10 Best Air Impact Wrenches

An air impact gun helps to loosen or tighten nuts/bolts/fasteners and many more that are the common jobs for car repair, industrial fields, and heavy instrument maintenance. Well, to tackle those jobs smartly and release the unwanted stress on your hands and mind, you need to pick the best air impact wrench.

A mechanic or DIY-er who has failed to remove a jammed lug nut, bolt, or fastener knows better how irritating that could be. Maybe, you too are struggling a lot to remove a stubborn lug nut. Unfortunately, that job is too much difficult to accomplish if you don’t have an impact wrench.

As the market is teeming with so many brands that produce the impact gun, it’s quite a difficult task to find out the best one for your needs. Our team has researched 42 air impact wrenches and reviewed the top 10 air impact guns that are leading the market for their power, durability, quality, and environment-friendliness.

best air impact wrench  A quick comparison chart of our top picks Impact Gun: 

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Brand/Model

Key Features

Latest Price

Ingersoll Rand 2235 TiMAX

  • Drive Size: 1/2"

  • Weight: 4.6 lbs

  • Max Torque: 1350 ft/lbs

  • Reverse Torque: 930 ft/lbs

  • Speed: 9000 RPM

Aircat 1150 'Killer'

  • Drive Size: 1/2"

  • Weight: 4.6 lbs

  • Max Torque: 1250 ft/lbs

  • Reverse Torque: 900 ft/lbs

  • Speed: 9000 RPM

Ingersoll Rand 231C

  • Drive Size: 1/2"

  • Weight: 4.6 lbs

  • Max Torque: 650 ft/lbs

  • Reverse Torque: 450 ft/lbs

  • Speed: 8000 RPM

Why Should You Pick An Air Impact Wrench?

removing lug nuts from tires using impact wrench

There is nothing precious than time itself. So, the smart approaches that save time and energy are getting more and more attention. The pneumatic wrench can save both time and hard work by providing its stunning service. An impact driver can do the same jobs 4 to 5 times lesser than your manual/analog approach.

If you invest your valuable time in loosening/tightening the nuts, bolts, fasteners, and so on manually, you won’t be able to do another important task. We know, the time that we pass never comes back. Furthermore, the old and stubborn lug nuts/bolts need extra force to be removed. Sometimes, it becomes impossible to remove them without the help of impact guns.

Generally, air guns can be air compressed, electric, and hydraulic. You should pick the air impact gun for several reasons. It is the most common and popular in its class. There are some other reasons to have an air-driven wrench. Such as:

  • The air impact gun is the most powerful so far
  • It lasts longer than any other impact wrenches
  • It is way cheaper than the electric/hydraulic wrenches
  • The unit can handle a lot of tasks and tackles the toughest jobs
  • If you are a mechanic or owns a business, the pneumatic wrench should be your “go-to” tool

Best Air Impact Wrench 2021 – Reviews

Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Air Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Air Impact WrenchIngersoll Rand bears its name in the tools and equipment industry. If you are looking for a heavy-duty air impact wrench with a handful of positivity, then Ingersoll Rand 2235 is the best solution for you.

2235 TiMAX is the upgraded version of the legendary 2135 TiMAX. The unit offers a combo of durability and supreme performance. It produces up to 1350 foot-pounds of nut bursting torque with a regular reverse torque of 930 foot-pounds.

Among dozens of the best quality impact wrenches, this unit stands out due to its lightweight yet robust construction. It beats almost every impact gun when it comes to durability. Just buy a piece of 2235 TiMAX and get its amazing service years after years.

Since the unit is lightweight, it helps users reduce fatigue. It is the most suitable wrench for frequent and rigorous use. Another great aspect of the unit is its twin-hammer technology. The technology offers tremendous power and durability.

The unit is user-friendly. Thus, it gives you complete control during your jobs. To do so, it has a four-position power regulator and a dedicated button for forwarding/reverses torque settings. To make it a long-lasting product, it has a titanium hammer case along with rugged housing.

 Rand 2235TiMAX is the best solution for rigorous and harsh usages. 

