Sadly, most cordless impact wrenches nowadays have lots of issues, such as:
- Really expensive price tags with not much to offer in return
- Lack of powerful motors to unscrew difficult nuts and bolts
- Bulky and heavy bodies which make them really difficult to operate and carry around all-day
Due to this, I thought it would be nice to take a few weeks and research many impact wrenches and make a list of the best cordless impact wrenches under $200.
The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches Under $200
This is my list of the best cordless impact wrenches I made after weeks of intensive research and testing:
- CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCF900M1 Cordless Impact Wrench
- Ryobi P261K 18V 3-Speed 1/2 in. Cordless Impact Wrench
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCF894B Cordless Impact Wrench
- PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
- Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT Cordless Impact Wrench
- DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
- MILWAUKEE’S 18VDC Cordless Impact Wrench
- Neiko 10878A 20 V Cordless Impact Wrench
- Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrench 450 ft.-lb.
- Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Cordless Impact Wrench
1. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCF900M1 Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: Max 350 ft-lbs
- RPM: 1,700 RPM with variable speed trigger
- Battery: 4Ah High Capacity Lithium battery
What if I told you there’s a budget cordless impact wrench under $200 that’s not only affordable but very powerful?
Well, that’s the exact case with this CRAFTMAN V20 cordless impact wrench as it comes with features such as:
- 350 ft/lbs of max torque and 2,500 IPMs which is sufficient power for removing even the toughest nuts and bolts
- Max 1,700 RPMs with variable speed trigger which gives the user amazing control when removing different types of fasteners
Even though it doesn’t come with the best packaging I found cool features such as its led light and 4Ah high capacity lithium-ion battery to be very surprising for a cordless impact wrench that sits under the 200-dollar limit.
Pros
- 350 ft/lbs of max torque and 2,500 IPMs is more than enough for removing rusty and large fasteners
- Max 1,700 RPMs with variable speed trigger for maximum speed control
- 1/2 inch hog ring anvil allows for easy socket changes
- Led light for improved visibility
- 4Ah High Capacity Lithium battery charges in 60 minutes or less (and it includes a fast charger!)
Cons
- It doesn’t come in the best packaging
2. Ryobi P261K 18V 3-Speed 1/2 in. Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 300 ft./lbs.
- RPM: 0-2,900 RPM for maximum torque (no-load speed)
- Battery: Lithium-Ion battery
Features such as its 300 ft/lbs of maximum torque and up to 3,200 impacts per minute are what allow this Ryobi P261K cordless impact wrench to be one of the most powerful ones under the $200 price limit.
Moreover, the tool has a maximum speed of 2,900 RPM which is more than enough to remove tricky nuts and bolts.
Last but not least, its 4-bar charge indicator and “Gripzone” overmold provide the user a high level of convenience as it lets him control the battery easily and makes holding the tool very comfortable.
Pros
- 300 ft/lbs of maximum torque and up to 3,200 impacts per minute are perfect for removing tough nuts and bolts
- 0-2,900 RPM (no-load speed) provides perfect speed control
- 4-bar illuminated charge indicator warns of diminishing charge
- “Gripzone” overmold allows for perfect grip and ergonomics
Cons
- Nothing over here!
3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCF894B Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 330 ft-lbs max of fastening torque
- RPM: Low (0-900 RPM) High (0-2000 RPM)
- Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (sold separately)
Well, this is exactly what this Dewalt cordless impact wrench brings to the table with features such as its:
- 300 ft/lbs of maximum torque
- “Precision Wrench Control” that impedes overtightening when in forward mode and run-off when the nut or bolts is already loose (in reverse mode)
- Brushless motor that’s both efficient and very powerful
Regarding the convenience features, this cordless impact wrench comes with a variable speed trigger that allows the user to adapt the speed to the nut or bolt at hand.
Last but not least, this wrench comes with a led light that allows the user to work in dark areas.
