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| AIRCAT 1150 (Best Overall)
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| Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX (Most Quiet)
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| AIRCAT 1056-XL (Cheapest yet Quality Wrench)
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| Ingersoll-Rand 231C
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| Campbell Hausfeld TL140200AV
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| NitroCat 1200-K
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| DEWALT DWMT70773L
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The impact wrench is a convenient tool to have when it comes to unscrewing or tightening the lug nuts and bolts of different types of machinery and vehicles.
All industries, ranging from automotive to construction, use air impact wrenches. Impact wrench makes work easy, fast, and less frustrating.
The advantage of the air impact wrenches is that it takes less time to remove the stubborn bolts. Air Impact wrench comes in different types, sizes, torques, etc. meaning that it has something for everyone from hobbyist to professional.
Our team has spent countless hours researching air impact wrenches in the market. Check out our reviews of best air impact wrenches below, we have also included a buying guide to make your work easy during the purchase.
Best Air Impact Wrench
1. AIRCAT 1150 1/2-Inch Air Impact Wrench
Aircat 1150 is an ½- inch air impact wrench based on a hard-hitting twin hammer mechanism that the manufacturer calls the “Killer Torque.”
This air-powered impact wrench provides the massive 900 feet per pound maximum torque and 1295 feet per pound of loosening torque. This power is more than enough to remove the stubborn nut out of place or to fit it in the place.
The Aircat 1150 is capable of delivering 1400 blows per minute. All the controls are equipped at the back, making it easy to change the controls single-handedly.
Aircat patented quiet technology only makes a sound of 86 decibels, so you can work at any time of day or night without disturbing your neighbors. This powerful wrench only weighs 4 pounds, thanks to a patented ergonomic handle with an all-black composite body.
The Aircat 1150 is packed with a 15% larger rotor than the standard rotor size, which is providing more torque. And the primary function of the rotor is to enable the torque function. For peace of mind, this beast comes with 2 years of warranty.
This ½- inch impact wrench, without any reason, is one of the best in this price range due to its capacity to provide enormous power at a very noise level.
- Lightweight. Only weighs 4 pounds.
- It comes with 2 years warranty.
- The impact wrench is capable of providing 900ft pound torque and 1250ft pound loosening torque.
- It creates only 86 dBA of noise.
- Gun vibrates when it is loosening the stubborn nut.
2. Ingersoll Rand 2235QTiMAX Quiet Titanium Air Impact Wrench
Ingersoll Rand impact wrenches are known for their power and durability, and 2235 ½-inch air impact wrench is not different than that.
Ingerson Rand 2235 produces 1350ft pound torque going forwarding and 930ft pound loosening torque. Like Aircat 1150, this wrench is also designed on a twin hammer mechanism.
The wrench has a four-position power regulator, and one hand forward/reverse button is placed in a way that you can use that single hand comfortably. The letter Q in the name of the model stands for the technology used in the wrench to makes it quieter during operation.
This air impact wrench best works on air pressure between 90-120 PSI. 2235 model shoots 1220 impacts per minute. Its titanium hammer case, steel wear plate, and durable composite help the wrench to survive in a tough and harsh environment.
This product is suitable for heavy-duty, and it is not for the home hobbyist. This powerful pneumatic impact wrench only weighs about 4.6 pounds that allow it to use for a longer period of time without getting fatigued.
The manufacturer claims that this product can go up to 10 years without losing power, and with this kind of features and durability, we think the wrench can survive this long. It comes with a 2 years warranty.
- It weighs only 4.6 pounds.
- It comes with 2 years warranty.
- This is one of the best wrenches for heavy-duty work in this price segment.
- It produces 1350ft pound torque and 930ft pound loose torque.
- It is not for hobbyists only suitable for professional work.
3. Ingersoll Rand Model 231C Pneumatic Impact Wrench
Ingersoll Rand was first introduced 25 years ago, and since then it is known to provide performance and reliability. This model is getting better and better after every upgrade.
Ingerson Rand 231C air impact wrench provides 600ft pound torque and delivers high-quality results. This product works great on brake work, tire rotation, nut removing & tightening, spring works, etc.
Like other Ingerson wrenches, this also has composite housing material for comfort and easy glide forward and reverse switch and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold for a longer time. This air impact wrench also works on a twin hammer mechanism and has power management control allowing you to use a single hand and it is capable of providing 8000rpm.
This unit works perfectly on the hose size of ⅜-inch. The impact wrench comes with a set of extension bars made of chrome vanadium steel for long-lasting use. Ingersoll Rand 231C is small in size but is capable of doing all professional work, and they are used by professionals. The wrench comes in 2 piece construction that makes it easy to operate and maintain.
With all these features, this product weighs only 5.8 pounds. It comes with a year warranty.
- It weighs only 5.8 pounds.