Product Specifications

  • Material: Plastic & Metal
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs
  • Max Torque: 1350 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 930 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8500 RPM
  • Noise Level: 98 dBa

What We Liked

  • Compact & lightweight
  • Durable and robust construction
  • Twin-hammer mechanism
  • Four-position power regulator
  • The rugged housing and Titanium case
  • The 2-Year warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • No noteworthy cons!

AIRCAT 1150 “Killer Torque” Impact Wrench

AIRCAT 1150 "Killer Torque" Impact WrenchAircat has been the leading power tools producing company for years. It has gained tremendous popularity and its goodwill is intact to date. AIRCAT 1150 has every quality to top our list and outranks other listed products. But we have placed it after Ingersoll due to its lesser torque than the Ingersoll.

As the name suggests, AIRCAT 1150 “Killer Torque” generates tremendous power. The unit would have been our top pick if there were no Ingersoll 2235. AIRCAT 1150 produces 1295 foot-pounds loosening torque and 900 foot-pounds reverse torque.

If you need stability, power, precision, and super control on your impact gun, you should pick this one. AIRCAT 1150 offers all of these four qualities perfectly. Furthermore, it is comparatively quiet and lightweight. The unit produces only 86 dBa noise which makes it an environment-friendly tool.

Moreover, the unit stands out for its sheer blowing capacity. It generates 1400 blows per minute to offer you the utmost power. It is equipped with a twin hammer mechanism that provides power and stability at the same time.

The ergonomically designed handle ensures safe and comfortable operation. Furthermore, it has a flip lever to ensure a safe forward/reverse torque setting. The composite housing of the unit increases its durability.

 AIRCAT 1150 is the steal for the price! 

Product Specifications

  • Material: Composite & Aluminum
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs
  • Max Torque: 1295 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 900 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 9000 RPM
  • Noise Level: 86 dBa

What We Liked

  • Heavy-duty and professional grade
  • Quiet yet extremely powerful
  • 15% larger rotor creates tremendous power
  • Powerful rotation and super-precision
  • Twin-hammer mechanism
  • Ergonomic handle for comfortable operation
  • The 2-year parts and labor warranty

What We Didn’t Like

  • The user manual could have been better

Ingersoll Rand 231C Super-Duty Air Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand 231C Super-Duty Air Impact WrenchIngersoll Rand 231C is a lightweight air impact wrench. It offers super heavy-duty at an affordable price. If you think Rand 2235 TiMAX has more power than your needs, you should buy this one. This unit is the best version among the air impact guns that generate up to 600 foot-pounds torque.

The unit is only 7.3 inches in length and weighs only 5.8 pounds. This compact wrench is user-friendly and requires little to no care. The smaller size and compact design of the wrench minimize the stress on your wrists. To offer you the best experience during the operation, it comes with a fully ergonomic design.

Promised to deliver the utmost service, the unit has come up with the twin-hammer mechanism. The mechanism ensures relentless power that ensures 600 foot-pounds torque. To produce an effective and stable torque, the unit has an impressive rotational speed that reads 8000 RPM!

Ingersoll Rand 231C has born to loosen and tighten the stubborn lug nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. Another striking feature of the wrench is its maintenance facility. To offer you the best way of maintenance, it features a streamlined two-piece construction. Furthermore, it arrives fully assembled and lubricated so that you can use it just after unboxing!

Unlike other pneumatic impact wrenches, this unit has an adjustable power regulator. The regulator offers you the freedom to set the power of the motor during the job. As a result, it becomes the most suitable air wrench to tighten the nuts/bolts.

Product Specifications

  • Design: Fully ergonomic and classic
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 5.8 lbs
  • Max Torque: 600 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 450 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8000 RPM
  • Noise Level: 85 dBa

What We Liked

  • Heavy-duty and professional grade
  • Durable and provides a longer runtime
  • Compact and lightweight yet generates tremendous power
  • Comfortable handle with ergonomic design
  • A must-have tool for the technicians
  • 1-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • A bit louder compared to the similar wrenches
  • It doesn’t have any user manual which can be an issue for a newbie

NitroCat 1200-K 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench Review

NitroCat 1200-K 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench ReviewEquipped with the Kevlar Housing feature, NitroCat 1200-K air impact wrench offers outstanding durability. NitroCat is a popular name in the tools manufacturing industry for producing durable tools and equipment. NitroCat 1200-K has so many amazing features to enthrall any wrench user.

