Automotive mechanics are more than used to dealing with a lot of problems on a daily bases, such as:
- Rusty bolts require an incredible amount of force to get loose while most cordless impact wrenches do not have the necessary torque to deal with this issue
- Corded impact wrenches with annoying cables that get in the way when working
- Using manual socket wrenches that make the job of unscrewing bolts all day physically unbearable
- Bulky impact wrenches that don’t fit in tight areas
- Automotive mechanics need different levels of power and velocity for different jobs and most tools out there don’t offer these features
These problems are solved by cordless impact wrenches that gather specific attributes that are pretty difficult to find.
To prevent you from wasting time and money I took it upon myself to research and test various impact wrenches to arrive at the best ones available.
List of The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics
The following list of cordless impact wrenches gathers all the features necessary to work out the issues discussed earlier:
- Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High Torque 1/2″ Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
- Dewalt Dcf899P1 20V Max XR Brushless High Torque 1/2″ Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
- Ingersoll Rand W7150-K1 ½” Hi-Torque One Battery Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench Kit
- Bosch 24618-01 18V 1/2″ Lithium-Ion Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench Kit
- Makita Xwt08Z Lxt 18V/1/2″ Lithium-Ion Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
1) Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High Torque 1/2″ Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
Rusty bolts can turn even the easiest job into a frustrating mess taking away valuable time and energy.
This Milwaukee 2767-20 automotive cordless impact wrench tackles this problem as they came with a motor that delivers 1,000 lb of torque to fasten bolts with ease while its 1,400 lb bolt removal torque offers enough power to remove rusty bolts.
Moreover, with the so-called Bolt Removal mode, the wrench slows down to 750 RPM offering a smooth finish to an already seamless task.
Traditional cordless impact wrenches are bulky and heavy, which is the last thing that an automotive mechanic wants.
Luckily, this Milwaukee cordless impact wrench helped me to forget all that and enjoy the convenience of a true compact cordless impact wrench that can reach tight spaces with ease.
The lightweight design aided me in avoiding muscle fatigue and strain throughout the workday while its LED light illuminates the work area.
Moreover, changing sockets was quick and easy with the friction ring design, which allowed me to move around the car very quickly
High-quality materials and a robust structure run from the inside out starting with the REDLITHIUM batteries delivering more work per charge during the testing period.
Moreover, the REDLINK PLUS intelligence prevented damage to the wrench or the battery by alerting me if the tool was overloading or overheating.
Finally, I was able to enjoy a really good grip thanks to its premium rubber over mold material which stands up to corrosive materials and lasts longer.
Features and Specifications
- 1,000 Ft-Lbs Of Fastening Torque And 1400 Ft-Lbs Of Nut-Busting Torque.
- 8.39″ In Length
- 4-Mode Drive Control With Bolt Removal Mode
- Redlink Plus Intelligence Prevents Damage To The Tool And Battery Due To Overloading Or Overheating
- Redlithium Batteries Deliver More Work Per Charge
- Features A Friction Ring Design To Ensure Quick And Easy Socket Changes
- Premium Rubber Overmold Withstands Corrosive Materials And Provides Comfort When In Use
- Led Light Illuminates The Work Area
2) Dewalt DCF899 Max XR Brushless High Torque 1/2″ Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
In the automotive industry, it’s vital to have the right tools to get the job done right. That’s why I love my DeWalt DCF899P1 cordless impact wrench.
This tool delivers a max torque of 700 ft./lbs and a 1,200 ft./lbs. of breakaway torque which is essential for loosening the toughest bolts.
Moreover, the brushless motor proved itself essential as it delivered a superior performance without overheating like older models.
Each job is different, which is why the multi-speed control with the 3-speed selector made it quick and easy to find the setting I needed for every applications.
The first speed takes care of business with between 0 and 400 RPM (Repetitions Per Minute) while the third speed packs a punch: up to 1,900 RPM.
Working on my feet all day is one thing but working on my feet carrying around a heavy wrench that tires my arms is unacceptable.
This is why I love the compact design of this DeWalt cordless impact wrench as it’s portable enough to measure just 8-13/16” in length and weigh just 7.2 lbs. This was enough to make it fit in those small spaces automotive mechanics are used to working in.
Things got even easier thanks to its LED light feature with a 20-second delay, which helped me in increasing visibility in dark areas.
Features and Specifications
- Brushless Motor For Performance and Durability
- Heavy-Duty Impact Mechanism With Max Torque 700 Ft./Lbs., Breakaway Torque 1,200 Ft./Lbs.
