Editorial StaffA cordless impact wrench is a must-have for car owners. You don’t need to be working at a garage to own an impact wrench so, every time you’re traveling, you need this tool with you because you don’t know what might happen during your journey. In case of a tire burst, with the best cordless impact wrench for changing tires, you can deal with the situation efficiently wherever you are.
Besides, if you’re a person who spends much time on DIY projects that involve tightening or loosening bolts and nuts, this is the best tool for you. Let’s understand what its overall importance is.
Why Do You Need a Cordless Impact Wrench?
An impact wrench also referred to as a windy gun or impact gun, is a socket wrench power tool made to deliver high torque output with less exertion by the user by storing energy in a spinning mass, then delivering it immediately to the output shaft. Compressed air is usually the most popular power source through hydraulic or electric power is also used.
An impact wrench usually has the ability and power to quickly remove tightened bolts and nuts to make for a much effortless process and help get your tasks done much faster. Therefore, with a cordless impact wrench, you will be able to do all your projects from where you are; you don’t need to be near the power source to do your projects. Batteries power the cordless models, and others have LED lights allowing you to change your car tires in dark spaces.
Now that we understand the importance of having a cordless impact wrench for changing tires, let’s look at the best model on the market. Keep reading!
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless High Torque 1/2″ Cordless Impact Wrench
If you’re looking for another best cordless impact wrench for changing tires and dealing with stubborn lug nuts, count on the DEWALT (DCF899B) 20V ½ -Inch Cordless Impact Wrench. This unit is a heavy-duty tool and can get the job done quickly. It has 1,200 ft-lb of nut-busting torque, 700 ft-lb of maximum fastening torque, and a brushless motor that’s makes the tool long-lasting. Moreover, you have an option to choose from three speeds 0-400/1,200/1,900 RPM according to your needs.
The DEWALT (DCF899B) 20V ½ -Inch Cordless Impact Wrench comes with a ½-inch anvil with a detent pin making it resistant to breakage, and irritating shearing usually comes with stubborn lug nut removal. The tool can handle unintended drops from as high as 8 ft with its compact design as well as durable casing. Additionally, this impact wrench has an LED light with a 20-second delay handy for use in dark spaces.
Pros
- Ideal impact wrench for stubborn lug nuts
- Features LED light to illuminate dark spaces
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty
- Offers powerful performance
Cons
- Noisy at high load operations.
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://amzn.to/3iZTGI9″]
2. DEWALT (DCF899M1) 20V Max XR Cordless Impact Wrench Kit, 1/2-Inch
DEWALT impact wrenches are popular for dealing with lug nuts, and the DEWALT (DCF899M1) 20V Max XR Cordless Impact Wrench is not exceptional. This unit has a compact design, is lightweight (weighs 2.8 lbs), and is suitable for tight space operations. Also, it’s very user-friendly and comes with a brushless motor. Compared to other DEWALT models, this unit comes with enhanced ergonomics and advanced technology where the brushless motor delivers superior performance of up to 57 percent more runtime over brushed motors.
DEWALT (DCF899M1) 20V Max XR has the best combination of power and efficiency; therefore, you can use it for a wide range of advanced applications. So, if you are looking for a reliable cordless impact wrench for changing tires, consider this unit. The impact wrench is made of quality material and has a durable composite casing. Moreover, it comes with 3-mode LED light settings that usually offer increased visibility in dark spaces.
Pros
- Comes with LED light to illuminate dark spaces
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty
- Features ergonomically designed super comfortable handle
- Has enhanced efficiency with brushless motor
Cons
- A bit expensive model
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://amzn.to/3AxpwSp”]
3. Ingersoll Rand ½-Inch Drive Air Impact Wrench (2235TiMAX)
For the best cordless impact wrench for changing tires that’s lightweight but still offers high-performance and can pull off big tasks, we recommend the Ingersoll Rand ½-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench. The tool has a well-manufactured drive mechanism capable of putting out profound spin ability with 1,350 pound-feet of nut-busting torque. Also, the tool is famous for its power-to-weight ratio, as it weighs in at 4.6 pounds only and has a 4-position power regulator, which usually makes the torque easy to change.
Furthermore, the 4-position power regulator allows you to fine-tune the power according to your needs, and it is easy to adjust the forward/reverse mechanism with one hand. Besides, you’ll need an air compressor that can deliver at least 6 CFM of air at about 90 PSI for reliable performance of this impact wrench.