This heavy-duty unit has a super 1295 foot-pounds loosening torque. NitroCat 1200-K is an echo-friendly wrench and produces as low as 86 dBa noise. Furthermore, it has a patented quiet technology that helps reduce the noise level during the heavy torque.

For breaking the tough bolts/nuts loose, it has a patented twin-clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism helps boost the power of the wrench when you need it. It ensures the smooth operation of the wrench during heavy torque load.

The standout feature of the unit is its power management system. It has a power regulating switch that lets you adjust the rotational power of the wrench. Moreover, it has a comfortable handgrip to allow you to operate the wrench hours after hours without any stress on your hands.

It has a patented forward/reverse switch and a smart trigger. The toggle switch is for selecting the mode of torque whereas the trigger is to engage and disengage the wrench. You should buy this wrench if you are looking for a hard-hitting tool. It is the best in its class!

Product Specifications

  • Material: Kevlar & Aluminum
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 4.5 lbs
  • Max Torque: 1295 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 800 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8000 RPM
  • Noise Level: 86 dBa

What We Liked

  • Heavy-duty and professional grade
  • Exhaust muffler technology that reduces noise
  • Compact and lightweight with ultra power
  • The twin-clutch mechanism that boosts up power
  • The power management system that increases the lifespan
  • 2-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • The front seal tends to leak oil
  • The rated power (1295) is overrated. It could be around 1150 to 1200

Campbell Hausfeld 1/2 Inch Air Impact Wrench

Campbell Hausfeld 1/2" Air Impact WrenchIf you own a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor, this air impact driver is a must-have tool for you. Get this amazing air impact driver and pair it with your compressor to bring up the magic result. Anyway, this tool works equally great with other manufacturers’ compressors.

The unit has come up with several amazing features. Those features have helped it gain popularity in no time. It has a nut-busting torque of 550 foot-pounds along with a handsome reverse torque. It is the perfect pick for repairing your cars, gardening tools including lawnmowers, and any other blades or breaks.

To offer you the perfect tension and torque during the job, it has a 3-speed selection knob. The knob helps you determine the power of the wrench. It has a durable and composite construction. The sturdy construction helps it tolerate more load hours after hours that give you extra confidence.

Equipped with advanced technology and ergonomic design, TL140200AV reduces the stress on your hands. Moreover, the unit has a twin-hammer mechanism. You know what can do with the twin-hammer mechanism. The advanced technology of the unit reduces the vibration during the heavy-load. As a result, your hands never feel overloaded or fatigued.

One remarkable downside of this impact driver is that you need at least an 8 gallon and beyond air tank. Otherwise, you have to ensure that your air tank has the rated CFM 3.2 and beyond. This wrench won’t produce your expected result if you fail to ensure these factors!

Product Specifications

  • Material: Composite
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs
  • Max Torque: 550 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 330 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8000 RPM
  • Impact: 1200 BPM
  • Noise Level: 88 dBa

What We Liked

  • Comfortable and user-friendly design
  • Compact and composite construction
  • Stable and reliable power
  • Superlative performer for DIY projects
  • Vibration reducing mechanism
  • 1-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • Does not work properly with mini air tank (needs 8 gallons and beyond)
  • Not fit for extreme duty

Ingersoll Rand 35MAX Ultra-Compact Impact Tool, 1/2 Inch

Ingersoll Rand 35MAX Ultra-Compact Impact Tool, 1/2 InchIngersoll Rand 35MAX is the leading air impact wrench considering its reverse torque capability. It comes with the nut bursting forward torque of 625 foot-pounds whereas the reverse torque is 450 foot-pounds! You won’t find any other windy gun in this range(600 ft-lbs) that has this much reverse torque.

We need max torque for lug nuts, blots, and other fasteners loosening. When it comes to tightening them, we don’t need that much torque. But, we need the reliable and steady reverse torque so that we don’t end up over-tightening them. Rand 35MAX has the quality to produce stable and reliable reverse torque. 450 foot-pounds reverse torque is the most suitable torque for tightening anything.

