Portable Electric Tools: Rockwell 20V MaxLithium brushless 1⁄2 inch 3-Speed impact wrench

The Rockwell 20V MaxLithium Brushless 1⁄2 in., 3-Speed Impact Wrench is a compact, lightweight powerhouse. Never judge a tool by its size because this brushless workhorse delivers the goods, and then some, with its range of torque settings.

Rockwell’s stable of high performance brushless 20V portable power tools now includes the impact wrench, drill-driver, impact driver and hammer drill.

The brushless motor in the Rockwell 20V 1⁄2 in. Impact Wrench increases battery run time by up to 50 percent per charge over standard brushed motors. It features computer-controlled power distribution, which improves motor efficiency and durability by reducing noise, heat buildup, friction and wear. The brushless motor also features a 10-year warranty versus 3 years for brushed motors.

Carbon brushes have been eliminated altogether to create a motor that’s maintenance free. Precise internal software controls (smart chips) provide the electromagnetic current for the most efficient conversion of electricity into mechanical energy. Since less energy is wasted, battery power lasts longer.

This cordless 1⁄2 in. impact wrench can drive 3/8 in., 3-in.-long lag bolts flush to the surface in deck building. It’s also an asset to an off-roader in the back country who needs to change tires on the fly. For road trips, it’s a fast and efficient emergency repair tool that can bust loose lug nuts on a flat tire rim and assist in mounting the spare in no time at all.

By using a combination of shallow and deep impact sockets, lug nut sockets and adapters, the 1⁄2 in. impact wrench provides a solution to removing stubborn or rusted nuts, bolts and lugs in any number of applications. For vehicles with specific tire torque settings, a torque wrench may be used for calibration.

The Rockwell Brushless 1⁄2 in. Impact Wrench features a 3-speed gearbox with a digital readout of 73/132/220 ft./lbs. of torque. The tool has a no-load speed of 0- 1300/2100/2900 rpm. Its impact rate is 0-1600/2900/3300 (ipm).

Weighing 3.3 lbs., the compact impact wrench has a short headstock with a 1/2 in. anvil chuck. The tool’s compact size allows easy access into limited clearance areas. There’s comfortable overmold on the handle for a steady grip. An LED light illuminates the work area and stays on for 20 seconds once the trigger is released. A battery reserve indicator monitors power level.

The 20V 1⁄2 in. impact wrench includes two, 20V MaxLithium 2.0 Ah batteries, a one- hour charger and carrying bag. Rockwell provides a 10-year warranty on the motor and 3 years on the tool. Once the tool is registered, it’s also eligible for Rockwell’s Batteries For Life program, which provides free batteries for the life of the tool – a 70 percent savings when compared to competitors’ battery replacement costs over the tool’s life.

The Rockwell 20V MaxLithium 1⁄2 in., 3-Speed Impact Wrench (RK2855K2, $259) is expected to be available in September.

Rockwell Brushless Power Tools

• Rockwell 20V Lithium-ion Brushless Drill-Driver (RK2852K2, $179.99)
• Rockwell 20V Brushless Impact Driver (RK2860K2, $199.99)
• Rockwell 20V Brushless Hammer Drill (RK2853K2, $219.99)
• Rockwell Combo kit: 20V Brushless Drill/Driver and Impact Driver (RK1807K2, $279.99)