10 Best 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrenches in 2024


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Are you on the lookout for the best 3/8″ cordless impact wrench? Here is a list of the best 3/8 cordless impact wrenches available on the market.

Of course, you can fall into a trap and buy any 3/8 cordless impact wrench that’s advertised as the best one. You will, however, quickly learn that this could not be a good idea.

The good news is that I put in the effort and time to locate the best 3/8 cordless impact wrenches on the market to save you guys some serious time.


10 Best 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrenches

These are the best 3/8 cordless impact wrenches I arrived at after extensive research. I hope it helps.

  1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench
  2. Milwaukee 2554-22 M12 FUEL Stubby 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench
  3. Ingersoll Rand 3/8″ IQV20 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench
  4. Makita XWT06Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
  5. BOSCH PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
  6. AVID POWER 20V 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
  7. Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 18V Fuel 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
  8. RIDGID 18V Brushless R87207B 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
  9. Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
  10. ACDelco ARI12104 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: Max torque of 150 ft/lbs
  • Speed:  0-2,800 RPM
  • LED light: Yes
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring, 3/8-Inch, Tool Only (DCF890B)

Both robust and reliable, this the world 20V 3/8 cordless impact wrench comes with impressive features such as:

  • A brushless motor that delivers 100 foot-pounds of torque, which is sufficient to remove rusted nuts commonly found when working on, say, motors
  • To be efficient and conserve battery life, the worker may set the speed of the cordless impact wrench to anywhere between 0 and 2800 revolutions per minute (RPMs)

In addition, this tool impressed me greatly in terms of its ease of use.

To make it more convenient for mechanics who work with their cordless impact wrenches all day, it has a small, 5.5-inch length and a two-pound weight.

Finally, the tool features three LED lights that improve illumination in dark places, enabling workers to work comfortably in those areas.

Pros

  • Compact design (5.5 inches in lenght) with 2 lbs of total weight
  • Built with both a reliable and powerful brushless motor that outputs 150 ft/lbs of maximum torque
  • 3 LEDs and a belt clip for additional convenience
  • 0 to 2,800 of no-load speed

Cons

  • Based on my experience, I have no cons to speak of

Check Price

2. Milwaukee 2554-22 M12 FUEL Stubby 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: 250 ft.-lbs. of nut-busting torque
  • Speed: 2,700 RPM
  • LED light: Yes
Milwaukee 2554-22 M12 FUEL Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit (2 Ah/4 Ah)

This Milwaukee 3/8 cordless impact wrench might be the best option for those workers looking for a powerful and intelligent tool.

Because it has a brushless motor that outputs up to 250 ft/lbs of nut-busting torque, workers won’t be frustrated by rusty bolts that are almost impossible to remove.

With its 4-mode drive control, the tool’s torque and speed can be easily adjusted based on the task at hand, an essential feature for conserving battery life and preventing the device from being over-powered.

The “auto shut off” function complements the tool’s brilliant offer by automatically shutting off the motor when it senses the bolts and nuts fastened enough.

When it comes to ease of use, this tool is head and shoulders above the competition.

Because it’s just 4.8 inches long, it has a small profile and is thus ideal for fitting into small spaces.

Last but not least, due to the tool’s lithium-ion batteries, mechanics and engineers no longer have to worry about running out of battery power when using it regularly.

Pros

  • Brushless motor provides up 250 ft/lbs of nut busting torque
  • 4-mode drive control adapts the torque and speed of the tool to the task at hand
  • Auto-shut off mode avoids over-fastening
  • Compact deisgn of only 4.8″ in length that allows one to work in tight areas comfortably
  • “REDLINK PLUS™ Electronic Intelligence” substantially improves the performance of the battery
  • “REDLITHIUM” batteries enhances runtime to avoid running out of battery in the middle of the workday
  • 2,700 RPM

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Check Price

3. Ingersoll Rand IQV20 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: 550 ft/lbs of nut busting torque and 365 ft/lbs of max. torque
  • Speed: Variable-speed switch with electronic brake
  • LED light: Yes
Ingersoll Rand 3/8" IQV20 Impact Wrench (W5133)

One of the most powerful cordless impact wrenches of this list, this Ingersoll Rand 3/8 cordless impact wrench comes with impressive features such as its:

  • Brushless motor with a nut bursting torque of 550 ft/lbs, which is more than sufficient for the operator to remove rusted nuts and bolts with ease
  • Four operating modes: max, half, wrench, and hand-tight. This makes it possible for the user to quickly and simply adjust the speed and torque of the tool

To make things easier, the tool has a speed selector that allows the user to choose the appropriate pace of the impact wrench for the job at hand, which is ideal for extending battery runtime as the tool doesn’t work above what it needs.

