Best Impact Wrenches for DIYers
An impact wrench delivers high rotational torque to break loose and drive large, stuck bolts and lug nuts that an impact driver or ratchet cannot. The go-to for automotive work, lawnmower blades, and rusty hardware.
What to look for
- ·Match the drive size to the job: 1/2 inch is the automotive and general standard; 3/8 inch is lighter for smaller fasteners.
- ·Look at fastening and (especially) nut-busting torque; brushless cordless models now rival air tools in power.
- ·Use impact-rated (black) sockets, never chrome hand sockets, which can shatter under impact forces.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V XR DCF891 1/2-inch | Editor's pick | $180 to $280 (tool or kit) | The best overall performance |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2962 | Editor's pick | $200 to $300 (tool or kit) | Power in tight spaces |
| Makita 18V LXT Impact Wrench | Editor's pick | $180 to $260 (tool or kit) | Reliable torque on LXT |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP Impact Wrench | Best value | $100 to $160 (tool or kit) | Best DIY value |
| DeWalt Atomic 1/2-inch | Best value | $120 to $190 (tool or kit) | Compact value |
| Metabo HPT Impact Wrench | Best value | $130 to $200 (kit) | Value with warranty |
| Corded Electric Impact Wrench | Budget pick | $50 to $90 | Budget corded power |
| Avid Power 20V Impact Wrench | Budget pick | $60 to $100 (kit) | Budget cordless kit |
| Store-Brand Impact Wrench | Budget pick | $45 to $80 | Lowest-cost occasional use |
Editor's pick
DeWalt 20V XR DCF891 1/2-inch
$180 to $280 (tool or kit)
Rated best overall, breaking bolts faster than rivals and the only one to average under three seconds in nut-busting tests. The pick for top performance.
Best for: The best overall performance
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2962
$200 to $300 (tool or kit)
A pro-grade impact wrench with high torque and a compact head for tight spaces, a close runner-up in testing. The pick for power in cramped areas.
Best for: Power in tight spaces
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools.
Makita 18V LXT Impact Wrench
$180 to $260 (tool or kit)
A strong, well-built impact wrench on the durable LXT platform with good control modes. The pick for Makita owners who want reliable torque.
Best for: Reliable torque on LXT
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
Ryobi ONE+ HP Impact Wrench
$100 to $160 (tool or kit)
A brushless impact wrench with surprising torque on the giant ONE+ system at a friendly price. A strong value for DIY automotive work.
Best for: Best DIY value
Typically available at Home Depot.
DeWalt Atomic 1/2-inch
$120 to $190 (tool or kit)
A compact, lighter impact wrench with good power for the size at a value price. A solid value for tight spaces and lighter automotive jobs.
Best for: Compact value
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Metabo HPT Impact Wrench
$130 to $200 (kit)
A capable impact wrench with strong torque and a lifetime tool warranty at a value price. A dependable mid-value pick.
Best for: Value with warranty
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Corded Electric Impact Wrench
$50 to $90
A budget corded impact wrench for occasional lug nuts and bolts with unlimited runtime. Heavier and tethered, but cheap and powerful.
Best for: Budget corded power
Typically available at Amazon, Harbor Freight.
Avid Power 20V Impact Wrench
$60 to $100 (kit)
A budget cordless impact wrench kit with battery for light automotive and home use. Limited for the toughest bolts, but a cheap complete starter.
Best for: Budget cordless kit
Typically available at Amazon.
Store-Brand Impact Wrench
$45 to $80
The cheapest impact wrench for occasional light fastening jobs. Limited power and life, but the lowest cost to break loose a stubborn bolt now and then.
Best for: Lowest-cost occasional use
Typically available at Amazon, Harbor Freight.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between an impact wrench and an impact driver?+
An impact wrench has a square anvil for sockets and delivers much higher torque to break loose and drive large bolts and lug nuts, mainly for automotive and heavy fastening. An impact driver has a 1/4-inch hex collet for driver bits and is for driving screws. They are different tools for different fasteners.
What drive size impact wrench do I need?+
A 1/2-inch drive is the all-around standard for automotive work, lug nuts, and general heavy fastening. A 3/8-inch is lighter and fine for smaller bolts and tighter spaces. Choose 1/2-inch for most uses, and a compact model if you work in cramped areas.
Cordless or air impact wrench?+
Brushless cordless impact wrenches now match or exceed many air tools in power and are far more convenient (no compressor or hose). Air tools are still light and powerful for shop use if you have a big enough compressor. For most DIYers and even many pros, cordless is the practical pick.
Can I use regular sockets on an impact wrench?+
No, use impact-rated (usually black, thicker-walled) sockets. Standard chrome hand sockets can crack or shatter under the hammering forces of an impact wrench, which is dangerous. Impact sockets are inexpensive and made for the job.
How much torque do I need to remove lug nuts?+
Most car lug nuts are torqued to around 80 to 100 ft-lbs, but they can be much harder to break loose if over-tightened or rusted. An impact wrench with a few hundred ft-lbs of nut-busting torque handles them easily; mid-range cordless models are plenty for cars.