Whether you’re working on a home repository or a professional construction site, having the most powerful 1-inch impact wrench is essential. In this article, you’ll find an in-depth review of the 6 most powerful options available today and a buying guide that will help you choose which one is best for your needs.
Here are the most powerful 1-inch impact wrenches you can buy in 2024:
- Budget Option (Air Impact Wrench): Mophorn 5800nm
- Best For Old Nuts & Bolts (Air Impact Wrench): AIRCAT 1994
- Easy To Maneuver (Air Impact Wrench): Ingersoll Rand 2850MAX-6
- Lightweight (Air Impact Wrench): AIRCAT 1870-P
- Low Vibration (Air Impact Wrench): Ingersoll Rand 285B-6
- Best For Trucks Maintenance (Battery Impact Wrench): Milwaukee 2868-20
| 6 Most Powerful 1-Inch Impact Wrenches | ||
|---|---|---|
Budget Option | Mophorn 5800nm
| |
Best For Old Nuts & Bolts | AIRCAT 1994
| |
Easy To Maneuver | Ingersoll Rand 2850MAX-6
| |
Lightweight | AIRCAT 1870-P
| |
Low Vibration | Ingersoll Rand 285B-6
| |
Best For Trucks Maintenance | Milwaukee 2868-20
| |
Budget Option: Mophorn 5800nm
- Able to handle a variety of repair work - 4280ft.lb of max torque
- Sturdy – corrosion-resistant materials with an anti-rust finish
- Keep air away from your work area - a side exhaust
- The position of the trigger is a bit awkward
- Heavy
The Mophorn 5800nm is the best budget option for any general repair work, especially on heavy-duty equipment, tires, and trucks.
Despite its competitive price tag, this 1" impact wrench is powerful enough to get your job done quickly and efficiently. It features a max torque of 4280 feet-pounds and a max air pressure of 175 PSI.
It is made from high-strength materials with specially treated corrosion and an anti-rust finish for excellent durability.
Additionally, it features a side exhaust to keep air away from the operator and work area and two D-Shape handles for easy one-person operation.
| Mophorn 5800nm Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 46.8 pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 4280ft.lb/5800N.m. |
Free Speed (RPM) | 3400RPM |
Highlight Features | 4280ft.lb of max torque corrosion-resistant materials with an anti-rust finish a side exhaust |
Looking for the best budget option? Then check out the Mophorn 5800nm
Best For Old Nuts & Bolts: AIRCAT 1994
- Perfect for old nuts and bolts - 2,300 feet-pounds of maximum torque
- Reliable - pinless hammer design
- Comfortable to use - ergonomic handle
- Quite heavy
The AIRCAT 1994 delivers an incredible 2,500 feet-pounds of loosening torque and 2,300 feet-pounds of maximum torque. So, it is more than capable of handling even the oldest and most stubborn bolts and nuts.
The pinless hammer design provides ultimate reliability and adds hitting power, while the rugged construction ensures long-lasting durability.
The ergonomic handle ensures user comfort during extended use, making this one of the most comfortable impact wrenches on the market.
| AIRCAT 1994 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 35 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2,300 ft-lbs |
Loosening Torque (ft. - lbs.) | 2,500 ft-lbs |
Free Speed (RPM) | 4500RPM |
Highlight Features | 2,300 feet-pounds of maximum torque pinless hammer design ergonomic handle |
The AIRCAT 1994 is the 1” impact wrench you can trust on that can help you handle old nuts and bolts easily.
Easy To Maneuver: Ingersoll Rand 2850MAX-6
- Easy to maneuver - a 360-degree adjustable side handle
- Durable - chemical-resistant housing
- No complaint
What sets the Ingersoll Rand 2850MAX-6 apart is its incredibly easy-to-maneuver design.
This 1” impact wrench features a 360-degree adjustable side handle which can rotate fully around the tool, making it easy to maneuver around the work area. Plus, it allows you to have optimal control as you work.
The steel core design and chemical-resistant housing make this heavy-duty impact wrench long-lasting and durable enough to withstand repeated drops.
| Ingersoll Rand 2850MAX-6 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 21.58 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2100 ft-lbs |
Free Speed (RPM) | 5500 RPM |
Highlight Features | a 360-degree adjustable side handle chemical-resistant housing |
Looking for a 1” impact wrench that’s powerful and easy to maneuver at the same time? Don’t skip the Ingersoll Rand 2850MAX-6
Lightweight: AIRCAT 1870-P
- Let you use this machine for longer with less fatigue - 12.1 Pounds
- Ensure your safety – the offset side handle
- No complaint
At 12.1 pounds, the AIRCAT 1870-P is up to 50% lighter than the other 1" impact wrenches we tested, making it one of the lightest options in its class.
This means you can use this model for extended periods of time without sacrificing power.
The offset side handle prevents the operator's hand from getting too close to the work area, making this one of the safest impact wrenches on the market.
| AIRCAT 1870-P Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 12.1 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2,100 ft-lbs |
Loosening Torque (ft. - lbs.) | 1,900 ft-lbs |
Free Speed (RPM) | 7,500 |
Highlight Features | 12.1 Pounds the offset side handle |
The AIRCAT 1870-P is one of the rare 1” impact wrenches out there that’s both powerful and lightweight at the same time.
Low Vibration: Ingersoll Rand 285B-6
- Keep your hands less fatigued during use - low vibration
- Help you achieve pinpoint precision - two handles
- Heavy
The Ingersoll Rand 285B-6 strikes the perfect balance of powerful performance and low vibration, keeping your hands less fatigued while using it.
The Rocking Dog's combination of high inertia and low BPM means this tool can deliver a powerful blow with little air, saving you time and energy.