When it comes to portability, the tool just weighs 5.3 kg and is 6.5 inches in length, making it an extremely lightweight and compact design for a tool with this amount of power.

Pros

  • Brushless motor outputs 550 ft/lbs of nut busting torque and 365 ft/lb of max torque
  • 4-mode power control: max, half, wrench and hand tight, which always delivers the rigt amount of torque
  • Variable speed switch with electronic brake enhances speed control
  • 5.3 lbs and 6.5″ of length which is very lightweight and compact for a tool of this power
  • 360 degree COB LED light enhances visibility
  • Chemical and impact-resistant housing and patented steel reinforced frame that enhances durability

Cons

  • It can be a bit heavy for some

Check Price

4. Makita XWT06Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: Max torque of 155 ft/lbs
  • Speed: Variable speed (0-2,100 RPM & 0-3,200 IPM)
  • LED light: Yes
Makita XWT06Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench, Tool Only

Makita is a brand known for its very powerful and durable tools.

This Makita 3/8-inch cordless impact wrench is no exception, as it has a 4-pole motor with a variable speed trigger that delivers up to 155 foot-pounds of fastening force.  This allows the user to remove rusty bolts and do it in a very efficient way.

With the unique Makita hammer and anvil impact mechanism, changing sockets is a breeze, and rusty nuts and bolts are no problem at all neither.

Moreover, its LED light increases lighting wherever it is pointed to, allowing the user to operate in low-light conditions.

It comes with the Rapid Optimum Charger, which makes it extremely simple to charge the battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of it in the middle of the workday.

Pros

  • 4-pole motor that outputs 155 ft/lbs of fastening torque with variable speed (0-2,100 RPM & 0-3,200 IPM)
  • Makita’s proprietary hammer and anvil impact mechanism
  • It only weighs 3.4 lbs with a rubberized soft grip and ergonomic shape
  • Built-in LED light that enhances work in low light areas
  • Rapid Optimum Charger enhances battery lifetime
  • Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating

Cons

  • Not the best packaging

Check Price

5. BOSCH PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: Max torque of 85 ft/lbs
  • Speed: No-load RPM ratings of 0-1,200 and 0-2,600
  • LED light: Yes
BOSCH PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8 In. Impact Wrench Kit

This Bosch 3/8 cordless impact wrench is equipped with a brushless motor that produces a maximum torque of 85 ft/lbs and has a 2-speed option, making it one of the finest in its class.

A compact design that measures just 5.5 inches in length and weighs only 1.6 pounds allows mechanics to handle the tool for long periods of time in confined places with no issues.

Among other features is a durable belt clip that makes it simple to store the tool and LED lights that eliminate the difficulties engineers have when removing nuts and bolts in low-light settings.

Pros

  • EC Brushless motor delivers a max torque of 85 ft/lbs with 2-speed settings
  • Compact design of 5.5 inches of lenght and 1.6 pounds in weight
  • No-load speed of 0-1,200 and 0-2,600 RPM
  • LED lights for improved visibility
  • Rugged belt clip for easy storage

Cons

  • Nothing to complain about over here

Check Price

6. AVID POWER 20V 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: 185 ft-lbs of max torque
  • Speed: 0-2700 RPM
  • LED light: Yes
AVID POWER 20V Cordless Impact Wrench 3/8" with 2.0Ah Li-ion Battery, 4Pcs Sockets, Max Torque 185 ft-lbs (250N.m), Compact Impact Wrench Kit

The Avid power 3/8 cordless impact wrench is equipped with a motor that can provide up to 185 ft/lbs of maximum torque and a no-load speed ranging from 0 to 2,700 RPM.

This provides enough force and speed to prevent mechanics from becoming frustrated when they cannot use their impact wrenches to remove rusty nuts and bolts.

Also, the motor is equipped with a variable speed trigger, which enables the user to adjust the speed to the greatest extent possible while conserving battery life.

