cordless impact wrench options

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › cordless impact wrench options

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#323524 11-Dec-2025 20:56

Hi . Im considering a CHEAP cordless impact wrench .
Has to be cheap, as I dont do alot of car repairs now, but thought it would be usefull.

So , whats the least torque I need. I have breaker bars , so I can use that to loosen really stuck nuts . Or is there more to it ?

I was thinking of getting something that I can use with my current bats
The Warehouse have one on sale really cheap , torque 180Nm . I have a batt for that
Or get a Ozito with 230Nm torque for $139 , almost double the price . I have batts for that

I also will need impact sockets ? or can I just use some of my older sockets ?

Any advice would be great . Ive never used a impact wrench .Cheers

lxsw20

3689 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2174

Subscriber

#3442864 11-Dec-2025 21:24

I have one of these: https://www.makita.co.nz/products/model/DTW300Z It doesn't meet the criteria of cheap, but it is a good size in the hand and i don't think id want to go any less powerful for working on a car.

It still struggles with some larger suspension components, but for wheels etc, its all good. You still need to check things with a torque wrench when tightening. Yes you will want impact sockets so they don't round off. I've got this set, pretty good for the $ https://www.topmaq.co.nz/10pc-1-2in-deep-impact-socket-set-aito1920

LostOhSoLost

13 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 20

#3442867 11-Dec-2025 22:04

I have a dewalt impact that's rated to 205Nm its not really sufficient to remove nuts and bolts consistently I have also have a little 130Nm bosch green impact its really useful for screws around the house but not much else.

this is pretty much what I break out when I really need to move large nuts

https://www.topmaq.co.nz/torque-multiplier-wrench-hasp5700

https://www.topmaq.co.nz/8pc-1in-socket-set-hasp5710

russelo

332 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 43

#3442868 11-Dec-2025 22:17

I regularly rotate our 3 car's tyre every 5000km.

This 400Nm impact wrench from Ozito makes it very easy.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-18v-1-2-cordless-brushless-3-speed-impact-wrench-pxbws-400-skin-only_p0412271

You will struggle with the smaller 230Nm impact wrench.

I finish off with a torque wrench.

RunningMan

9184 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4833

#3443134 12-Dec-2025 16:39

lxsw20:. Yes you will want impact sockets so they don't round off.

Or explode when they tear apart.

TwoSeven

1712 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 304

Subscriber

#3443139 12-Dec-2025 17:39

I follow ‘torque test channel’ on YouTube where they compare different types of tools such as impact wrenches.

They have just recently done a review on hydraulic units, but there is an older review I think of the usual brands, dewalt, Milwaukie, Ryobi, makita etc.

As I have a good set of torque wrenches and manual sockets I don’t really have a need for a cordless unit, so can’t really comment.

Software Engineer
(the practice of real science, engineering and management)
A.I. (Automation rebranded)
Gender Neutral
(a person who believes in equality and who does not believe in/use stereotypes. Examples such as gender, binary, nonbinary, male/female etc.)

...they/their/them...

Technofreak

6656 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3474

Trusted

#3443293 12-Dec-2025 21:56

I've got one of these. https://www.discounttoolsnz.co.nz/products/milwaukee-m18-fuel-gen-2-18-mid-torque-1-2-in-impact-wrench-tool-only

Like a previous poster also posted it doesn't meet the requirement of being cheap, BUT, it is very good and has great features like auto shut off and once the bolts or nut is running freely it backs off the torque/speed to stop the nut or bolt undoing too rapidly.

For it's power it is quite compact meaning you can get it into spaces other impact wrenches of similar power won't fit. They have a slightly less powerful one which is even more compact.

The first job I used it on was to remove a crankshaft pulley bolt which it did with ease. Rusted bolts and nuts are no problem either.

A bit more expensive than your Ozito and the like but worth it IMO.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#3443468 13-Dec-2025 10:20

TwoSeven:

As I have a good set of torque wrenches and manual sockets I don’t really have a need for a cordless unit, so can’t really comment.

Cant say I NEED one . I have plenty of the old school manual tools :-)
Its a nice to have sort of thing , thats why I didnt what to spend much

From the comments above , it seems the very cheap warehouse one may be a waste of time .
So Im looking at spending a bit more :-)