Pros
- 300 ft/lbs of torque which is perfect for removing stuck nuts and bolts
- Precision Wrench Control: in forward mode, the tool pauses itself before overtightening the fastener to protect it. In reverse, the tool lowers the speed when the nut/bolt is already loose to prevent the run-off
- Brushless motor that’s more efficient and powerful
- Variable speed trigger allows for more speed control
- LED light helps the user to remove nuts and bolts in dark areas
- Compact and lightweight form factor
Cons
- The handle might feel a bit thick
4. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 330 ft-lbs
- RPM: 1,700 RPM with variable speed control
- Battery: 4Ah Lithium-Ion Battery with pro-grade cells
The Porter-Cable 20V cordless impact wrench comes with 330 ft/lb of torque which provides enough power to deal with tricky nuts and bolts, which is very surprising to see in a cordless impact wrench that sits under $200.
Moreover, it comes with 1,700 RPM of maximum speed with a variable speed trigger that provides maximum control when operating the tool.
The LED light provides improved illumination when working in dark areas and the 4Ah lithium-ion battery gives the user enough battery autonomy to work comfortably without having to recharge the battery every 30 minutes.
Pros
- 330 ft/lbs of torque for use in a wide variety of heavy applications
- 1,700 RPM of maximum speed with variable speed trigger for maximum control
- LED light for improved visibility
- 4Ah lithium-ion battery
- 1/2 Inch hog ring for quick and easy socket changes
Cons
- The sockets are very hard to get them on and off
5. Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 40 feet lbs of max torque and 430 feet lbs of nut-busting torque
- RPM: 4-speed power selection switch (0-1,000 / 0-1,800 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,200 RPM & 0-1,800 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,400 / 0-4,000 IPM)
- Battery: Lithium-Ion battery
The level of power you get with this cordless impact wrench is above everything else.
I mean, it comes manufactured with a brushless motor that’s known for being efficient when in operation that outputs 240 ft/lbs of maximum torque and 430 ft/lbs of nut-busting torque. This, of course, is more than enough to remove any nut or bolt you might be thinking of.
The fastening control this cordless impact wrench allows you to enjoy is also out of this world thanks to its 4 speeds options.
Lastly, the “Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology” allows the user to use this tool while exposed to dust and other liquids without worries as it seals its entire structure to prevent internal components from being affected by these substances. Pretty cool, huh?
Pros
- Brushless motor that generates less heat when in operation and allows 240 ft/lbs of max torque and 430 ft/lb of nut-busting torque
- 4 speeds for fastening control (0-1,000 / 0-1,800 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,200 RPM & 0-1,800 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,400 / 0-4,000 IPM)
- “Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology” which seals the tool to allow the worker to operate in contact with water and dust without breaking the tool
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Lithium-ion battery
Cons
- Took a solid 2 weeks to arrive home
6. DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 250 ft-lbs max tightening torque and 400 ft-lbs max breakaway torque
- RPM: 0-2850 RPM
- Battery: 2.0 Ah batteries with state of charge indicator
This Dewalt Xtreme 12V cordless impact wrench comes with solid features such as its:
- 400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 250 ft-lbs of tightening torque that make dealing with tough nuts and bolts something very easy
- brushless motor that’s efficient and more powerful than other motors
Moreover, this wrench comes with 3 led lights to allow the worker to work in dark places comfortably.
Last but not least, the tool has a 3 mode switch that gives the user the possibility to adapt the RPMs to avoid over-tightening and similar issues.
Pros
- Brushless motor is efficient and more potent
- 3 LED lights
- Battery indicator
- 250 ft/lbs max tightening torque and 400 ft/lbs of max breakaway torque
- 3 mode switch with precision wrench allows maximum control
Cons
- The casing’s plastic is not the best
7. MILWAUKEE’S 18VDC Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: Max. Torque 750 ft-lb
- RPM: Max. No Load RPM 1800
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery (sold separately)
This cordless impact wrench stands as an upgrade regarding the competition, mainly in terms of how powerful it is.
For once, it comes with an efficient brushless motor able to output up to 750 ft-lbs of maximum torque which is sufficient to deal with stuck nuts and bolts.
Moreover, this tool can operate at a maximum of 2400 blows per minute and 1800 RPMs which is perfect for the most demanding mechanics.
