Sealey

This 1/2" square drive cordless impact wrench from Sealey is a seriously handy tool for any workshop, but more importantly it’s a vital bit of kit for the DIY mechanic.

Having tried this one out ourselves, we’ve found the amount of time this powerful tool saves when removing/refitting components can’t be underestimated; this wrench can despatch and replace wheel studs with F1 pit crew efficiency – maximum torque is a whopping 410lb/ft.

With its one-hour mains charger downtime is incredibly short, and what’s more, it’s supplied complete with a 24V Ni-Cd battery pack.

According to Sealey, it’s one of the most powerful examples available on the market. If this is true then its £419.94 price tag is probably about right. Find out more online (www.sealey.co.uk) or call a member of the sales team on: 01284 757500. 

Clarke

Air compressors are expensive, which probably explains why cordless impact wrenches, which aren’t pneumatically driven, have become so popular with home mechanics over recent years.

With affordability being the main reason for favouring a cordless wrench, Clarke has developed this wrench, which offers great performance at a great price – max torque delivery is 200Nm and has a no-load speed of 2,300rpm.

The Clarke CIR24 24V Cordless Impact Wrench is supplied in its own car case with two Ni-CD batteries and a one-hour charger. Four sockets (17mm, 19mm, 21mm and 23mm) have also been thrown in for the deal.

It’s available through Machine Mart priced £107.98. Order yours online by clicking: www.machinemart.co.uk or visit any of its 59 nationwide stores.

RYOBI

Ryobi’s range of One Plus power tools consists of 23 different items, all of which can be powered by a single universal Lithium-ion battery. This includes Ryobi’s variable trigger-speed 18V impact wrench.

Ryobi’s One Plus cordless impact wrench offers up to 265Nm of torque and features a special gripzone mould grip to reduce vibration.

This tool is fitted with a powerful impact mechanism designed to drive both long screws and lag bolts. It also comes with a 1/4" keyless hex drive adaptor for impact driver applications.

It’s currently available through Tooled-Up.com priced £92.95. Additional batteries are priced £37.95 each.

Durofix

American power tool brand Durofix offers an affordable range of automotive power tools, which includes several impact wrenches.

There are two in particular that we’ve decided to have a look at; both use 18V lithium-ion batteries, one is a ‘super torque’ impact wrench with a 1/2" square drive while the other is a 3/8" square drive wrench/driver.

The super torque wrench offers up to 500Nm torque, while the wrench/driver – as the more compact example – has a maximum torque figure of 150Nm. Each also has a built-in LED light to help illuminate dark working areas. The 3/8" square drive model also comes with a wrench-to-driver adaptor, suitable for 1/4" bits.

What’s particularly impressive about both these impact wrenches though is their weight. Thanks in part to the li-ion batteries these wrenches weigh just 3.15kg and 1.28kg respectively.

Durofix wrenches are available from £206.26 through online tool store: www.transtools.co.uk

Draper

Draper’s 1/2” square drive 14.4V impact wrench is ideal for mechanics on the move. Not only is it more compact than the larger 18V wrenches, but its hi-torque motor ensures that, just because it’s smaller, it’s not less powerful – it produces a maximum torque of 176Nm, which is better than the 3/8” square drive Durofix wrench and almost as good as Clarke’s CIR24.

Other useful features that make this Draper wrench well worth a look include its super-soft grip trigger and handle, plus its battery indication level to help you keep track of just how much juice it has left, to help you avoid any downtime. What’s more, it weighs less than 2kg and so is perfect for your car boot – just in case.

As you’d expect, this cordless wrench comes with its own carry case, two Ni-CD batteries and fast charger.

It retails at £155.86 and can be ordered over the phone by calling: 023 8049 4333. Find out more by visiting: www.draper.co.uk