In this guide we’ll look at the best impact wrenches for the UK market.
We’ve compared power, build quality, performance and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Every product we recommend is carefully researched, fact checked and tested where possible. If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission. Learn more.

The UK's bestImpact Wrench2022 Review
What Are The UK's Best Impact Wrenches?
Read Our Impact Wrench Reviews
Makita DTW1002Z 18 V LXT Brushless 1/2 In Impact Wrench
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Makita DTW1002Z 18 V LXT Brushless 1/2 In Impact Wrench Review
The Makita DTW1002Z 18 V LXT Brushless 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench is one of the best cordless impact wrenches on the UK market. It provides an impressive 1800 Nm of torque from a brushless motor that makes light work of heavy-duty jobs.
This battery impact wrench is heavy but still feels comfortable to use due to its ergonomic soft grip. The wrench also features a twin task light which is handy for under the bonnet of your car, for example.
The wrench has three power settings and an impressive 2,200 impacts per minute.
This cordless impact wrench should be used with 18-volt batteries although these are not supplied.
This impact wrench is impressively powerful and yet still comfortable and convenient to use, and is one of the best cordless impact wrenches for automotive applications.
New Clarke CEW1000 Electric Impact Wrench 240v
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New Clarke CEW1000 Electric Impact Wrench 240v Review
This New Clarke CEW1000 Electric Impact Wrench is a solid mains-powered impact wrench that provides 450 Nm of torque.
This powerful 240 Volt impact wrench is perfect for more heavy-duty tasks and produces 3,400 bpm. It is well built and feels quite heavy to use, but that is understandable given its power. The set comes with 17, 19, 21 and 22 mm impact sockets. It also comes with spare brushes and a carry case.
This is an ideal mains impact wrench if you want plenty of power but do not need the portability of a cordless tool.
WORX WX279 18V 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Impact Wrench
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WORX WX279 18V 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Impact Wrench Review
The WORX WX279 18V / 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Impact Wrench comes with two Lithium Ion batteries. This is a powerful tool yet comes at a competitive price.
This impact wrench delivers 300 Nm of torque and up to 3,300 bpm and features a brushless motor. The three speeds make it suitable for a wide range of applications. It does not have as much torque as our top two choices. However it is lighter and more compact so may suit you better if you tend to perform lighter work, but loosening nuts tightening fixings is no obstacle.
The tool comes with two 20 Volt, 2 Ah batteries that are interchangeable with other Worx tools and charge in an hour. The wrench also features an LED task light and comes with a belt hook and carry bag.
This is an ideal tool if you need a moderate amount of power and its lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for long periods.
Ryobi R18IW3-120S 18V ONE+ Cordless 3 Speed Impact Wrench Starter Kit
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Ryobi R18IW3-120S 18V ONE+ Cordless 3 Speed Impact Wrench Starter Kit Review
The Ryobi R18IW3-120S 18V ONE+ Cordless 3 Speed Impact Wrench Starter Kit includes the wrench itself, battery, sockets and a carry bag.
The 18 Volt high power motor delivers 400 Nm of torque and the wrench has three-speed settings for extra versatility. The wrench also features tri-beam LED lights to help you in unlit areas.
This wrench comes with a battery that is suitable for use with all Ryobi ONE+ tools. Accessories include a 1/4″ hex adapter and 3 sockets (17, 19 and 21 mm).
Facom NS.1600F Pneumatic Impact Wrench
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Facom NS.1600F Pneumatic Impact Wrench Review
The Facom NS.1600F Pneumatic Impact Wrench is a powerful, compact air impact wrench that is comfortable to use.
This smaller-sized wrench packs a powerful punch for its size and is easy to use in places that are difficult to access. It also offers great value for money.
The gun provides 800 Nm of torque and 1,650 bpm. It has three speeds and a variable speed trigger. The built-in bumpers protect the tool from excess wear and tear and the rubber grip makes it comfortable to use and reduces fatigue.
This powerful air impact wrench is ideal for working on engines or in confined spaces and provides plenty of power to get the job done fast.