Pros
- Offers powerful performance
- Comes with compact in size and is lightweight
- Easy to adjust the forward/reverse mechanism
- Adjusting the torque is effortless
Cons
- Usually requires an air compressor
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://amzn.to/3awfPt5″]
4. AIRCAT 1150 1/2-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench, “Killer Torque”
The AIRCAT 1150 1/2” also referred to as “Killer Torque,” is a lightweight cordless impact wrench with a durable composite casing comfortable for one-hand operation. The tire-changing gun is usually very close to the handgrip that effortlessly flips the lever forward as well as reverses quickly. Also, the unit has 1,400 BPM speed which is impressive to use for advanced heavy-duty applications. Moreover, forward tightening torque is 900 feet pounds enough power wrench for tires total power capacity to deal with any task.
The AIRCAT comes with reasonable pricing and has easy-to-use functions so if you’re looking for the best cordless impact wrench for changing tires, count on this model. The unit also features a hard-hitting twin-hammer mechanism that ensures that equal force is applied across the entire impact wrench. As a result, you can use the tool for home and commercial purposes. Also, the unit is designed ergonomically and has 15-percent larger rotors, plus it comes with two years warranty period.
Pros
- Features ergonomically designed super comfortable handle
- Less noisy when operating
- Features durable composite casing
- Easy to adjust the forward/reverse mechanism
Cons
- Some users complain about touchy trigger
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://amzn.to/2X5uFn4″]
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Wireless Impact Wrench for Changing Tires
1. Torque
Before buying the best wireless impact wrench for changing tires, you need to understand that torque is vital; that is the tool’s twisting force. Some manufacturers usually state the torque in inch-pounds of force, while others use foot-pounds. However, don’t automatically conclude that you need the highest amount of torque from your impact wrench; too much torque, and you will find your nuts snap in half.
Generally, you will find impact wrenches with torque as low as 1,200 inch-pounds (100 foot-pounds) and as high as 12,000 inch-pounds (1,000 foot-pounds) and everything in between. If you aren’t working in professional auto shops, a wrench driver towards the lower end of that range is more than enough, while a wrench driver in the mid-range is ideal for most automotive work.
2. Speed & RPM (Revolution Per Minute)
The rate at which an impact wrench spins is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Electric, air, and cordless impact drivers are also measured in impacts per minute or IPM. This number usually shows how many times the hammer actually strikes the anvil over a minute. The higher IPM or RPM, the more power you can expect to receive.
Generally, most cordless impact wrenches usually have maximum speeds of anywhere between 1,000 and 3,000 RPM. Besides, some impact wrenches have variable speed controls, so you can freely choose from two or three different settings depending on your needs. Check out our impact wrench vs impact driver comparison to understand the difference in more detail.
3. Drive size
When shopping for the best cordless impact wrench for changing tires, it’s essential to consider the drive size. The drive size is usually labeled as 3/8, ¼, and ½ inches.However, how do you identify the best one for you? The drive size usually illustrates how much torque you’ll receive on the best cordless impact driver for automotive use.
Some cordless wrenches for changing tires usually come with an adjustable power control so that you can easily change the torque rate. The higher the drive size, the higher the torque power. So, for most tires, you will need to use a ½ inch drive compared to the other two.
4. Battery life
Battery life is another vital factor to consider before you can settle for the best cordless impact wrench for changing tires. Since cordless impact wrenches are not dependent on being connected to a power source, you need to look for an impact wrench that comes with a long-lasting battery. Its long battery life usually means you don’t need to stop and recharge your tool while using the tool. However, most cordless impact wrenches usually have long battery lives, so you don’t have to worry much about the battery life.
5. No Load Speed
Most manufacturers usually advertise their no-load speed widely. The no-load speed is usually how fast a wrench moves when no load is present. Generally, this translates into the field too. Tools that usually go faster when no load is present also go faster when there is a load present. This means you will get any project done faster, which is always a great thing.
Nonetheless, when you increase the speed of the wrench, you almost decrease its available torque. It would be best if you, therefore, prioritized torque over speed. Speed is not handy if your impact wrench can’t loosen a nut, to begin with.
