The Best Electric Impact Wrench for 2023

Best Overall: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench This 20V MAX cordless impact wrench is the perfect tool for all of your home improvement projects. It's easy to use and has a detent pin that holds the handle in place for maximum torque.

Best Budget: Cordless Impact Wrench, WESCO 20V Electric Impact Wrench Electric impact wrench is the best tool for all your DIY needs. It's powerful and lightweight, it's perfect for all your home repairs and DIY projects.

Editor's Choice: AVID POWER Cordless Impact Wrench 1/2 Impact Gun w/ Max Torque 330 ft lbs (450N.m), 20V Impact Driver Kit w/ 3.0A Li-ion Battery, 4 Pcs Drive Impact Sockets and 1 Hour Fast Charger, Electric Impact

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Is an impact wrench worth it?

Impact wrenches make removing tough bolts a lot easier, and securing bolts and screws will feel effortless. It’s a tool that seems expensive until you use it, and if you purchase a quality product it could last you a lifetime. 

Are cordless impact wrenches any good?

Cordless impact wrenches offer a tremendous advantage over pneumatic or corded electric varieties in that you will not be restricted by being tied to an air compressor hose or outlet cord. Battery technology has greatly improved over the years and if you keep spare batteries charged while the one in your impact wrench is working, you should never run out of juice. 

What size impact wrench do I need for automotive work?

A 1/2-inch impact wrench is large enough to handle the power needed to perform most repairs on regular day to day daily driving vehicles. The smaller 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch impact wrenches are typically used for fastening smaller screws and bolts for home building or repair. These smaller wrenches may not have the torque or power necessary to complete automotive related tasks. 

Will an impact wrench break bolts?

It’s not uncommon to have a seized or over-tightened bolt break when trying to loosen it with an impact wrench. The impact wrench can create a distortion of the bolt, causing it to snap. Soaking a seized bolt with penetrating oil before attempting to break it free will help prevent damage.

How powerful of an impact wrench do I need?

Smaller impact wrenches can do around 90% of the work needed around the house, but automotive wrenching typically requires more strength. A minimum of 400 pound-feet of torque should give the power needed to remove lug nuts and perform most suspension work. However, if you live in the rust belt or near an ocean, you may want to consider an impact wrench with a torque rating of 500 pound-feet or more. Rusting lug nuts and bolts tend to hang on tight.

Electric impact wrench are a must-have tool for working on your own car or truck projects, or if you maintain home lawn equipment and other machinery. These powerful wrenches feature a hammering mechanism that delivers strong, quick blows to blast seized bolts that might otherwise require serious muscle power and a breaker bar. The high-power and torque offered by the right tool will take out or tighten bolts with ease, which will make any job faster and easier.