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Using an impact solves a lot of problems for professionals. For a mechanic, tapping on the speed of the best air impact wrench means that you can remove and refit wheels in minutes, thereby saving both your time and that of customers. For plumbers and any professional who works by the hour, an impact wrench will tighten or loosen nuts and bolts fast and efficiently irrespective of how tough the job seems. But before you settle for any single model, learn from our air impact wrench reviews below.
Generally, impact wrenches can be powered by a variety of sources such as electricity, batteries or air compressors. However, all good wrenches will have a powerful motor that can exert the pressure needed to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts at different angles. Read below to learn about these types of wrenches and probably find an impact wrench that will be adequate for all your needs.
- Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX
- Max torque: 1350 ft-lb
- Working torque: 930 ft-lbs
- Square drive: 1/2"
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Speed: 8500 RPM
- Noise level: 98 dBa
- BPM: 1220
- Length: 7.6"
- Other: adjustable power regulator, pressure feed lubrication, TwinHammer Plus impact mechanism
- Ingersoll Rand 231C
- Max torque: 600 ft-lb
- Working torque: 350 ft-lbs
- Square drive: 1/2"
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Speed: 8000 RPM
- Noise level: 99 dBa
- BPM: -
- Length: 7.3"
- Other: 22 CFM, pressure feed lubrication, adjustable power regulator
- AIRCAT 1150
- Max torque: 1295 ft-lb
- Working torque: 900 ft-lbs
- Square drive: 1/2"
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Speed: 9000 RPM
- Noise level: 86 dBa
- BPM: 1400
- Length: 8.25"
- Other: 8 CFM, 9/16" bolt capacity, variable speed
- Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX
- Max torque: 1295 ft-lb
- Working torque: 200-900 ft-lbs
- Square drive: 1/2"
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Speed: 8000 RPM
- Noise level: 86 dBa
- BPM:
- Length: 8.25"
- Other: 950 IPM, 4 CFM, reverse torque, power regulator, twin clutch hammer mechanism
- NitroCat 1200-K
- Max torque: 1000 ft-lb
- Working torque: 200-800 ft-lbs
- Square drive: 1/2"
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Speed: 8000 RPM
- Noise level: 82-86 dBa
- BPM:
- Length: 8.25"
- Other: Other: reversible, 90-120 operating PSI, 4 CFM, twin hammer mechanism, 950 IPM
- AIRCAT 1000-TH
- Max torque: 1300 ft-lb
- Working torque: 1000 ft-lbs
- Square drive: 1/2"
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Speed: 8000 RPM
- Noise level: 86 dBa
- Length: 7.5"
- Other: variable speed, reversible, 90-120 operating PSI, 4 CFM, twin hammer mechanism, 1300 IPM
Top 6 Air Impact Wrenches Reviewed
AIRCAT 1150 Air Impact Wrench
AIRCAT prides itself in making air impact wrenches with great user comfort, reduced noise, and vibration. However, their AIRCAT 1150 ½” model prides in having a lot more features. It offers the power needed to get your job done at a working torque of 950 ft.-lbs. It comes with a twin hammer design that enhances it blows per minute to 1400. Additionally, its compact design makes the tool easy to handle, light in weight and very comfortable.
Main Features
- Construction – The AIRCAT 1150 uses quality materials all round to provide prolonged durability. Even its composite handle feels great in your hands, and it will last for as long as the impact wrenches survive. Furthermore, all the parts of this tool are assembled in the USA-which makes the quality pretty much satisfying. Finally, the tool is supported by a 2-year warranty.
- Power – The portable impact wrench takes a name that best suits its power capabilities: killer torque wrench. It provides 1295 foot-pound loosening torque and 1400 blows per minute to make it one of the hardest hitting wrenches in the market today. Its great power is certainly a big bonus to professionals who handle multiple tasks and thus require the fastest wrench possible.
- Low Noise Level – The wrench is designed to reduce vibrations and noise as much as possible. However, the 86 decibels it produces will demand that you put on earplugs whenever you work for your own good.
- Light and Comfortable – Using a composite instead of a metallic handle was probably so that you can get the best comfort when operating the wrench. Overall, the wrench weighs 5 pounds only, which helps you control and operate the tool with minimal fatigue at the end of your work. Overall the tool measures 7.5*2.8*7 inches.
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Ingersoll Rand 2235TIMAX Portable Impact Wrench
If you are looking for the best pneumatic impact wrench that won’t cost a fortune, the Ingersoll Rand 2235TIMAX maybe your best fit. The tool achieves 1350 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque despite the fact that it only weighs 4.6 pounds. It features a 4-position power regulator to enhance performance and a forward/reverse push button that provides the control you need when handling a variety of industrial jobs.