Silverstorm 593128 - 400W Electric Impact Wrench 230V
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Silverstorm 593128 - 400W Electric Impact Wrench 230V Review
The Silverstorm 593128 400W Electric Impact Wrench has plenty of power and comes with a handy range of impact sockets. This budget impact wrench offers great value for money.
This corded impact wrench delivers 350 Nm of torque and 4,000 bpm maximum impact rate. It features a variable speed trigger and a comfortable soft-grip handle. The build quality is good and the tool is compact and easy to use.
The 240Voly impact wrench comes with 17, 19, 21 and 23 mm hardened steel sockets.
For all these features this is an affordable impact wrench that comes with everything you need to accomplish most DIY and car maintenance projects.
Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 Ultra Compact 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench
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Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 Ultra Compact 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench Review
The Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 Ultra Compact 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench has plenty of power and is small enough to get in tight spaces with ease.
This pneumatic ½” impact wrench delivers plenty of power, producing 610 Nm of torque. However at just 112 mm long it is also ultra-compact, ideal for the tightest of spaces, and working on engines and transmission units as well as a range of other workshop or garage jobs.
This air impact wrench can be adapted for right or left-hand use and is comfortable to use over long periods. This solid steel wrench should stand the test of time.
How to Choose The Best Impact Wrench
Impact wrenches are available as cordless, mains powered or air powered.
Cordless wrenches are very convenient. Their portability means they are ideal to use if you are out and about. Mains powered impact wrenches offer excellent power and continuous use but obviously are a little less versatile as they require a plug socket. If you are a mechanic and work in a garage, then an air powered wrench used in conjunction with an air compressor may be more suitable.
When choosing an impact wrench your prime consideration is torque. This is measured in Nm (Newton metres). The higher the torque the more easily the tool will be able to accomplish tough applications such as undoing seized bolts. The other specification you will see is either bpm or ipm (blows or impacts per minute). Again, the higher the number the more powerfully and quickly you will get the job done.
If you choose a cordless impact wrench you will find some come with batteries and some as bare tools. If you have other power tools that use similar batteries, you can save money by buying the bare tool.
Other things to look for in an impact wrench include a brushless motor – this type of motor is more efficient and longer lasting compared to a conventional motor. Variable speed control provides more control and is suited to more delicate tasks. Finally an LED task light is useful, particularly for work in darker areas such as under a car.
You should also consider the tool’s weight and ergonomic design to make sure it is comfortable to use and suitable for your needs.
Impact Wrench FAQs
What is an impact wrench?
An impact wrench is a tool that can be used to tighten or loosen various fixings extremely quickly even if they are rusted or otherwise immovable. If you are a fan of Formula One racing, you’ll have seen pit stop engineers use impact wrenches to change the wheels of a car in seconds.
How does an impact wrench work?
An impact wrench has a motor that is powered by electric mains, air or battery. The motor applies a sudden, intense twisting motion in short bursts. The brief but powerful bursts of force either loosen or tighten a fixing with incredible efficiency.
Impact wrenches also have a very high torque output. This is the rotational equivalent of linear force.
How do I use an air impact wrench?
An air impact wrench looks a little like a regular drill. It has a metal body and a trigger. The trigger allows you to exert the right amount of air and torque pressure.
The air impact wrench is connected to a compressor. Attach the hose to the compressor before attaching the wrench.
What kind of air compressor do I need to power an impact wrench?
You can choose between a portable and stationary air compressor.
Compressors are measured in psi (pounds per square inch) and deliverable cfm (cubic feet per minute)
The wrench instructions will state the psi and cfm requirements. Choose an air compressor whose specification is a little higher than the psi and cfm required by your impact wrench to ensure that it will not be under-powered.
What can you use an impact wrench for?
An impact wrench is invaluable for loosening screws and bolts that just won’t budge by any other means. Mechanics use them a lot but they can be used for pretty much anything an impact driver can be used for too. Using an impact wrench ensures anything you build is really secure. Whether you are fixing kitchen cupboards to the wall, building a deck or gazebo, using an impact wrench for scaffolding, changing a tyre or maintaining your lawnmower, an impact wrench can make your life significantly easier!
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