5 Best Impact Wrenches of 2024, Tested by Engineers

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.