If selecting an affordable air impact wrench is difficult, then selecting the best one for the money is almost impossible.
I mean, when using any of the affordable air impact wrenches currently offered in the market you’ll have to face really common problems such as:
- Not having the necessary torque to deal with rusty bolts, as most manufacturers want to cut costs wherever they can
- Dealing with bulky and heavy air impact wrenches difficult to operate
- Getting deeply frustrated when the air impact wrench you spent your hard-earned money on breaks down after a couple of months of regular use
All these problems might seem impossible to solve with the cheapest versions of the air impact wrenches available.
However, if you know where to look, then you might get to a good selection of affordable air impact wrenches.
List Of The Best Air Cheap Impact Wrench For The Money
Given all the problems with cheap air impact wrenches currently offered in the market, I made an effort to build the following list of tools I found to be not only affordable but also powerful, ergonomic, and durable:
- 1) Aircat 1056-Xl 1/2″ Compact Composite Cheap Air Impact Wrench
- 2) Ingersoll Rand Model 231C 1/2″ Heavy-Duty Air Cheap Impact Wrench
- 3) Aircat 1076-Xl 3/8″ Compact Composite Cheap Air Impact Wrench
- 4) Acdelco Ani405A Heavy Duty Twin Hammer Pneumatic Cheap Impact Wrench
- 5) Aircat 1150 “Killer Torque” 1/2-Inch Air Cheap Impact Wrench
- 6) Ingersoll-Rand 2130 1/2-Inch Heavy-Duty Air Cheap Impact Wrench
- 7) Nitrocat 1200-K 1/2-Inch Kevlar Composite Air Cheap Impact Wrench
- 8) Workpad 1/2-Inch Composite Air Impact Wrench With Twin Hammers, Pneumatic Tools
- 9) Dewalt Dwmt70775 Air Cheap Impact Wrench
- 10) Astro Pneumatic Tool 1822 Onyx 1/2″ Nano Air Cheap Impact Wrench
1. Aircat 1056-Xl 1/2″ Compact Composite Cheap Air Impact Wrench
Have you ever spent money on an air impact wrench that doesn’t have the power enough to help you loosen rusty bolts?
Well, this happens pretty frequently and it’s really frustrating.
This is why I love this AIRCAT 1056-XL affordable air impact wrench, as it comes with features such as 550 ft-lb of maximum torque and 750 ft-lb of loosening torque, which is more than enough power to deal with rusty bolts.
In terms of comfort and convenience, this impact wrench performed pretty well during the testing period as it has features such as:
- “Silencing Technology” that reduces the noise level to 85 dBA, which is barely noticeable
- Grip design specially made to fit the holding hand which reduces hand pain if you are to use this tool for continued hours
- It only weighs 2.5lbs, which means it’s really lightweight
- Trigger that mixes the forward/reverse and a power management switch which provides control and the possibility to use the tool one-handedly
Pros
- 550 Ft-Lb Maximum Torque And 750 Ft-Lb Of Loosening Torque
- Low Weight Composite Housing Reduces Weight To 2.5 Lbs.
- Reliable Jumbo Hammer Mechanism Delivers Maximum Power While Increasing Reliability
- “Silencing Technology” Reduces The Noise Level To (85 Dba)
- Grip Has Been Ergonomically Designed To Perfectly Fit The Hand
- Trigger Mounted Combined Forward/Reverse And Power Management Switch
Cons
- It Struggles With Tough Lugnuts, But It Always Gets The Job Done
2. Ingersoll Rand Model 231C 1/2″ Heavy-Duty Air Cheap Impact Wrench
The right air impact wrench should not only be affordable, but also powerful enough to let you loosen tough bolts easily.
This is why I think that this Ingersoll Rand air impact wrench is one of the best, especially taking into consideration its price.
I mean, it has features such as a twin-hammer mechanism that delivers 600 foot-pounds of torque which is more than enough for most applications.
Additionally, it comes with a handle contoured to fit the hand and an adjustable power regulator which, in combination, make the experience of using this tool much better.