- Its 2 piece construction makes it easy to operate and maintain.
- It is suitable for all kinds of professional work.
- It is capable of providing 8000 rpm.
- It comes with only a year warranty.
4. Campbell Hausfeld TL140200AV Air Impact Wrench
Campbell Hausfeld is engaged in making products for the last 185 years and is known among hobbyists and professionals for its reliable and durable products. Campbell Hausfeld’s ½ inch impact wrench is one such tool known for its durability and power.
Campbell Hausfeld ½ inch impact wrench is best for homeowners who want to do small automotive tasks or other things like changing the blade of a lawnmower, etc. This wrench provides impressive torque of 550ft pound, and surprisingly it weighs less than a pound and other best thing they cost less than $100. Now you know why everyone is fond of Campbell Hausfeld products.
This lightweight wrench comes with a 3-speed power regulator that gives you maximum freedom to choose the power accordingly.
Wait, there is more. Like Ingersoll Rand and Aircat wrenches, this air-powered impact wrench is also based on a twin hammer mechanism, and an ergonomic grip provides comfortable operation without making your hand fatigue. Not only good for holding, but it has an elegant design as well.
This air impact wrench works perfectly with ⅜ inch hose pipe. This wrench also makes less noise than other air impact wrenches in this category and it comes with a year warranty.
- It weighs less than a pound.
- It produces impressive 550ft pound torque.
- It is very comfortable during the operation due to its ergonomic handles.
- It costs less than $100.
- It comes with only a year warranty.
5. NitroCat 1200-K 1/2-Inch Air Impact Wrench
NitroCat 1200-K ½- inch impact wrench is very similar to the Aircat 1150 in terms of almost every things.
NitroCat 1200-K produces 200 to 900ft pound torque and 1250ft pound loosening torque similar to Aircat 1150. The NitroCat delivers 950 blows per minute, which is slower than the Aircat 1150 by 450 blows. This air impact wrench is powered by a twin-clutch design instead of a twin hammer design. The patented silence technology allows air to pass the air without developing the backpressure.
Unlike other wrenches, NitroCat 1200-K requires daily maintenance with air tool oil. This wrench is specially designed for heavy-duty work only, and they are not suitable for cars and other smaller items.
The impact wrench is made of Kevlar and Aluminum material for durability, and for relieving stress and fatigue from the user’s hand, the product is made of a patented ergonomic design. This unit weighs only 4.5 pounds even though it comes with so much power. Like other Aircat products, this also comes with a 2- years warranty.
All the controls are equipped at the back, making it easy to change the controls single-handedly. NitroCat 1200-K ½-inch wrench is used by many racing teams that ensure the product is of good quality.
- It is used by many racing teams that ensure this is an excellent product for heavy-duty work.
- It weighs only 4.5 pounds.
- It produces only 86 dBA of noise.
- It comes with 2 years warranty.
- It is not suitable for smaller vehicles.
- It needs to oil daily that increases the maintenance cost.
6. AIRCAT 1056-XL 1/2″ Compact Air Impact Wrench
Aircat 1056-XL is a ½-inch air impact wrench that is sold under the Nitrocat brand. This a lightweight, small, and stubby impact wrench to use at the place where medium-duty and heavy-duty impact wrench can’t reach.
This is small yet powerful, like the Aircat 1150. This air impact wrench provides 550ft pound torque and 750ft pound loosening torque, and it sits perfectly on your hand and is well-balanced.
Aircat’s incorporated patented quiet technology reduces the sound to 85 decibels. The patented ergonomic design fits in hand perfectly and provides comfortable use during tough operations.
Aircat 1056-XL ½ -inch impact wrench is powered with a jumbo hammer mechanism responsible for delivering more power. The forward/reverse switch mounted near the trigger is another patented technology by Aircat company which provides easy change between the forward/reverse option. And the power management switch is placed right under the forward/reverse switch, giving you full control of the air impact wrench in one hand.
Apart from all these features, this small beast with a sturdy design only weighs about 2.5 pounds. Aircat 1056-xl is an old model, but this product is still dominating the small impact wrench category because of more power and comfortable grip feature. Like other Aircat models, this also comes with 2 years warranty.
- It weighs only 2.5 pounds.
- It comes with 2 years warranty.
- The patented silence technology reduces the noise to 85 dBA.
- This wrench is capable of providing 550ft pound torque and 750ft pound loosening torque.
- It fails to provide enough power in low mode.
7. DEWALT DWMT70773L 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
If you have purchased any power tools in the past, then you may have heard the name Dewalt a couple of times. Dewalt is the most famous brand in the U.S. and other countries. Dewalt products are known for their long-lasting nature.
Dewalt DWMT70773L Air Impact Wrench generates 650ft pound torque and 7500RPM. This pnuematic impact wrench is capable of delivering 1100 blows per minute. This high power helps to provide loosening or tightening faster than other impact wrenches of this category.
