#RIDGID IMPACT FREE#

Some impact wrenches can also be bulky, making them less comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Generally, impact wrenches with higher torque weigh more than less-powerful models. ✔️ Comfort: An impact wrench should be easy to use and comfortable to hold. There are larger ¾-inch drive models, but we didn't test them since they're intended for industrial use, like maintaining commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment.

Most consumer-friendly impact wrenches have a ½-inch drive that accepts ½-inch sockets. ✔️ Drive size: This refers to the square anvil at the tip of the tool that accepts sockets. Also pay attention to speed, measured in RPMs (revolutions per minute), since it tells you how quickly you can drive nuts and bolts.

How much power you need depends on what tasks you’re looking to accomplish. of torque, while other full-sized models product over 3,000 ft. Some compact and subcompact models offer as little as 100 ft. ✔️ Power: Impact wrenches can vary widely in terms of torque. Still, there are a few important factors to consider when you go shopping. It also had trouble removing a 1/2 x 8-inch lag bolt-though a smaller ⁵⁄16 x 4½-inch lag bolt proved no problem.Īll the impact wrenches selected by our experts are high-quality power tools.

#RIDGID IMPACT FREE#

The downside? When our partners at Popular Mechanics assessed the tool, it struggled to break free a 9⁄16-inch, grade-8 bolt tightened to 200 foot-pounds. Another selling point: The device’s built-in pin detent did an impressive job of holding onto the socket in our tests. The kit shown here includes one 4 Ah battery, a charger, and a carrying case.Įquipped with brushless motor technology, this impact wrench features three speeds and an auto-tightening mode that automatically shuts off when fastening bolts to avoid overtightening, making for a user-friendly experience. Removing and replacing lug nuts was a cinch with this impact wrench, which delivers a respectable 500 foot fastening torque and 650 ft./lbs of breakaway torque. Despite its modest size, this tool - which weighs just 3.6 lbs without the battery - delivered strong performance in our tests. Plus, its top-quality construction, including a brushless motor, means it will stand up to daily rigors for decades to come.ĭon’t underestimate the subcompact Ridgid. But like we said, this brawny impact wrench is built for heavy-duty work. Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, the M18 requires some arm strength to operate all day (and its 5-Ah batteries should give you that much run time and more). Our partners at Popular Mechanics had similarly positive results, noting that the Milwaukee had no trouble breaking free rusty bolts from old farm equipment, thanks to its bolt removal mode, which also helped prevent damage to the rusted fasteners by slowing down the tool speed to 750 revolutions per minute (RPMs). The 18-volt impact wrench was a beast in our tests, removing and replacing lug nuts with ease. (Note that the kit listed here includes three batteries you can also purchase the tool by itself at Home Depot for hundreds less.) “But if you’re looking to take on tougher projects, or you want an impact wrench that you’ll be able to pass on to the grandkids,” the M18 is worth a look. “With its 1,400 foot-pounds of torque and 5-Ah battery, this is a lot of tool for the average DIYer,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement & Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. The M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch impact wrench shows again why that reputation is well-deserved. Milwaukee is the power tool brand of choice for many pros, who value its exceptional power and rugged design.

Ridgid impact