Pros
- Twin-Hammer Mechanism Delivers A Maximum Torque Of 600 Foot-Pounds
- Adjustable Power Regulator Provides Easy Control Of Torque Output
- Arrives Fully Lubricated And Ready For Use Out Of The Box
- Pressure-Feed Lubrication
- Easy To Service Two-Piece Construction
- Contoured Handle For Comfort And Control
Cons
- It’S Enough To Work On Cars, But Not On Trucks (Though Very Powerful)
3. Aircat 1076-Xl 3/8″ Compact Composite Cheap Air Impact Wrench
This AIRCAT 1076-XL air impact wrench surpasses expectations when it comes to affordable tools, as it has a 550 ft-lb maximum torque and a 750 ft-lb loosening torque which is more than enough to deal with tough bolts and nuts.
When working for more than a few minutes with an impact wrench, one usually starts to feel it in their arms.
Luckily with this air impact wrench that doesn’t happen as it only weighs 2.5 lbs and has an ergonomic grip that’s designed for the hand which makes the whole experience of using this tool much lighter on the hands and arms.
Pros
- 550 Ft-Lb Maximum Torque And 750 Ft-Lb Of Loosening Torque
- Low Weight Composite Housing Reduces Weight To 2.5 Lbs.
- Jumbo Hammer Mechanism Delivers Maximum Power While Increasing Reliability
- “Silencing Technology” Reduces The Noise Level To (85 Dba)
- Grip Has Been Ergonomically Designed To Perfectly Fit The Hand
- Trigger Mounted Combined Forward/Reverse And Power Management Switch
Cons
- Trigger Made Of Plastic Which Does Not Feel Great At The Touch
4. Acdelco Ani405A Heavy Duty Twin Hammer ½” 500 Ft-Lbs. 5-Speed Pneumatic Cheap Impact Wrench
To provide enough power to satisfy the need of being used to loosening rusty bolts and nuts, this ACDelco heavy duty air impact wrench offers a maximum Torque of 500 ft-lbs and a free speed up to 8,000 RPM with 1-speed reverse which lets users enjoy a powerful torque and select what speed they need based on the application at hand.
I can confidently tell you that this air impact wrench is one of the most ergonomic tools I have ever tested.
I mean, it has features such as a slim body that reduces vibrations and an ergonomic soft-grip handle exhaust which is not only crazy ergonomic but also lets the user easily control the tool for long hours.
Pros
- Max. Torque 500 Ft-Lbs
- Equipped With An 1/2 Alloy Steel Head Excellent For Car Tire Rotation / Removal, Change Lawnmower Blade, Etc
- 4 Free Speed Up To 8,000 Rpm (No Load Speed) And 1 Speed Reverse, That Enables Users To Utilize Different Speeds Based On The Various Applications
- Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle Exhaust Design
- Slim Body Design Molded To Securely Fit And Balance Hand Torque
Cons
- Can Feel A Bit Heavy At 5.72 Lbs (Only For Some Specific Type Of People)
5. Aircat 1150 “Killer Torque” 1/2-Inch Air Cheap Impact Wrench
The best way to make sure that you won’t regret buying a cheap impact wrench is to make sure it has enough power to let you loosen rusty bolts.
This is why I loved this AIRCAT 1150 air impact wrench during the testing period, as it came with a motor that outputs torque of 900 feet per pound and a 1,295 feet per pound loosening torque which is more than enough to deal with any nut or bolt.
It is also designed with an ergonomic handle which makes its use much more comfortable than other tools and it also works at 86 decibels which is a considerably low noise level for the type of tool we are talking about.
Pros
- Sheer Power And Performance Of 1,295 Feet-Pounds (Ft-Lb) Of Loosening Torque And Max.
- Torque 900 Ft-Lbs
- 1,400 Blows Per Minute Makes This The Strongest Hard Hitting Twin Hammer 1/2 Impact
- 15-Percent Larger Rotor Creates Unmatched Power
- Patented Quiet Technology At 86 Decibels
- Durable Composite Housing
- Ergonomically Designed Handle
- Easy Operation Flip Lever Forward And Reverse
Cons
- Plastic Housing (But, If You Get Used To It, Then It’S No Issue)
6. Ingersoll-Rand 2130 1/2-Inch Heavy-Duty Air Cheap Impact Wrench
Getting an affordable impact wrench nowadays might seem easy, but it really isn’t.