Finally, its pistol grip compact design makes holding the tool very comfortable and allows workers to operate the tool in tight spaces.
Pros
- Max torque of 750 ft-lbs provides enough torque to deal with rusty nuts and bolts
- Max. 2400 blows per minute and 1800 RPMs
- Lithium-ion battery is reliable and provides a solid autonomy
- Brushless motor is both efficient and very powerful
- Pistol grip handle is very ergonomic
Cons
- Not for demanding use
8. Neiko 10878A 20 V Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 300 ft. /lb. Max torque
- RPM: 0 to 3000 RPM
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery
When considering buying a budget cordless impact wrench under $200 one has to usually expect some kind of compromise in terms of power.
Luckily, that doesn’t happen with this Neiko 10878A cordless impact wrench that comes manufactured with a motor that outputs up to 300 ft-lbs of maximum torque and 3000 RPM at the highest speed setting. This is essential for allowing the user to remove tricky fasteners that might be stuck, which is the whole point of getting a cordless impact wrench.
Moreover, it has a variable speed trigger that allows the user to adapt the RPM to the task at hand. This is perfect to avoid problems such as overtightening.
Last but not least, the tool comes in an ergonomic and compact design that’s easy to hold for a long time thanks to its light components.
Pros
- Built with a powerful motor that delivers up to 300 ft-lbs of max torque with a no-load speed of 0 to 3000 RPM to remove tough fasteners
- Variable speed trigger allows for maximum speed control
- Ergonomic and compact design
- Battery power indicator
- Rechargeable 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery
Cons
- Sluggish to start sometimes
9. Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrench 450 ft.-lb.
Features
- Torque: 450 foot-pounds of torque
- RPM: 0-1900 RPM with variable speed trigger
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery (sold separately)
Nobody wants to see their expensive cordless impact wrench not being able to remove tough nuts and bolts.
Luckily you won’t have to deal with this issue as this Milwaukee cordless impact wrench comes with solid features such as its:
- Four-pole motor that outputs up to 450 ft/lbs of torque which is sufficient to remove tough nuts and bolts
- Variable speed trigger that gives the user the possibility to adapt the speed to the nut or bolt at hand to prevent issues such as overtightening
Additionally, the tool comes with a 1/2 inch anvil with a friction ring that allows the user to change sockets easily, which is a very common issue for mechanics and other workers.
Pros
- Four-pole motor delivers up to 450 ft/lbs of maximum torque
- Variable speed trigger allows for maximum speed control (between 0-1900 RPM and 0-2200 IPM) to prevent issues such as overtightening
- The 1/2 inch anvil with friction ring allows for easy socket change
- Compact and lightweight structure
- Overload protection
Cons
- Trigger is a little jiggly (but it works perfectly)
10. Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 130 ft/lbs of max torque
- RPM: Variable 2-speed (0-1, 300/0-2, 400 RPM & 0-2, 000/0-3, 600 IPM)
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery (battery not included)
To deal with tough nuts and bolts you’ll require a powerful cordless impact wrench that outputs a serious amount of torque.
That’s exactly what this Makita cordless impact wrench brings to the table as it’s manufactured with a brushless motor that outputs up to 130 ft/lbs of maximum torque.
Moreover, it has 2 speeds which provide the user the possibility to have speed accuracy to avoid issues such as overtightening and the sorts.
The tool by itself weighs 2.7lbs and comes in an ergonomic and compact design, which is perfect for mechanics that frequently work in tight spaces.
Lastly, this Makita cordless impact wrench is manufactured with the so-called “Extreme Protection Technology” that substantially improves its lifespan as it provides dust and water protection.
Pros
- Efficient brushless motor delivers up to 130 ft/lbs of maximum torque
- It has 2 speeds (0-1, 300/0-2, 400 RPM & 0-2, 000/0-3, 600 IPM) that allow the user to have more fastening control
- Ergonomic and compact design
- It only weighs 2.7lbs
- Dual LED lights for improved visibility
- “Extreme Protection Technology (XPT)” provides dust and water resistance for long term durability
Cons
- Based on my experience, I have no cons to speak of!
