Best Corded Impact Wrenches: Our Top 5 Picks and Expert Reviews

A wise man once said: ’’ When things get too tight and simple wrenches won’t cut it, you need to reach out for something much more powerful to help you get rid of bolts, fasteners’’. Sometimes these are not easy to be removed, so they require a high torque input in order to loosen. The tool we are appreciating and reviewing today is exactly the one that is designed to help you do this. Yes, we are talking about the best corded impact wrenches.

Any well-equipped garage, especially owned by a professional owns an impact wrench, no matter the types of vehicles the owner works with. They are also used on construction projects, around the house, for heavy equipment maintenance or automotive repair. If you are looking to buy one, you might find the text below to be a helpful one. These are the top corded impact wrenches you can come by. Let’s dive in.

Top 5 Corded Impact Wrenches Review

1. DEWALT Impact Wrench

This ½-inch impact wrench is a durable tool with variable speed reversing, that can make impressive 2,700 impacts per minute, which is definitely something to talk about. It features an AC/DC rocking switch and can deliver 345 Ibs torque, both in forward and reverse. This is a tool that allows for secure socket retention and has a motor of 7.5 amp to back it all up. The ball-bearing construction is there to ensure maximum durability, and because handle design is highly ergonomic, so you will have no trouble using this beast even when working long hours.

Pros:

2,700 impacts per minute

Ergonomic handle

Meets OSHA standards

Decent deliverable torque

Cons:

Motor not as powerful as expected

Potential difficulties with lug nuts

FAQ:

Is it safe to use an extension cord with this model?

Yes, as long as the extension cord supports gauge requirements needed.

Is this tool suitable for removing lug nuts and balancer bolts?

DEWALT Corded Impact Wrench is suitable for some, but not all lug nuts and balancer bolts, as for some it can be too big to successfully perform.

What is the weight of this tool?

This corded impact wrench weighs 7,5 pounds.

2. CRAFTSMAN Impact Wrench

With a possible maximum of impressive 450 lbs torque and a variable speed trigger, this is a tool to reckon with. It is designed to help you remove not only regular-sized but even larger fasteners without much fuss, which is a big deal. This is a ½ corded impact wrench we are talking about here, with a maximum of 2,200 RPMs and a hog ring anvil, which ensures easy maneuvering, removing elements like nuts and rods, and socket changes. This model guarantees up to 2,700 impacts per minute and has a variable speed trigger, which gives you a greater sense of control when working.

Pros:

2,700 impacts per minute

450 lbs torque

Variable speed trigger

Suitable for larger fasteners

Cons:

Motor not as powerful as expected

May heat up quickly

Does the item come with a storage bag?

No, this corded impact wrench comes packed in a cardboard box only and the item doesn’t include a storage case.

Does the item come with additional pieces?

The item includes an impact wrench, while additional accessories and a hook need to be ordered separately.

Is there a manufacturer warranty for this particular impact wrench?

Yes, the manufacturer provides a 3-year limited warranty that comes with the impact wrench.

3. Avid Power 20V Cordless Impact Wrench

A guy at the store told me “If you are looking for a solid tool that won’t fail you, this one is it”. With a maximum of 3,983 in-Ibs tightening torque and loosening torque that goes up to 4,465 in-Ibs, you will be able to remove bolts and fasteners with almost no hustle at all. The tool features variable speed, allowing to have full control of the speed, going up to 2000 RPM, a high spec motor, and comes with a 3.0 AH battery and a fast charger, which all add to the quality and the speed of performance. It also features a LED light, which is great for working in low-light conditions.

Pros:

Impressive tightening and loosening torque

LED light

Variable speed

Suitable for vehicles, construction projects, and heavy equipment maintenance

Cons:

It’s on the heavier side

Short charge life

FAQ:

Does the item include additional accessories?

Yes, the impact wrench comes with a tool bag, 20V Lithium-ion battery, a charger, 4Pcs driver impact sockets, a user manual.

What is the maximum fastening torque for this impact wrench?

The maximum fastening torque is 330ft/lbs.

Is battery replaceable and what is the battery capacity?

Yes, the battery is replaceable. The battery capacity is 3000m/AH.

4. Milwaukee Impact Wrench

This is a ½ inch impact wrench with a rocker switch for forward and reversed movements, and a pin-detent system to ensure maximum effectiveness in retaining adapters. Delivering 300ft./Ibs of torque, this is the tool that is designed to successfully tighten and loosen nuts and bolts and it is also a highly durable one, that will prove to be a decent investment in the long run. It’s a lightweight, easy to use, easy to get a grip of the tool, that’s powered by a 7-amp motor while having the impact mechanism of 1800 RPM.

Pros:

Impressive power-to-weight ratio

Pin-detent system

Ergonomic design

300ft./Ibs torque

Cons:

It’s noisy

FAQ:

Does the manufacturer provide a warranty?

Yes. This impact wrench comes with a limited warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Could this impact wrench potentially break suspension bolts?

Although there is no universal answer, in great majority cases, it proves to be powerful enough to break suspension bolts.

Can the tool be used on trucks?

Yes. Milwaukee corded impact wrench can be used on vehicles, from bicycles to trucks.