I mean, sure you’ll find a lot of cheap impact wrenches, but not all of them are gonna have the necessary torque to help you loosening tough bolts and nuts.
This is why I really like this Ingersoll-Rand 2130 air impact wrench, as it has a motor that outputs 550 ft/lbs in a twin hammer mechanism which is more than enough for most applications.
Moreover, the tool is really light and ergonomic as it has attributes such as:
- A reinforced aluminum case that makes it not only really durable but also fairly lightweight
- Weight of only 4.2 pounds, which makes it really light and portable for working in tight spaces
- Composite housing provides superior ergonomics which comes in handy when using the impact wrench for a few hours without stopping
Pros
- Its Robust Twin-Hammer Mechanism
- Composite Housing Provide Superior Ergonomics
- Durable Design Pays Off In Years Of Quality Performance
- 550 Ft./Lbs. Of Maximum Torque
- Multi-Position Power Management
- Easy-Glide Forward/Reverse Switch Give You Reliable Control For Improved Precision
- Full-Stroke Tease Throttle
- Its Lightweight, Reinforced Aluminum Hammer Case Also Helps Cut Down On The Bulk
Cons
- The Only Complaint Is That Impact Sockets Seem To Be Difficult To Remove When Changing Sockets
7. Nitrocat 1200-K 1/2-Inch Kevlar Composite Air Cheap Impact Wrench
Power is priority number one when it comes to air impact wrenches.
This NitroCat 1200-K impact wrench does not lack behind in that sense as it offers 900 ft-lbs maximum torque and a loosening torque of 1,295 ft-lbs.
In terms of convenience, this tool also surpasses expectations as it has a patented ergonomic design with a durable and lightweight Kevlar housing which makes this wrench really light.
And, in terms of the noise it makes, it performs well as it only makes 86 decibels of noise when running at full speed.
Pros
- 900 Ft-Lb Maximum Torque And 1,295 Ft-Lb Of Loosening Torque
- Durable Kevlar Reinforced “Body Armor” Housing
- Ergonomically Designed Handle
- Quiet Tuned Exhaust (86 Dba)
- Easy Operation Flip Lever Forward And Reverse
- The Twin Clutch Is Better Suited For Heavy Duty
Cons
- Can Be A Little Noisy
8. Workpad 1/2-Inch Composite Air Impact Wrench With Twin Hammers, Pneumatic Tools
Even though this article refers to cheap impact wrenches, that doesn’t mean you should forget about getting a powerful tool, right?
I mean, how are you going to deal with rusty bolts then?
In that sense, this WORK PAD air impact wrench offers a maximum torque of 950 ft/lb and a free speed of 7000 RPMs which is more than enough for me.
If there’s something I hate when getting new tools, is wasting money on a tool that’s gonna break after only a few months of regular use.
This is why, during the testing period, I really liked this impact wrench as it came with:
- Composite housing with an ergonomic grip made this tool really easy to operate singlehandedly for a long period of time with no pain at all
- Handle exhaust with a muffler that substantially reduces the noise made when in use
- The tool is made of Anvil with a special heat treatment, which guarantees maximum durability
Pros
- High-Quality Material Made Durable Anvil With Special Heat Treatment
- Handle Exhaust With Muffler Reduces Noise Level And Prevents Air From Blowing In User Work Area
- Composite Housing Is Lightweight And Ergonomic Grip Designed. More Comfortable And Less Vibration
Cons
- It Makes A Bit More Noise Than The Rest (Not Something Unbearable)
9. Dewalt Dwmt70775 Air Cheap Impact Wrench
A huge issue for those looking for an affordable air impact wrench is the low potency motors most of these tools offered.
This Dewalt impact wrench is an exception to that rule as it can run at 11,000 RPMs and delivers 300 ft-lbs of breakaway torque which is more than enough for stubborn bolts.
