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Best Air Impact Wrench
- Tools Guru Staff
- January 16, 2022
Dealing with frozen bolts manually can be annoying and frustrating, especially in massive projects that need to remove thousands of them. Once you remove them, you may also have to tighten new bolts, which will be a real pain in the neck.
Such scenarios make the impact wrench a godsend tool for mechanics. Since no nut or bolt can stand in the way of an impact wrench, it has become a must-have tool in any toolbox.
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.
With ample options available in the market, determining the features you need can be challenging when choosing an impact wrench. In this guide, we will provide you with in-depth information about the best air impact wrench that is leading the market for its power, durability, quality, and environment-friendliness.
Table of Contents
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Air Impact Wrench | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| 2 |  | Ingersoll Rand 231C Air Impact Wrench | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| 3 |  | Campbell Hausfeld TL140200AV | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BEST CHOICE |
|---|
|
| Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Air Impact Wrench |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PREMIUM PICK |
|---|
|
| Ingersoll Rand 231C Air Impact Wrench |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| BEST VALUE |
|---|
|
| Campbell Hausfeld TL140200AV |
| ⭐⭐⭐ |
1.1. Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Air Impact Wrench
Ingersoll Rand bears its name in the tools and equipment industry. Are you looking for a heavy-duty air impact wrench with a handful of positivity? Then Ingersoll Rand 2235 is the best solution for you.
The unit offers a combo of durability and supreme performance. It produces up to 1350 foot-pounds of nut-busting 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 year after year.
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.
Pros
- Compact & lightweight
- Durable and robust construction
- Twin-hammer mechanism
- Four-position power regulator
- The rugged housing and Titanium case
- The 2-Year warranty!
Cons
- No noteworthy cons!
1.2. Ingersoll Rand 231C Air Impact Wrench
Ingersoll 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 making it one of the best air impact wrench.
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.
Ingersoll Rand 231C was 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.
Pros
- 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!
Cons
- A bit louder compared to the similar wrenches
- It doesn’t have any user manual which can be an issue for a newbie
1.3. Campbell Hausfeld TL140200AV
If 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!
Pros
- 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!
Cons
- Does not work properly with mini air tank (needs 8 gallons and beyond)
- Not fit for extreme duty
1.4. Nitrocat 1250-K Air Impact Wrench
Are you in need of an air impact wrench that offers outstanding durability and extreme power?
Equipped with the reinforced twin-clutch mechanism, Nitrocat 1250-K best offers this job. 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 wrench can outperform anything in its class. When it comes to power and durability, Nitrocat 1250-K stands out among hundreds of the best impact wrenches.
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.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.
Pros
- Advanced Kevlar Housing construction
- Lightweight (4.5 lbs) yet supremely powerful
- Low vibration and quieter
- 2-year limited warranty!
Cons
- Consumes a bit more air compared to other guns
- A bit overrated ( Its power could be within 1150-1200 ft-lbs)
1.5. Astro 1822 Air Impact Wrench
The main catch about this air impact wrench is the extremely short profile that includes it in the list of the best air impact wrench. Despite being small in size and light in weight, this wrench has 450 ft.lbs of maximum torque.
Astro 1822 Air Impact Wrench is a cost effective wrench that does its task without much sound and therefore can be a good addition to your home usage tool kit.
Features at a glance:
- Extremely light-weight of 3.0 lbs (1.35 Kg)
- Maximum torque of 450 ft.lbs, with a working torque of 350 ft.lbs: Enough for home and DIY tasks
- Free Speed of 10.000 R.P.M, 3 forward and 3 rear speed setting ensuring efficient usage
- Twin hammer clutch-type giving optimum performance
- Low noise level of 86 dB(A)
Pros
- Only 3 lbs, and very small in size: can reach most places
- 3 forward and 3 reverse speed settings
- Noiseless performance
Cons
- No noteworthy cons!
1.6. Ingersoll Rand 2115TiMAX/2115 QTiMAX Air Impact Wrench
Ingersoll Rand is deeply committed to building a better future. At every level of business, the company promotes environmentally sound practices to achieve truly sustainable progress.
Another great tool from the Ingersoll Rand brand, 2115TiMAX is a tool that delivers a max 300 ft.lbs of power being less than six inches long. This tool is very suitable for tight spaces where the reach can be an issue making it the absolute best air impact wrench.
Owing to its smaller size and being built with titanium, the weight is also less (around 2.5 lbs). The 7 vane motor provides maximum performance due to its optimized airflow.
Featuring a feather touch control and one switch forward/reverse operation this air impact wrench is the ultimate long-lasting home tool from a very popular brand.
Ingersoll Rand 2115TiMAX features:
- Best 3/8 inch air impact wrench
- Only 2.5 lbs in weight, this tool is very durable and causes less fatigue on the user
- 300 ft.lbs of maximum power with a working torque range of 25-280 ft.lbs.