5. Enertwist Electric Impact Wrench

With impressive 450ft./Ibs maximum torque, this is a ½ Inch heavy-duty tool that will easily find a place in your garage. Powered by a 8.5 amp motor, featuring a hog ring that ensures easy and secure socket retention, this one is reliable and efficient, as motor delivers 1050 ft./Ibs bolt breakaway torque. Thanks to all-metal gear and a rubberized grip, it is easy to handle, made to last, and perform on all kinds of fasteners. It has a 2700 impact rate and comes with a 9.9 ft.long cord “that really allows you to go the distance and that is exactly what you need in a tool like this”.

Pros:

Heavy-duty and durable

Powerful motor

450ft./Ibs maximum torque

Ergonomic design

Comes with a 9.9 feet long cable

Cons:

It’s more on the heavy side

Potential overheating

FAQ:

What is the voltage and amperage of this impact wrenches?

The voltage is 120V, while teh amperage is 8.5 Amp.

Is this a variable speed tool?

No, this is a tool with two torque settings, forward and reverse.

What sockets does this tool correspond with?

This impact wrench originally corresponds with ½ inch sockets, but it can be used on other sockets, provided the required adapter.

Buyers guide

How do corded impact wrenches work?

Impact wrenches are tools made for removing nuts, bolts, fasteners that require a very high-torque approach and more force, so these are the tools to go for when other types of tools fail to perform. Thanks to a hammering mechanism that puts needed pressure onto the target nut or bolt, you are able to put more pressure and work fast enough to loosen or tighten it. Along with increased pressure, this tool twists and creates short, rapid bursts, which ultimately help you do what you intended, and that is to assemble or disassemble a targeted object. These twisting motions are powered by electricity coming through the cord, and standard impact wrenches correspond with ½ -inch sockets, which are specially hardened pieces with thick walls, required for a wrench to perform.

What to pay attention to when choosing a corded impact wrench for your toolset?

When buying one for yourself, it is always important to consider the maximum deliverable torque, as this will define how effective your tool is going to be. Here is a piece of concrete advice: “Anything below 300ft./Ibs, in this case, is not going to be satisfactory enough, as you won’t be able to put enough pressure and motion to remove certain bolts and log nuts successfully”. A tool with 450ft./Ibs torque will allow you to work on all types of vehicles, use it in construction, and much more, allowing for a wider variety of objects you can use it on. The motor should be powerful enough to support these actions, so check out in the specifications whether the one you’ve got your eye on has a 7amp or stranger motor. It is always good to opt for models with variable speed triggers as this will give you more flexibility when maneuvering.

I bought a corded impact wrench. How do I use it?

These tools are powered by electricity and depend on it to perform. It is always used with sockets specifically designed for the purpose of removing or tightening log nuts. Make sure you safely attach the socket onto the impact wrench. Once it’s in place, secure it onto the bolt or fastener you want to loosen or tighten, and put the pressure on it by pressing the torque button placed on the handle. In case your tool has two torque settings if you are removing make sure you set the reversed setting when removing, and forward setting, when tightening nuts. To reinstall the nuts onto the tire, manually place and loosely thread them, apply a torque stick, a socket, while choosing the forward torque setting. Place the impact wrench on the nuts, and apply pressure by pressing the button on the handle.

Here is the video showing you how you can use a corded impact wrench to change a tire on your car:

What design specifications should I pay attention to?

It is always helpful to find the model that has a good power-to-weight ration, as these both have powerful motors and are usually not the heaviest ones. Lightweight corded impact wrenches are easier to work with as they don’t put as much pressure onto the wrist when you are working with them. Look for those that allow you to have a good grip of the tool, so rubberized ergonomic handle should definitely be on your list when looking at the design. Size doesn’t necessarily mean quality and power, so bulky ones are not necessarily more powerful than smaller models. Look for a model that’s small, lightweight, powerful, but also made of heavy-duty materials, with no plastic elements if possible, as you don’t want your tool to smoke and melt if overheated.

FAQ

Are corded impact wrenches any good?

Corded impact wrenches with high-level torque and great performance are definitely a good investment to make and a necessity for those who work with log nuts on a daily basis. They are specifically designed to provide the pressure in hammering motions that are impossible to make with any other types of tools.

Can electric impact wrench remove lug nuts?

Yes. These tools are made specifically to help you remove stubborn lug nuts, and with a corded impact wrench that’s powerful enough and has high torque, you should be able to loosen and remove even rusty ones.

What happens if you over-torque a bolt?

Over-torquing means that you will likely damage and deform the bolt, and thus you will need to replace it for a new one, as once deformed they won’t be able to mate appropriately.

Final Thoughts

Having the best corded impact wrench helps you go the distance when removing lug nuts, even rusty ones, which makes it a necessity for every professional garage owner. Ultimately, “If the motor is powerful, the torque and the impact level high, you should be able to remove, tighten or loosen any nut, bolt or fastener you lay a corded impact wrench on”. These tools come in handy when there is a need for more pressure and need to act fast and be concise without risking damaging the rim with applying uncoordinated pressure. Once invested in, if made of heavy-duty materials, a quality tool like this will definitely prove to be a worthy investment.