Moreover, this tool has attributes that make using it much easier as it has an adjustable power regulator that lets gives maximum control and a composite body both shock resistant (something essential in an impact driver) and really durable.
Pros
- Twin Hammer Mechanism Delivers 300 Ft-Lbs Of Breakaway Torque
- Composite Body Design With Shock Resistant Housing Bumpers And Rubber Handle
- Adjustable Power Regulator To Give Users Maximum Control
- 11,000 Rpm For High Power Fastening / 1200 Bpm
- Bottom Handle Exhaust
Cons
- Can Be A Bit Loud
10. Astro Pneumatic Tool 1822 Onyx 1/2″ Nano Air Cheap Impact Wrench
A good impact wrench worth its money should have enough power to handle stubborn bolts.
This is why I can recommend this Astro pneumatic impact wrench as it delivers 450 ft/ls of maximum torque and 350 ft/lbs of working torque which is more than enough power for an impact wrench.
Additionally, it weighs only 3.0lbs and has 3 forward speed and 3 reverse speed settings which makes this impact wrench one of the most portable and easy to use tools I have ever tested.
Pros
- Innovative Twin Hammer Design
- Extremely Short Profile
- Incredibly Light Weight At 3.0Lbs
- 450 Ft/Lbs Of Max Torque
- Working Torque: 350 Ft-Lb
- 3 Forward Speed And 3 Reverse Speed Settings
- Free Speed: 10.000 R.P.M
- Noise Level: 86 Db
Cons
- Nothing To Say Here!
My Verdict: The Best Air Cheap Impact Wrench For The Money
Aircat 1150 “Killer Torque” 1/2-Inch Air Cheap Impact Wrench
If you want to know why exactly I selected this AIRCAT air impact wrench as the best one for its price, then clicking the button down below will give you a better idea.
ReviewQuick Comparison Table
| Name | Convenience | Power | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
1. AIRCAT 1056-XL 1/2" Compact Composite Cheap Air Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
2. Ingersoll Rand Model 231C 1/2" Heavy-Duty Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
3. AIRCAT 1076-XL 3/8" Compact Composite Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
4. ACDelco ANI405A Heavy Duty Twin Hammer ½” 500 ft-lbs. 5-Speed Pneumatic Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
5. AIRCAT 1150 "Killer Torque" 1/2-Inch Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
6. Ingersoll-Rand 2130 1/2-Inch Heavy-Duty Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
7. NitroCat 1200-K 1/2-Inch Kevlar Composite Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
8. WORKPAD 1/2-Inch Composite Air Impact Wrench with Twin Hammers, Pneumatic Tools |
|
|
|
9. DEWALT DWMT70775 Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
10. Astro Pneumatic Tool 1822 ONYX 1/2" Nano Air Cheap Impact Wrench |
|
|
|
How Did I Test The Best Air Cheap Impact Wrench For The Money
These are some of the most crucial tests I completed to choose the best air cheap impact wrenches listed in this article:
Power Test
During this test, I made sure to test each air impact wrench on rusty and stuck bolts to measure the power.
If the tool performed correctly and unscrew the bolt easily, then I continued with the testing. If it did not, I disregarded the tool.
Convenience Test
In this test, I made sure to use each affordable air impact wrench for a long period to see how bulky and heavy they felt.
If the tool felt lightweight and portable, then I would continue with the durability test.
Durability Test
Finally, during this test, I made sure to put each tested air impact wrench under a continued stress test for many weeks, trying to replicate the level of use a worker would need out of the tool.
Must-Have Features For The Best Air Cheap Impact Wrench For The Money
Power Features
Strong Torque
Workers in need of an air cheap impact wrench are tired of getting these tools to later realize that they don’t have half of the power needed to deal with rusty and stuck bolts.
This is why I always recommend taking the time to look for an air impact wrench with a strong torque as this is the only way to be sure that you won’t face that kind of frustration.
Trust me, your life will be much easier!
Speed Customization
Different bolts require different torque and speed.
This is why getting a cheap air impact wrench with various speed levels and easy speed customization is a great way to make sure that you’ll have enough power to deal with any bolt.
Convenience Features
Portability & Lightweightness
There’s nothing worse than working for a long period of time with an air impact wrench and having your arms burning because the tool is too heavy and bulky.
