Robyn Buck
If you're looking for the best 1½ impact wrench in the UK, you've got a few great options. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Brushless 4-Mode ½ inch Impact Wrench is a powerful tool that will make wrenching a lot easier. It's got a meaty 700Nm of fastening torque and 900Nm of breakaway torque, and at £149.99, it's a great choice for those on a budget.
For something more premium, the Makita XWT08T 18V LXT is a powerful tool that will set you back £589. It boasts both tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 ft-lb, so it's perfect for automotive dirty work.
If you're looking for something in between these two options, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench is a great choice. With a price tag of $560, it offers tremendous nut-busting power, excellent battery capacity, and multiple speed and torque settings.
What You'll Learn
Best 1 2 impact wrenches for heavy-duty automotive work
Best 1/2 Impact Wrenches for Heavy-Duty Automotive Work
A 1/2-inch impact wrench is a must-have for heavy-duty automotive work. Here are some of the best options on the market:
Makita XWT08T 18V LXT
The Makita XWT08T is a powerful and heavy-duty option for automotive work. With tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 foot-pounds, it can handle any automotive dirty work with ease. The kit comes with two 5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. While it is on the heavier side, it still feels balanced and comfortable to use.
Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is a well-known and respected brand in the power tool world, and for good reason. Their 2767-20 M18 FUEL model is no exception. This impact wrench is known for its speed and efficiency, removing axle nuts faster than any other wrench in its class. It also has a comfortable grip for extended use and a reputation for quality.
DeWalt 20V Max XR
The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a heavy-duty impact wrench that delivers impressive power and performance. With up to 2,400 IPM and 700 lb-ft of fastening torque, it can handle even the most stubborn bolts. It features an ergonomic grip, an LED work light, and multispeed control, making it a favourite among professionals.
Porter-Cable 20V MAX
The Porter-Cable 20V MAX is a great option for those looking for a balance between power and affordability. With adequate loosening torque for most automotive jobs and a reasonable price, it's a solid choice for a garage impact wrench. However, its longer head may make it tricky to use in small spaces.
Ryobi 18V One+
The Ryobi 18V One+ is a fantastic value option, offering power and performance at a hard-to-beat price. It can handle lug nut removal with ease and features three speeds to help avoid over-tightening fasteners. While it may not be the most powerful option, it's a great choice for those on a budget.
When choosing an impact wrench for heavy-duty automotive work, consider the power, speed, torque, size, weight, and ergonomics of the tool to ensure it can handle the demands of the job while also being comfortable and easy to use.
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Best 1 2 impact wrenches for home use
Best 1/2 Impact Wrenches for Home Use
Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque IW5761B-10
With a kit price of under £200, the Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque IW5761B-10 is a solid choice for home users who don't need professional-level performance. While the torque specs may not be impressive, the low price point and comfortable ergonomics make it a great option for DIYers.
Ryobi 18V One+
The Ryobi 18V One+ is another excellent choice for home use, offering tremendous value for money. It can handle various tasks around the house, from removing lug nuts to driving 6-inch lag bolts into pressure-treated lumber. The three-speed settings make it easy to avoid over-tightening fasteners.
Greenworks IWD401
The Greenworks IWD401 is a 24V 1/2-inch impact wrench that offers plenty of power for home projects and repairs. With a kit price of under £130, it's a great option for those looking for an affordable and capable tool.
DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF921
The DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF921 is a compact and powerful impact wrench, perfect for tight spaces. With a breakaway torque of 450 ft-lbs, it can handle most tasks with ease. The four-mode settings and tri-LED lights make it a great choice for home users who need advanced control.
Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451
The Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451 offers a great balance of power and price, making it a good option for home users. It has a fastening torque of 600 ft-lbs and a breakaway torque of 750 ft-lbs, providing ample power for most home projects. The isolation zone between the housing and motor helps reduce vibration.
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Best 1 2 impact wrenches for professional mechanics
Best 1/2 Impact Wrenches for Professional Mechanics
A 1/2-inch impact wrench is a must-have for heavy-duty automotive work. Here are some of the best options for professional mechanics:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
Milwaukee's M18 Fuel impact wrench offers tremendous nut-busting power, excellent battery capacity, and multiple speed and torque settings. It's a heavy-hitter with 1,400 foot-pounds of torque, making it ideal for breaking loose rusty bolts and nuts. The wrench has four modes, three speeds, and a bolt removal mode that prevents over-tightening.
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Compact 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max is a powerful yet compact wrench, measuring less than 5 inches. It features two standard and two assist modes, and its high torque specs make it suitable for most assembly and disassembly tasks. It's a great choice for working in tight spaces.
Ingersoll Rand 1/2-Inch High-Torque 20V Impact Wrench
The Ingersoll Rand 1/2-inch High-Torque impact wrench delivers an impressive 1500 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. It has a large, visible mode selector with four modes, including hand tight and wrench tight, making it ideal for daily or heavy-duty applications. The all-metal drivetrain and steel-reinforced handle ensure durability.
DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The DeWalt 20V Max XR impact wrench is a high-torque model that excels in nut-breaking power. It's on the heavier side, weighing 7.2 pounds with the battery, but it feels well-built and comfortable to use. It has three speed settings and is ideal for auto, truck, or tractor repair.
Makita XWT08T 18V LXT
The Makita XWT08T offers serious power, with tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 foot-pounds. It's the heaviest wrench on this list, but it feels well-balanced. It comes with two 5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. This wrench is ideal for automotive dirty work.
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Best 1 2 impact wrenches for beginners
If you're looking for a 1/2-inch impact wrench, you're in luck! There are plenty of options on the market that will help you tackle heavy-duty automotive work with ease. Here are some of the best 1/2-inch impact wrenches for beginners:
Makita XWT08T 18V LXT
The Makita XWT08T 18V LXT is a powerful tool that delivers over 850 foot-pounds of torque, making it perfect for tackling stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts. It comes with two 5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. While it is on the heavier side, its balanced design makes it comfortable to use. It is available on Amazon for $589.
Ryobi 18V One+ 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The Ryobi 18V One+ is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a great balance of performance and price. With a respectable loosening torque, it can handle most jobs on your car with ease. Its lightweight design and comfortable grip make it easy on the arms and ideal for extended use. You can find it on Amazon for $129.
Porter-Cable 20V MAX
The Porter-Cable 20V MAX is a fantastic option if you're looking for a balance of power and affordability. With adequate loosening torque, it can handle almost any job on your car. While the head is a bit long, making it tricky for small spaces, it delivers good torque numbers at a lower cost. You can purchase it on Amazon for $156.
DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a top performer, offering impressive torque numbers and a comfortable grip. Its rugged design and smooth trigger make it a favourite among users. DeWalt also offers a wide range of battery options, making it easy to add to your collection of cordless tools. Keep an eye out for sales, as this kit is often available at a discounted price. You can find it on Amazon for $291.
Kimo 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
If you're looking for a quiet and compact option, the Kimo 1/2-inch impact wrench is a great choice. While it has the weakest torque numbers compared to the others on this list, it is perfect for removing wheels and smaller tasks. Its small size and low sound level make it ideal for tight spaces and early morning projects. You can purchase it on Amazon for $68.
Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL
The Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL is a popular choice among enthusiasts. It delivers impressive performance, removing axle nuts faster than any other wrench on this list. While the torque numbers are lower than expected, its heavy yet balanced design and comfortable grip make it a favourite among the Milwaukee fandom. You can find it on Amazon for $450.
When choosing the best 1/2-inch impact wrench for your needs, consider factors such as power, torque, speed, size, weight, and battery life. Remember to prioritize comfort and build quality to ensure a positive and durable experience.
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Best 1 2 impact wrenches for the money
If you're looking for a 1/2-inch impact wrench that gives you the best bang for your buck, there are several options on the market that provide excellent value. Here are some of the best 1/2-inch impact wrenches for the money:
Ryobi 18V One+ 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The Ryobi 18V One+ is a fantastic choice if you're looking for an affordable yet capable power tool. It offers three speed settings, making it versatile for various tasks. While it may not be the most powerful option, it can handle most assembly and disassembly tasks with ease. Its compact size also makes it ideal for working in tight spaces.
Flex 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque 24V Impact Wrench
The Flex 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque impact wrench is another great option, offering 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It features an isolation zone between the housing and the motor, reducing vibration to your hand. While it's on the heavier side, it provides excellent value for money, delivering Pro-grade quality at a lower price than its competitors.
Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
If you're a DIYer or a home user, the Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque impact wrench is a fantastic option. With 480 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it provides decent performance at an impressively low price. It also features an LED ring light and comfortable ergonomics, making it a great choice for those who don't need professional-level performance.
DeWalt 20V Max Atomic 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The DeWalt 20V Max Atomic impact wrench is an excellent choice if you're looking for a compact and powerful tool. With 300 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 450 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it packs a punch in a small package. Its angled head design ensures the battery doesn't get in your way, and its tri-LED lights provide excellent illumination for your work area.
DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque Impact Wrench DCF891
The DeWalt DCF891 is a solid mid-torque impact wrench, offering 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It provides consistent performance and comes in both hog ring and pin detent drive styles. While it's a bit longer than some of its competitors, it's a well-rounded option that delivers excellent value.
These impact wrenches offer a great balance of performance, features, and price, making them excellent choices if you're looking for the best value for your money.
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Frequently asked questions
An impact wrench is used for removing stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts. It is similar to an impact driver but with a larger drive system.
The size of the impact wrench you need depends on the size of the fastener you're working with. There are three common sizes for automotive work: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch. The 1/4-inch wrench is great for small, delicate jobs, the 3/8-inch wrench is a good "do-it-most" tool, and the 1/2-inch wrench is for heavy-duty nuts and bolts.
When buying an impact wrench, consider the power, speed, size, weight, build quality, ergonomics, noise level, warranty, customer support, and price. It's also a good idea to buy a wrench that uses the same battery system as your other power tools.
