What is an Impact Wrench? Top 5 Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrenches in 2024
Looking to buy a new impact wrench, but you are unsure what is the best one you can get? This buying guide aims to help you make an informed decision and purchase the right impact wrench for your needs. Thus, we will go through a few different points to ensure you’ve got it all covered!
What is an impact wrench?
An impact wrench is a socket wrench power tool that produces high torque output with minimal user effort by storing energy in a rotating mass and delivering it to the output shaft. An impact mechanism consisting of an anvil (output shaft), a hammer (impactor), and a spring helps with the process. This mechanism allows the wrench to tighten and untighten as necessary. The tool collects energy by the hammer cage over one or more revolutions, and once the hammer hits the output shaft (anvil), it creates the tightening or untightening torque.
Impact Wrench Application
Impact Wrenches are primarily used in the automotive industry, but they can also find an application in other sectors. For example, in construction projects, the assembly and maintenance of heavy machinery and any other instances where a high torque output is needed.
Impact Wrench Features
Power Supply
Air (pneumatic)
The most popular power source for an impact wrench is compressed air. These tools are more powerful and deliver better ergonomics than electric tools. They have a lower maintenance cost, and if well maintained and lubricated, pneumatic tools can be used continuously 24/7. However, to use an air impact wrench, you would require a compressor.
Corded electric
With corded impact wrenches, you will have power all day long without worrying about running out of battery. Corded tools offer extremely high power output and are usually lighter than cordless equivalents, as they don’t use heavy batteries, saving you money in the long term.
However, the long, trailing cables that come with corded tools can sometimes be hazardous and lead to injury. Moreover, you may not always have access to a power supply, and it is time-consuming to set up the transformer needed on-site.
Cordless electric (battery-powered)
Since the arrival of the cordless impact wrench in the mid-2000s, corded and air impact wrenches have become less popular. Cordless impact wrenches don’t have the additional requirements of air compressors. They also offer better mobility and agility than corded impact wrenches and can be used in confined hard-to-reach spaces.
Motor Type (Brushed or Brushless)
Brushless motors offer longer runtime, better performance, and lower maintenance costs, as you don’t need to change the motor brushes when they get worn down. Read more about brushless vs. brushed motors in our Drill Buying Guide.
Torque
The torque of an impact wrench is measured in Newton Metres (Nm). The higher the torque, the more twisting force the machine can produce. Impact wrenches have multiple torque settings, which allow you to adapt the torque output to the application. Impact wrenches with a hog ring socket offer a more efficient torque supply.
Impacts per minutes
The impact per minute affects the tightening speed. The greater the number, the more torque is used on the screw or bolt.
Body Style
The body style is essential when you choose a cordless impact wrench. Cordless impact wrenches come in two body shapes – inline and pistol grip. The inline body resembles a large screwdriver with a grip behind the hammer and anvil. Meanwhile, the pistol-grip body is shaped like a handgun, and the grip is positioned beneath the motor. Inline wrenches are smaller; thus, they work best in tight spaces where you cannot fit the bigger pistol-shaped wrench.
Socket Size
The socket size is another vital feature of the impact wrench. Socket sizes are designed to fit specific nuts and bolts sizes. Furthermore, only particular socket sizes work with each impact wrench shape. For example, a ¼” socket is used with both inline and pistol wrenches, but ½” and ¾” sockets are used only with pistol-shaped wrenches.
Best range on the market
According to various sources, the M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches are the best cordless impact wrenches on the market. They are incredibly compact and lightweight and offer high-quality performance like that of high-torque models thanks to fastening torque up to 550 ft-lbs and nut-busting up to 650 ft-lb.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches are available with a 3/8” square friction ring (M18 FMTIW2F38-502X), ½” square friction ring (M18 FMTIW2F12-502X), or 1/2“ square pin detent styles (M18 ONEIWP12-0).
Top 5 Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrenches
M18 FMTIW2F12 18V 1/2″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench
M18 FMTIW2F12 is the most versatile cordless impact wrench from the Milwaukee range with industry-leading performance at 881 Nm of nut-busting torque and 745 Nm of fastening torque and an incredibly compact design, with only 152 mm overall length ideal for applications in tight spaces.
M18 ONEIWP12 Fuel One-Key 18V ½” Mid-Torque Impact Wrench
M18 ONEIWP12 is the equivalent of M18 FIWP12 but with ONE-KEY™ technology. With the ONE-KEY™ the tool can be connected with Milwaukee’s ONE-KEY™ App for complete tool customisation, allowing you to tune the tool to your needs. The ONE-KEY™ app also provides an inventory function for managing your entire tool/equipment fleet. M18 ONEIWP12 has four modes of operation thanks it’s unique Milwaukee® DRIVE CONTROL™:
- Mode 1: For precision work.
- Mode 2: Helps prevent damage to fasteners and material.
- Mode 3: Delivers maximum performance for the most challenging applications.
- Mode 4: Intelligently detects when the tool has impacted on a fastener for one second, automatically shutting the tool down, reducing overdriving and damaging materials.
M18 ONEFHIWF34 18V Fuel One-Key 3/4″ High Torque Impact Wrench
The Milwakee High Torque Impact Wrench M18ONEFHIWF34 is the best seller from the Milwaukee Impact Wrenches range. It delivers 1627 Nm of fastening torque in a compact size of 213 mm. Similarly to M18 ONEIWP12, the tool has a 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™, which allows the user to shift into four different speed and torque settings to maximise application versatility. Mode 4- “Bolt removal” provides a maximum nut-busting torque of 2034 Nm then turns to 750 rpm for unmatched control when removing fasteners.
M18 ONEFHIWF1 18V Fuel One-Key 1″ Milwakee High Torque Impact Wrench
The M18 ONEFHIWF1 is the most powerful among the Milwaukee Milwakee High Torque Impact Wrenches. It is the world’s first cordless 18V 1″ high torque wrench, and it delivers an incredible 2,033Nm of fastening torque at half the size and weight of AC, petrol, or pneumatic solutions.
M18 ONEIWF38 18V Fuel One-Key Compact 3/8″ Impact Wrench
M18 ONEIWF38 is the same as M18 FIWF38 but with ONE-KEY™ technology. It is the most compact cordless impact wrench in its class, delivering the most access in tight spaces, with a performance at 339 Nm of fastening torque.
FAQ
What is the difference between forward and reverse modes on an impact wrench?
Forward mode is used for tightening fasteners, while reverse mode is for loosening them. The ability to switch between these modes allows for versatile applications.
Can impact wrenches be used for tasks other than automotive work?
Yes, impact wrenches are versatile and can be used in various applications, including construction, woodworking, and industrial tasks. They are especially useful for any task involving high-torque fastening.
Are there safety considerations when using impact wrenches?
Yes, it’s crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and hearing protection. Follow proper operating procedures, and be aware of the tool’s power to prevent injuries.
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01358 726719 or at admin@toolden.co.uk