Air Impact Wrench for Changing Tires
Changing tires is a job that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The tires are heavy, and they have sharp edges and rough surfaces. And it’s a good thing that there are air impact wrenches on the market – they make changing tires much easier than ever.
Air impact wrenches are a very popular tool that is used for changing tires on cars, trucks, and other vehicles. They are easy to use, convenient, and extremely effective at changing tires.
But what are the best air impact wrenches on the market? Which one should you buy? And how do you choose the right one? That’s what we researched and compiled for you. So check out our top-rated list of the best air impact wrenches available today.
Quick View of 6 Best Air Impact Wrench to Change Tires
| Product | Key Specifications | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX | Drive: 1/2-Inch Air Cons.: 24 CFM Speed: 8,500 RPM Torque: 1350 ft. lbs. Weight: 4.6 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Aircat 1150 Impact Wrench | Drive: 1/2-Inch Air Cons.: 8 CFM Speed: 9,000 RPM Torque: 1295 ft. lbs. Weight: 4.62 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 NitroCat 1200-K Impact Wrench | Drive: 1/2-Inch Air Cons.: 8 CFM Speed: 8,000 RPM Torque: 1295 ft. lbs. Weight: 5 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Ingersoll Rand 15QMAX | Drive: 3/8-Inch Air Cons.: 4 CFM Speed: 6,000 RPM Torque: 380 ft. lbs. Weight: 2.4 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Astro Pneumatic 1828 ONYX | Drive: 3/8-Inch Air Cons.: 5 CFM Speed: 10,500 RPM Torque: 450 ft. lbs. Weight: 2.98 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 DEWALT DWMT70775 | Drive: 3/8-Inch Air Cons.: 3.5 CFM Speed: 11,000 RPM Torque: 300 ft. lbs. Weight: 8 oz. | PriceDetail review |
Top-Rated 6 Pneumatic Impact Wrench Reviews
Here’s a little sneak peek over the top choice of 2021 and most probably coming years as well – the six best air impact wrench for changing tires! So, to find out which are the best, keep reading and we’ll help you to make the best buying decision:
1Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Air Impact Wrench, 1/2 Inch Drive
- Air Consumption: 24 CFM
- Speed: 8,500 RPM
- Torque: 1350 ft-lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Classic Lightweight and durable.
- Deliver forward and reverse torque.
- Lightweight impact wrench with exceptionally high torque.
- 8,500 RPM (no load) and 1,220 IPM.
- Easy to control with a four-position power regulator.
- Durable and ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Powerful Twin-hammer impact mechanism Made in the USA.
If you are in search of the most powerful 1/2-inch drive air impact wrench, we will outline some of the compelling reasons to choose the Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX. This is a powerful tool with a torque output of an outstanding 1,350 foot-pounds. You get about 930 ft-lb maximum reverse torque and 900 ft-lb of forwarding torque.
Thankfully, you don’t need to agonize over the risk of suffering from hand fatigue because this is a lightweight 4.6 pounds machine with a steel wear plate, titanium hammer case, and composite housing.
There are four-position power regulators and control buttons that allow you to select the torque output and rotational direction suitable for the task at hand.
Even though this is a lightweight unit, it is tough enough to survive in the harshest working environments. It’s designed for heavy-duty applications and can prove to be an invaluable tool in your garage as well as in industrial work settings.
With maximum speeds of 8,500RPM (no load) and 1,220IPM, even demanding projects are more comfortable and faster to complete.
As expected of tools from Ingersoll Rand, this unit has one of the most balanced power-to-weight ratios in its class. Through rigorous tests during the production process, the brand optimized the wrench to provide excellent ergonomics and just the right punch for fleet maintenance and construction work.
READ MORE: 5 Best Heavy Duty 1-Inch Drive Impact Wrench
2Aircat 1150 Killer Torque Impact Wrench 1/2-Inch
- Air Consumption: 8 CFM
- Speed: 9,000 RPM
- Torque: 1295 ft-lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Variable speed control.
- Flip Lever for forward and reverse operation.
- Twin hammer mechanism
- Only 86 dB of noise when operating at moderate speed.
