- Compact pistol-grip air-powered impact wrenches (sometimes called stubby wrenches) have a shorter front-to-back length than standard pistol-grip impact wrenches, allowing for access to tight spaces.
- They have higher torque and larger drive sizes than inline impact wrenches, but often have lower torque than full-size tools.
- The pistol grip has a trigger that is pressed to activate the wrench.
- Pistol grips provide ergonomic handling when working on vertical surfaces from the user's waist to chest, horizontal surfaces at mid-thigh or lower, and horizontal surfaces directly overhead.