How many times have you had to fit or loosen a nut using a manual wrench? We are guessing, quite a few times. You can’t deny the amount of torque required to get a nut tightened, and even more when trying to get a rusty nut out. It is not only frustrating but also a painful experience where more than often you will end up with sore hands and shoulders.
If you want to be able to get the job done with ease and speed then we suggest you get yourself best impact wrench for changing tires. Anyone who owns one will probably tell you how much this power tool comes in handy when dealing with nuts and bolts.
Not all repair and maintenance work can be done using hand tools, some need a considerable amount of power to get the perfect result. An impact wrench works by rotating and releasing stored energy bit by bit against the nut you are trying to assemble, more like using a hammer against a hand tool for that extra force. This gets the job done without putting any strain on your wrists.
So now that you understand how much time and energy you will be saving with such a tool, we would also like to guide you through on how to choose the right impact wrench for all your repairs.
But before we get to the much detailed buying guide, we have listed down top 9 impact wrenches in the market right now that are specialized for changing tires. Our list is totally based on what is popular among users these days, features and value for your money, so you can compare and pick what is best for you.
Our Top 3 Picks:
- Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 – Best Quality
- Dewalt Dcf899p1 – Pemium Pick
- Porter-Cable Pcc 740B – Budget Pick
9 Best Impact Wrenches For Changing Tires 2021
1. Dewalt Dcf899p1 Brushless High Torque Impact Wrench Kit
DEWALT DCF899P1 is a 20-Volt, ½ inch impact wrench with a brushless motor which can also be defined as a power-house. The amount of torque on this tool is worth praising. With maximum torque of 700 ft/lbs and breakaway torque of 1,200 ft/lbs, you can get even the toughest rusted nuts out in no time.
If you are always working with tough nuts and bolts and really need that extra amount of torque to get the job done then this is the tool for you. Although cordless, the battery works like a beast, eliminating the idea that only corded or impact wrenches that run by air compressors can do heavy jobs.
The best thing about this heavy duty impact wrench is that you can select the speed (3 different settings) to achieve the right amount of torque and drive control, whether you are working on stubborn screws or something that requires less force to assemble.
Read full review of dewalt dcf899p1 for details.
With 2,400 impacts per minute and no load speed of 400/1200/1900 you can imagine how fast you will be able to complete your maintenance work and increase your productivity. It also comes with LED work light so you can be sure to get a clear view even while working in a poor lit room.
For most users, this impact wrench is a winner in their books with its incredible battery life and optional features. The tool is not very heavy or large, with a length of 8.1 inch and weight of 7.2 lbs; you can work for as long as you have to without straining your wrists or causing soreness to your arms. The kit also contains a DCB205 5.0 Ah battery, multi voltage charger and a carry bag.
- Brushless motor for upmost power
- 3-speed selector
- Powerful battery that doesn’t drain too fast
- LED work light installed
- Portable
- Incredibly sturdy
- Great for medium to tough nuts and bolts
- Not ideal for very small nuts or bolts, might snap the heads off if not handled properly
- A few customers complained about the battery not working after some time
2. Ingersoll Rand W7150 K2 High Torque Impact Tool
Ingersoll Rand has been in business for over 100 years, manufacturing power tools that are both great in quality and performance. They have strong customer base and have earned a good name over the years. Their best impact wrenches are no different and are built for durability and sustainability.
The Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 is a 1/2-Inch, impact wrench with 1100 ft-lb nut-busting torque and 780 foot-pounds of maximum torque.
The tool weighs just 6.8 lbs yet it is powerful enough to handle most tough jobs. If you want maximum torque capacity but a light tool to minimize operator fatigue then this might interest you.
With an ergonomic handle and soft touch over-molded grip, you can work all day long without tiring out your arms. Run time is maximized with a 20 Volt lithium-ion battery so you can enjoy its performance for much longer than cheap batteries that go flat too soon.
A lot of the users feel that this is a very durable and effective tool that they can rely on to take care of all their repair work in very short time. As it is cordless and not heavy, you can take it anywhere and get to work.
Whether you do light jobs or heavy duty tasks such as suspension work and heavy equipment repair, this tool will sure come in handy and take care of all your maintenance.