Main Features
- Powerful – The Ingersoll-Rand model provides a remarkable 1350 foot-pounds of power. It features a twin-hammer design and a comfortable handle to enhance your comfort as you tackle the most demanding industrial jobs. The twin-hammer mechanism is a particularly important feature in this tool; as it contributes to its high performance. On the other hand, the heavy duty impact wrench achieves a maximum reverse torque of 930 feet-pound.
- The durable construction – The tool uses some of the most durable materials to provide a high quality construction. The hammer case, for instance, is made from titanium – a material that could last for decades. It has a steel-made wear plate and a composite housing to enhance durability even further.
- Light and Comfortable – Despite the tool’s use of strong materials, it weighs 4.6 pounds. With its comfortable handle, controlling this tool becomes a delight. Its lightweight frame also helps keep your fatigue to a minimum; so that you work faster and achieve more before you begin to feel fatigued. Overall, the impact wrench measures 9*10*3 inches for easy transportation and storage.
- Noise Level – If you are looking for an absolutely quiet wrench, the Ingersoll Rand model will disappoint you. It works at a noise level of 98Db; which demands that you have your earplugs on whenever operating the tool.
- Enhanced Control with 4-Position Power Regulator – With the tool’s 4-position power regulator; it is easy to switch between power modes and adjust power output according to the job at hand.
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Ingersoll-Rand 231C Cordless Impact Wrench
The Ingersoll-Rand 231C has been on the market for over two decades now. It has been for one of the best rated impact wrenches over the years; thanks to the fact that it is designed to serve both DIY hobbyists and professionals with great efficiency. Its maximum torque output is 600 foot-pounds; which is still power enough to handle a wide variety of applications at home or at your workplace. However, what the wrench lacks in power is greatly compensated in its ergonomic design that reduces stress. The tool is also designed in a way that makes its maintenance costs close to zero.
Main Features
- Reliable Power – The Ingersoll-Rand 231C is designed to offer the average hobbyist enough power to handle almost any applications at home. It comes with and an adjustable power regulator for either variable power or full power use. Its twin hammer plus impact mechanism does also enhance the tool’s performance as you handle heavy duty applications. As for speed, the wrench operates at a fairly fast 8,000 RPM or 1,200 BPM. While not the fastest, the speed is impressive given that the wrench costs low.
- Lightweight and Comfortable – The Ingersoll-Rand model is both light in weight and compact for great controlling without experience a lot of fatigue. It weighs 5.8 pounds only and has measurements of 3.4*8.2*8.8 inches. Its handle is ergonomic and enhances your comfort to a great extent.
- Easy to Maintain – One of the best features about this tool is that it comes ready to work. It comes lubricated and has a design meant to handle tons of run time with little maintenance. Its durable construction also makes it easier to maintain. You could accidentally drop it, pick it up and continue working with no problems whatsoever.
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Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX Air Impact Wrench
The Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX impact wrench isn’t a hobbyists’ only tool. It is a powerful tool designed for someone looking for the strongest cordless impact wrench. It is a tool designed to offer a reliable and speedy performance. And with its ergonomic handle and lightweight design; the Ingersoll-Rand model lets you handle it comfortably and apply its power without straining your wrist.
Main features
- Compact and lightweight design – There are few cordless impact wrenches that feel as light and easy to control as the Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMax impact wrench. It weighs 4 pounds only; and has a small compact design that makes operating the tool fun and easy. Its ergonomic handle with little vibrations also enhances comfort, allowing you to handle multiple applications with minimal fatigue.
- Reliable and Quiet Operation – Technically, this tool is not the most powerful cordless impact wrench, but it is reliable in performance. It provides a maximum torque power of 780ft-pounds; which is enough to handle any DIY applications you may have at home or at your workplace. When it comes to noise production, the Ingersoll-Rand top rated model beats almost all of its competitors. It works conveniently silent and provides little vibrations as you work.
- Easy to use and Maintain – One of the biggest issues with modern wrenches is air leakage. The wrench develops air pockets that leaks air and reduces your tool’s performance to 80% or less. However, the 2135TiMAX model has an airflow technology that keeps its performance as high as possible.
- Top Ratings – If you care about online tool ratings, you will be impressed by this tool. In multiple online air impact wrench reviews, the model receives multiple 4 stars and 5-star ratings, with rare cases reviewing the tool harshly.
- The wrench features a patented forward and reverse push button to enhance control.
- It is backed by a 2 year warranty.
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NitroCat 1200-K Air Impact Wrench
The NitroCat 1200-K is a powerful and reliable hard-hitting impact wrench. The top rated tool offers one of the best performances in its class such that it has become popular with famous racing teams around the world. Its power capability is impressive at 1295fps, while its comfort level is one of the best from a medium budget impact wrench. When it comes to noise pollution, the wrench is average. It works at a noise level of between 82 and 86. What is however, unique about the NitroCat is its ergonomic contoured handle. It is designed to provide you with one of the best comfort levels no matter the type of jobs you are handling.