- 3-Speed Selector Switch For Control
- Led Work Light
- Battery Fuel Gauge
- Compact Design Of 8-13/16″ In Length And Weighs Only 7.2 Lbs.
- Multi-Speed Control For A Variety Of Applications (0-400/ 1,200/ 1,900 Rpm).
- 1/2″ Anvil With Detent Pin
- Led Lights
3) Ingersoll Rand W7150-K1 ½” Hi-Torque One Battery Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench Kit
From suspension work on a heavy-duty truck to changing tires on a compact vehicle, this Ingersoll Rand W7150-K1 automotive cordless impact wrench tackles it all.
How? Well, with its 780 ft./lbs maximum reverse torque and 1,100 ft./lbs. of nut-busting torque, that’s how.
That’s a lot of power and the best part is that it weighs just 6.8 pounds, which is one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class.
I need to be able to work on multiple jobs in a day. If I get tired or my muscles strain and fatigue, that’s productivity lost.
With this wrench, I never worry about working too hard thanks to its patent-pending soft touch over-molded grip that protects me from the heaviest vibrations.
I need a wrench that can last through the toughest of jobs, day in and day out.
In that sense, the impact-resistant housing kept the tool safe from accidental drops or other workplace wear and tear.
Additionally, the steel-lined aluminum hammer case was designed for strength and maximum protection of internal components, all while being light-weight.
Features and Specifications
- 780 Ft-Lbs Of Maximum Reverse Torque And 1100 Ft-Lb Of Nut-Busting Torque
- Weighs Only 6.8 Lbs
- Steel-Lined Aluminum Hammer Case Designed To Be Strong And Light-Weight
- Patent-Pending Soft Touch Over-Molded Grip Minimizes Vibration
4) Bosch 25618-02 18V 1/2″ Lithium-Ion Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench Kit
I need a wrench powerful enough to take on any job. In that sense, this Bosch 24618-01 18V 1/2″ Lithium-Ion automotive cordless impact wrench gave me all the power I needed.
In fact, it offered up to 2,800 RPM and 1,500 ft./lbs. of torque, which is enough to loosen even the toughest bolts.
Moreover, its variable speed trigger put control at my fingertips and let me quickly find the right power combination for the job to save on battery without affecting productivity.
With a shorter height, 25% shorter than competitors, and only 5.7 inches long, this wrench offered one of the most compact designs in an impact wrench I have ever tested.
Additionally, the convenient size let me get into tight spaces when working on both cars and trucks.
How the tool feels in your hands si another big feature to look at on any impact wrench. In that sense, the newly designed handle grip made the experience of using this tool much better.
I need a durable wrench that can stand up to harsh conditions in the automotive industry.
The gearbox cover provided additional protection against dust and debris giving longevity to the components inside. This also gave me the confidence to take on the dirtiest of jobs.
Nobody wants to waste money replacing an impact wrench before its time, right?
Well, the good news is that you won’t have to do that with this Bosch impact wrench as it has a battery pack design that protects both the battery and the tool from three main causes of battery failure: overheating, overloading, and deep discharging.
Features and Specifications
- 5.7-Inch Long
- 2,800 RPM and 1,500 Inch/lbs of torque
- Provides over 3,200 BPM
- 1/4-inch hex drive makes for fast, easy bit changes
- Led light
- Spring-loaded impact mechanism to reduce user fatigue
- Lithium-ion batteries, all of which boast Electronic Cell Protection
5) Makita XWT08Z Lxt 18V/1/2″ Lithium-Ion Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
In the automotive industry, it’s really important to have powerful tools that can do the job right the first time.
In that sense, this Makita impact wrench performs great as it comes with a brushless motor that delivers a 40 ft./lbs. of max Torque and 1,180 ft./lbs. of breakaway torque.
Moreover, this wrench offers 2,200 IPM (Impacts Per Minute) which is enough to increase an automotive mechanic’s productivity by a lot, allowing them to finish jobs in record time.
I mean, I never had to worry about using too much power as I had the chance to adapt the velocity of the tool to take on small jobs or go all the way up to 1,800 RPM and 2,200 IPM for the toughest jobs.
This Makita cordless impact wrench stands apart in terms of convenience, as it comes with a 1/2″ anvil with friction ring which allows a quick change of sockets.
I found this Makita wrench to be durable as it stands up the hard work of the automotive industry or any machinery-based industry for that matter.