Rand 35MAX stands out due to its ultra-compact construction. It is the lightest pneumatic impact wrench on the market that fulfills almost every requirement. Weighing only 2.4 pounds Rand 35MAX offers so many amazing features. The blowing capacity of this unit is awesome. It has a super-blowing rate of 1250 BPM!

The unit has come up with a 3-mode power regulating facility. Depending on your jobs, you can set the power mode of the wrench to low-medium-high. Furthermore, like other excellent wrenches, this wrench has a one-hand operable forward/reverse toggle switch. Now, it is one push away to choose the mode of the torque!

Rand 35MAX has come up with the latest twin-hammer mechanism. The unit has a complete composite design. As a result, it gets a robust and durable construction. Don’t afraid of its lightweight feature. The power and durability will certainly surprise you. The lightweight feature allows it to be used for hours after hours. Your hands/wrists won’t get fatigued anymore.

 Rand 35MAX is the most suitable air impact gun for home use. 

Product Specifications

  • Material: Composite plastic design
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 2.4 lbs
  • Max Torque: 650 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 450 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8000 RPM
  • Noise Level: 96 dBa

What We Liked

  • Super compact and lightweight construction
  • Reliable and very easy to use
  • Outstanding accessibility due to its size and weight
  • Impressive composite and ergonomic design
  • Very reasonable price
  • 2-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • A bit louder (96 dBa) compared to similar wrenches
  • Its toggle switch is made of plastic (though it is industrial plastic)

DEWALT DWMT70773L Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Impact Wrench

best pneumatic impact wrenchDEWALT DWMT  70773L is one of the lightest and best pneumatic impact wrenches that have gained huge appreciation. Due to its compact and lightweight features, it can be operated single-handedly! But the lightweight feature of the wrench does not compromise its power. DWMT 70773L is the real fighter against any stubborn lug nuts or bolts.

Constructed with top-notch plastic material, it weighs only 4.5 pounds which makes it super maneuverable. The unit generates up to 650 foot-pounds torque. It is one of the best wrenches to remove any free fasteners. The unit has a great record of loosening the old/robust nuts and bolts with ease.

With the 7500 RPM rotational power, it works perfectly for high-power fasteners. To offer you the one-hand operation facility, it is equipped with a forward/backward lever. With the help of the lever, you have the option to set forward and reverse torque in no time.

Like other top branded pneumatic impact wrenches, this unit too has a twin-hammer mechanism. As we said previously, the mechanism helps produce stable and tremendous power. During the time of tightening the nuts/bolts, we need to reduce the power.  To provide that freedom, it has an adjustable power regulator. So, adjust the power depending on your needs.

One of the striking features of DWMT 70773L is its shock-resistant capability. To absorb the shock during the torque load, it has shock-resistant housing bumpers. The bumpers allow you to work without getting much vibration. It has an ergonomic handle to provide comfortable operation.

Product Specifications

  • Material: Industrial grade plastic
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs
  • Max Torque: 650 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 430 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 7500 RPM
  • Noise Level: 88 dBa

What We Liked

  • It offers a strong, smooth, and clean operation
  • Very durable and suitable for heavy-duty
  • Composite body construction
  • Compact and lightweight yet powerful
  • Single-handedly operation facility
  • The ergonomic handle and rubber cushion grip
  • 3-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • The forward/reverse switch is made of plastic which could have been metallic
  • There is only one way to put oil into the machine

Nitrocat 1250-K Pneumatic Impact Wrench

Nitrocat 1250-K Pneumatic Impact WrenchEquipped with the reinforced twin-clutch mechanism, Nitrocat 1250-K offers outstanding durability and extreme power. It has the supreme 1300 foot-pounds nuts busting torque along with 8500 RPM regular speed! This unit is ideal for professional and heavy-duty jobs. This impact driver will boost your confidence to tackle the hardest jobs.

This hard-hitting 1/2 inch impact gun can outperform anything in its class. When it comes to power and durability, Nitrocat 1250-K stands out among hundreds of impact wrenches. To offer you the best result and the utmost durability, it is equipped with Kevlar Housing Technology. The technology ensures durability through its “body armor” housing.

