The cordless impact wrench sector spans a pretty wide breadth from compact models all the way to high-torque that make you question the need for pneumatics. Don’t worry, we’re not giving up our pneumatics just yet. If you’re shopping at Lowe’s, you’ll notice a couple different 1/2″ options from Kobalt. There’s the high-torque beast and then today’s muse – the more compact Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench, model KCW 5024B-03.
Where Does it Fit?
Cordless impact wrenches run across four major styles: stubby, compact, mid-torque, and high-torque. This Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench is in the compact category – relatively low power, but with a smaller footprint.
How small?
Bare, it weighs in at 2 pounds, 8 ounces. With a compact battery, it’s 3 pounds, 8 ounces and you bump up another 10 ounces for the 4 Ah pack. It’s just 6-1/8″ long and has identical housing to the 3/8″ model. Overall, it’s just a little heavier and bigger than many of the impact drivers we use.
Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench Key Features
- Brushless motor
- Variable-speed trigger
- LED work light
- 24V system – 6 cells instead of 5
- 3 speed modes plus finish mode
What About Performance?
It’s no surprise that as you go down in size, you go down in power as well. You’ll get 200 ft. lbs. of max torque at 2500 RPM with 3300 impacts per minute. If you convert that into in. lbs., you get 2400 – higher than any current impact driver on the market.
On the construction side of things, it’s a great fit for driving lag screws and long timber screws along with tightening up nuts and bolts. For mechanics, a true mid-torque impact wrench might be a better bet as your 80% tool, but you’ll have to give up size and weight to get it. The Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench will cover your light-duty work and you won’t need to buy a 3/8″ socket set to use it.
Price and Value
Before you move on and go for a mid-torque impact, consider the price point. At $109.99 bare with a brushless motor, you really can afford to have a low-torque impact wrench handy. Keep in mind that’s a bare tool. However, Kobalt has some of the best battery prices available – $10 (1.5 Ah), $20 (2.0 Ah), and $50 (4.0 Ah). A standalone charger is $40.
Kobalt 24V 1/2″ Impact Wrench Specifications
- Model: Kobalt KCW 5024B-03
- Battery Voltage: 24V
- Maximum Torque: 200 ft-lbs
- No Load Speed: 2,500 RPM
- Impact Wrench Size: 0.5″
- Impacts Per Minute: 3,300
- Drive Size: 1/2″
- Forward/Reverse Rocker Switch: Yes
- Length: 6.1″
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Warranty:5 years limited
- Price: $109.99
