Ingersoll Rand has added one more tool to their IQV20 cordless power tool lineup – a new 20V compact 3/8″ impact wrench, W5132, which they say is the most powerful tool of its kind.
They say that the new W5132 delivers up to 550 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, and up to 365 ft-lbs of maximum torque. They also say that it delivers up to 50% more torque compared to leading models. On top of that, the phrase the power of air was used.
Update: Yes the W5132 is a brushless impact wrench.
Users will have the choice between 3/8″ and 1/2″ drive models. The 3/8″ model is W5132, and the 1/2″ impact is W5152.
Features & Specs
- 550 ft-lbs (6,600 in-lbs) nut-busting torque
- 365 ft-lbs (4,380 in-lbs) max torque
- Only 6.5″ long
- Weighs 5.1 lbs
- Shadowless LED task light
- 4 power settings
- Maximum reverse torque is available at each power setting
On the back of the IR 20V W5132 impact wrench, you’ll find a power adjustment dial, which can be set to the following 4 modes. Before you scroll down to see a description of the 4 modes, look at the control dial graphics and think about what each setting means.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Power Modes
- Hand Tight
- Wrench Tight
- Mid Power
- Full Power
Sorry, I just thought that the graphics are really cute, and quite clear. While you might be used to power control dials on air impact wrenches, where a clockwise adjustment means more power, not everyone is.
Hand Tight: In this setting, the drive mechanism turns slowly, and shuts off at the point where enough resistance is encountered to activate the impact mechanism. This mode will be ideal for light fastening tasks, such as where 2 to 9 ft-lbs of torque is needed.
Wrench Tight: When you need more torque, around 10 to 24 ft-lbs, the wrench tight mode activates to give you a little more torque – around the same as if you were to reach for a manual wrench.
Mid Power: Switch it up to the mid power setting when you need up to 240 ft-lbs of torque. This should be plenty for a lot of applications, and should give you a little more control than running the tool at full throttle.
Full Power: When you need the full range of power, the highest setting will give you up to 340 ft-lbs of torque.
Why the discrepancy? In the press materials I received, and on IR’s website, it mentions 550 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, and 365 ft-lbs max reverse torque. Perhaps 340 ft-lbs is the maximum forward torque; it’s not uncommon for impact tools to have slightly different forward and reverse torque ratings. We’ll check back about this and let you know.
Update: Yep, 340 ft-lbs is at max torque, 365 ft-lbs is max reverse torque.
LED Worklight
The shadow-free LED worklight provides up to 90 lumens of illumination, and there are 4 brightness levels so that you can dial it down as needed.
Construction
One big selling point for springing for an IR impact wrench, rather than one that might be tailored towards contractors, is the durability of their tools, as they’re designed specifically for use in automotive maintenance environments. They can also be used in industrial settings, as well as other demanding settings.
The impact wrench is made with a chemical-resistant housing, and has a patented steel frame for high strength and durability where needed.
First Thoughts
I’ve grown to like Ingersoll Rand’s 12V tools, and even though I don’t do a lot of my automotive maintenance and repairs, I find I like their rock-solid feel. They’re capable performers, and IR put a lot of thought and effort into their design.
With many professional construction-focused brands pushing forward into the automotive tool market with their cordless offerings, it’s good to see IR making efforts to push back with innovations and tools specifically designed for their target users.
The tools should be as resistant to common automotive chemicals, solvents, and fluids as their air tools and other cordless tools.
I also find the power control dial to be quite appropriate. It’s something that’s found on a lot of air impact wrenches, and although I’m not an air impact user, I imagine that users switching from air to battery power will appreciate not having to adjust to a new way of working.
In essence, the rear control dial is not quite different from the electronic button-selected speed and torque settings on power tool brands’ brushless impact wrenches, but it instead mimics air-tool-like controls.
Why focus on the power control dial? Because it helps to put things in perspective. It shows, at least to me, that this isn’t just a “me too” tool that IR churned out to compete with power tool brands. These things are important to keep mindful of as some brands work to one-up each other every so often.
That all said, IR’s claims of this being the most powerful impact wrench of its kind isn’t to be ignored. They say it has the best power-to- weight ratio of any cordless impact tool on the market. I searched around, and yea, 340 ft-lbs forward torque and up to 550 ft-lbs nut-busting torque is indeed a lot of power for a compact impact tool.
What’s your take on the power control dial? Would you still reach for your air wrench, or will the small size and big power of this model win you over?