- Lightweight and portable
- Ergonomic design to minimize user fatigue
- Powerful motor and ideal to handle tough nuts and bolts
- Durable tool that can withstand harsh usage
- Great battery life
- Some customers had to replace the batteries within a year
3. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2763-22 1/2″ Impact Wrench
Want to loosen a tight nut or fasten nuts firmly in place without the use of a manual tool? Our next Best impact wrench provides 1100ft lbs of loosening torque that not only busts tough nuts but also effectively removes rusted ones that have been in place for years. Tightening screws to the securest position also comes just as easy with the 700 ft lbs of maximum fastening torque delivered by this tool without hassle. It is no surprise that you can expect a lot of torque from the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2763-22 impact wrench.
You can even choose between two fastening modes with Milwaukee’s proprietary DRIVE CONTROL feature to ensure that you are not over powering or using less than the required torque for the job. This helps with accurate tightening without damaging the nut.
The REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 battery pack delivers maximum power and twice the runtime for longer working hours. With its cordless structure and long life battery, you can take it anywhere with you and know that it will have your back when the need for any maintenance or repair work arises.
This tool has been used and reviewed by many satisfied customers, including professionals who say that this is a great tool with a lot of torque that provides good speed and trouble-free operation.
- 700 ft lbs fastening torque and 1100 ft lbs loosening torque makes this ideal for tough nuts and bolts
- Two fastening modes give the user the freedom to choose the right amount of torque
- Strong battery life
- Great for lug nuts and larger suspension bolts
- The high torque can cause a bit of arm fatigue if working at awkward angles for a longer period of time.
4. Milwaukee 2763-20 M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
This model, also by Milwaukee, is a fuel tool constructed for heavy duty nut busting jobs. If you have been struggling to loosen a tight nut that looks like it won’t budge then forget about busting it with a hand tool. What you need is 1,100 ft lbs of torque to do the job. This impact wrench not only gives you that but also provides a fastening torque of up to 700 ft lbs. If you think that’s too much power and you are worried about snapping off the head then no worries because you can adjust the amount of torque and bring it down to 100 ft lbs if that’s what you are in need of.
The motor is a brushless motor so it delivers impeccable power but also stays cool throughout running time. This increases its durability and prevents any accidents.
Although this is a bare tool meaning it does not come with a battery, you can use it with the REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery pack for the best results and double the runtime. All the M18 XC or higher ranges such as the XC 4.0, XC 5.0 batteries are compatible with this fuel tool.
The LED light is a great feature that allows you to work with accuracy in dark areas. This portable tool is your friend and savior when it comes to any tough repairs and you can be sure that its durability will let you enjoy its performance for a long time.
- Great power with brushless motor
- Cool running motor
- Controllable torque
- Strong sturdy built
- LED light
- Portable
- A few users stated that the tool could not bust tight nuts without a struggle
5. Dewalt Dcf880m2 Impact Wrench Kit
So we have reviewed a few really powerful impact wrenches with high foot pound torque but what about when you need something that does not apply that much of a force but is still durable, sturdy and strong enough to tackle tight nuts? With 150 ft lbs of torque the DCF880HM2 is perfect for everyday use when you are working with very limited space.
The tool weighs about 3.4 lbs and measures at 5.7” front to back, making it a compact device with unmatched power. Whether you are working on your car or need to fasten or loosen nuts and bolts on any surface such as wood, metal or concrete, you can be sure that this little monster is going to get it right.
The two Premium Li-Ion batteries that come along have a voltage of 20 volts, measured without work load and 18 volts as nominal voltage, runs for a long time before you need a replacement or recharge. The 3 LED lights with a 20 second delay after trigger release ensures good visibility and makes the drilling easier.
The compact size is great for easy handling and carrying around and the textured anti-slip grip offers a stable hold and prevents the tool from falling off your hands while it releases its pressure on the output.
It comes with a hog ring anvil to change sockets without any hassle although there have been a few issues mentioned regarding the hog ring connection by users who later switched to the Decent pin connector.
But as a final verdict, this compact impact wrench is definitely worth the price and actually has more value for the money spent.
