It’s the time of year when homeowners are preparing for winter. And that means it’s time to get out your impact gun and start driving some nails! Impact guns are used for driving nails into materials with a lot of force. The five top-rated impact guns reviewed here are all designed for different purposes, so you have a wide variety to choose from.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Impact Guns
When looking for the best impact gun, there are several factors to consider.
Power
Different purposes may require different levels of power. If you’re driving nails into wood, the gun needs to provide enough power for each nail. A carpenter may need a gun with more power than that of a do-it-yourselfer. What level of power is right for you will depend on what material you are driving nails into and what degree of power you want to exert.
Cost
Having an impact gun is important if you do any kind of DIY projects around your house, but not everybody can afford one. The top guns reviewed here all come at different prices points, so there’s something on this list for every budget.
Built-in Light
One thing about impact guns is that it’s difficult to see where the nails are flying, which can lead to some wasted effort and possibly even injury. The top guns reviewed here all have built-in lights so you can clearly see what you’re doing.
Weight
Some of these guns weigh over seven pounds with battery included, so it may be difficult for smaller people or those with weak shoulders to hold them up throughout the project. If you’re going to use this tool for a long time without rest, think about getting one that weighs less than six pounds, such as an air-powered pneumatic gun.
Grip
Not all impact gun handles are created equal! You want something that is comfortable in your hand and easy to grip. The more comfortable the handle, the longer you can use it without losing your grip or experiencing fatigue in your wrist and forearm.
5 Best Impact Guns Reviewed
Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX
This brute of a tool is made from composite and titanium, making it tough enough to handle the most challenging assembly and disassembly jobs. Plus, its PRO PERFORMANCE ensures exceptional control and performance when you need it most.
With its titanium hammer case and steel wear plate, it’s built to withstand the harshest environments. And with four power modes and a one-handed control switch, it provides superior versatility and control. So if you’re looking for an impact wrench that can handle any task, the Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX is the tool for you.
Ingersoll Rand 231C 1/2” Drive Air Impact Wrench
The Ingersoll Rand 231C is a lightweight tool that is easy to maintain, making it a great choice for auto hobbyists and professional mechanics alike. It delivers a maximum torque of 600-foot pounds, making it perfect for tough jobs like installing and removing bolts, lug nuts, and other hardy fasteners.
Plus, its adjustable power regulator lets you easily adjust power output to match the needs of your task at hand. Thanks to its twin hammer mechanism, this impact wrench offers efficient performance with impressive rotational power.
The Ingersoll Rand 231C 1/2” Drive Air Impact Wrench is a compact and lightweight tool that is designed for comfort and control. It arrives lubricated and ready to use, making it perfect for quick jobs around the house or workshop. The exclusive impact mechanism provides powerful torque for removing stubborn screws and bolts.
WALT 20V MAX XR Impact Wrench Kit
This WALT 20V MAX XR Impact Wrench Kit is perfect for any job that needs a lot of torque. With up to 700 ft-lbs of max torque and 1200 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque, this wrench can handle anything you throw at it. Plus, the compact design makes it easy to use in tight spaces, while the multi-speed control gives you the flexibility to adjust for any application.
With its powerful 20V motor, the WALT 20V MAX XR Impact Wrench Kit can handle any tough job. It has a 1/2-inch anvil with hog ring (or detent pin) for easy socket changes, and a bright LED light that stays on for 20 seconds after you release the trigger, so you can always see what you’re doing.
AIRCAT 1200-K 1/2-Inch Twin Clutch Impact Wrench
The AIRCAT 1200-K 1/2-Inch Twin Clutch Impact Wrench outperforms any wrench in its class. With 900 ft-lbs of maximum torque and 1,295 ft-lbs loosening torque, this hard-hitting impact wrench can handle any job. The patented quiet-tuned exhaust system reduces the noise level to 86 dBA, so you can work without disturbing others.
It is a powerful pneumatic impact wrench that features an ergonomic handle for the user’s ultimate comfort. The AIRCAT line of tools is designed with the most significant advances in the performance of pneumatic power tools, making it the perfect choice for any professional or do-it-yourselfer.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Impact Driver
Tackle the toughest jobs with ease using BLACK+DECKER’s high-performance cordless impact driver. The transmission delivers 1375 in-lbs. of max torque, while the quick-release 1/4 inch chuck ensures easy bit changes.
It features a maximum initial battery voltage of 20 volts and comes with a handy 30-second impact load gauge test method. Plus, it’s backed by BLACK+DECKER’s quality reputation, so you can be sure you’re getting a product you can trust.