Main Features
- Through-the-handle Exhaust Design – The wrench’s design is one of a kind. It stands out not only because of the ergonomic and contoured handle design; but because it also features a patented exhaust muffler that enhances control and performance. The exhaust helps discharge already used up air without affecting your control of the tool. This design also eliminates the possibility of discharged air affecting your eyes or lungs as you work.
- Twin Clutch Hammer and Powerful Design – The air impact wrench provides a maximum 1295fps torque power; which is enough to handle almost any everyday applications at your workshop. With the twin clutch hammer design, the tool’s performs with better smoothness than typical tools. However, the normal impact speed for the ½” wrench is 950 impacts per minute.
- Durable Construction – The NitroCat model takes a Kevlar composite design. With the design, the tool appears rugged and easy to control even though its weight still remains lightweight. The composite design does, however, enhance durability.
- Quiet – With a maximum noise level of 86dB, this tool is much quieter than most air impact wrenches out there. It is still advisable to have your earplugs on whenever operating the tool as a safety measure.
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AIRCAT 1000-TH Air Impact Wrench
The AirCat 100-TH comes with multiple patented features that make it perform and better to control than most other tools at its price range. Its high quality construction, for instance, includes air chambers and bearing surfaces meant to offer a reliable performance for long. The patented exhaust muffler, on the other hand, reduces noise pollution while enhancing control of the tool. And since it is also power at 1,300 impacts per minute; the tool provides quality services for the best possible value you could think of.
Main Features
- Variable Torque power – To ensure that you operate each application at the ideal torque power, the tool features a variable torque of between 200 and 800 fps. It is easy to regulate the power, and better yet it is to control the tool through your different applications. So, is this the best cordless impact wrench? It is probably is if you are after a wrench that lets you control the power applied for every application.
- Ergonomic Design – Like a few top rated tools; the AIRCAT model comes with an ergonomic handle for great comfort and easy tool handling. The rugged design is particularly helpful when you need to handle tough jobs. But despite the big design, the tool is light in nature with just 4.8 pounds.
- Patented quiet technology – If you value a quiet tool more than anything else, this tool is not disappointing at all. It features a patented technology that keeps its noise level to 86 decibels. Compared to other tools at its class, this tool is much quieter.
- Durable Construction – The 1/2” impact wrench features a design meant to make it as durable as possible. Most of its parts are made from high quality materials, including the handle and bearing surfaces.
- Easy to maintain – The tool comes with few parts that ask for regular maintenance. However, regular lubrication and cleaning is important to make it maintain its peak performance for a long time.
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Best Air Impact Wrench Comparison Table
| Product name | Max torque | Working torque | Square drive | Speed | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX | 1350 ft-lb | 930 ft-lbs | 1/2" | 8500 RPM | 7.6" |
| Ingersoll Rand 231C | 600 ft-lb | 350 ft-lbs | 1/2" | 8000 RPM | 7.3" |
| AIRCAT 1150 | 1295 ft-lb | 900 ft-lbs | 1/2" | 9000 RPM | 8.25" |
| Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX | 1295 ft-lb | 200-900 ft-lbs | 1/2" | 8000 RPM | 8.25" |
| NitroCat 1200-K | 1000 ft-lb | 200-800 ft-lbs | 1/2" | 8000 RPM | 8.25" |
| AIRCAT 1000-TH | 1300 ft-lb | 1000 ft-lbs | 1/2" | 8000 RPM | 7.5" |
What is an Impact Wrench?
An impact wrench is the tool you turn to when you need a nut or bolt tightened or loosened. A typical Impact wrench features an electric powered or air powered motors that applies sudden, short bursts of power to tighten or loosen your bolts. Depending on its power, the wrench exerts the pressure in quick bursts of time for a faster operation or provides enough power to help assemble or disassemble whatever projects you may have.
Pneumatic Vs. Electric Powered Wrenches
As already mentioned, most wrenches are powered by either an electric source or an air compressor. A pneumatic wrench is often more powerful, and has the ability to handle industrial level applications with great efficiency. In addition, pneumatic wrenches are lighter; they provide better tool control and generally have better features than the cheaper electric powered models. These wrenches are also expensive, and mostly common with professionals.
An electric impact wrench on the other hand is designed for the average professional or hobbyist. It will have power enough to assemble your cars’ wheels, plumbing lines and most applications not classified as industrial grade. These wrenches are cheaper, and provide greater convenience when you most need emergency services from a wrench.
Costs
An average impact wrench cost between $100 and $300. Such wrenches are majorly the electric powered with limited or averaged torque power levels. It is also possible to find a pneumatic wrench in the category, although most of the good quality models cost slightly higher. The price of an impact wrench is attributed to their torque power, their designs and speed in performance. The brand name often also plays a role in the cost of the wrench.