- Sturdy and durable, yet easy to control.
- 1295 ft.-lbs. of torque for loosening nuts.
- 1,400 BPM and 9000 RPM.
- Comes with a selection of accessories, including a quality 3/8″ rubber air hose
The Aircat 1150 has all the rights to brag as the best pneumatic 1/2 impact wrench in its class. It offers a “killer torque” of 1295 ft-lbs for loosening nuts and 900 ft-lbs max torque. With such a fantastic killer torque, it can be the best pneumatic impact wrench.
Like the Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX, this machine also features a twin hammer mechanism that delivers an outstanding 1,400 IPM. It’s hard to get such a high impact per minute from a ½” impact wrench.
Unlike a decent number of units with such power, this machine is optimized to support relatively quiet operations. It produces a mere 86 decibels when in operation.
Additionally, it comes with an ergonomically designed handle. The flip lever is strategically positioned to allow easy switching from reverse to forward rotational motion and vice versa.
This machine also ticks for its lightweight composite material construction with an aluminum finish. It measures 7.5″ in height and weighs only 4.62 lbs. We can safely assume that the reduced weight is due to the tool not having a battery pack.
There are good reasons to invest in this model. It is the best electric impact wrench in its class and is ideal for medium-level applications.
The only concern we have is that while the machine is relatively silent when operating at lower speeds, the socket wobbles. You can feel substantial amounts of vibration as you increase the speed.
3NitroCat 1200-K ½-inch Kevlar Composite Air Impact Wrench
- Air Consumption: 8 CFM
- Speed: 8,000 RPM
- Torque: 1295 ft-lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Patented ergonomically designed handle.
- Swivel air inlet.
- The smooth twin-clutch hammer mechanism.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Easy to carry.
- Creates less sound.
- No stress or fatigue on the operator’s hand.
- Professional-grade air impact wrench.
The NitroCat 1200-K Kevlar’s most powerful compact 1/2″ air impact wrench is popular for its powerful and quiet performance. To ensure durability, the tool is housed with Kevlar, the material used for bullet-proof manufacturing vests.
When you need to handle a more extensive job for an extended period, this impact wrench will give you greater comfort with its patented ergonomically designed handle. Also, its patented quiet technology keeps the sound level less than 86dB when it operates. This tool will allow you to tackle any nut or bolt fastening or unfastening task with the rigid hitting twin-clutch mechanism.
The difference between NitroCat 1200-K and other impact tools is it is relatively larger. It weighs only 5 lbs., which means you will not face any problem carrying it into your job site. Moreover, handling is much accessible because of its larger size. Besides, its max and reverse torque rating are similar to a standard impact wrench, and it operates with 950 impacts/minute.
4Ingersoll Rand 15QMAX Ultra-Compact Air Impact Wrench
- Air Consumption: 4 CFM
- Speed: 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 380 ft-lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Ultra-compact size
- One-handed operation with 3-mode power regulator
- 380 ft-lbs. of torque
- Premium quality materials and workmanship
- Ergonomic trigger
- Lightweight, and powerful
- Tough enough to endure the harshest working environments
- 2-year warranty.
We all know that automotive work can be a pain in the butt sometimes, so we’re always looking for tools that help us get through those tough jobs faster and easier.
The Ingersoll Rand 15QMAX Ultra Compact 3/8” Impact Wrench with Quiet Technology fits the bill perfectly.
The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around tight spaces and the compact design makes it easy to fit in tight areas. It weighs just 2.4 lbs, which is a lot lighter than most other impact wrenches that we’ve tested. This makes it a lot easier to move around and get up underthings.
This impact wrench has a very powerful motor that’s capable of breaking through stubborn nuts that are harder to reach. The maximum torque output is 380 ft-lbs, which is much higher than what you’d find on most other impact wrenches. The 15QMAX has a one-handed forward & reverse push button so you can quickly switch between the two modes. It also has a three-mode power regulator that lets you control the speed, torque, and output.
So if you’re looking for a powerful, easy-to-use tool that will help you break through tough nuts and bolts, then this Ingersoll Rand impact wrench is a good option.
