Best Impact Wrenches for Professional and Home Use in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update August 6, 2022
This review of 5 best impact wrenches will help you select the perfect tool for car repairs, maintenance of various equipment, constructions works, and all kinds of tasks requiring a high torque output. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2022
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Power
Speed (RPM)
Impact rate (IPM)
Torque (Nm)
Chuck capacity
Tool length
Extras
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS
Breakaway Torque function delivers an unparalleled driving force, so the tool can loosen even badly rusted nuts.
CONS
The rotation speed is quite moderate.
OUR VERDICT
The DeWALT impact wrench allows adjusting the rotation speed, the impact rate, and the torque so you can use the tool with a variety of materials and for different tasks.
detailed parameters
Type
Electric / Cordless
Power
18V, 5.0Ah (2 pcs)
Speed (RPM)
0 - 400 (Mode 1)
0 - 1200 (Mode 2)
0 - 1900 (Mode 3)
Impact rate (IPM)
0 - 2400
Torque (Nm)
130 (Mode 1)
400 (Mode 2)
950 (Mode 3)
1625 (Nut-Busting)
Chuck capacity
1/2"
Tool length
224 mm
Extras
3 Speed and torque settings, Bright white LED with delay feature, Comfortable rubber XR grip and switch, Sold with TSTAK kitbox for easy system transportation and storage
Weight
3.3 kg
Warranty
1 year,
3 years (if registered)
PROS
ONE+ compatibility allows using the wrench with the batteries from other Ryobi tool, which is a truly convenient and energy-saving feature.
CONS
The battery is not included.
OUR VERDICT
This model can be offered to those who need a medium-power and fast impact wrench. It can be used for domestic needs and may come in handy for fixing jobs at construction sites.
detailed parameters
Type
Electric / Cordless
Power
18V (Li-Ion battery not included)
Speed (RPM)
0 - 400 (Mode 1)
0 - 1200 (Mode 2)
0 - 1900 (Mode 3)
Impact rate (IPM)
0-3200
Torque (Nm)
180 (Mode 1)
240 (Mode 2)
400 (Mode 3)
Chuck capacity
1/2"
Tool length
200 mm
Extras
Tri-Beam LED lights, Rubber overmould grip, 3 speed settings, ONE+ system
Weight
1.58 kg (w/o battery pack),
2.0 kg (w/ battery pack)
Warranty
2 years,
3 years (if registered)
PROS

Well-balanced power capacity contributes to high performance and long-lasting cordless operation of this model, making it easy for carpenters to operate this wrench under various conditions.

CONS

Rather low torque. 

OUR VERDICT

A compact and easy-to-use impact wrench from a renowned Makita brand will let you tackle rusted fasteners quickly and effortlessly. Its pretty small size and rather light weight are perfect for using the tool at a height, on the road and anywhere else you might need to use this kind of tool.

detailed parameters
Type

Electric / Cordless

Power

18V (Li-Ion battery not included) 

Speed (RPM)

0 - 2300

Impact rate (IPM)

0 - 3000

Torque (Nm)

190

Chuck capacity

1/2"

Tool length

176 mm

Extras

Electric brake, Variable speed control, LED job light, Forward/reverse rotation 

Weight

1.7 kg

Warranty

1 year,
3 years (if registered)

PROS

Two double-ended sockets (17+19 mm and 21+23 mm) included in the set will let you both tighten and loosen nuts and bolts on wheels of almost any vehicle.

CONS

The impact mechanism operation might seem slow.

OUR VERDICT

Thanks to an impressive maximum rotation speed of 6000 rpm, you'll be able to remove nuts and tighten bolts in almost no time making short work of the toughest tasks. Besides, the tool is delivered in a handy durable case allowing you to conveniently carry the wrench with attachments wherever you go.

detailed parameters
Type

Electric / Corded

Power

230V

Speed (RPM)

0 - 6000

Impact rate (IPM)

Not specified

Torque (Nm)

500

Chuck capacity

1/2"