The tool has three LED lights for added convenience while operating in poorly lit locations.

Despite the lack of further storage for the included sockets, the impact wrench comes with a non-slip rubber grip that makes it much easier to use the tool for extended periods of time.

Pros

  • Motor outputs 185 ft/lbs of maximum torque and a no-load speed of 0-2,700 RPM for wide range of applications
  • Variable speed trigger for maximum speed adaptability
  • 3 LED lights makes working on dark places a breeze
  • Friction ring allows for easy socket changes
  • Anti-slip rubber handle for superior comfort when holding the tool
  • 2.0 Ah durable battery

Cons

  • There’s no extra storage for the included sockets

Check Price

7. Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 18V Fuel 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: Brushless motor delivers up to 250 ft/lbs of nut-busting torque
  • Speed: Mode 1: 0-800 RPM, Mode 2: 0-1,650, Mode 3: 0-2,400, Mode 4: 0-2,400
  • LED light: Yes
Milwaukee 2855-20 M18 FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact 1/2 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only)

Milwaukee is known for making very powerful tools, and this 3/8-inch cordless impact wrench is no exception in this regard.

This tool has a brushless motor that delivers 250 ft/lbs of nut-bursting torque, making it ideal for operators who need to remove corroded nuts and bolts quickly.

Despite its high price, the 4 mode drive control allows you to choose between four different speeds so that you may customize it to your needs at any time.

It features an auto-shutoff and bolt removal modes for your convenience, ensuring that the tool will not overtighten the fasteners.

Finally, it has a friction ring that makes switching out sockets a pleasure, saving you a ton of time in the process.

Pros

  • Brushless motor outputs 250 ft/lbs of nut busting torque for nusty bolts and nuts
  • 4-mode drive control allows for maximum torque control (Mode 1 RPMs: 0-800; Mode 2 RPMs: 0-1,650; Mode 3 RPMs: 0-2,400; Mode 4 RPMs: 0-2,400)
  • REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence ensures maximum performance
  • Auto shutoff and bolt removal for perfect adaptability and avoidance of overtightening
  • 3 LED lights which allows for perfect visibility on dark areas
  • Friction ring allows for easy socket changes
  • 4.8″ in length makes for a very compact design which is easy to hold

Cons

  • The price is a bit high

Check Price

8. RIDGID 18V Brushless R87207B 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: up to 225 ft/lbs of breakaway torque
  • Speed: Up to 2,800 RPM
  • LED light: Yes
18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8 in. Impact Wrench

However, despite its seeming simplicity, this RIGID 3/8 cordless impact wrench has several valuable features, including:

  • An ultra-powerful brushless motor with 225 ft/lbs of breakaway torque for removing corroded bolts and nuts
  • The wrench is capable of adapting to the nut or bolt being tightened because of the three speed mode and the auto tightening mode

For ease of use, it has LED lights that illuminate dark spots and a friction ring that simplifies the process of changing sockets.

Lastly, durability is ensured by the tool’s use of all-metal gears throughout its construction.

Pros

  • Brushless motor technology outputs 225 ft/lbs of breakaway torque and 2,800 RPM
  • 3-speeds and auto-tightening mode for maximum speed adjustability
  • Compact design of 4.31 inches in length
  • All metal gears for enhanced durability
  • LED lights successfully iluminates dark areas
  • Friction ring for easy socket chances

Cons

  • Can be a bit heavy

Check Price

9. Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: 130 ft/lbs of fastening torque and 230 ft/lbs of nut-busting torque
  • Speed: Variable 2-speed (0-1,300/0-2,400 RPM)
  • LED light: Yes
Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 3/8" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench, Tool Only

This fan-favorite 3/8″ cordless impact wrench comes with impressive, powerful features such as:

  • 230 ft/lbs of nut bursting torque from a brushless motor for removing rusted nuts frequently faced while changing tires
  • When the fastener is sufficiently loosened, the motor automatically stops rotating (a.k.a auto shutoff mode)
  • The flexibility to adjust speed for a broad variety of applications is provided by the 2-speed option

Due to this, Makita engineers made sure the tool was as light as possible for tradespeople who often use it, making their lives easier for them to manage as well, weighing only 2.7 lbs (with battery included!).

Lastly, the tool is very long-lasting because of its dust- and water-resistant “Extreme Protection Technology” as well as its long-lasting brushless motor.