5Astro Pneumatic Tool 1828 ONYX Nano Impact Wrench
- Air Consumption: 5 CFM
- Speed: 10,500 RPM
- Torque: 450 ft-lbs.
Highlight Features:
- A perfect tool for work in confined spaces
- Easy to clean
- Compact and very lightweight, easy to use
- 3 forward and 3 reverse settings
- Used in any environment
- Comes with a handle exhaust system
- Ideal for use in tight spots, and works great on small parts.
This pneumatic tool has been one of the best tools I’ve used for years now. The power and versatility of this tool are simply unmatched.
It’s perfect for anyone that needs to change a tire on a car or truck, and it comes with a built-in compressor. This allows you to have it ready when you need it – no more having to drive to the nearest gas station to get a compressor.
I’ve used it on cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and even bicycles. I’ve also used it to tighten lug nuts, tighten up bolts, and change brake pads. It’s super easy to use and is built to last.
This tool is also compatible with the Astro Pneumatic Tool 1828 ONYX 3/8″ Impact Wrench – 450ft/lb – so you can get a great deal on this pneumatic tool.
6DEWALT DWMT70775 Impact Wrench, Square Drive
- Air Consumption: 3.5 CFM
- Speed: 11,000 RPM
- Torque: 300 ft-lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Easy to adjust the speed of the wrench
- Durable body and Rubber handle
- Adjustable power regulator
- Shock resistant housing bumpers
- Twin hammer mechanism that delivers 300 ft-lbs of breakaway torque
- Good choice for a low-budget carpenter.
The impact wrenches that they offer are some of the best on the market, and this 3/8-inch drive model is no exception. It’s built with top-quality materials that will last for many years, and it has a composite body design that will withstand the elements for extended periods of time.
The twin hammer mechanism of this impact wrench delivers 300 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, which helps to break free fasteners that are stuck or stubborn. It’s also equipped with a composite body design with shock-resistant housing bumpers to prevent damage to your tool when it’s dropped or bumped around.
The 3/8-inch drive impact wrench also has a rubber handle for maximum comfort, which makes it easy to grip even when you’re using it for long periods of time.
It has an adjustable power regulator that allows users to set the RPM to their preference, which is important if you’re looking to maximize the amount of power delivered.
DEWALT impact wrenches are some of the most durable tools that they offer, and this model will serve you well for many years to come.
There are 6 more excellent corded impact wrenches for changing tires HERE.
Buying Guide
Tire-changing tools are a crucial component of any vehicle’s maintenance schedule. When you get a flat tire, you don’t want to waste time looking for a gas station, or worse, a tow truck to come and change your tire. Here are the important things to consider before buying an air impact wrench:
Rated Torque
Torque is the amount of twisting force required to rotate a tire. The higher the torque, the more resistant the tire will be to rotation. This resistance is what causes the wheel to spin and allows it to propel the vehicle forward.
When changing tires, it’s crucial that you maintain the proper amount of torque, otherwise, you could put too much strain on the tires and damage them.
To check the torque of your tires, use an air impact wrench. It measures the amount of pressure needed to push a specific number of pounds of weight. It does this by measuring the pressure needed to compress an air cylinder to a certain point, and then multiplying it by the amount of weight needed to push a tire.
Hog Ring Anvil or Detent Pin Anvil
As a beginner, you’ll probably be spending most of your time working on your car. So you need a good air impact wrench to make sure that your work is done right. After all, if you get your car wheels off, it’s not going anywhere. So, let’s talk about the best options out there.
One thing to note is that an air impact wrench is not the same as a socket wrench. The latter has the ability to work with any socket, while the former requires specific sockets.
This is why it’s important to know what kind of impact wrench you need – a hook ring anvil or a detent pin anvil.
A hook ring anvil is better for general use, and you can use it for various types of sockets, while a detent pin anvil is more specialized for one particular type of socket.
For example, a detent pin anvil can only work with the M10/M12 detent pin sockets, which have a small hook ring on top that engages the detent pin.
In order to change a wheel using a detent pin socket, you will need an air impact wrench that has a detent pin anvil.
