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.
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
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?
Diplomatic Immunity
“Yeah but it’s not brushless Stuey!”
I can already hear the comment. Looks like a solid tool by IR. Really blows the closest compact impact wrenches out of the water when it comes to power. Maybe the dial makes it easier for someone wearing gloves?
Norm
Is says brushless right on the side of it, unless I’m missing something.
Diplomatic Immunity
Well I’ll be damned I’m blind. Lol!
Stuart
Yes, it is brushless!
Bill
Stuart, anything on pricing and availability?
Stuart
Not yet, I’m working on it.
Travis
This looks nice! I really like the light and the speed dial for torque.
I love my MAC 12v 3/8″ impact wrench for its size and high torque for such a small tool.
Bill
Just got off the phone with an IR customer service rep who told me the release date is 9/1/16 and the bare tool list price is $405 for the W5132.
BikerDad
My perspective, coming at it from the woodworking side, this looks like a great tool BUT…
battery ecosystem. I don’t really know who in the contracting/construction tool realm IR could team with to share battery platform, but they should seriously consider doing so. It may not make a big difference in their core professional automotive tech market, BUT it will provide a better shield against erosion on the fringes of that market by Mac/DeWalt, as well as give them a better boost into the hobbyist/serious shade tree mechanic market.
I would think Bosch or Makita are the most likely candidates, of the two, I’d look at Bosch, especially given their strong brand awareness in the automotive realm already.
As for me, I’m looking forward to the next generation comparable product from Mac Tools. Why? Because I’m already invested in the DeWalt 20vMax platform… 😀
Chris
Looks very impressive and looks to fit in some tight areas. If it wasn’t for the cost I’d be all over IR cordless tools.
K2
Seems like the Milwaukee specs are quite a bit higher, or am I missing something here?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GFUA7FC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466476607&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=milwaukee+tools+impact+wrench&dpPl=1&dpID=414XEO0Ex-L&ref=plSrch
PhilnTX
Just an apples and peaches comparison…IR’s a 3/8 wrench & the Milwaukee is a 1/2″ wrench.
Bremon
That’s Milwaukee’s high torque impact. I have one, it’s brutish. Large and heavy. Their compact is the 2754/2755/2755B. This new IR trounces those M18s handily going by the numbers.
Bill
K2, the main thing you are missing is that the Milwaukee 2763 that you reference is a substantially larger form factor impact with a much larger and much more powerful motor, along with a much larger gearbox which compares more directly with the IR W7150 in both size and power. The IR W5132 (3/8″) & W5152 (1/2″) are compact impact wrenches with smaller less powerful motors. Also of note is that the W5132 and the W5152 are essentially identical units but with different anvil sizes.
Toolfreak
I’m guessing the “nut busting torque” is the technically-not-an-outright-lie marketing measurement of peak-moment-power-output that the wrench actually has for a fraction of a second, possibly when struck by lightning.
I wouldn’t think a company like IR would need to add those kind of specs to their products, but I’ve been disappointed in the marketing tactics and advertising of quite a few companies who should be able to stand on their reputation lately.
365ft-lbs is impressive enough from a 3/8″ drive cordless impact, to say nothing of it being brushless and fairly compact. Lots of 1/2″ impacts struggle to get 200ft-lbs of torque.
That said, I don’t see myself having a dedicated 18-20V 3/8″ cordless impact, though it would be nice to have something in-between the 1/4″ impact drivers and the 1/2″ impact wrenches, but a lot smaller than the 1/2″ wrenches. Maybe there will eventually be 3/8″ impacts of the 12V variety, even if they won’t last as long as the 18-20V versions.
Bruce
I would like to see more mocking of any company that says 550 pound feet of torque when the max output is 365. These kinds of lies need to be called out.
Stuart
IR is actually pretty straightforward, in how they give you all the numbers. Some brands give you the nut-busting torque and that’s it.
I don’t see any wrongdoing on IR’s part. Well, i guess it’ll depend on how the values are presented in fact sheets and sell pages.
Chris
Nut busting is the most important. I’m sure IR tested torqueing a nut to 550 ft ibs and was able to repeatedly break loose that nut. Nut busting is the most important for impact wrenches. That is mighty impressive for a 3/8 and you better have some quality sockets or that impact will destroy them.
Nathan
if I can put a dewalt 20V li battery on that they couldn’t take my money fast enough.
and if they came out and said IR is part of the _________ company family and you could use team red or orange or blue . . . batteries it would help their cause. I beleive someone else says this too above.
I hope MAC releases something that uses the dewalt 20V packs – I want their ratchet rather badly even though it’s 12V.
I used the last iteration of the IR products and loved them. Would love a set for my garage. THat 4 stage setting setup is an awesome idea.
Kyle
They have. Here is a link with the flyer. Go to page 5. http://resources.mactools.com/flyers/USM_2015_13/pubData/mobile/index.htm#/7/
Jeffrey
Hope to see Milwaukee put something out to compete with this. I would love something lighter than the mighty 2763.
Robert
Looks like the 2 battery kit is being sold for a somewhat more reasonable price of $400. I bet they will do a free battery promo or something as time goes on. One thing i don’t like is the kit comes in a bag… Not a case.
https://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-16024-bosch-38-20v-impactool-w-50-ah-battery-25ah-battery-charger-w5132-k22.aspx
BigDan
Do dewalt and IR parent companies have any relationship? I’ve been seeing dewalt come out with some heavier duty compressors and IR coming out with 20v which is dewalts thing?
I dont recall seeing IR as part of the list with stanley B&D, bostitch, dewalt but maybe I’m remembering wrong.