Another remarkable feature of this nice tool is its patented tuned exhaust system. The system reduces the noise levels during the heavy load and max torque generation. Furthermore, to offer you the best comfort during the jobs it has an ergonomically designed handle. The handle absorbs the harsh vibration and shelters your wrist from unwanted stress.

Once you start using the wrench you will experience the sheer power of this little master. The unit weighs only 4.5 pounds whereas most of the wrenches in its class weigh around 6 pounds and beyond. Again, the unit has an easygoing flip lever to set the torque mode. So, you have the control to set forward and backward torque.

So far, Nitrocat 1250-K is the strongest impact gun in its class. As a result, you will get amazing power even on the lowest setting on the torque regulator! Undoubtedly, Nitrocat 1250-K is the perfect combo of durability and power.

Product Specifications

  • Material: Kevlar
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 4.5 lbs
  • Max Torque: 1300 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 850 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8500 RPM
  • Noise Level: 86 dBa

What We Liked

  • Advanced Kevlar Housing construction
  • Lightweight (4.5 lbs) yet supremely powerful
  • Low vibration and quieter
  • Best grip and trigger control
  • Powerful and smooth operation
  • Good for the money
  • 2-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • Consumes a bit more air compared to other guns
  • A bit overrated ( Its power could be within 1150-1200 ft-lbs)

ACDelco ANI405 Heavy Duty Pneumatic Impact Wrench

ACDelco ANI405 Heavy Duty Pneumatic Impact WrenchACDelco ANi405 is the best pneumatic impact wrench for under 50 dollars. This is the cheapest impact wrench that comes with so many advantages. You can blindly bet your money on this impact gun and you won’t lose here!

The unit comes with several outstanding features that are surprising for 50 bucks. This hard-hitting impact gun can generate up to 500 foot-pounds nut-busting torque. It has the standard aluminum alloy housing construction. Aluminum alloy enhances the lifespan of the wrench while it reduces the weight of the gun.

Like other costlier impact drivers, this unit has a twin-hammer mechanism. The mechanism helps to boost power while retains the longevity of the gun. Furthermore, the rugged aluminum housing offers the wrench a well-balanced structure.

It offers you a quick mode selection facility. To do so, the unit has the mode switching lever. By pressing on the lever, you can easily change the mode from forward to reverse torque and vice versa. Equipped with a long nose, the unit offers you longer accessibility. So, it becomes easier for you to reach even the narrowest and hardest place.

The unit has a speed regulation feature. Therefore, you have the option to set the speed of the gun depending on your job levels. It has 3 distinct modes to be set by the users during the jobs. This impact gun is equipped with heat-treated and helical gear facilities. These features ensure the maximum lifespan of the wrench irrespective of the job levels.

Product Specifications

  • Material: Durable aluminum alloy
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 5.7 lbs
  • Max Torque: 500 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 330 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 8000 RPM
  • Noise Level: 90 dBa

What We Liked

  • A great tool for the money
  • Suitable impact gun for any DIY person
  • Can access to the narrowest spaces
  • Aluminum alloy housing increases the lifespan
  • 1-year limited warranty

What We Didn’t Like

  • A bit heavier
  • Can handle light jobs only
  • The trigger could have been better

PORTER-CABLE Corded Electric Impact Wrench

best impact wrenchPorter-Cable PCE211 corded electric impact wrench comes with a heavier and stronger motor. As a result, the unit is a bit heavier than the previous two wrenches on our list. It is equipped with a sturdy motor to ensure effortless and stable torque.

The stronger motor enhances the durability of the wrench. Furthermore, the most important part of an impact gun is its motor. So, it is no wonder that most wrench users look for a robust motor. This unit will surely satisfy you and your hands during the jobs.

This unit stands out among hundreds of wrenches when it comes to the blowing capacity. The blowing capacity of PCE211 is 2700 BPM! It has a rocker switch so that you can set torque/reverse torque operation. The “Up” is for reverse torque while the “Down” is for forwarding torque.

PCE211 can generate 450 foot-pounds torque. Though the torque seems low compared to the previous two wrenches, it can produce outstanding results. It can take off any car’s lug nut within 2 seconds! The unit works great even for lug nuts rated 90 foot-pounds.