You may also want to consider your budget and availability of tools when deciding on your air impact wrench.
READ MORE: Hog Ring Anvil vs Detent Pin Anvil
Drive Size
When it comes to changing your tire, you need a tool that can remove and replace the wheel, which includes the tire.
So what size drive should you buy? It depends on your vehicle and the size of the tire that you are replacing. You can get an idea by looking at the tire sizes in your owner’s manual.
You also need to make sure that the drive can fit the tire that you are removing.
The easiest way to do this is to simply look at the tire size – if the tire size is more than 4 inches wide, you’ll need a drive with a large diameter. If it’s under 4 inches, then you’ll need a drive with a smaller diameter.
Air Consumption
As we’ve mentioned before, air impact wrenches are a bit more expensive than corded ones, but they offer greater versatility and more power. They can be used to remove nuts and bolts, and in some cases, they can even remove lug nuts.
The amount of air that’s consumed depends on the size of the wrench you choose, so it’s important to pick the right one for your needs.
Operating Speed
The type of air impact wrench you use to change your tire depends on the size of your vehicle and the brand of your tire. If you’re changing the tire on your car, you can use a standard-sized impact wrench. But if you’re changing the tire on a trailer or truck, then you will need an extended-length impact wrench.
This tool has an adjustable speed that can be set as high as 1,200 revolutions per minute.
There are 10 more excellent cordedless impact wrenches for changing tires HERE.
FAQs
Are air impact wrenches well for changing tires?
No, they are not good for changing tires. If you want a tool that can easily break apart old tire rims and change them, then you can go for a torque wrench. An air impact wrench can also do this, but it may not be as versatile.
Can I use an air impact wrench to change brake pads?
Yes, you can use an air impact wrench to change brake pads. You should just ensure that you use the right tool, in order to avoid damaging the caliper or disc.
Can you use an air impact wrench on aluminum wheels?
Air impact wrenches are designed specifically for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts on different types of fasteners. They are available in two variants, with and without air pressure. The former is ideal for removing and tightening nuts, while the latter is good for loosening nuts and bolts that are hard to reach. But they cannot be used on aluminum wheels because aluminum is not a material that is made for this purpose. If you want to tighten or loosen your aluminum wheels, you should get an air compressor or a manual wheel wrench.
What size is an air impact wrench for changing a tire?
The recommended size for an air impact wrench is 1/2-inch. and 3/8-inch drive, which will work for most applications. But this size can vary based on the type of air impact wrench you have, so it’s always better to get one that is specifically designed to work with your specific vehicle.
For getting buying decision we reviewed HERE the top six 1/2-Inch Cordless Impact Wrench.
Is an air impact wrench worth it?
Yes, an air impact wrench is certainly worth it, especially if you work on cars. Air impact wrenches are compact and lightweight, so they’re easy to use. They also don’t have any moving parts, which makes them more durable and reliable. On top of that, they are more affordable than traditional impact wrenches, so you won’t need to spend too much money on one.
What size do I need to change a car tire?
The impact wrench you need to change a car tire depends on the vehicle’s tire size. The most common impact wrench sizes are 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch drive.
What are the pros and cons of air impact wrenches?
Pros:
- Air impact wrenches are compact and easy to use.
- They are affordable and can be found in most hardware stores or online.
- They are also a safer alternative to power tools since they don’t have sharp or rotating parts.
- They are a great tool for DIY projects.
Cons:
- They require a lot of force to operate.
- If you don’t maintain them properly, they can break easily.
- You need to change the oil every few months, so make sure you buy a good quality one.
- You may need to make modifications to the air impact wrench to make it work for your project.
Final Words
Finding the right air impact wrench for your needs isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. We researched hundreds of tools and compiled a list of the top 10 picks based on their features, value, and performance.
We also checked the quality of each product and gave you our personal reviews on the best air impact wrenches available. So, whether you’re looking for a quick-release air impact wrench or a professional-grade tool, we have something for you.
Want to know more about the best air impact wrench? Check out our full review of the best air impact wrench on the market. If you’re not sure what you need, check out our buying guide for more information.