With its two handles, it is easy to achieve pinpoint precision while working on difficult-to-reach nuts and bolts.
The durable metal and plastic construction can withstand repeated drops and harsh weather conditions.
| Ingersoll Rand 285B-6 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 27.9 pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 1475 Ft/Lbs |
Loosening Torque (ft. - lbs.) | 1,000 Ft/Lbs |
Free Speed (RPM) | 5,250 RPM |
Highlight Features | low vibration two handles |
The Ingersoll Rand 285B-6 is a frequent favorite for its perfect balance of powerful torque and low vibration.
Best For Trucks Maintenance: Milwaukee 2868-20
- Perfect for truck maintenance - 2,000 ft-lbs of the max torque
- Long-lasting – tough and sturdy design
- High maneuverability - compact size
- Expensive
- Short battery life
Giving off up to 2,000 ft-lbs of torque, the Milwaukee 2868-20 is more than capable of handling even the most difficult tasks, such as truck maintenance.
The tough and sturdy design can stand up to even the most challenging job sites, while the compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Whether you're working on a home improvement project or a professional job, this is the tool you need to get the job done right.
| Milwaukee 2868-20 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 6 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2,000 ft-lbs |
Loosening Torque (ft. - lbs.) | 1,900 ft-lbs |
Highlight Features | 2,000 ft-lbs of the max torque tough and sturdy design compact size |
The Milwaukee 2868-20 is the most powerful battery 1” impact wrench for truck maintenance that we’ve found.
How To Choose The Most Powerful 1-Inch Impact Wrench?
Torque
To choose the most powerful 1-inch impact wrench, it is important to know the max torque and loosening torque of the tool. The max torque is the amount of force that the motor can deliver to the anvil, while the loosening torque is the amount of force required to loosen a nut or bolt.
Max Torque
The max torque is usually measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) or Newton-meters (Nm).
For example, a 1/2-inch impact wrench may have a max torque of 600 ft-lbs, while a 3/4-inch impact wrench may have a max torque of 900 ft-lbs.
The larger the max torque, the more powerful the impact wrench.
Loosening Torque
The loosening torque is also important to consider when choosing an impact wrench. This is because the loosening torque will determine how much force is required to break loose a nut or bolt.
For example, a 3/4-inch impact wrench may have a loosening torque of 200 ft-lbs, while a 1-inch impact wrench may have a loosening torque of 300 ft-lbs.
The higher the loosening torque, the more powerful the impact wrench.
Which To Choose: Air Or Battery Impact Wrenches?
The most powerful 1-inch impact wrench will depend on the specific needs of the user.
Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Air impact wrenches are more powerful than battery impact wrenches. If you need the most power possible, then an air impact wrench is the way to go.
- Battery impact wrenches are more convenient than air impact wrenches. You don't have to worry about having an air compressor or dealing with hoses and cords. Just charge up the battery, and you're ready to go.
- Air impact wrenches can be louder than battery impact wrenches. If noise is a concern, then a battery impact wrench may be the better choice.
- Battery impact wrenches may be more expensive than air impact wrenches. If cost is a factor, then an air impact wrench may be the better choice.
Amperage
Amperage measures the amount of current flowing through the motor. More amps generally mean more torque and more power to get the job done quickly.
However, it's not always that simple.
Some models may have a higher amp rating but aren't necessarily more powerful than another model with a lower amp rating. This is because there are other factors that also contribute to the overall power of the tool, such as motor size and efficiency.
When looking at the amperage, also consider the size of the anvil.
A larger anvil can take more torque without breaking, which is ideal for heavy-duty projects.
For most general projects around the home or garage, however, a smaller anvil will be just fine. As long as the anvil is made of durable material, it shouldn't be a problem.
Bottom line: when choosing an impact wrench, consider the amperage along with other features to ensure you're getting a tool that's powerful enough for your needs.
Weight
Finally, hammer weight is also an important consideration. This measures how much mass is being moved by the motor. A heavier hammer will result in a more powerful impact.
Which Brands Make The Most Powerful 1-Inch Impact Wrench?
AIRCAT
AIRCAT was founded in 1998 and brings the most advanced advancements seen in pneumatic power tools in nearly 30 years.
Their tools not only have greater power and torque than before but also lower levels of noise. Additionally, their patented ergonomically engineered handle design decreases tiredness on the user's arms, wrists, and hands.
Ingersoll Rand
An international leader in medical technologies and specialty, energy, fluid, and air vehicles, Ingersoll Rand offers a broad range of innovative and mission-critical technologies. After merging with Gardner Denver in early 2020, they now have combined experience and innovative expertise.
FAQs
Can an impact wrench break your wrist?
Over-tightening with an impact wrench probably causes your wrist to break.
Can an impact wrench break a bolt?
An impact wrench can break a bolt loose or torque it up if you add more power to it. That’s why this device is perfect for bolt running.
Will a 100-PSI air compressor run an impact wrench?
Yes, a 100-PSI air compressor can run an impact wrench easily because the minimum range is 90 PSI.
What size air hose do I need for a 1-inch impact wrench?
You will need a ¾” air hose for a 1-inch impact wrench.
How long does a 1-inch impact wrench last?
A 1-inch impact wrench can last many years in regular use.
Conclusion
We've listed some of the most powerful 1-inch impact wrench options, noting their different features and qualities.
For professionals or serious DIY-ers who want to take on demanding tasks and need a lot of power in a small package, these are excellent choices.
For those just looking for lighter-duty jobs around the house or workshop, there are also great options that don't require as much power but still get the job done quickly and efficiently.
No matter what your needs may be, you'll find something here to suit them.
