to 3000 blows per minutes for cranking down bolts. Therefore, don’t be surprised when this tool emits a spark or two out of the casing during the abrupt stop from its electric brake. This unit has only one operation mode and a user utilizes a variable speed trigger to progressively control the speed and torque.
To deliver such an impressive amount of torque, the craftsman 1 2 impact wrench cordless packs a 19.2 V battery. This craftsman 19.2 volt battery is a heavy duty extended capacity battery that provides enough power to last you for an entire full tire rotation exercise of torqued-to-spec lug nuts of a car without recharging. The only downside with this powerhouse it that torque varies with the state of charge; torque is not consistent with battery state of charge.
This tool is ideal for an electrician, plumber, auto mechanic and other tradesmen. It is good for auto repair works that involve a lot of suspension works, wheel removal, tire rotation and other mid-torque applications. It will take off lug nuts torqued to spec but will, unfortunately, struggle with rusty bolts and overtightened lug nuts. Another disappointment is the fact that the tool does not include a carrying case (whether cloth case or molded type) and its charger will only work with the US standard mains. Nonetheless, its price is nothing short of a good deal for a heavy duty impact wrench tool of its caliber.
Bottom Line
Although these cordless impact guns differ in various aspects, they exhibit the following similarities:
- They deliver all or more power than their air tool equivalent without the hassle of cables, hoses, or messy oils and lubricants.
- You can purchase a tool alone or as a kit.
- They all have warranty cover even though the periods differ.
- With each tool, you get more freedom and mobility at work.
This makes it quite difficult to select the best among them because they all tend to fulfill their primary purpose. That notwithstanding, you can still choose among them the impact wrench that perfectly suits your needs using the following buying guide.
Cordless Impact Wrench Buying Guide
The best cordless impact gun can be selected by considering at least one or more of the following primary factors: budget, power/torque, motor type, battery lineup, tool weight and size, preferred brand, and the warranty cover.
- Budget
- Power/torque
- Motor Type
- Battery lineup
- Tool weight and size
- Brand
- Warranty Cover
If you are working with a lean budget and need to get a tool that packs an incredible amount of torque at a magnificent speed, then the craftsman C3 impact gun is a good bargain. It will take off mid-size lug nuts, drive bolts into wood, and perform other mid-torque applications impressively.
High torque applications will not take anything less than a tool that delivers the highest amount of torque. As such, you can consider the Dewalt DCF899P1, Milwaukee 2763-22, or the Ingersoll Rand impact guns. They deliver a nut-busting torque of not less than 1100ft-lbs and a forward torque of 700ft-lbs. However, the Dewalt offers 3 speed/torque operation modes, giving you full control on your tool. Milwaukee, on the other hand, has two operation modes, while the Ingersoll Rand has only one operation mode. Therefore, depending on how much control you want to have on your tool, you can choose the one that fits your needs.
Cordless Impact guns pack either a brushed or a brushless motor. The latter is known to be less efficient than the former. In addition, a tool that runs on a brushed motor will tend to radiate sparks as a result of the switching action of commutators and generally overheat after some intensive use. Needless to say that a brushed motor wears out a lot faster than the alternative and that it would need maintenance. However, tools featuring these brushed motors are less expensive than those with brushless motors. So, depending on the compromise you are willing to make, you can choose Ingersoll rand w7150 or craftsman C3 cordless impact wrench guns that feature brushed motors or otherwise the Dewalt DCF899P1, Milwaukee 2763-22 and Bosch IWMH182-01 impact guns.
Sometimes selecting the best impact wrench depends on what battery lineup to which you want to put your money. As you know, a battery is very important with cordless tools. Therefore, you want to invest in a high capacity battery that will last you several hours between recharges. In this case, the Dewalt DCF899P1 unit features the highest battery capacity of 5Ah at 20V. Milwaukee, Bosch, and Craftsman have a 4Ah while the Ingersoll Rand only packs a 3Ah battery.
The weight of a tool matters so much especially if you intend to use it intensively for a long period of time. As such, you want a tool that performs to your expectations while at the same time not putting too much weight on your arm. Unfortunately, all these high-performance tools exert a couple of pounds on your arms. However, the Bosch is the lightest, weighing in at only 3.6 pounds but does not deliver as much torque as a heavy-duty tool.
This particularly applies to the people who want to be consistent with the brand of their other tools. The battery lineup is also a major determining factor. For instance, if you have other Dewalt tools or say a Dewalt lighted tool backpack using the 20V Max Battery lineup, you may want to stick with Dewalt impact gun because the batteries are interchangeable. You can even buy the tool alone in order to cut on the unnecessary expense. This applies to other renowned brands such as the Milwaukee, Bosch and the rest.
It is normal to want a warranty cover on a purchased tool, especially one that costs you a tooth and a nail. These five cordless impact wrenches come with at least a year of warranty coverage. However, a tool like Milwaukee has an amazing 5 years of warranty while Dewalt has a 3-year cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The DEWALT DCF899P1 20V MAX XR Brushless High Torque 1/2 Impact Wrench Kit is rated the highest with up to 1200ft-lb of nut-busting torque. However, the forward torque equals that of Milwaukee 2763-22 M18 1/2 at 700ft-lbs.
All the five cordless impact wrenches will remove lug nuts but Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Ingersoll Rand have nut-breaking torque rating that allows them to break loose overtightened and rusty lug nuts
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