Tool length

Not specified

Extras

Double-ended sockets,  Carry case included, Ergonomic gun design  

Weight

~3.7 kg 

Warranty

2 years

PROS
The start button serves as a reverse switch as well, so you'll be able to work faster and more productively since you don't need to grope for a separate button.
CONS
The tool is quite bulky and weighty.
OUR VERDICT
It's a great choice for anyone seeking a high-performance tool to be used in the same place. A high rotation speed and impact rate of this tool allows you to accomplish lots of jobs effortlessly.
detailed parameters
Type
Electric / Corded
Power
230V, 1000W
Speed (RPM)
0-2200
Impact rate (IPM)
0-3400
Torque (Nm)
450
Chuck capacity
1/2"
Tool length
295 mm
Extras
Blow-moulded case, Forward/reverse drive, Easy removal of stuck-fast bolts, Drives up to M12, Includes 4 sockets
Weight
3.9 kg
Warranty
1 year
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DEWALT DCF899P2-GB

Get Ready to Work Long

When it comes to cordless tools, competent users surely recall such brand as DeWALT, a Black & Decker subsidiary since 1960. We will review the DCF899P2-GB impact wrench powered by the Li-Ion battery. The biggest part of the tool's casing is made of heavy duty plastic, while the head is made of aluminium. The head features the reduction gear that gets fairly hot when the tool works, and the aluminium shell withdraws the heat from it and extends its service life. The tool's weight is 3.3 kg, but it is quite an acceptable result, taking the battery into account. Moreover, the weight is conditioned by the tool's length which is 224 mm, so the wrench can be freely used in cramped spaces.

Review of DEWALT DCF899P2-GB Cordless Brushless High Torque Impact Wrench

What About Power?

The brushless 610W motor is powered by a high-capacity battery; the combo delivers a great performance of this electric impact wrench. The torque is up to 950 Nm - enough to cope with any bolt or nut in no time. Also, you will be able to set the torque to 400 or 130 Nm to handle easier connections. This is not all this tool is capable of, though. The DeWALT DCF899P2-GB has a special "breakaway" torque feature for removing the tightest bolts. This is a true breakaway, as the torque amounts to 1625 Nm on the first impulses, then this value gradually drops. Still, it is enough to undo really tough junctions. By the way, when you set the torque to either of 3 modes, the speed and impacts change accordingly to provide a coordinated performance of the entire wrench gear. So, the adjustable settings of this model make it efficient for bolted connections of different materials and sizes.

DEWALT DCF899P2-GB Cordless Brushless High Torque Impact Wrench in the use

Top Convenience

Like the majority of similar tools, this DeWALT impact wrench has a built-in lighting. To be more accurate, it's a bright LED. Once you press the start button, the light turns on and stays illuminated for 20 seconds after you release it. So, this LED can be used as a flashlight. Also, we would like to highlight a handy rubberised handle that ensures a comfortable and reliable grip. Portability is a great advantage of any cordless tool, but when it comes with 2 powerful batteries, it's a jackpot! The batteries of this wrench allow doubling the worktime. What is more, both batteries feature special indicators that display the charge status. Finally, we should note that the package includes the rigid plastic box with the wrench, batteries, and the charger inside. Getting this kit, you'll manage to handle a variety of fasteners using the right speed and the impact rate.

Detailed review of DEWALT DCF899P2-GB Cordless Brushless High Torque Impact Wrench

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £351.94
Stock In stock
ASIN B00VXN829E

 

Ryobi R18IW3-0

One Battery for All Ryobi Tools

Ryobi was founded in 1943 and was engaged in making offset machines. Since 1968, the company has been producing power tools. The R18IW3-0 electric impact wrench is one of such tools. It is fitted with the 18V electric motor powered by a Li-Ion battery. The body of this model has a rather typical design for such tools. The impact wrench has a rubber-coated grip, a rigid plastic shell with a metal cover on the tool's front, and a battery compartment in the bottom part. We should note that this model comes without a battery, so you should get it separately. However, there's good news for you. Thanks to the ONE+ technology, the wrench is compatible with batteries of the other Ryobi ONE+ tools. Let's say, if you have a Ryobi angle grinder, its battery will easily fit the wrench. Truly convenient!