First, the brushless motor means no carbon brushes and a much cooler operation temp. So, without the extra heat, the motor remains powerful and lasts longer.
Moreover, the efficient brushless motor is controlled electronically so the energy used from the battery is optimized for up to 50% longer run-time per charge, which improves the tool’s lifespan substantially.
Features and Specifications
- 740 Ft.Lbs. Of Max Torque And 1,180 Ft.Lbs Of Breakaway Torque
- 3-Speed Power Selection Switch (0-900/0-1,000/0-1,800 Rpm 0-1,800/0-2,000/0-2,200 Ipm)
- 1/2″ Anvil With Friction Ring For Quick And Easy Socket Changes
- The Bl Brushless Motor Eliminates Carbon Brushes, Enabling The Bl Motor To Run Cooler And More Efficiently
My Verdict: The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics
Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High Torque 1/2″ Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench
Would you like to know why I chose this Milwaukee cordless impact wrench as the best cordless impact wrench for automotive mechanics? If you click the button down below you’ll see why!
Quick Comparison Table
| Name | Comfort | Convenience | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
1) Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High Torque 1/2″ Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench |
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2) Dewalt Dcf899P1 20V Max Xr Brushless High Torque 1/2" Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench |
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3) Ingersoll Rand W7150-K1 ½” Hi-Torque One Battery Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench Kit |
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4) Bosch 24618-01 18V 1/2" Lithium-Ion Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench Kit |
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5) Makita Xwt08Z Lxt 18V/1/2" Lithium-Ion Automotive Cordless Impact Wrench |
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How Did I Test The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics
For those curious about what was tests I followed to select the best cordless impact wrenches, this is exactly what I did:
Power Test
To attest to the power capabilities of the cordless impact wrench being tested, I made sure to try to unscrew multiple rusty bolts and see if the cordless impact wrench made it possible.
Convenience Test
In terms of convenience, I made sure to check if the tool being tested had important customization features for automotive mechanics, such as the possibility to set different velocities to the motor.
Then, I made sure to check the portability/torque relationship of the different impact wrenches I tested, as automotive mechanics have to fit their tools in tight spaces all the time.
Durability Test
In terms of durability, I did the most rational thing, I worked the tools to the bone for months to see if they broke or something as I wanted you guys to avoid the frustration of wasting hundreds of dollars on a tool that really doesn’t last as long as it should.
Must-Have Features For The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics
Based on my experience, the following list of features is necessary to find the best cordless impact wrenches for automotive mechanics:
Power Features
Torque
Dealing with rusty and stuck bolts is a big issue for automotive mechanics which makes a powerful torque essential for an impact wrench as it becomes the only way to unscrew these bolts.
Speed Customization
There are a lot of issues that automotive mechanics deal with daily, and the majority are solved with specific features such as customization on torque power and velocity which is a pretty efficient way to adapt the tool to the task at hand, saving power and increasing the lifespan of the tool.
Convenience Features
Compactness And Lightweightness
Working in tight spaces is a common struggle for automotive mechanics.
This is the main reason why features such as compactness and lightness become essential for these tradesmen that frequently need really small tools to do their jobs.
Durability Features
Perfect Mixture Of Durable Attributes
It is pretty difficult to find a durable automatic tool nowadays, right?
It seems most of them are manufactured in those countries where quality assurance seems doesn’t exist.
This is why I recommend getting cordless impact wrenches with a great mixture of durable features such as quality materials, solid structures, and great batteries which become essential for prolonging the life of these tools.
Benefits Of The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics
The following is a list of the benefits I found to be the most frequent when using any of the best cordless impact wrenches for automotive mechanics listed in this article.
Make Your Life Easier
Dealing with rusty bolts is a huge headache for automotive mechanics, which is why I made sure to select cordless impact wrenches that offer enough torque.
Also, having to adopt weird positions and do their job in tight places is a common thing for automotive mechanics.
The good news is that any of the cordless impact wrenches reviewed in this article are compact enough to make this easier and more comfortable.
Be More Efficient
A huge advantage of these tools is improving the productive output of automotive mechanics as they will now be able to do their job with automatic power tools which will make their lives much easier.
This productivity will be boosted even more by features such as customizable motor velocities that let automotive mechanics adapt their tools to the task at hand.
Be Proud Of The Investment You Made On Your Cordless Impact Wrench
Frustration seems to be almost always present when buying these kinds of tools, right?
