I posted this on the OPINIONS forum but thought you folks might also be interested.


Had the opportunity this week to run some tests on a variety of electric Impact wrenches and thought I'd post the results here.

I had to test several TC Guns used on Steel erection jobs to tighten the TC style A325 3/4" dia bolts, and when we were done a couple of the other trades came over and asked if I could test some of their tools to settle a running bet.

A Skidmore Wilheim gauge was used to verify all results. Max measure ment 100 Kips (100,000 lbs of torque) and gauge was calibrated on 11/03 by the maker.
Verifivation was via a Proto 3/4" drive model 6020 600 ft lb torque wrench.
3 tests were done of each wrench with a new bolt each time. bolts were IFC/Vermont A325 3/4" 2" length new from a sealed can.

Milwaukee 1/2" wrench avg of 3 415 ft lbs

Dewalt 1/2" wrench avg of 3 385 ft lbs

Hitachi 1/2" wrench avg of 3 270 ft lbs

Chicago Electric 1/2" avg of 3 250 ft lbs (chinese made Harbor Freight unit)

Ingersoll Rand 1/2" wrench 390 ft lbs (unit was over 15 years old!)

No Name 1/2" wrench 225 ft lbs (typical EBay unit Red body)

No Name 1/2" wrench 215 ft lbs (typical EBay special Blue/Green body)

Craftsman 1/2" Professional 235 ft lbs

Craftsman 1/2" wrench 250 ft lbs (plain jane model)

So if you are in the market for a new tool, remember these results and remember that price and name mean nothing in results.