What Is The Best Cordless Impact Wrench Under $200 Overall?
PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
I chose this Porter Cable cordless impact wrench as the best of its kind under the $200 price tag mainly due to the following features:
- Maximum torque of up to 330 ft/lbs that’s sufficient for removing tough nuts and bolts
- 1,700 RPM maximum speed with variable speed control that gives the user maximum speed accuracy to prevent over-tightening
- 4Ah lithium-ion battery that provides a long battery autonomy for the convenience of the user
If you’d like to read the entire review you can click the button down below and you’ll be redirected to it!
What Is The Most Powerful Cordless Impact Wrench Under $200?
MILWAUKEE’S 18VDC Cordless Impact Wrench
This Milwaukee cordless impact wrench is by far the most powerful cordless impact wrench under $200. I mean, it offers:
- A maximum torque of up to 750 ft/lbs which is crazy for an impact wrench of this price range
- A max. no-load speed of 1800 RPM
- And a lithium-ion battery that’s perfect for a tool of this caliber
If you’d like to know more about why I chose this wrench as the most powerful one, you can read the entire review by clicking the button down below.
Quick Comparison Table
| Name | Torque | RPM | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
1. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCF900M1 Cordless Impact Wrench | Max 350 ft-lbs | 1,700 RPM with variable speed trigger | 4Ah High Capacity Lithium battery |
2. Ryobi P261K 18V 3-Speed 1/2 in. Cordless Impact Wrench | 300 ft./lbs. | 0-2,900 RPM for maximum torque (no-load speed) | Lithium-Ion battery |
3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCF894B Cordless Impact Wrench | 330 ft-lbs max of fastening torque | Low (0-900 RPM) High (0-2000 RPM) | Lithium-Ion battery (sold separately) |
4. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench | 330 ft-lbs | 1,700 RPM with variable speed control | 4Ah Lithium-Ion Battery with pro-grade cells |
5. Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT Cordless Impact Wrench | 40 feet lbs of max torque and 430 feet lbs of nut-busting torque | 4-speed power selection switch (0-1,000 / 0-1,800 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,200 RPM & 0-1,800 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,400 / 0-4,000 IPM) | Lithium-Ion battery |
6. DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench | 250 ft-lbs max tightening torque and 400 ft-lbs max breakaway torque | 0-2850 RPM | 2.0 Ah batteries with state of charge indicator |
7. MILWAUKEE'S 18VDC Cordless Impact Wrench | Max. Torque 750 ft-lb | Max. No Load RPM 1800 | Lithium-ion battery (sold separately) |
8. Neiko 10878A 20 V Cordless Impact Wrench | 300 ft. /lb. Max torque | 0 to 3000 RPM | Lithium-ion battery |
9. Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrench 450 ft.-lb. | 450 foot-pounds of torque | 0-1900 RPM with variable speed trigger | Lithium-ion battery (sold separately) |
10. Makita XWT12ZB 18V LXT Cordless Impact Wrench | 130 ft.Lbs.Of max torque | Variable 2-speed (0-1, 300/0-2, 400 RPM & 0-2, 000/0-3, 600 IPM) | Lithium-ion battery (battery not included) |
Must-Have Features of The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches Under $200 Overall
There are certain features the best cordless impact wrenches under $200 must-have, let me share them with you.
It Has to Be Priced Under $200 (duh!)
This is “feature” speaks by itself. We’re talking about the best cordless impact wrenches UNDER $200, aren’t we?
Powerful Torque
Now we’re talking.
For a cordless impact wrench to be worth it, it must have a maximum torque that’s strong enough to remove tough nuts and bolts.
This is why I’d say you should look for a cordless impact wrench with a motor that outputs up to at least 300 ft/lbs of maximum torque. That’s the easiest way to make sure you won’t regret your purchase as it’s more than enough to deal with tricky fasteners.
Speed Customization
There’re are certain issues that mechanics and other tradesmen deal with when using impact wrenches such as overtightening when the tool speed is not properly controlled.
This is why I recommend getting wrenches with features such as a variable speed trigger that allows for proper fastening control to make sure they don’t have to deal with issues such as overtightening ever again.