Review of Ryobi R18IW3-0 ONE+ Impact Wrench

Pick the Mode You Need

Buying an impact wrench, you need to be confident it's powerful enough to meet your requirements. The motor of this driver is able to deliver 400 Nm, which is more than enough for your domestic construction jobs. The body features a 3-mode control switch that allows varying the speed and torque. Thus, you may set the first mode and get the speed of 2100 RPM with 180 Nm of torque for rough tightening. The second mode (2500 RPM and 240 Nm) is perfect for final tightening and in the third mode Ryobi will show its best and let you loosen even the most stubborn nuts. In addition to an impact wrench, we recommend you to have a torque wrench in the arsenal which will come in handy for more precise tightening jobs.

Ryobi R18IW3-0 ONE+ Impact Wrench in the use

Up to 100 Wheels

Speaking about the extra features of this cordless impact wrench, we'd like to mention the Tri-Beam LED lights around the chuck. They allow working in a pitch darkness and hold the driver at any angle, all the working area will be illuminated and you'll see no shadows from a bit or a fastener. Like most models, the lights stay illuminated for a while after the trigger switch is released, so you'll have the time to target the chuck. The wrench weighs 2 kg with the battery attached, and we believe it's fairly comfortable to work long. Our research revealed that this impact wrench is able to fix up to 100 wheels on a single charge, being fitted with an additional 4.0Ah battery, and it's great for using in a small repair shop. The kit includes the 1/4" hex adapter for handling relevant nuts. This model can be offered to those who need a medium-power tool for a car service station.

Detailed review of Ryobi R18IW3-0 ONE+ Impact Wrench

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £92.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B0177CI5J6

 

Makita DTW190Z

An Affordable and Powerful Helper

Makita is a renowned brand in the world of power tools. Started over 100 years ago with an electric motor invention, today, it’s a global innovation leader producing a whole range of first-class products both for professional users and for DIYers. Whether you need to take care of your yard or garden or tackle a number of metalworking, woodworking, drilling, polishing, cutting, or fastening tasks around your house or on a job site, Makita tools will come to help. When it comes to Makita, it’s always about quality-built design, power, durability, and unmatched performance.

The Makita DTW190Z is not an exception to the above-mentioned rule. It stands out for a great combo of cordless design and decent power characteristics offered at a budget-friendly price. Fitted with the Makita brushless motor, this impact wrench delivers a rather high impact rate of up to 3000 IPM that will let you easily remove stubborn bolts and nuts. With a maximum rotation speed of 2300 RPM and a fastening torque of 190 Nm, the tool will come in handy for a variety of household needs. The speed is variable and controlled by a special trigger located on the handle. Meanwhile, by choosing a forward or reverse driving shank rotation you can either tighten or remove the fasteners.

With that said, the Makita DTW190Z is a great choice for light to medium duty applications and will find its place in a tool chest of any homeowner.

Review of Makita DTW190Z 190Nm

Enjoy the Benefit of Portability

Though cordless impact wrenches cannot deliver the immense power and unbeatable performance of pneumatic and corded models, there are situations where a cordless impact is the only possible way to get the job done. The Makita DTW190Z is just that kind of tool. Packed in a compact design, and featuring an extremely light weight of only 1.7 kg, this impact wrench offers the greatest benefit of cordless tools - that is portability. On the other hand, it boasts pretty high-performance characteristics that make it suitable for a variety of applications where corded models would fail. This model will be a real saviour for the works on heights with no access to power supply and become a great helper on the road when you need to change a flat tire. It is also a perfect tool for any small workshop and garage as well as for quick on-site repairs and small renovation projects.

As performing as it is, the Makita cordless impact wrench is very convenient in use. An ergonomic rubberized handle will ensure a firm and secure grip for better comfort and maximum control. Meanwhile, the built-in LED lights will make the work easier under low-light conditions, be it indoors, under the roof or under your car.

If you look for a compact tool for convenient work in tight spaces that, at the same time, offers a balance of price and performance, the Makita DTW190Z is the right cordless impact to opt for.

