Impact drivers and impact wrenches are made for driving screws, bolts and nuts where an ordinary drill driver runs out of force. Our range includes over 200 models: cordless and mains-powered tools for DIY users, builders and vehicle workshops. The most common brands are MAKITA, BOSCH, DEWALT and METABO.
How to choose an impact driver or impact wrench
Tool type. An impact driver with a ¼ in hex chuck is made for screws and wood screws, while an impact wrench with a ½ in square drive (sometimes ⅜ in) suits wheel nuts, large bolts and structural fixings. If you will work on car wheels or steel frames, choose an impact wrench.
Power source and voltage. Most tools in our range are cordless, and a few run on mains power. Cordless models come in 10.8 V, 12 V and 18 V. Lower-voltage tools are lighter and handy for small jobs, while 18 V models generally have more force for heavier tasks. A mains tool does not depend on battery charge, but it limits where you can work.
Torque. It is measured in newton metres (N·m). Screws and wood screws need a few tens or hundreds of N·m, while seized wheel nuts often need several hundred. Manufacturers usually quote the maximum loosening torque, which is higher than the real tightening torque, so compare both figures where they are given.
Motor type. A brushless motor uses battery energy more efficiently, runs cooler and has no brushes to replace over time. If you use the tool daily, this pays off sooner than it does for occasional use.
Battery system and kit contents. If you already own batteries from one manufacturer, choose a bare tool from the same brand, because one battery will then fit several tools. First-time buyers will find a kit with batteries and a charger more convenient, but check exactly what is included.
Brands we carry
- MAKITA: a Japanese manufacturer known for its cordless range built around 18 V LXT batteries that fit many of its tools.
- BOSCH: the blue Bosch Professional line is aimed at heavy daily use, while the green line is aimed at home users.
- DEWALT: yellow and black tools popular on building sites, with 18 V and FlexVolt battery systems shared across many tools.
- METABO: a German manufacturer known for professional power tools used in metalworking and construction.
- EINHELL: its Power X-Change system lets one set of batteries power many home and garden tools.
- HAZET and KS TOOLS: German hand tool and workshop equipment makers, known for wrenches, sockets and torque wrenches.
Also in our range: YATO, DEDRA, STANLEY, WUBER and EINHELL PROFESSIONAL.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench?
An impact driver is made for screws and wood screws, while an impact wrench has much more torque for nuts and large bolts. A driver usually has a ¼ in hex chuck for quick bit changes, and a wrench has a square drive for sockets. Both add short impacts to the rotation, which helps loosen stuck fasteners.
Should I choose 12 V or 18 V?
12 V is enough for small jobs, furniture assembly and tight spaces, while 18 V suits construction, decking and heavier bolts. A lower-voltage tool is lighter and tires the wrist less. If you already own batteries of one voltage, it usually makes sense to stay with it.
Can an impact driver be used for drilling?
Yes, you can drill small holes in wood and metal with hex-shank drill bits. It is not suitable for concrete or masonry, because its impacts act in the direction of rotation rather than straight forward, so those materials need a hammer drill.
Can an impact wrench remove car wheel nuts?
Yes, as long as the tool has enough torque and you use impact sockets made for the job. Loosening is usually easier than tightening, so final tightening is best done with a torque wrench to the figure given by the vehicle manufacturer.