Though the weight of the wrench is around 7.5 lbs, it offers minimal torque on your hands. Don’t worry about the weight of the wrench; it won’t shear off your wrists. Certainly, you will love the performance of the wrench.

Product Specifications

  • Power Source: Corded electric
  • Motor Power: 7.5 amp
  • Material: Plastic & Metal
  • Drive Size: 1/2 Inch
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs
  • Max Torque: 450 foot-pounds
  • Reverse Torque: 330 foot-pounds
  • Regular Speed: 2200 RPM & 2700 BPM
  • Noise Level: 90 dBa

What We Liked

  • The stronger motor produces great torque
  • The durability of the unit makes it stand out
  • It is powerful and very easy to use
  • It has a smart extension cord to reach remote places
  • Very reasonable price
  • 3-year limited warranty!

What We Didn’t Like

  • Not good for tightening nuts/bolts
  • Less powerful than an air impact gun
  • Does not fit in narrow places

Best Air Impact Wrench Buying Guide

a pneumatic impact wrenchWe have researched and tested dozens of wrenches and enlisted the best ones among them. You can readily pick the one that fulfills your requirements. You don’t have to worry about the quality and performance of the unit. We did solid research and our list devoids underperforming products.

Yet, if you want to learn more insights about the selection process, you are welcome! Some factors determine whether a pneumatic impact wrench is perfect for you. Below are some important factors that help pick the right wrench. Read and the guidelines to build your concept.

Your Job Level

We all know that we should use the right tool for the right job, right? So, the first thing that comes to play in determining the right wrench is your job level. The wrench can produce the utmost result once it fits your needs.

Here your job level means the application of the wrench. If you need to use the unit for heavy-duty and professional tasks, you should buy one that has the most forward and reverse torque capability. Again, for medium-level work like maintaining your vehicles and home use purposes, you need to buy the medium ranged wrench.

Durability and Material

Whether you are a homeowner or a professional mechanic, you should look for the tools that offer maximum durability. An impact driver is no exception here. The durability of the wrench saves your pocket and provides extra freedom.

Furthermore, the durability of any product gets from the metal with which it is created. So, you need to look for the metal of the wrench. Composite material and industrial plastic provide the lightweight feature along with increasing the lifespan. Moreover, the most advanced construction of the wrench is the Kevlar Housing body. So, it would be better if you ensure that your wrench’s construction belongs to these categories.

The Torque of the Wrench

The power of a wrench is determined by the torque it produces. The torque can be of two types i.e. forward and reverse torque. In more than 80% of the cases, we use the wrench for loosening purposes. So, we need to give more focus on the forward torque generating capacity of any wrench.

It would be great if we get a wrench that has respectable forward and reverse torque. The reverse torque helps us tightening the nuts/bolts/screws. But, if the wrench does not offer the torque adjusting facility during the load, its reverse torque can make more harm than good. So, our main focus should be on “forward” torque.

The tougher your job, the more torque you need. For the toughest job, you need to look for a wrench that generates 900 foot-pounds and beyond. For medium-level jobs, anything above 500 foot-pounds torque is more than enough.  If a wrench offers handsome reverse torque with a torque adjustment facility, then it is excellent! 

Size of the Drive

driver size of an air impact wrench

The drive size of the wrench determines its capacity for handling nuts/bolts. The most used and hugely popular drive size of the wrench is 1/2 inch. The drive size could be 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and so on. We have taken all the wrenches on our list that have a 1/2 inch drive size. This 1/2 inch drive size can handle up to 90 % of the nuts, bolts, and fasteners. Furthermore, the 1/2 inch drive size is the perfect match for almost every vehicle including most of the UVs and RVs.

 If you think you are not looking for the 1/2 inch driver, do not buy anything from this list.  

Weight of the Wrench

Another important factor of the wrench is its weight. Generally, most users like a lightweight wrench since it offers less stress on the hands. On the other hand, the weight of the wrench conforms with power and strongness. The best quality wrench always ensures a sound balance between weight and power.

A heavy-weight comes with both merits and demerits. The heavyweight feature enhances its power and durability but makes the user fatigued. On the other hand, the lightweight wrench reduces stress on the user end but lacks durability. The matter of hope is that the great brand always keeps those things in mind. So, they try their best to give the utmost output maintaining durability and performance.