- An excellent compact tool to reach small areas
- Powerful motor and long lasting batteries
- Portable and small in size so you will hardly feel its weight on your wrists
- Good for car projects
- Hog ring connection might show problems
- Not for heavy duty projects
6. Dewalt DC823B 3/8-Inch 18-Volt Impact Wrench
The DEWALT DC823B is a 3/8 inch, 18 volt is one of the best impact wrench for changing tires with a frameless motor that offers amazing durability and first-rate performance. The brushes are replaceable which means improved service every time. You can get up to 1,500 lbs of torque, a no load speed of 0 – 2,400 rpm and 0 – 2,700 impacts per minute for faster application speed. You can now forget about manual wrenches that not only take up time and hurt your hands, but are also a problem when trying to reach congested areas.
This tool is built within a small frame of only 5-3/4 inch and weighs no more than 2.2 pounds, which allows you to handle it for longer time without causing any strain to your wrists.
This weight will increase once the battery (compatible with 18 volt xrp batteries) is placed inside but it will still be light enough for easy carrying and operating.
For extra safety, you can rely on the anti-slip comfort grip which ensures maximum stability and hold. With DEWALT being a leading manufacturer of industrial power tools, you can be sure of its products being reliable and worthy of having a place in your workshop.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Replaceable brushes and frameless motor
- Heavy duty impacting mechanism
- Great for accessing tight areas
- Comes with hog ring anvil which is not always the preferred method by users to attach sockets
- No lights on the tool
7. Makita XWT08Z LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless High Torque Square Drive Impact Wrench
This is another ‘tool-only’ high impact wrench with a brushless motor and a ½ inch square drive by Matika. It is compatible with the 18 volt lithium-ion battery also by Makita. These batteries charge real quickly so you don’t have to waste too much time on charging and can get back to work in no time. As for the tool, it is a heavy duty impact wrench with 740 ft lbs fastening torque and 1,180 ft lbs of nut busting torque.
You can even control the speed to 3 limits ranging from 0-900, 0-1,000, and 0-1,800 no load speed, and 0-1,800, 0-2,000 and 0-2,200 impacts per minute. You can always choose the speed for precise fastening control and better results.
Read Full Review of Makita Xwt08z Impact Wrench.
The ½ inch anvil with friction ring allows quick and trouble-free socket changes. This high-torque impact tool will not back down when faced even with the toughest job and will ensure that your repair work is not only done in a matter of minutes but without any hassle.
You can also enjoy its service while working in a poor lit environment as the built-in LED lights brightens the work area and gives you clear view of the process.
With a tool-hook that comes along with the tool, you can safely put away your valuable device and keep it secured till its next use.
With such powerful electric impact wrenches in the market, people will soon start to compare their ability to tackle any job with just as much power as air impact wrenches, with their portable being an added bonus.
- Extremely powerful motor
- LED lights to illuminate the work area
- Adjustable speeds for precise fastening
- Heavy tool. May cause user fatigue if used for long
8. Porter-Cable Pcc 740B Cordless Impact Wrench
The PCC 740B is one of the best impact wrench for changing tires which is a good tool for home repairs and DIY car projects. The motor produces 330 ft/lbs of torque with a speed of 1,650 RPM maximum and it is a impact wrench that weighs around 6.0 lbs when the battery is inserted. Although this is a bare tool and you will have to purchase the batteries separately, you can get maximum power from most 20 volt pro grade lithium batteries.
If you ever find yourself having to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts in a poorly lit room or area then the LED lights on this wrench will give you all the visibility required for precise assembling.
This, along with its lightweight body, allows you to take your wrench along wherever you go. Having this in the house or garage also ensures that you get to tackle any fastening or nut busting job with ease and speed. However, don’t expect it to remove lug nuts that are heavy on torque because this device is not built with that kind of mechanism. You can still use it to fasten most nuts and bolts though.
Some users have used 4-way tire wrenches first to get certain difficult bolts to loosen before using this tool to speed up the process. As the product descriptions show, we would suggest that you only use this impact wrench for smaller to medium projects that do not require high torque.
- Good tool for most home and garage repairs that require medium torque
- LED lights on the tool illuminates the work area
- Portable
- Variable speed trigger for precision control and accurate results
- Not powerful enough for heavy duty work
9. Craftsman C3 Heavy Duty Impact Wrench
Our last impact wrench on the list puts a stop to the belief that impact wrenches lack in power. Craftsman C3 heavy duty tool works its magic on even the toughest projects with ease and comfort. Imagine a impact wrench with a motor that boasts a 300 ft-lbs. of torque. Why take on the hassle of long cords and constant supply of direct power when you can get the same amount of force without the extra baggage? With a speed of 0-3,000 RPM/IPM and the included 4Ah XCP lithium-ion battery, you can now rely on this impact wrench to do the job in the fastest and most convenient way.