6. Noise
Mostly, you will need hearing protection when using any power tool; however, this is particularly relevant for those using impact wrenches. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that for homeowners and businesses that have neighbors. Most impact wrenches usually reach a noise decibel that’s outright damaging to one’s hearing; that’s why you need to wear protection.
So, an impact wrench that puts out significantly less noise than others may have a unique appeal to you, especially if your neighbors are the noise complaint type or if you are already at risk for hearing problems. Therefore, less noise is better and ought to be the main component when shopping.
7. Ergonomics
You don’t want your tool to be uncomfortable to use, mainly if you use it frequently. If you plan on only using it from time to time, this is a less important feature to consider. You can cope up with using a poorly adjusted impact wrench sometimes but not daily.
Besides, this is one place where most buyers think they can cope with a less comfortable tool if it means they won’t have to spend as much money. Nonetheless, you will thank yourself later if you spree a bit to buy the better-balanced impact wrench.
8. Weight
Weight usually goes hand-in-hand with the comfort and ergonomics of an impact wrench. Nonetheless, it deserves its category. Before buying the best cordless impact wrench for changing tires, ask yourself the following questions. How long do you intend to use the tool? Think of mobility, how much do you require to have when using it? How small of a space is it needed to get into? These are all crucial questions when deciding on the best impact wrench for your needs since these tools vary in weight.
You need to comfortably hold the impact wrench up for as long as your work demands. So, although a DIYer can compromise on the heft of a toll, professionals may want to think twice about what they are willing to deal with since their use will be much frequent and for a more extended period.
Therefore, a lighter impact wrench is perfect as you can use it in quick succession to remove bolts and nuts. Moreover, you don’t want to struggle to move it one location to another. Otherwise, if you purchase a big impact wrench, you are going to get worn out faster. However, this feature is less vital for homeowners, but it might still be something you need to consider.
9. Warranty
Since these cordless impact wrenches are not that cheap, they must be covered under warranty; if not, you may find yourself having to spend additional dollars after your tool breaks down in a few weeks. Besides, you never know when you will receive a defective tool, even one that works fine for a few weeks before giving out. So a warranty is one way to save some money should your impact wrench break earlier than anticipated.
Most people don’t look at the warranty when they buy this tool. Nonetheless, we recommend you do research and check the warranty. Besides, a warranty is similar to insurance cover; you don’t need it until you need it badly. Therefore, be prepared and buy a tool with a warranty.
A Guide on How to Use a Cordless Impact Wrench
Step 1: Assembling the cordless impact wrench
At first, check well whether you have assembled all the parts of your impact wrench or not. Then, ensure you have gathered everything require in your workstation. Moreover, for the best result, it is crucial to know the maximum torque to deliver your tool’s level to decide the best use of this beneficial tool.
Step 2: Set up for nuts removal
Removing nuts is one of the main tasks we’ll want to do with the impact wrench. To remove the nuts, you need to insert an impact socket at the wrench’s end. However, note that it is crucial to use the correct impact sockets to ensure the tool’s durability. Also, avoid using random sockets.
Step 3: Removing Nuts
On this step, turn on your cordless impact wrench and set the “forward/reverse button” to reverse position as you’re about to remove the nuts. Then, hold the socket on the nuts and press the primary trigger to pull it out. You’re good to go.
Step 4: Set up for the installation of nuts
Another vital work of the impact wrench is installing bolts and nuts. To install nuts, you need torque sticks together with your impact wrench. There are usually different shaped and sized torqued sticks available. Therefore, pick the right foot-pound amount stick and fix it at the wrench’s end. You can find the foot-pound measurement labeled on the sticks for your convenience. Then, insert the socket on the torque stick’s end.
Step 5: Installing nuts
Turn on your impact wrench and set the pounds per square inch (PSI) precisely for the ideal result. Next, set the “forward/reverse button” to forward the position to install the nuts. Next, hold the impact socket attached to the tool on the screw, then press the trigger. You can adjust the torque speed precisely through the trigger. Moreover, if you want it to spin fast, then press it tightly. Also, if you want a slow torque, press the trigger with less pressure, and your screw and nuts installation are over.
Cautions:
- Always ensure you’re wearing your safety gear while working with a cordless impact wrench. Some of these safety gear are; glasses and gloves; you may also use noise-canceling earbuds.
- Ensure the air impact wrench is perfectly attached to hold up a better air compressor system.
- Disassemble the impact wrench every time after work.
- Keep the tool away from your children.
