Which impact wrench to buy in 2025?
Which pneumatic impact wrench for tire services? And which one for a general car service?
These are questions nearly everyone faces when choosing the right tools for their business. We get asked about it a lot — so we’ve prepared this short buyer’s guide to help you pick the right pneumatic wrench for your needs.
This comparison is based on REDATS pneumatic impact wrenches.
We chose them because we know these tools inside out — and we’re confident they’re the best fit for this ranking.
Here are the models we’ll be covering:
- REDATS P-120
- REDATS P-160
- REDATS P-180
- REDATS P-220
- REDATS P-350
Impact wrench – how much power?
This is the key parameter you should consider when looking for a pneumatic impact wrench. The power of an impact wrench is defined by the torque it can generate. How do you read this value? It’s simply the amount of force the tool can produce at a given moment – for example, right after you press the trigger.
How to understand this? In general, the higher the maximum torque, the more force the tool delivers. In other words – the tougher the bolts it can loosen.
How much torque can REDATS impact wrenches generate? Here’s a summary in the table:
| Model | Max Torque |
| REDATS P-120 | 1450 Nm |
| REDATS P-160 | 1500 Nm |
| REDATS P-180 | 1900 Nm |
| REDATS P-220 | 2200 Nm |
| REDATS P-350 | 5000 Nm |
How many Nm do you really need in an impact wrench?
You might think it’s best to go all-in and grab the most powerful wrench you can find. One with sky-high torque should loosen anything, right?
Well… not necessarily.
In practice, it’s smarter (and more cost-effective) to match the wrench to the kind of work you actually do. For example, if you mostly handle passenger car tires, there’s no real benefit in using a 2200 Nm wrench every day. It’s just overkill.
Also, here’s something that’s often overlooked:
The maximum torque is usually delivered only for a short burst – right after you pull the trigger. The wrench doesn’t operate at that top number all the time. That’s why you’ll often see a second spec: the working torque range.
Take the REDATS P-160 as an example:
Its working torque is between 68 and 1054 Nm, which gives you a more realistic idea of the power it delivers during regular use.
Which impact wrench is best for wheel service?
That’s a question we get asked a lot. So here’s our answer. In our opinion, impact wrenches generating between 1450 and 1500 Nm of maximum torque are perfectly suitable for use in a tire service handling passenger cars. After all, wheel bolts are usually tightened to just a few dozen Nm.
On the other hand, wrenches offering 1900 Nm give you a comfortable margin of torque, for example when working with more demanding bolts.
So here’s our ranking of the best impact wrenches for passenger cars:
| Model | Max Torque | Ranking |
| P-120 | 1450 Nm | 1 |
| P-160 | 1500 Nm | 1 (tied with P-120) |
| P-180 | 1900 Nm | 2 |
| P-220 | 2200 Nm | 3 |
Why do we have two winners? Both of these models are nearly perfect for tire service work.
Impact wrench – construction
When browsing through offers from various pneumatic wrench manufacturers, you’ll often come across a term like “twin hammer”. But what is it exactly, and how does it relate to torque?
The Twin Hammer mechanism is one of the most popular types of impact mechanisms. It’s based on two hammers rotating around the anvil. Thanks to this setup, the wrench delivers full power from the very first spin of the rotor.
An impact wrench equipped with a Twin Hammer is ready for demanding tasks – from loosening wheel or suspension bolts to other heavy-duty jobs on the vehicle.
Is this solution durable? Yes. The structure is relatively simple, which also makes servicing easier. The Twin Hammer mechanism is designed specifically for long-duty cycles.
Twin Hammer – what is it?
While browsing offers from various pneumatic impact wrench manufacturers, you’ll often come across something called a “twin hammer.” But what exactly is it? And how does it relate to torque?
The Twin Hammer mechanism is one of the most common solutions in the world of impact systems. It works with two hammers rotating around the anvil, delivering maximum torque right from the first spin of the rotor.
Is it durable? Absolutely. It’s a very simple structure, which also means easy servicing. The Twin Hammer mechanism is specifically designed for long-duty cycles – all it takes is regular oiling to keep it running smoothly and ensure long-term durability.
Which wrenches use a twin hammer mechanism?
The Twin Hammer solution is typically found in higher-end models. Here’s a quick breakdown of which REDATS wrenches use which mechanism:
| Model | Mechanism |
| REDATS P-120 | Twin Hammer |
| REDATS P-160 | Twin Hammer |
| REDATS P-180 | Twin Hammer |
| REDATS P-220 | Twin Hammer |
| REDATS P-350 | Pinless |
Pinless mechanism – how does it work?