No matter what condition your tool has to face, the battery is programmed to function effectively. You won’t notice any compromise in performance whether it is left to face 5 degrees or 158 degrees of harsh weather. The multi-chemistry charger works real fast and ensures that you get back to work within a short period of time.
You can enjoy an illuminated working area as the 3 built-in LED lights are a great source of brightness. The 1/2-inch square anvil with detent pin is a popular method to change sockets, much more preferred than the hog ring type that sometimes has poor connection.
Handling the tool is no problem at all because the micro-texture over-mold grip on the handle is design for a firm hold and comfortable use.With so many amazing features, you probably wouldn’t want to leave your tool behind and the good news is that you probably won’t have to because it is compact in size and very portable.
- Impressive powerful motor with 300 ft lbs of torque
- Great battery life
- Ergonomic design for comfort and less user fatigue
- Quick charge time
- LED lights
- Not the quietest impact wrench in the market. Expect some noise.
Buying Guide for Best Impact Wrench For Changing Tires
If you haven’t really used an impact wrench before then it is important that you first know how exactly it works. We are going to try and break it down in the simplest way so that you get a clear picture of how the tool works to tighten and loosen nuts.
You have probably used a manual wrench before, where you just adjust the wrench around the nut or bolt and rotate the handle by hand to either screw it in or pull it out. Sometimes when the going gets tough and you face a nut that just won’t budge, you use a hammer to bang against the wrench for that additional force.
This practice is quite common but difficult and time consuming, not to mention dangerous. The impact wrench works almost in the same way. The tool itself looks like a screw gun and has a square pin on the front used for attaching impact sockets.
The motor on the tool applies torque in short bursts (just like a hammer) while been assisted by a spring. This causes the mass to hit the output shaft with extreme speed and energy that is then used on turning the nut with upmost pressure to either screw in or loosening a nut. A lot of detailing goes on inside the covers but you get the picture, right?
Drive Size
We are not really talking about the size of the tool or its frame, but the size of the socket wrench drive in particular. The size of the screw will determine what size wrench drive you need.
Structural Shape
We will be talking about the 4 most common structural shapes of impact wrenches that we use for household or basic garage works, mostly ranging with drive sizes of 0.25 to 1.25 and maybe slightly bigger.
1. Inline
This is the kind where you hold like you would handle a normal screwdriver, with the output on its end. It is quite common with the ¼ inch drive size.
2. Pistol Grip
As the name suggests, this type has the typical handgun structure with its output right-angled to the handle. This is the most preferred structure due to its easy grip and control over the tool. Impact wrenches with drive sizes of up to 1 inch can be found in the pistol grip structure.
3. D-Handle
1 inch drive tools can come in this form where a handle is attached to the back for a comfortable hold. The shape of the handle offers a firm sturdy grip.
4. T-Handle
This is the best structure for 1.25 inch (and bigger) drives. The tool has two handles on both sides, giving it a ‘T’ like shape. You have to use both hands to grab the handles and be in control of the tool while powerful force is being applied on the nut.
Torque
Torque (rotational force) is what an impact wrench is known for. It is needed to remove or tighten a screw and having enough force will determine how much heavy duty your tool is. Anything starting at 150 feet-pounds (1800 in-lbs) is a good minimum.
Torque Adjustments
This optional feature allows the user to select the amount of torque that the wrench will put on turning the nut. This feature prevents damage to nuts and bolts that require lesser force to assemble.
Weight
If you are working on a project that won’t require you to use the impact wrench for a longer period of time then the weight won’t really matter as most impact wrench weights are bearable, but if you going to work on something for quite some time then a heavy tool might cause arm fatigue.
Size and Ergonomics
Just like weight, the size too determines how comfortable you will be handling the tool. The only issue here is that in some cases smaller impact wrenches result in lesser torque. As for the design, ergonomic tools are made of comfortable materials for easy grip and less arm fatigue or soreness over time.
Impacts per Minute
The more the IPM the faster the impact wrench will be able to work while screwing or loosening the fastener.
Types of Impact Wrenches:
1. Pneumatic Impact Wrench
These kinds of impact wrenches get their power from air compressors as they need compressed air to function. They are not too big in size and can be used in places with no power supply, as long as there is a supply of compressed air.