Pros

  • Brushless motor that outputs up to 230 ft/lbs of nut busting torque and 130 of regular fastening torque
  • Variable 2-speed (0-1,300/0-2,400 RPM & 0-2,000/0-3,600 IPM) that allows the tool to be adapted to the task at hand
  • Reverse rotation auto-stop mode that stops the motor when it senses the fastener is loosen enough
  • Compact and lightweight design of only 2.7 lbs of weight and 5-5/8″ in lenght
  • Convenient 3/8″ square drive for quick socket changes
  • Dual LED lights
  • Extreme Protection Technology provides durability thanks to its dust and water resistance
  • Ergonomically designed handle
  • Protection against overloading and over discharging thanks to Star Protection Computer Controls

Cons

  • One would expect a bit more torque from Makita

Check Price

10. ACDelco ARI12104 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench

Features

  • Torque: 90 ft/lbs max. torque
  • Speed: Variable speed trigger with reversible control and electric brake switch (0-2,400 RPM / 0-3,100 IPM)
  • LED light: Yes
ACDelco 3/8 Power Impact Wrench 90ft-lbs LED Light Cordless Li-ion 12V Max Compact Tool, Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger, G12 Series  ARI12104

This ACDelco 3/8 cordless impact wrench is a perfect mix of powerful and convenient features, at an excellent price too.

For instance, it has a motor that can generate up to 90 ft/lbs of maximum torque, which is impressive considering its size.

The most remarkable thing about it is how little and light it is, weighing just 1.98 pounds and measuring only 6-1/4 inches in length.

Easy-to-use features, including a comfortable grip and built-in LED lighting with a battery indicator, provide convenience for engineers.

Finally, the tool’s variable speed control enables the user to adjust the tool’s pace to the job at hand, which is critical in conserving battery.

Pros

  • 90 ft/lbs of max. torque & No Load Speed: 0-2,400 RPM
  • Variable speed switch (0-2,400 RPM / 0-3,100 IPM) with electric break and reversible control for maximum speed adaptability
  • Compact and ergonomic design of 6-1/4″ in length and 1.98 lbs in weight with soft grip design
  • Built in LED light and battery indicator

Cons

  • A little bulky on the handle

Check Price


What Is The Best 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench Overall?

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench

I selected this Dewalt 3/8 cordless impact wrench as the best one overall, mainly due to its impressive features, such as:

  • Built with a brushless motor that is both dependable and powerful, with a maximum torque of 150 ft/lbs.
  • No-load speed range: 0 to 2,800 mph.
  • The device has a small (5.5-inch) overall length and weight (of only two pounds).
  • Additional conveniences include three LED lights, for enhanced illumination, and a belt clip. 

Anyways, if you’d like to read its full review, you can do so by clicking the button down below.

Review

What Is The Best 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench for Changing Tires?

Ingersoll Rand 3/8″ IQV20 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench

When it comes to changing tires, I’d go with the Ingersoll Rand 3/8 cordless impact wrench because of its many outstanding features, including:

  • Brushless motor that delivers a nut-busting torque of 550 lb-ft and maximum torque of 365 lb-ft
  • A four-mode power management system provides the right amount of torque for a specific job
  • Speed control is improved with a variable-speed switch and electronic brake.
  • It weighs just 5.3 pounds and is 6.5 inches in length, making it an exceptionally portable power tool.

You can check out the entire review by clicking the button below if you’re interested.

Review


Quick Comparison Table

NameTorqueSpeed LED light
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring, 3/8-Inch, Tool Only (DCF890B)

Review
Max torque of 150 ft/lbs0-2,800 RPMYes
2. Milwaukee 2554-22 M12 FUEL Stubby 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrench
Milwaukee 2554-22 M12 FUEL Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit (2 Ah/4 Ah)

Review
250 ft.-lbs. of nut-busting torque2,700 RPMYes
3. Ingersoll Rand IQV20 3/8 Cordless Impact Wrenc
Ingersoll Rand 3/8" IQV20 Impact Wrench (W5133)

Review
550 ft/lbs of nut busting torque and 365 ft/lbs of max. torqueVariable-speed switch with electronic brakeYes
4. Makita XWT06Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
Makita XWT06Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench, Tool Only