Applications
You can use an impact wrench wherever need bolts and nuts loosened or tightened. That is to say therefore that mechanics: heavy equipment operators, plumbers, homebuilders and product assembly plants operators all need the services of the impact wrench.
Best Air Impact Wrench Buying Guide
There are several features that can help you know what impact wrench you should buy. There are also factors that can influence your final buying decision. Below we look at these factors and what you should particularly pay attention to if you want to find the most suitable wrench for your needs.
Torque
One of the most important features of any wrench is its torque power. The torque figures are what tell you how powerful the wrench is and what sorts of jobs it is best suited for. If you are a hobbyist looking for a wrench for simple car assembling or home building needs; a tool with a torque of between 150 ft.-lbs. and 800ft.-lbs. can work out well for you. For professionals with heavy duty applications, settle for a wrench with a torque of at least 1000 ft.-lbs. For convenience purposes, you can check for a tool whose torque can be regulated. This helps save on power usage since you get to work on every application according to its power needs.
Size and Weight
For anyone tool you operate with your hands; always check if you can control it. Consider its size, the size of its handle and decide if you can comfortably handle the tool as you work. The wrench’s weight is also an important feature to help you know how manageable your tool is. However, keep in mind that the weight and size of a tool go hand in hand with its build quality and the torque. Heavier and bigger tools are often more powerful, while the smaller and lighter wrenches tend to have smaller torque power. The best wrench will, however, have a balance of size and power.
Impacts per Minute
Most people ignore the impacts per minute whenever determining the performance of an impact wrench. In the real sense, however, the impact per minute refers to the number of times the hammer hits the anvil in a minute. Usually, the higher this number the faster and more efficient the tool will be at handling tougher applications. Keep in mind though that you may have to pay more for a tool with higher impacts per minute feature.
Drive Size
Impact wrenches are categorized according to the types of jobs they are supposed to handle. The most common wrench types have a ½” drive sizes, and they can handle almost all hobbyist and professional level applications. However, you mainly handle small sized bolts and nuts; consider settling for a 3/8” drive size wrench. They cost much cheaper and will provide just enough power for the small applications at your home.
Noise Level
You don’t want a wrench that disrupts everyone around you whenever you switch it on. Also, wrenches that vibrate too much affect your hand control-plus they often lead to more fatigue in the long run. With that in mind, consider settling for a wrench with minimal vibration and noise levels. A noise level of 86dB or below is usually the most common among top rated wrenches.
How to Use and Air Impact Wrench?
An air impact wrench does not pose any major dangers when operating it. This means that you have few safety measures to worry about and that you can learn how to use the tool in easily. Many impact wrenches produce a loud hissing sound as they tighten or loosen your bolts, which is why you should at least consider putting on earplugs before you start to work. Some wrenches also vibrate a lot, and for that, you can put on gloves to enhance your control of the tool.
Step One: Assemble the Tool
Although some impact wrenches come assembled and ready to work, most come disassembled. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer on how to assemble the tool. This should take you a few minutes; noting that an impact wrench has few parts to assemble. If you are having troubles with the tool, however; do the following. Attach the hose to the pressure unit before assembling attaching it to the gun.
Step Two: Test the Tool
Once you are done assembling your tool, test if it can provide the torque and speed needed to work at a desirable speed. Set the pressure settings to between 90 and 100 PSI for best results. Confirm that the hose serving the tool to an air compressor is straightened so that it can allow a free flow of air towards the wrench. Test the direction the trigger is set to operate by slightly engaging the trigger. If you want to tighten bolts and nuts, the trigger should rotate clockwise. As expected, the trigger should rotate counter-clockwise for bolt and nut loosening purposes.
Step Three: Assign the Speed and Torque where Necessary
If your impact wrench features a switch to regulate torque, set it to the level you desire. Set the speed also, so that you can operate more complicated applications faster and loosen smaller buttons without efficiency as well. Once you are comfortable at the speed and torque; connect the correct socket to the wheel nut you want to be loosened or tightened. Engage the trigger and you should have your nut loosened in a matter of seconds.
It is possible that your impact wrench could struggle to tighten or loosen certain types of bolts and nuts. In that case, increase the torque and attempt loosening the bolts again. If you are still having problems handling complicated jobs; consider buying a more powerful impact wrench.
Conclusion
Good luck finding the best air impact wrench for you hobbyist or professional applications. Keep in mind the power and applications you will be dealing with before settling for any particular wrench. If possible, go through our impact wrench reviews above and compare the tools for performance and control. Dig more about impact wrenches if you still have questions about the tools, but in the end, only settle for the most ideal tool for your applications. An impact wrench is a long term investment after all, and you should have one that can serve you the longest time possible.
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