They appear to work at the beginning but their performance quickly diminishes after only a few months of use.
Well, any of the tools reviewed in this article will be manufactured with great materials and long-lasting batteries that will last for a much longer time.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequent asked questions about the best cordless impact wrenches for automotive mechanics:
What Is The Difference Between An Air Impact Wrench And A Cordless Impact Wrench?
Well, for once, air impact wrenches are known for having a powerful torque. Moreover, they are not built with a lot of electronics which makes the tools affordable, easy to maintain, and less prone to break.
However, it’s not all roses with air impact wrenches as they are dependant on air pressure which means they need to be constantly hooked up to the air tank. This is not only annoying and inconvenient for automotive mechanics (who need maximum freedom of movement), but also increases the risk of a trip hazard.
On the other hand, cordless impact wrenches might have a bit less torque, (enough to satisfy 100% of the needs an automotive mechanic has, though). Additionally, they are dependant on batteries which increases their maintenance costs and is pretty inconvenient (especially when the battery runs off).
Nevertheless, cordless impact wrenches don’t need cables and are compact, which is perfect for automotive mechanics.
What’s The Difference Between Impact Drivers And Impact Wrenches?
For once, impact drivers are known for having a pretty good torque that lets you screw/unscrew nuts and bolts that need a high power tool. You also can use it to drill holes in hard materials and can be used by most tradesmen in most professions.
On the other hand, impact wrenches deliver a really powerful torque (much more potent than an impact driver) which is perfect for automotive mechanics. In fact, the torque an impact wrench’s motor deliver can be double than the one from an impact driver.
What Is The Main Difference Between Lithium And Nickel Cadmium (Nicad) Batteries?
NiCad batteries are affordable and robust batteries that some old cordless impact wrenches use. However, they are based on ancient technology and they hold a much shorter charge than lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are based on the latest technologies, which makes them a bit more expensive. This comes with its advantages though, as they are not only more compact and lightweight but also can hold a much longer charge than NiCad batteries which (at least for automotive mechanics) is something essential.
Which Is The Perfect Voltage For The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics?
Well, first let me tell you that there are many voltages for cordless impact wrenches; 18V, 20V, or 36V.
Of course, as the voltage gets higher, the more power the tool consumes and the higher its torque should be.
So, what is the best voltage you ask? Well, it will depend on the intensity needed for the job. For automotive mechanics, I would recommend getting higher voltages as they will frequently stumble upon really hard nuts and bolts that will require the highest torque possible.
What Does The “Ah” Mean For Cordless Impact Wrenches?
Well, “AH” stands for Amperage Hours. In other words, this speaks about the capacity of the battery. So, when you get a tool with a higher AH, it means that you will be able to use the tool for longer as the battery will last longer.
My advice for automotive mechanics is getting cordless impact wrenches with the biggest amperage hours possible as it will be much convenient for them.
What Is The Difference Between Torque, Ipm, And Rpm?
Well, let’s go one by one so you have a better idea about these terms.
RPM stands for rotations per minute. In other words, these terms speak about the speed that a given cordless impact wrench will provide.
As for the IPM, it stands for the Impacts per minute, which is another way to measure the velocity of the tool.
Finally, the torque (which is the most important term in my opinion) stands for the force of the motor. Thus, a higher torque will give you a more powerful drive, and a higher IPM and RPM, too.
So, for those automotive mechanics confused about these terms, I would recommend you to just pay attention to the torque of each tool.
This simple number will give you the best possible idea about the power and overall usability of a given cordless impact wrench.
What Is The Difference Between Max. Torque And Nut-Busting Torque?
There’s a big confusion about these two terms and, very frequently, they get misinterpreted.
Nut-busting torque is the torque that can unlock a bolt by applying repeated shocks to it.
Max torque, on the other hand, is the maximum force the wrench’s motor can apply, both forward and reverse, on command.
Are Any Of These Tools An Overkill For Automotive Mechanics?
I don’t think so, no.
All of the tools I listed in this article have a wide range of adjustable torque to fit all the need of automotive mechanics.
I mean, it might seem that some of these tools have a high torque. But, to be honest, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and, most of them are adjustable, so that’s that.
Can You Remove Exhaust Bolts In Good Condition With Any Of The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Mechanics?
That is why I made sure to choose cordless impact wrenches that have adjustable velocities.
This useful feature will let automotive mechanics remove bolts with the perfect amount of torque without the need of breaking any nuts or bolts.