Makita DTW190Z 190Nm in the use

Get the Maximum out of Your Tool

This Makita impact wrench is powered by an 18V Li-Ion battery that is not included in the package and should be purchased separately along with a battery charger. Compatible with different lithium-Ion batteries, the DTW190Z works its best when paired with one of Makita 18V Li-ion batteries. Created with high performance and efficient operation in mind, Makita batteries charge much faster and work longer than any other lithium-ion batteries allowing you to use the tool for most demanding applications. On top of that, they provide consistent power and runtime even under extremely low temperatures as well as feature a battery protection circuit to protect the battery from overload, over discharge and overheating.

Detailed review of Makita DTW190Z 190Nm

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £64.02
Stock In stock
ASIN B01EJBJY66

 

VonHaus 15/297

A Premium Tool for Tough Jobs

The VonHaus 15/297 is an electric impact wrench is powered directly from the mains. So, you will need no bulky air compressors or quickly discharging batteries to operate the tool. Simply plug the cord into the socket and start working. Moreover, with an electric impact wrench, you can enjoy the powerful performance of air-driven impacts and mobility of cordless models. The only limitation you’ll get is a working area restricted by the length of a power cord. However, you can always use an extension.

An electric motor generates an impressive speed of 600 RPM and delivers a massive maximum torque of 500 Nm. By changing the pressure on a control trigger, you can vary the spindle rotation speed to tackle a number of tasks from tough jobs to minor work. Hence, you’ll be able to effortlessly remove rusted or over tightened bolts and nuts, change a wheel on a vehicle, do some furniture assembly or complete small repair tasks in almost no time.

When it comes to design, it’s worth saying that this model was created with efficient performance and user comfort in mind. The metal housing is sturdy and shock-proof adding to the overall durability of the tool and prolonging its service life. A sleek gun-like shape and an ergonomic handle with rubber inserts ensure a secure non-slip grip for convenience and ease of operation and control.

If you look for a power, strength, and torque for a variety of DIY projects in home environment, the VonHaus 15/297 is what you need.

Review of VonHaus 15/297 Electric Impact Wrench Driver

Mechanic's Best Friend

As we’ve already mentioned, this premium corded wrench from VonHaus delivers a consistent brute force to easily loosen tight and rusted fasteners which makes it a helpful assistant for any fitter, engineer or DIYer and the best friend for any mechanic or car enthusiast. Whether you need to remove wheel nuts, undo the bolts on the crankshaft or tighten them back again, the VonHaus 15/297 will let you do that quickly and effortlessly. No wheel brace or ratchet is required. This electric wrench is fully automatic and comes with 2 double-ended sockets to tackle fasteners of different sizes. It allows undoing things without damaging them and tightening them again if needed.

Whether you are a skilled mechanic employed in a professional garage or a novice doing some small-scale car repairs in a private workshop, the VonHaus impact wrench will let you considerably cut service time on a vehicle without compromising the quality of work.

VonHaus 15/297 Electric Impact Wrench Driver in the use

Pneumatic or Electric?

Still wondering whether an electric impact wrench is a worthy and not less powerful alternative to an air-driven impact? Below, you’ll find several distinct advantages of electric torque wrenches over pneumatic models that will let you put off any doubts and add the VonHaus to your home or professional tool arsenal.

  • Generating the same powerful torque as pneumatic impacts, electric models provide more precise control over the amount of torque applied.
  • Electric wrenches are usually lighter and are much easier on the operator producing fewer vibrations that cause hand fatigue.
  • Torque wrenches powered from the mains boast very quiet operation minimising the impact on operator hearing.
Detailed review of VonHaus 15/297 Electric Impact Wrench Driver

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XKLYQZW

 

Clarke CEW1000

Hold the Tool With Both Hands

This impact wrench is electric but corded, which means you need to plug the power cord into a power socket. Commonly for most impact wrenches, the Clarke tool has a metal hood covering the gear. The tool's handle is coated with rubber pads on the rear, though the grip could be better. The wrench is assembled with decent quality. The tool's weight is concentrated in its front part as it is all-metal, and it makes the difference from cordless models which are well-balanced thanks to their batteries attached to the handle bottom. Therefore, hold this corded impact wrench with both hands.

Review of Clarke CEW1000 Electric Impact Wrench

Unmatched Performance That...