Compactness
This is a feature that’s not frequently discussed, but I believe is one of the most important ones.
You’ll want your cordless impact wrench to be compact and light for you to work in tight spaces with comfort. Otherwise, it’s going to get very inconvenient to do this with a bulky tool.
Durability
Nobody wants to see their hard-earned money being burned on a cordless impact wrench that doesn’t last more than a few months.
This is why I always advise mechanics and other workers to get cordless impact wrenches manufactured by recognized brands such as Dewalt, Porter-cable, and Makita. That way, one can enjoy the guarantee their tools are manufactured with the best materials out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’re lots of questions regarding cordless impact wrenches. This is my attempt to answer most of them.
What Are Cordless Impact Wrenches Good For?
For the better part of 200 years, wrenches were manual tools. If you ever got a rusty nut and bolt stuck in a wheel that you wanted to be removed, you only had a wrench and your arms to take care of it.
Luckily, through the miracle of technology, useful creations were invented, such as the cordless impact wrench.
This tool allows mechanics and other workers to remove nuts and bolts with a level of torque that no human can create on its own. And, the good part is that you don’t have to deal with cables, as the motor that generates this torque is battery-powered.
Pretty good, huh?
What’s The Difference Between a Cordless Impact Wrench and an Air Impact Wrench?
Well, this is an easy question to answer.
Both are impact wrenches, meaning they are tools that generate an inhuman level of torque to remove tricky fasteners. So, we got that down in the previous question.
Now, regarding the difference between these tools…
A cordless impact wrench is powered by a battery (normally lithium-ion batteries). This allows the worker to operate the tool without the hassle of hoses and with a solid level of torque. The not-so-good thing about these is that they run a bit more expensive due to their expensive internal components (which is why I decided to make an article about the best cordless impact wrenches under $200).
On the other hand, an air impact wrench works hooked to an air tank via a hose. This has lots of advantages. It’s more powerful and substantially cheaper as it doesn’t have expensive internal components. You do have to deal with a hose attached to the air tank which can be very inconvenient for lots of users, though.
What’s The Difference Between Impact Wrenches and Impact Drivers?
There are two differences that separate impact wrenches from impact drivers, and those are torque levels and price.
Impact wrenches were created to remove tough nuts and bolts which is why they’re manufactured with stronger motors capable of outputting up to 700 ft-lbs of maximum torque. This, of course, is more than enough to remove even the rustiest nuts and bolts.
On the other hand, impact drivers are useful for tightening fasteners. To do this they require lower torque levels, thus, they pack weaker motors.
Due to this, impact wrenches pack more potent internal components than impact drivers as they output a higher torque level. As a result, impact wrenches end up costing much more than impact drivers, sometimes they double the price.
Pro-tip: Never use an impact driver to remove tough nuts or bolts as you might end up burning its motor, use an impact driver instead.
What’s the Difference Between Torque, IPM, and RPM?
I’m gonna give you this quick guide to let you learn the difference between these metrics:
- Torque is the force measured in ft-lbs the impact wrench outputs on a certain nut or bolt to remove it
- RPM refers to “rotations per minute” and is a metric that measures the speed at which the impact wrench is working at
- IPM refers to “impacts per minute” and is, again, a metric that measures the tool’s speed and torque together
What’s the Difference Between Max. Torque and Nut-Busting Torque?
Maximum torque refers to the amount of force the tool can output. It’s usually marketed a lot and works as a metric that measures the power of the impact wrench.
On the other hand, the nut-busting torque refers to the force the impact wrench outputs to specifically loosen tough nuts and bolts in some specified time period.
Can I Use a Cordless Impact Wrench as an Impact Driver?
Technically, yes, you can use a cordless impact wrench as an impact driver.
But the question is, why would you?
Cordless impact wrenches are substantially more expensive than impact drivers due to their internal components that allow them to output a higher torque level. For impact driver applications, this torque won’t be fully utilized, of course.
So, in short, you’d be spending hundreds of dollars on a tool that you won’t take advantage of instead of getting a much cheaper tool (impact driver) that would suffice most of your needs.