Review
Max torque of 155 ft/lbsVariable speed (0-2,100 RPM)Yes
5. BOSCH PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
BOSCH PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8 In. Impact Wrench Kit

Review
Max torque of 85 ft/lbsNo-load RPM ratings of 0-1,200 and 0-2,600Yes
6. AVID POWER 20V 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
AVID POWER 20V Cordless Impact Wrench 3/8" with 2.0Ah Li-ion Battery, 4Pcs Sockets, Max Torque 185 ft-lbs (250N.m), Compact Impact Wrench Kit

Review
185 ft-lbs of max torque0-2700 RPMYes
7. Milwaukee 2854-20 M18 18V Fuel 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
Milwaukee 2855-20 M18 FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact 1/2 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only)

Review
250 ft/lbs of nut-busting torqueMode 1: 0-800 RPM, Mode 2: 0-1,650, Mode 3: 0-2,400, Mode 4: 0-2,400Yes
8. RIDGID 18V Brushless R87207B 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8 in. Impact Wrench

Review
Up to 225 ft/lbs of breakaway torqueUp to 2,800 RPMYes
9. Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 3/8" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench, Tool Only

Review
130 ft/lbs of fastening torque and 230 ft/lbs of nut-busting torqueVariable 2-speed (0-1,300/0-2,400 RPM)Yes
10. ACDelco ARI12104 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench
ACDelco 3/8 Power Impact Wrench 90ft-lbs LED Light Cordless Li-ion 12V Max Compact Tool, Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger, G12 Series  ARI12104

Review
90 ft/lbs max. torqueVariable speed trigger with reversible control and electric brake switch (0-2,400 RPM / 0-3,100 IPM)Yes

Must Have Features for The Best 3/8 ” Cordless Impact Wrench

These are the features I believe all ⅜ cordless impact wrenches must have to be considered the best, at least by me.

3/8″ Hog Ring Anvil

Well, the first feature to look for is, of course, a 3/8 hog ring anvil.

Using this anvil, socket replacements should be a breeze, saving the user time and ensuring the sockets are correctly installed every time.

Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your cordless impact wrench when attempting to remove a rusted bolt with a loose socket.

Powerful Brushless Motor

For all mechanics and engineers, I suggest investing in a 3/8-inch cordless impact wrench with a solid brushless motor, which will be critical for removing stubborn rusty nuts and bolts from wheels and engines. 

I’d say the motor should output at least 100 ft/lbs as this is the standard for removing and fastening bolts.

In addition, a brushless motor guarantees optimum efficiency, saving battery life and extending the tool’s lifetime.

Variable Speed Trigger

A variable speed trigger might seem a feature that’s a bit extra, I know. 

However, this is a critical feature for workers who utilize various speeds in their cordless impact wrenches.

As a result, the best cordless impact wrenches must have variable-speed triggers, which let the user choose the tool’s RPM setting based on the job at hand and alter it quickly on the go.

Compactness

No one wants to use a bulky cordless impact wrench for many hours, especially if the tool is heavy. But, sadly, there are some occasions in which you just have to do it anyways.

Therefore, I’d advise all engineers to get a lightweight, cordless 3/8-inch impact wrench that weighs no more than 5 pounds and has a maximum length of 7 inches, as this is the maximum bulkiness of a tool of this nature should have without becoming a pain in the you-know-what.

If you don’t, you’ll be stuck with a tool that’s heavy and difficult to maneuver for long periods of time.

Quality Construction

Last but not least, we have the issue of quality.

Nowadays, this seems like a lost battle as most brands derive their manufacturing procedures overseas to save on costs, leaving quality standards behind.

However, there are still some brands that do things the right way.

This is how I recommend all workers find 3/8 cordless impact wrenches manufactured mainly in America (which is a guarantee of durability) and with top-quality materials. This is the best way to make sure your hard-earned money is well invested.


Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions frequently arise about the best 3/8 cordless impact wrenches.

This is my attempt at answering most of them to save you guys sometime in the process.

What’s a 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench Good For?

Well, if there’s something I could say about a 3/8 cordless impact wrench is that they’re known as tools that:

  • Have powerful motors and variable speed triggers that make it easy to take out and tighten nuts and bolts that need a lot of torque and speed.
  • Are designed with lightweight materials and ergonomic designs, at least the best ones, that are simple to handle for extended periods of time.