The performance of this electric wrench is really high! The 1000W electric motor delivers a great power, so the torque amounts to incredible 450 Nm. This is enough for home use as well as for a small workshop. Besides, the impact rate amounts to 3400 IPM, enough to cope with most bolted connections. The tool's speed is 2200 RPM, so you'll be able to perform any task in seconds.

Clarke CEW1000 Electric Impact Wrench in the use

...Never Fails

As for the usability of this impact wrench, we can definitely praise its corded design. If you're going to work in the same place, a power cord is a sheer advantage. No worries about the battery discharge and low power; just plug the tool in and work until the job is done. We particularly liked the forward/reverse trigger switch of this wrench. When the trigger is pulled down, the chuck rotates clockwise, and when the trigger is up, the wrench revolves in the opposite direction. This trigger may be somewhat clumsy at first, but soon it proves its convenience, as it serves as the ON/OFF knob and a reverse button at the same time. In all, we can say that this electric impact wrench is for those seeking an efficient tool for using at the same place for a long time.

Detailed review of Clarke CEW1000 Electric Impact Wrench

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £78.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0039BQRUO

 

What Is an Impact Wrench?

At first sight, the impact wrench looks somewhat like an electric drill. Yet, unlike a drill yielding constant rotational at a high speed, an impact wrench is designed to deliver impressively high torque at rather low speeds. Impact wrenches are great for turning bolts, nuts, or anchor bolts. An impact wrench might seem a bit weird tool since we have impact drivers that are capable of screwing and unscrewing fasteners. However, an impact wrench produces much higher torque than that of an impact driver. Thanks to this nut-busting torque, wrenches can loosen strongly tightened or rust bound nuts where drivers fail.

Power wrenches are perfect tools for handling bolted connections, metalware or furniture assembly as well as for car servicing where torque tools are must-have. So, we will analyse the main aspects that will help you choose a proper impact wrench suitable for your needs.

An impact driver may become another useful addition to your kit of tools should you need a powerful and reliable tool for driving screws and bolts. While if you're involved in construction jobs, in addition to an impact wrench and driver, we'd recommend you to acquire hearing protectors that are designed to minimise the amount of noise produced by most powered tools.


What Features to Compare

Type

Fist of all, pay attention to the type of an impact wrench. These tools are electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Electrical impact wrenches are the most widespread and usable; there are corded and cordless models. Corded tools are lightweight and work longer, while cordless ones are more portable and handy. The corded wrenches are often used at industrial facilities or workshops where workers operate the tools in the same place. The cordless models are generally purchased by handymen as they can be used anywhere and need no power cable. Pneumatic models employ compressed air and are powered by compressors. Such wrenches are common for car service centres, as these models are dust- and waterproof and safe for use in places with high concentration of combustibles. Hydraulic wrenches are the most powerful and are more efficient, heavier, and larger than the above-mentioned kinds of tools. They are typically used at plants, factories, and service stations.

Performance

Once you decide on the impact wrench type, pay attention to its performance. Consider the speed (RPM), number of impacts (IPM), and torque (Nm). It's all simple, the higher each parameter, the better a tool. We will just explain what's behind these values. The RPM number defines the rate of bolting/unbolting, IPM stands for the tightening speed, and torque is a twisting force that helps loosen corroded nuts.

Usability

When it comes to usability of an impact wrench, the size and weight are the foremost aspects that matter. Cordless models are usually heavier than corded ones, and the battery weight directly depends on the motor power. Pneumatic impact wrenches are pretty light, yet they aren't that handy. We mean the annoying air hose, and cables of corded models are about the same problem. The cordless wrenches are weighty, but they can be used anywhere and can be even clipped to a belt, so this advantage compensates the heaviness. Also, we can mention a battery charge indicators and lights that help to work in the dark.

Sources:

1. 4 Tips for Sizing an Impact Wrench, DoItYourself.

2. Impact Wrench Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.

3. How to Choose a Cordless Impact Wrench, Acme Tools. May 9, 2016.

4. Types of Impact Wrenches, HubPages. November 28, 2016.

5. Benjamin Jerew Tool Guide: Air Tools vs Electric Tools, NAPA. August 3, 2016.

6. Compressed Air Impact Wrenches vs. Electric Impact Wrenches, eBay. March 03, 2016.

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