Quick verdict on cordless impact wrenches: For frequent automotive work and stubborn fasteners, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2967-20 is the stronger high-torque choice. For occasional tire rotations and home-garage repairs, the more affordable Ryobi ONE+ HP P262 is usually the better fit.
How we evaluated these picks: This comparison is based on manufacturer specifications, control features, battery-platform value, socket compatibility, and likely garage use—not a claim of hands-on testing. See how we evaluate products.
| Model | Best For | Key Advantage | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2967-20 | Frequent work and stubborn fasteners | Very high breakaway capability and useful control modes | Higher cost and more power than many owners need |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP P262 | Occasional tire rotations and DIY repairs | Shares compatible Ryobi ONE+ batteries | Lower stated breakaway torque |
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Cordless impact wrenches: Milwaukee 2967-20 vs. Ryobi P262
Our Two Recommendations
Best for demanding automotive work: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2967-20. Milwaukee lists up to 1,200 ft-lb fastening torque and 1,600 ft-lb nut-busting torque when paired with a FORGE battery. Its auto-shutoff mode limits fastening to 50 ft-lb, while bolt-removal mode slows the tool after a fastener breaks free. That combination makes it the better choice for rusted suspension hardware, truck lug nuts, and repeated shop-style use.
Check the Milwaukee 2967-20 on Amazon →
Best value for occasional garage work: Ryobi ONE+ HP P262. Ryobi lists 600 ft-lb breakaway torque, 450 ft-lb fastening torque, and four modes including an automatic mode. It is the practical pick for tire rotations, brake jobs, and general repairs when you already own Ryobi 18V batteries or want a lower-cost platform.
Choosing cordless impact wrenches for automotive use
Breakaway torque is the force used to loosen a stuck or over-torqued nut or bolt. For most passenger-car lug nuts, a quality mid-torque tool is enough; extremely high output is useful mainly for corrosion, trucks, suspension work, and heavily seized fasteners.
These cordless impact wrenches use a 1/2-inch square drive for compatible impact-rated sockets. Control modes matter as much as the maximum number: a useful auto mode can slow or stop the tool, but it does not replace a calibrated torque wrench. Always make the final lug-nut tightening pass to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification with a torque wrench.
Compare cordless impact wrenches by total system cost. A bare tool may not include a battery or charger. If you are starting from scratch, use our battery-platform cost calculator. You can also compare the wider ecosystem in our Milwaukee vs. DeWalt guide and Makita vs. Ryobi comparison.
Price, Support, and Switching Costs
Current purchase cost: Promotions and bundle contents change. Price both cordless impact wrenches with an appropriate battery and charger, then include impact-rated sockets and a torque wrench if you do not already own them. A cheaper bare tool is not necessarily the cheaper complete kit.
Warranty and support: Milwaukee lists a five-year tool warranty for the 2967-20. Ryobi lists a three-year limited warranty for the P262. Both brands provide manuals, parts, and service options, but warranty eligibility and shipping or service-center requirements depend on the purchase and location.
Switching cost: If you already own suitable M18 or ONE+ batteries, staying in that system will usually cost less. For a new buyer, compare current complete kits instead of assuming one brand always costs less. Moving from Ryobi to Milwaukee can make sense for repeated heavy work, but budget for a capable M18 battery and charger rather than comparing bare-tool prices alone.
Which of these cordless impact wrenches should you buy?
Choose the Milwaukee 2967-20 if you routinely work on several vehicles, deal with rusted or large fasteners, or already own M18 batteries. Its capability is impressive, but it can be expensive and excessive for simple passenger-car maintenance.
Choose the Ryobi P262 if your work is mostly seasonal tire changes, brakes, and occasional driveway repairs. It offers a more approachable price and enough stated breakaway torque for many common jobs, while keeping you in Ryobi’s broad ONE+ system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much torque does an automotive impact wrench need?
There is no single requirement for every vehicle. Most home mechanics should prioritize adequate breakaway torque, a 1/2-inch anvil, manageable size, and good control modes rather than buying the highest number available. Rusted truck and suspension fasteners demand more than ordinary passenger-car lug nuts.
Is an impact wrench the same as an impact driver?
No. An impact wrench normally has a square anvil for sockets and is built for nuts and bolts. An impact driver normally uses a 1/4-inch hex collet for screws and driver bits. For lug nuts, use an impact wrench with impact-rated sockets.
Can I tighten lug nuts with an impact wrench?
You can run them down gently using an appropriate low or auto mode, but do not use an impact wrench for final torque. Finish with a calibrated torque wrench set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.
Do cordless impact wrenches include a battery and charger?
These cordless impact wrenches are available in different packages, and listings can vary. Check the exact package contents before buying so you know whether a compatible battery and charger are included.
Specification Sources
For these cordless impact wrenches, we checked the manufacturer pages for the Milwaukee 2967-20 and Ryobi P262. Manufacturer claims can depend on the battery and test method, so treat headline torque figures as comparison guidance rather than a guarantee for every fastener.
Ready to compare the two picks?
Milwaukee 2967-20 →
Ryobi P262 →
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