How Are Impact Drivers And Impact Wrenches Different?

There’re various differences between impact drivers and impact wrenches. 

Now, I’m going to talk about the most popular ones.

The first lies in the accessories you use with these instruments to make them work.

You use an impact driver to tighten and loosen screws, and you attach the impact driver bits to the tool’s chuck so that they spin as the tool is used.

In the case of an impact wrench, it’s a whole different system. 

You use a hog ring anvil with sockets attached to it, which rotates at high speed and torque to tighten and remove nuts and bolts typically found on wheels and vehicle motors.

The second difference resides in the amount of torque both of these tools offer.

The torque of an impact driver is measured in inches per pound, while the torque of an impact wrench is measured in foot-pounds.

In most cases, the torque levels of impact drivers are in the range of 1,500 to 1,600 in/lbs, or around 125 ft/lbs (this will come in handy later).

On the other hand, Cordless impact wrenches offer a far more significant amount of torque, ranging from 200 to 500 ft/lbs (and even higher levels on some of their versions).

If you’re interested in seeing a video that explores these differences more in-depth, then you can check out this man who seems to be an authority on the subject:

YouTube video

How Are Air Impact Wrenches and A 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrenches Different?

The difference between these two types of impact wrenches resides in their power source.

An air impact wrench is powered by an air tank, while a cordless impact wrench relies on a battery for its power supply.

Because an external air tank powers them, air impact wrenches are low-cost because they lack complicated internal components. 

They’re also very dependable due to the lack of any internal components that might fail in the future.

However, they need air tanks and air compressors to operate, which means that workers will have to spend not only on the tool itself but also on an external air tank which can be a bit expensive for some.

You’ll also have to deal with hoses that link the air tanks to the air impact wrenches, which may sometimes be a pain.

With cordless impact wrenches, you’ll have a potent tool that doesn’t depend on wires or hoses since a battery supplies its power.

This is critical for employees who value the freedom of movement that these technologies provide.

These tools, however, come with certain caveats.

As a result of the extensive testing that goes into designing and manufacturing these devices, they are very costly.

There are also many internal components that may fail at any time and cost a significant amount of money, resulting in the need to replace the whole tool.

Battery issues are another common occurrence since they may go bad at any moment and disrupt a mechanic’s workflow.

What’s the Best Voltage for a 3/8″ Cordless Impact Wrench?

This question may be answered by pointing out a single rule.

The more torque a tool has, the greater its power since the motor has more energy to work with.

So, if you’re the kind of mechanic that needs extreme torque levels, I will say that you have to look for a ⅜ cordless impact wrench with at least 25 volts.

As for the best 3/8-inch cordless impact wrench, I recommend searching for one with at least 20 volts if you want a high level of torque that meets most of the requirements of engineers and mechanics.

That much I know from personal experience.

Can Bolts Be Removed with a Cordless Impact Wrench Without Breaking?

The answer to this question relies on two factors.

The first one is your experience as a tradesman. 

If you have years of experience removing rusty bolts, then you’ll quickly realize what level of torque and speed you must apply for a particular bolt to be removed without breaking.

The second factor relies on the level of technology the cordless impact wrench you’re using has.

Nowadays, some cordless impact wrenches come with features that automatically shut down their motors when they sense that the bolts are loose enough. 

Also, some of these tools have the so-called “bolt removal mode” which is precisely engineered to remove bolts without breaking them.

However, if you want to learn exactly how to remove a bolt without breaking them, then I’d say you should watch the following video that goes in-depth on this:

YouTube video

What’s The Difference Between Torque, RPM, And IPM?

Impacts per minute are denoted by the acronym IPM, whereas rotations per minute are abbreviated “RPM”. 

Both of these terms measure how quickly a particular model of a cordless impact wrench is.

The amount of power and force that a cordless impact wrench’s motor can produce is often described using the torque level, measured explicitly in ft/lbs. That’s how we get expressions like “nut-busting torque” and “maximum torque.”

It would be best if you only considered torque when assessing a tool’s power since this is the measure that will determine whether or not your cordless impact wrench can assist you in removing specific nuts and bolts.

Author
Hi, I’m John Smith, a proud husband, and father of two little beautiful girls. After a long time of thinking I made up my mind to build a website around my passion.. helping people who need smart advice from handymen with years of experience.

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