At first glance they may seem great, and they probably are if you need a good amount of torque, but as they lack modern features, you cannot adjust the amount of torque meaning they are only fit for certain types of bolts.
If you use a pneumatic wrench to tighten or loosen a screw that requires minimum force then you may end up damaging the screw due to the uncontrollable high torque. This is the reason why more people prefer electric impact wrenches with adjustable power as they score high in the versatility department. But this kind is still highly regarded for professional use.
2. Electric Impact Wrench
Powered By Electricity, These Kinds Come In Two Types: Corded And Cordless.
The Corded Impact Wrench:
Corded impact wrench is great for long hours because they run on direct power. You don’t have to worry about charging batteries and working with limited time.
The problem however is when you don’t have power supply. You cannot use your electric impact wrench if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and suddenly need to change a tire or if something needs assembling while there is a power cut.
Electric impact wrenches are good for when you need to adjust the torque to fit your task and for keeping at home or in the garage where there is always a source of electricity.
Cordless Impact Wrench:
Cordless Impact Wrench is the most popular type nowadays, mostly because of their portability. They are powered by heavy duty batteries and perfect for repairs on the go.
The cordless feature gives you the flexibility of movement when aiming for awkward angles and hard to reach areas and they are also great for emergencies. The drawbacks with these kinds are their need for recharging and lack of power when compared to the corded kind.
You might have to deal with interruption when the battery runs out of power or when the impact wrench simply cannot release the high torque needed for some hard wearing work. Having said that, if you are not in constant need for extreme force then this impact wrench is good enough in handling most maintenance work.
3. Hydraulic Impact Wrench
We don’t see the hydraulic impact wrench at homes or garages. These are mostly found in factories and industries and are the most powerful kinds. Too powerful for every day work actually. They produce the highest amount of torque and the wrench is the biggest in size when compared to all other kinds.
Dos & Don’ts
- Use the appropriate amount of torque required to do the job
- Use a manual wrench first if possible and then bring in the impact wrench, especially during tightening a nut or bolt
- Use safety goggles to protect your eyes as the fast speed of an impact wrench could cause chipped pieces to fly. Ear protection is also good
- Always check to see that the socket is firmly in place and get a good grip on the wrench before you start your work
- Don’t apply more torque thinking that it will do the job better. It could just result in damaging the screw
- Don’t buy cheap impact wrenches. They won’t last long and will just stress you out
Benefits of Buying Impact Wrench For Changing Tires:
Save Time
Why spend all the time and energy on assembling nuts and bolts manually when you can get the job done in a fraction of time? (Also think of how much your hands will be thanking you.
Heavy Duty
Let us say you don’t mind sparing the time to do stuff by hand but can you handle all the stubborn rusty nuts and bolts that have been in place for ages and just refuse to loosen? Or how about when you need that extra force to tighten a screw in place? This is where the impact wrench comes in handy.
Portable and your best friend in times of need
You can carry your little tool anywhere and get to work when the need arises, even with no direct power supply. The good thing about being cordless is how hassle-free and convenient they are.
Ergonomic design and lightweight
If you are someone who has a lot of repair work to do all day then you will appreciate the comfortable and easy to grip and hold tool. Impact wrenches are not too heavy and won’t cause arm fatigue.
Frequently Ask Question(FAQs):
Conclusion:
With impact wrenches in general you get a much larger torque to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts with efficiency and less trouble. Many times while using a manual wrench you may injure or strain your wrist but with an impact wrench you won’t even feel all that power that is being released.
The lesser time required to get a job done means you can take on more projects, which provides a better impact on your business, if you are a professional.
Choosing from the different types of wrenches can be over-whelming but if you are looking for something portable and compact in size then the impact wrench fits the description perfectly as they are quickly becoming popular due to their mobility and convenience.
They may not be as powerful as the electric corded wrenches or air impact wrenches but they are excellent for everyday use and taking along when travelling.
If you are not in to extreme heavy duty repairing and maintenance then the best impact wrench for changing tires is great for professional use too. You can easily take on screws in the most awkward angles and have them fitted or removed within minutes (or even seconds). We hope you now have a better understanding of this useful tool and can choose which one will work best for you.
In case we missed any best impact wrench for changing tires, please feel free to let us know in the comment section. We will review the product and add later. Thank you!
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