Getting an air impact wrench made with lightweight materials in a compact and portable body is a perfect way to avoid those problems and be comfortable when working on rusty bolts with your air impact wrench.
Durability Features
Top Quality Materials
In terms of durability, I recommend spending a bit of extra time trying to find an inexpensive air impact wrench made with top quality materials.
The reasoning behind this advice is those good components and a great structure will guarantee the tool to resist years of regular to demanding use.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to affordable impact wrenches:
What Is The Difference Between An Air Impact Wrench And A Cordless Impact Wrench?
Even though they are both impact wrenches, there are clear differences between an air impact wrench and a cordless impact wrench:
- Air impact wrench: They are known for being powered by an air tank, which means that, due to not having electric components, are not only cheaper but also very durable. However, as they have to be constantly hooked to an air tank with a hose, it can become a bit annoying and dangerous as there is a tripping hazard involved.
- Cordless impact wrench: Given that a battery powers them, they become a bit more expensive to maintain and also have a bigger tag price. However, they run with the advantage that there is no hose attached, which makes the tool substantially more portable and convenient.
What’s The Difference Between Impact Drivers And Impact Wrenches?
The biggest difference between these two types of tools, impact drivers and impact wrenches, is that the second type offers higher torque and power than its counterpart.
Thus, impact wrenches are commonly used for jobs that need more power, such as dealing with stuck and rusty bolts. The other difference is that impact wrenches are substantially more expensive than impact drivers.
However, in this article, I made sure to build a list with air impact wrenches that were not only powerful but affordable!
What Is The Difference Between Torque, Ipm, And Rpm?
Many workers get confused when reading the specifications of air impact wrenches.
This is a glossary of words you might find useful when reading product descriptions:
- Torque: It refers to the force that the tool outputs when at work. It is often measured in feet per pounds (ft/lbs)
- RPM: It refers to rotations per minute and it helps to get an idea of the level of power the tool offers
- IPM: It refers to “impacts per minute” the tool outputs
What Is The Difference Between Max. Torque And Nut-Busting Torque?
It might seem easy to differentiate these two terms, but they can get confusing for some people.
Nut-busting torque refers to the torque the tool can output through repeated shocks, to unlock a rusty nut or a bolt.
On the other hand, max. torque refers to the maximum force the impact wrench can output when the proper tool setting is placed.
Can You Remove Bolts In Good Condition Using An Air Impact Wrenches?
If there’s something I hate is breaking lugs and bolts when using my air impact wrench.
However, this not always has to happen because if you are careful enough and choose the correct speed setting in your air impact wrench, then the bolt you’re trying to unlock will not break.
A pro tip here is starting with a conservative velocity and gradually increasing it to make sure that the right force is being used.
What Are The Benefits Of The Best Air Cheap Impact Wrenches For The Money?
There are three big advantages when going for an air impact wrench:
- 1. Durability & Safety: Given that there are no electric parts involved in the tool, there is a considerably lower probability of it breaking down, which is not only safer but also a guarantee of durability
- 2. Portability: Given that air impact wrenches are hooked to an external air tank, the tool lacks electric components. This makes them more lightweight and smaller overall
- 3. Price: Due to having less expensive electrical parts, the price of an air impact wrench is noticeably slower than the rest, which makes them a great option for workers looking for an affordable impact wrench
How Much Air Pressure Do I Need To Run An Air Impact Wrench?
Most people are worried about the air pressure needed to run their air impact wrenches.
However, the answer is pretty simple, most air impact wrenches nowadays need close to 90 pounds per square inch of PSI.
Is It Necessary To Stick To The Recommended Air Pressure When Using My Air Tools?
When you don’t stick to the recommended air pressure, you’ll be putting at risk the longevity of the air impact wrench.
Thus, sticking to the recommended air pressure is always a good decision.
Can I Use An Impact Wrench As An Impact Driver?
Again, the technical answer is yes.
However, given that air impact wrenches have much more power than impact drivers, you will not get the same results as impact wrenches are built to loosening and fastening lugs and bolts.