Its rubber gripped ergonomic design causes less fatigue in hand, and they stay comfortably in hand. The switches, button to change forward/reverse and triggers to change power, speed is mounted in such a way that it can operate easily single-handedly.
The air impact wrench is equipped with sets of bumpers that ensure the safety of the user from shock; thus, this impact wrench is also shock-resistant. This pneumatic ½-inch impact wrench weighs less than 5 pounds.
Dewalt brand is also known for giving more warranty than its competitor. This impact wrench ½ inch comes with a massive 5 years warranty. They offer even more than 5 years warranty, that is 30 days money-back guarantee.
- It comes with 5 years warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee.
- It weighs less than 5 pounds.
- Its ergonomic handle and single-hand design make it easy to operate easily without getting fatigued.
- It is capable of delivering 650ft pound torque and 7500rpm.
- We were not able to find any cons in this product.
What is Impact Wrench?
A power supply provides power to the motor, and the motor transfers the energy to the rotor, and thus it produces the torque. This is how an impact wrench works. The impact wrench is used for tightening/removing fasteners.
Impact wrenches are often known by many names such as rattle gun, torque gun, air gun, air wrench, etc.
The ‘L’ shaped piston-type design impact wrench is more popular than other types of design because they are more compact, lightweight, and easily get into the smaller spaces. Impact wrenches come in 3 types i.e. pneumatic impact wrench, electric coded impact wrench, and battery-operated impact wrench.
What is an air impact wrench?
The air impact wrench is also known as a Pneumatic impact wrench. In simple terms, the impact wrench works on the pressure of air. The air impact wrench is more powerful than the cordless impact wrench.
There are various types of air impact wrenches available in the market in terms of size, power, weight, etc. Piston type design in air impact wrench is widely used because it provides more torque than other types. They are also lightweight in nature. You need to stay connected with the air compressor all the time.
Types of Impact Wrench
Impact Wrench also is known as torque gun, and it is of 3 types, namely, pneumatic impact wrench, electric corded impact wrench, and battery-operated impact wrench.
Pneumatic impact wrench:
A pneumatic impact wrench is known as an air impact wrench. As the name suggests, this works on the air compressor. In fact, an air-powered impact wrench is more powerful than other types of impact wrenches.
Electric corded impact wrench:
Just plug in the socket, turn the switch, and you are ready to remove some stubborn nuts. The extension makes it easy to carry the coded impact wrench anywhere in the shop or the garage.
Battery operated impact wrench:
Cordless tools working on a battery is becoming more and more popular among homeowners. There are 3 types of batteries available in the market: Nickel Cadmium(NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride(NiMH), and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion). Out of these 3, Lithium-Ion is powerful and expensive than others.
What to look for when buying an Impact Wrench
There are various factors you need to consider before buying an impact wrench.
Torque:
Torque is directly related to the speed of loosening a screw. Higher torque removes the fastener more quickly than the impact wrench with lower torque. Many wrenches are available in the market that allows you to vary the torque as per the need.
Weight:
An impact wrench is a handheld device, so the weight factor is something you need to consider before purchasing. A heavier impact wrench can make you fatigued during the long work of the day.
Size:
Wrenches are available in different sizes and sockets in the market. A smaller size wrench can easily work into the tightening spaces, but you need to sacrifice some torque. On the other hand, if you need more torque than the wrench will be large and a little heavier.
Impact per minute:
It indicates how many times the hammer strikes. The higher the impact rate, the quicker the screw will come out.
Ergonomic grip:
The ergonomic grip allows the user to work for a longer period without feeling fatigued. Ergonomic handles come in almost all impact wrenches, but it is better to double-check.
Warranty:
A wrench with a good warranty is a must. Almost every manufacturer gives 1-2 years, but others provide a long warranty like Dewalt gives 5 years of warranty on the impact wrench.
So, check the warranty and above-mentioned feature before purchasing the impact wrench.
FAQ
What should I look for in Impact Wrench?
First, determine the need after that check the torque, size, warranty, weight, impact per minute, etc. For in-depth, go to our ‘What to look for’ section.
How many types of impact wrenches are there?
There are 3 types of impact wrenches available: Pneumatic impact wrench, electric corded impact wrench, and battery-powered impact wrench.
Can I use an impact wrench for the screw?
Yes, you can use the impact wrench for screws, nuts, lug nuts, bolts, etc.
Does size matter in the impact wrench?
Yes, it matters a lot. Small size impact wrench will allow you to work in small spaces but will come with low torque. A larger size impact wrench will come with more torque. Evaluate your need before purchasing the impact wrench.
Which size is more popular in the impact wrench?
½ inch impact wrench is more popular than others, and after that, the second popular is ⅜-inch air impact wrench.
