Black and decker impact driver lug nuts

Posted at 14:34h in Products

Best Impact Wrench for Lug Nuts

When it comes to wrenches, you typically have two options—a regular wrench that you crank with your hand or an impact wrench that uses either water or air to spin. Impact wrenches are often the most practical choice if you’re involved in numerous handy projects, whether at home or work. Impact wrenches are ideal for loosening and screwing lug nuts, as well as a host of other handy things. But the question remains: what’s the best impact wrench for lug nuts? Below are our handy tips on finding the best impact wrench for you! 

• Cordless Or Not? 

Cordless impact wrenches have come a long way in the last several years. These improvements have made the cordless wrench just about as heavy-hitting and durable as a corded one. Cordless wrenches are more mobile than the alternative and are similar in both the power and price range. They’re easier to handle as, well! Whether you’re using a wrench for small household jobs or something more significant like automotive work, we recommend sticking with a cordless impact wrench. 

• Volts 

Voltage comes into play when it comes to the overall power of the tool. Higher voltage equals more power. However, if you’re using your impact wrench for minimal household jobs, you might need less voltage than someone who does minimal DIY projects or uses their wrench for professional use. Typically, a lighter-use tool will be around 12V, while you can go up to 20v for an impact wrench. 

• Other features 

We recommend grabbing an impact wrench with a built-in LED light, if possible. This feature is extra helpful if it’s dark, the electricity goes out, or you’re in a hard-to-reach spot. We also recommend getting your impact wrench a case if it doesn’t already come with one! A case will keep the power tool in better condition for the coming years. If you invest in a heavy-duty impact wrench, we suggest adding a warranty to your purchase to ensure you get your money’s worth. 

1. AVID POWER 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench with 1/2″Chuck, Max Torque 330 ft-lbs (450N.m), 3.0A Li-ion Battery, 4Pcs Driver Impact Sockets

The Avid Power 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench can achieve great impact with a rate up to 2700BPM. You can change the speed of the wrench with the pressure you apply to the trigger. 3.0mAH battery only needs 60-90 minutes charging time. Specification: Max Torque: 450Nm(330 ft-lbs) Rated Voltage: 20V Variable Speed: 0-2000 RPM Impact Frequency: 0-2700 BPM Chuck Size: 1/2 inch Battery Type: Lithium-ion Battery Capacity: 3000mAh Charging Time: 1-2 hours

Review:

This is an absolutely amazing cordless 1/2inch impact wrench from AvidPower. It is rated at 330ft/lb. I tested it on my chevy cars and 1500 Ram truck. They use 19mm and 7/8in wheel lug nuts respectively, and this impact wrench took them off with no problem. Although, I used my own Pittsburgh deep impact sockets and not the ones that came included with the impact wrench. I will keep on testing it to see how it stands up to further use, but so far so good.

Weight: 4 pounds

Dimensions: 14.06 x 10.51 x 3.9 inches

2. Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-Speed 1/2″ Sq. Drive Impact Wrench w/ Detent Anvil

Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-Speed 1/2″ Sq. Drive Impact Wrench w/ Detent Anvil (5.0Ah), Tool Only (XWT15Z) provides improved fastening control, ideal for automotive, installation, and fabrication trades. The impact wrench combines extended run time and speed control for unmatched fastening performance. It is powered by a Makita-built brushless motor for longer run time. The brushless motor delivers 240 ft.lbs. of Max Torque and 430 ft.lbs. of Torque

Review:

I already have LXT tools. This impact works perfectly. Has more power than my air impact. No cords or air hoses needed. Not much bigger than the 3/8 impact I already have, but man will it bang off the lug nuts. Will carry in my fifth wheel when traveling. Yes I would buy it again.

Weight: 3.56 pounds

Dimensions: 3.98 x 6.81 x 9.21 inches

3. KIMO 20V 1/2 Impact Wrench, Cordless Brushless Impact Wrench Set

The KIMO 20V 1/2 impact wrench compact head design makes it easier to access tight places, and the 2.0Ah battery is a compromise between weight and run time. While it doesn’t have the torque of its pneumatic counterparts, it does have three times the impacts per minute to make up for it. In practice, it accomplishes the normal tasks one would expect. Lug nuts on our F-250 Super Duty pickup took about three seconds on average to break loose, and then spun off easily using the highest of the two speed settings. Rusty nuts and bolts on our farm equipment similarly took a couple seconds of impacting to break loose

Review:

So far I’ve used this to remove lug nuts and lower control arm bolts. I’m impressed. One lower control arm bolt was seized with rust and this was unable to break it free. However, I had to use a 48″ breaker bar and it was barely enough, so the torque involved with that particular bolt was well over 250ft-lbs. The best thing about this wrench is the battery life, though. Kimo claims much improved longevity due to the brushless design, and on that front it delivers. I was using it quite consistently over a two hour job and at the end

Weight: 6.2 pounds

Dimensions: 13.19 x 7.68 x 7.36 inches

4. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench, 1/2-Inch

The DEWALT 20V Max 1/2 Inch High Torque Impact Wrenches are designed for mechanical contractors, plumbers, automotive users, maintenance and repair professionals and remodelers. They are designed for professionals who demand a tool for difficult fastening applications, such as driving and removing fasteners, nuts and bolts in wood, metal and concrete. These impact wrenches deliver the power, durability and control they need to tackle the toughest tasks on the jobsite. They have 400 Feet/Pound of torque to perform a wide range of heavy duty fastening applications.

Review:

At $100 price range and mobility this is hard to beat. One thing to note if you are using 1.5, 2.0 battery the impact seems a little low on power but if you use 4.0 and up this thing is a beast. Took lugs off without hesitation and removed drive axle nut like it wasn’t even trying. The only complaint is it is a little big or the body is a little long, perfect for the weekend warrior with tuff stubborn bolts.
Would I buy it again? YES….

Weight: 2.77 pounds

Dimensions: 10.75 x 3.94 x 8.88 inches

5. Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench with Friction Ring

The 2767 M18 Fuel 1/2″ High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring eliminates the need to use a pneumatic tool for those stubborn and rusted bolts by delivering 1,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. With 2X faster removal speed, users will be able to get the job done faster and be more productive throughout their day.4-Mode Drive Control with Bolt Removal mode gives users the most control over their fasteners. Bolt Removal mode gives the user more control when removing fasteners by slowing to 750rpm once the fastener has been busted loose.

Review:

I took the tool to the junk yard to test it’s power. I did not find any bolt that I couldn’t take off. I easily took off lug nuts from pickup trucks. I took off, with minimal effort, a rusted on 46 mm axle nut. I took off with no effort at all a 36 mm truck axle nut.
So, for about an hour I took off anything that seemed to be impossible to take off with a regular ratchet and socket tool. After an hour of torture at the junk yard the battery was 90% full. I am extremely satisfied with the purchase.

Weight: 5.91 pounds

Dimensions: 3.46 x 10.23 x 9.05 inches

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Matt McWilliams

Hi there! My name is Matt and I write for Expert Home Report. I enjoy writing about everything related to home improvement, home tips and DIY. In my spare time, I'm either spending time with my family, doing a DIY project or learning a new skill.