CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Impact Wrench, Cordless, Brushless, High To
✅ PROS
- Delivers 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 700 ft-lbs of breakaway torque — enough for lug nuts and most suspension work
- Brushless motor runs cool and efficient; multiple buyers report pulling a full day of work on a single 5Ah charge
- Three-speed selector with a precise low-speed mode that actually prevents over-torquing small fasteners
❌ CONS
- No friction ring on the anvil — you'll need a detent pin socket set or deal with sockets occasionally walking off
- The included belt hook is flimsy and mounts in only one position, limiting carry options on a tool belt
- At 6.1 pounds with a 5Ah battery, it's heavier than the Milwaukee equivalent — arm fatigue is real on overhead work
The Verdict
The 4.8-star average across 240 ratings on the CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Impact Wrench tells you something before you even open the box: this thing earns its keep. But let’s be clear about what you’re getting — and what you’re not.
What’s Actually in the Box
The kit ships with the impact wrench, a 5Ah V20 battery (on most configurations), a charger, and a belt hook. The tool itself measures 8.1 inches from nose to tail — compact enough to fit between a frame rail and a control arm, but not the shortest in its class. The 1/2-inch anvil accepts standard impact sockets, and the hog ring holds them securely during heavy use.
The Numbers That Matter
CRAFTSMAN rates this at 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque and a 700 ft-lbs breakaway. In real-world terms: it zipped off lug nuts torqued to 120 ft-lbs without breaking a sweat during my testing. It also handled a seized caliper bracket bolt that a 3-foot breaker bar was struggling with — the kind of bolt that makes you question your life choices.
The brushless motor is the star here. It runs noticeably cooler than brushed units, and the efficiency shows up in battery life. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “Used it for two solid days of suspension work on a 4x4 and never swapped batteries.” That tracks with my experience — the 5Ah pack held up through a full afternoon of removing and installing wheels.
Where It Shines
The three-speed selector is genuinely useful, not a gimmick. The low setting (around 50 ft-lbs) is gentle enough for brake caliper brackets without snapping the bolts — a feature that separates this from cheaper single-speed impact wrenches. The medium speed handles most chassis work, and high mode is for the stubborn stuff.
The variable-speed trigger gives you real control at low RPMs. You can start a lug nut by hand, touch the trigger, and feel it seat smoothly before letting it hammer. That precision matters when you’re working on alloy wheels where over-torquing is a genuine concern.
The Honest Shortcomings
Let’s talk about the friction ring. It works, but it’s not a true detent pin. If you’re working overhead or in awkward positions, sockets can occasionally walk off. One reviewer noted: “Wish it had a detent pin — lost a socket in an engine bay and spent 20 minutes fishing it out.” Buy a set of detent-pin sockets or keep a spare socket on hand.
The belt hook is an afterthought. It’s thin, mounts in one orientation, and feels like it’ll bend the first time you brush against a door frame. You’ll likely remove it.
Weight is the other tradeoff. At 6.1 pounds with the 5Ah battery installed, it’s heavier than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel equivalent. For overhead work — think exhaust manifold bolts or transmission bell housing — your arms will feel it after an hour.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You’re a DIY mechanic or homeowner who works on vehicles occasionally and wants professional-grade torque without paying Milwaukee or Snap-on prices. The V20 battery system means this shares chargers with your existing CRAFTSMAN tools.
Skip it if: You’re a professional turning wrenches 40 hours a week — the weight and anvil style will frustrate you, and the Pro-grade competition justifies its premium. Also skip if you’re already invested in another 20V battery platform; the bare-tool price plus a battery and charger makes this a harder value proposition.
Three Questions Shoppers Ask
Q: Does this fit in tight spaces? A: The head is 3.4 inches long — it clears most brake calipers and frame areas, but it’s not the compact-class tool. For tight engine bay work, consider the stubby version.
Q: Will it remove rusted lug nuts? A: Yes, the 700 ft-lbs breakaway torque handles severely corroded nuts. The key is letting it hammer for 2-3 seconds — don’t expect instant removal on heavily rusted hardware.
Q: What battery works best? A: The 5Ah is the sweet spot. The 2Ah runs it but drains fast under heavy load; the 8Ah adds too much weight for the marginal runtime gain.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
The CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Impact Wrench delivers legitimate professional-grade performance at a working-person’s price. It’s not the lightest, and the anvil design requires a socket adjustment, but the torque output, battery efficiency, and trigger control make it the best value in its class. For the weekend mechanic who wants to stop fighting rusted bolts and start enjoying the work, this is the one.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.