As you can see, the REDATS P-350 impact wrench uses a completely different mechanism than the others. So what exactly is the pinless system?
Unlike the Twin Hammer, the pinless design uses only one hammer that rotates around the anvil. It’s a single piece with no additional moving parts, which makes it simpler to service and, more importantly, ensures massive torque delivery right from the start.
Why does this matter? Because the simplicity of the pinless build allows it to transfer power almost instantly. No surprise, then, that this type of mechanism is commonly used in tools made for heavier-duty work, especially on larger vehicles.
Impact wrenches and torque adjustment
Since we’re on the topic of torque, it’s worth noting that the ease of adjusting torque settings plays a big role in how comfortable and safe it is to work with an impact wrench. Simply put — a good wrench should allow you to set different power levels depending on the task.
How do REDATS wrenches perform in this area? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Model | Torque adjustment levels | Ranking |
| P-120 | 3 levels | 2 |
| P-160 | 3 levels | 2 |
| P-180 | 4 levels | 1 |
| P-220 | 3 levels | 2 |
Why does this matter?
As you know, high torque is important… BUT — overdoing it can be risky. Applying too much force can strip threads or damage bolts. That’s why adjustable torque settings are so valuable. Once the set torque level is reached, the internal clutch kicks in to prevent overtightening.
Among the models above, the REDATS P-180 stands out with four torque levels. That’s especially useful given its maximum torque of 1900 Nm — a lot of power that, without control, could cause more harm than good.
Comfort of work
We’ve covered the technical details. Now let’s talk a bit about how much the housing affects your comfort when working with the wrench. More precisely – the weight of the tool.
Why are we mentioning this?
Keep in mind that you often work with a pneumatic wrench for extended periods. How it fits in your hand makes a big difference. Your hand gets tired too, and holding a heavy tool adds even more strain. That’s why it’s worth choosing a wrench that’s as light as possible.
The weight of a wrench depends primarily on the material used for its housing. For example, metal wrenches are clearly heavier than tools made from composite – like those from REDATS. It’s something to keep in mind when picking your tool.
How much does wrenches weigh?
| Model | Max Torque | Weight | Ranking |
| P-120 | 1450 Nm | 2.1 kg | 3 |
| P-160 | 1500 Nm | 2.2 kg | 2 |
| P-180 | 1900 Nm | 2.3 kg | 4 |
| P-220 | 2200 Nm | 2.14 kg | 1 |
Housing and comfort of use
Impact wrenches also differ when it comes to handle finish. It may seem like a small thing, but… it’s really important!
Just imagine: it’s a cold winter morning. You pick up the wrench. The metal housing feels unpleasant to the touch.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a wrench with a composite housing. This kind of design gives you much more comfort in such conditions. Additionally, an impact wrench with a composite body also provides better ergonomics – it simply feels better in your hand, making your work much more precise.
Which impact wrench for a 50L compressor?
Impact wrenches need air. A lot of air. That’s why it’s crucial to match the right compressor to power your air tool. Without it, the tool simply won’t work. So, what kind of impact wrench should you use with a compressor?
Here are the key parameters you need to pay attention to:
- Average air consumption (this is key for the wrench)
- Compressor output capacity (this refers to the compressor itself)
How much air do REDATS wrenches consume?
| Model | Average air consumption |
| P-120 | 150 l/min |
| P-160 | 150 l/min |
| P-180 | 150 l/min |
| P-220 | 150 l/min |
Non-stop operation
What does that mean for you? When choosing the right compressor for your car service, pay attention to the air delivery rate – this is the key parameter that tells you whether the compressor will be able to power your impact wrench.
Impact wrench and sockets
Looking for reliable sockets for your impact wrench? Pay attention to the material they’re made of!
An impact wrench generates very high torque. So if you’re choosing sockets for your air tool, make sure to go with impact-rated sockets.
Why is that important?
First, impact sockets have thicker walls – which gives them better durability.
Additionally, they are tougher and more elastic, so they last longer and are less likely to deform or wear out.
When selecting sockets, also check the material. The safest bet is chrome-molybdenum steel (Cr-Mo). Sockets made from this alloy have thicker walls than standard ones, which means they hold their shape much longer.
Impact wrench ranking – final thoughts
We don’t have one clear winner here. But it’s worth keeping in mind the key factors when choosing a pneumatic impact wrench:
- Maximum torque
- Weight
- Number of torque settings
- Type of impact mechanism
- Air consumption