- Maximum free speed of 15000 RPM
- Average air consumption of 4 CFM
- Impacting sound level of 96 DB(A) with sound reduction model available as well
- Four-position power regulator for better control of tasks
- Feather touch control with one switch for forward/reverse operation: easy for usage
Pros
- Easier access to grease fitting – for quicker maintenance and less downtime
- Enhanced socket retention
- 7-vane motor delivers added power with less weight
- Finely tuned twin hammer impact mechanism and motor deliver more torque, durability, and efficiency
- 2 years warranty
Cons
- The forward/reverse switch is made of plastic which could have been metallic
- A bit louder
1.7. NitroCat 1200-K Air Impact Wrench
Are you looking for a hard-hitting tool? NitroCat 1200-k is your choice since it is the best in its class. Equipped 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.
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.
Pros
- 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!
Cons
- The front seal tends to leak oil
- The rated power (1295) is overrated. It could be around 1150 to 1200
1.8. ACDelco ANI405 Air Impact Wrench
ACDelco ANi405 is the best air 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 retaining the longevity of the gun. Furthermore, the rugged aluminum housing offers the wrench a well-balanced structure.
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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- A bit heavier
- Can handle light jobs only
- The trigger could have been better
1.9. Earthquake 3/8" Professional Air Impact Wrench
Earthquake is the best air impact wrench for its lightweight and durable aluminum body. It delivers efficient torque with much lesser vibration as compared to its counterparts.
Earthquake 3/8 inch air impact wrench boasts of a longer lifespan owing to its precision grade components.This tool has variable speed in its reverse power operation as well.
Features overview:
- Best 3/8 inch air impact wrench
- Product weight of 3.8 lbs
- 300 ft.lbs of maximum torque
- Free speed of 11000 RPM
- Average air consumption of 5 CFM at an air pressure of 90 psi
- Variable speed in both forward and reverse power operations
- Exhaust is vented away from the user
- Lesser vibration than its counterparts
- Other air impact wrenches with the same specifications often cost around 2x the price of this tool
- Variable speed in reverse power operation
Pros
- Precision grade components promise a longer lifespan
- Excellent price point for its features
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- The user manual could have been better
FINAL THOUGHTS:
We have researched and tested dozens of wrenches and enlisted the best air impact wrenches 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.
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.
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 or not.
FAQ
Q: Who makes the best air impact wrench?
A: Dozens of manufacturers make the air impact gun. Among them, the most popular and best air impact wrench is produced by Ingersoll and AIRCAT companies. You can pick any impact gun that is made by these companies without giving a second thought.
Q: What size air compressor do you need to run an impact wrench?
A: Typically you need an air compressor with 4 to 5 CFM at 90 PSI to run a 1/2 inch impact wrench. I would also recommend you to get a 20-gallon capacity compressor to avoid delay between tasks.
Q: How do I choose an air impact wrench?
A: Two things to take into account when buying an air impact wrench:Consider the application. The most important thing is to make sure your impact wrench has the right torque needed to finish the job, and each application has different requirements. Check your airflow and airline network. Correct airflow + right accessories = tools performance.
Q: What is the best 1/2 inch impact wrench?
A: Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench. From assembling the patio furniture to removing stubborn lug nuts on vehicles, the Milwaukee Fuel High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench can handle almost any job.
Q: How much torque do I need in an impact wrench?
A: Through a pneumatic impact wrench, you can attain about 300 – 2200 N-m (220 – 1620 ft-lbs) for tightening. For larger fasteners, you’ll have to move for a greater amount of torque for sure. In general, the installation/removal of common rims is likely to require a 100 N-m (73 ft-lbs) only.
Q: How much SCFM do I need to run an impact wrench?
A: You will need an air compressor with 4 to 5 CFM to run a half-inch impact wrench and 10 to 16 CFM for 1-inch impact wrench.
Q: Will a 21-gallon air compressor run an impact wrench?
A: 21 gallon air runs an impact fine–you just need to be running a 3/8 hose and fittings. It’ll even run an air hammer for intermittent use.
Q: Will impact wrench break bolts?
A: While the tiny little distortion might not be too bad and usually if the bolt is not stuck and the torque wrench is not too overrated a bolt can sustain hundreds of times of loosen/tighten cycles, but if the bolt is stuck and/or the impact wrench is too overrated for the bolt then it can possibly break bolts.
NAVIGATE OUR Best Air Impact Wrench
- Best Air Impact WrenchBest Air Impact Wrench
- Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAXIngersoll Rand 2235TiMAX
- Ingersoll Rand 231CIngersoll Rand 231C
- Campbell HausfeldCampbell Hausfeld
- Nitrocat 1250-KNitrocat 1250-K
- Astro 1822 Air ImpactAstro 1822 Air Impact
- Ingersoll Rand 2115TiMAXIngersoll Rand 2115TiMAX
- NitroCat 1200-KNitroCat 1200-K
- ACDelco ANI405ACDelco ANI405
- Earthquake 3/8" ProfessionalEarthquake 3/8" Professional