Our list comprises the top-notch impact wrenches. So, don’t worry about the weight and performance balance if you buy any one of them.

Rotation/Speed of the Wrench

The workforce of an impact driver is determined by the rotational speed it makes. So it is natural that you need more rotational speed to get more powerful torque. Typically, a heavy-duty wrench has a rotational speed from 7500 RPM to 9000 RPM. Anything within the range will give you the utmost power and performance. It will be wiser if you match your needs with the speed of the wrench.

Adjustment Facility

The adjustment facility of the wrench offers the option to regulate the torque level. Changing the mode of the torque is easy and common for almost every wrench. The torque-mode change is done by the flip lever or something like that. But, you need to look for the torque level regulation system.

By torque regulation/adjustment facility we are referring to the system of the wrench that controls the torque level during the job. We need more torque during tougher jobs and less torque during easier tasks. So, in those cases, the torque regulator provides our expected torque. As a result, we get the optimum level of torque and can save our nuts/bolts/fasteners from damage.

Typically, those wrenches have this system allow 2 to 3 modes of torque regulation. So, if you buy one that has this system, you will get the option to match the torque level with your jobs.

Environment-Friendliness

For the past few decades, noise pollution has been damaging public health severely. So, you need to be careful about the noise created by power tools like an impact wrench. If possible, buy the pneumatic wrench that produces less noise. We should keep our family and neighbors safe from sound pollution, shouldn’t we? But, if you buy the wrench for commercial purposes, then give preference to your business opportunity.

How Does A Pneumatic Impact Wrench Work?

Though an air impact driver produces the ultimate impact to loosen/tighten the stubborn nuts/bolts, its working principle is very simple! It has a motor operated by an air compressor. The motor spins at a great rotational speed that helps unscrew the bolts/nuts. Side by side, the wrench produces a great torque that pushes the fasteners forward or backward.

The wrench helps both the assemble and disassemble tasks by offering continuous and short bursts. It offers a suitable nut-busting pressure that brings the most stubborn fasteners within seconds. With the help of compressed air pressure, the unit generates a heavy-spinning torque that can beat almost every nut/bolt/fastener.

Best Air Impact Wrench FAQs

Q1. Who makes the best air impact wrench?

Answer: Dozens of manufacturers make the air impact gun. Among them, the most popular and best pneumatic wrenches are produced by Ingersoll and AIRCAT company. You can pick any impact gun that is made by these companies without giving a second thought.

Q2. What is the most powerful air impact wrench?

Answer: So far, Ingersoll Rand 2235 TiMAX from the Ingersoll brand and AIRCAT 1150 “Killer Torque” from the AIRCAT brand are the most powerful impact drivers ever produced.

Q3. Are electric impact wrenches as good as air?

Answer: To simply put, “No”. Electric impact wrenches are doing a great job and getting into the market gradually. But, their level of professionalism, performance, power, and durability are way behind the air impact wrench. But, if you need the gun for very small-scale jobs and your little house, then an electric wrench could be enough.

Q4. What is a good torque for an impact gun?

Answer: It depends on the jobs you are looking for to accomplish. On average, anything above 500 foot-pounds forward torque is great! But, for the heavy usages and continuous loads, you need to buy a wrench that has at least 600 foot-pounds torque.

Q5. What size impact wrench do I need to remove lug nuts??

Answer: Generally, one of the very common jobs of the impact driver is to remove lug-nuts. The impact guns rated 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch drive size will remove almost 98% of the lug-nuts.

Q6. What is the optimum PSI required for an air gun?

Answer: Unlike the power giant pressure washer, an air gun/wrench requires minimal PSI pressure to do the job. Anything around 90 PSI pressure will do the job for you!

Final Verdict

At this phase of the article, we think that you are educated enough to understand how much value can be added by an impact gun. An air gun is one of the common tools that can be seen in the toolbox of a mechanic or DIY-er. If you haven’t bought one yet, we recommend you to have one. Our list consists of the most powerful, durable, and popular air guns. All you need is to pick the best air impact wrench that matches your needs.

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