Looking for the best impact wrench in 2024? We gathered 10 flagship models from brands across the power tool industry, analyzed and tested all of them together, and then put them all head-to-head in one video. We’ve got impact wrenches from Milwaukee, DeWalt, Flex, Makita, Ridgid, Kobalt, Ryobi, Hilti, Metabo HPT, and Skil.
We ran tests to capture measurements on the fastening torque, breakaway torque, and overall strength and durability of these tools. Near the end of the impact wrench video, we share all the data in a series of color coded chart highlighting all the specs and information you need to know about these tools.
Key Insights From The Impact Wrench Head-to-Head Video
- 🛠️ DeWalt’s DCF891 impact wrench offers 82% more fastening torque and 33% more nut busting torque than the DCF894, making it a very impressive second generation model.
- 🔧 DeWalt’s new four mode push button system with a Precision wrench setting reduces the chance of overtightening and prevents runoff when used in Reverse.
- 💪 Flex’s impact wrench offers top tier power, above average build quality, and a lower price than most of the competition, making it a tasteful blend of function, form, features, and value.
- 💪 Milwaukee’s Mid-Torque impact wrenches give you fastening torque up to 550 ft-lbs and up to 650 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque.
- 💪 The Metabo HPT impact wrench stands out with its compatibility with both 36volt multivolt batteries and an AC adapter, ensuring extended runtime without the need to worry about battery life.
- 🛠️ Skil’s flagship mid torque impact wrench claims up to 480 ftlb of fastening torque and 800 ftlb of breakaway torque, with a maximum impact rate of 3,950 impacts per minute.
- 💪 The performance tests for impact wrenches include torque, speed, and efficiency to compare the claims made by manufacturers.
- 💪 Power is crucial for cordless impact wrenches, but finding the smallest, lightest package without sacrificing quality is key.
- 🛠️ The DeWalt DCF891, while a close competitor, falls short in comparison to the Milwaukee due to its longer length and heavier weight.
Milwaukee’s M18 fuel 1/2 inch mid torque impact wrench is the best overall choice, but all the impact wrenches reviewed are viable options.
- 00:00 🔧 Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Flex, & MORE! We compare 10 flagship impact wrenches, including Milwaukee’s M18 fuel mid torque models and DeWalt’s DCF891.
- 01:36 🔧 DeWalt’s new impact wrench has a Precision wrench setting to prevent overtightening, while Makita’s 40V XGT GWT07 offers high torque and vibration absorption.
- DeWalt’s new impact wrench model has a four mode push button system, including a Precision wrench setting, which reduces the chance of overtightening and prevents runoff when used in reverse.
- Makita’s 40 volt xgt GW t07 impact wrench offers high torque, advanced features, and a flexible joint to absorb vibration, making it a strong performer in the mid torque class.
- 03:02 🔧 Flex’s mid torque impact wrench offers top power and lower price, while Hilty’s SIW 622 is smaller and lighter with impressive speed and torque.
- Flex’s first generation mid torque impact wrench offers top tier power, above average build quality, and a lower price than most of the competition, with 600 ftlb of fastening torque and around 750 ftlb of breakaway torque, but it is heavier and not as compact as its closest competitors.
- Hilti’s SIW 622 impact wrench is smaller and lighter, designed for industrial construction applications, with impressive speed and torque, backed by a 20-year warranty, while the Metabo HPT WR 36 de offers four standard speeds and four forward assist modes.
- 05:12 💡 The Metabo HPT impact wrench is compatible with 36volt multivolt batteries and an AC adapter for extended runtime, while the Ryobi p262 offers 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque, 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, a 2800 RPM top speed, and three modes plus an auto mode for more control, and the Rigid R 86012 mid torque impact wrench is suitable for use on passenger vehicles and available exclusively at Home Depot.
- The Metabo HPT impact wrench has high torque and the unique feature of being compatible with both 36volt multivolt batteries and an AC adapter for extended runtime, while the Ryobi p262 impact wrench offers 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque, 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, a 2800 RPM top speed, and three modes plus an auto mode for more control.
- The Ridgid R86012 mid torque impact wrench is suitable for use on passenger vehicles, offers a balance of size and torque, and is available exclusively at Home Depot.
- 06:40 🔧 Kobalt’s 24volt Max Solution and Skil’s flagship mid torque impact wrenches offer high torque and speed controls for a good value.
- 07:43 🔧 Cordless impact wrenches from various brands were tested for torque, speed, and efficiency, with the results and testing methods to be shared later in the video.
- 08:56 🔧 Power is crucial for cordless impact wrenches, with a focus on power to weight ratio and smart controls, as well as considering vibration and noise levels.
- 11:12 🔧 Milwaukee 2962 M18 fuel 1/ in mid torque is the best overall impact wrench due to its compact form and high torque delivery, but all the tools reviewed are viable choices.
