Impact wrenches - 12v

22 Mar, 2006 12:23pm James Stanbury Comments

With an impact wrench changing a wheel will never be tyresome again. We took four to the workshop

Forget the wheel changing kit supplied in your boot - an impact wrench will have the rim off in seconds. These tools are either cordless or run on 12-volt power, and most have cases and sockets. But which is the best? We took 12 into the workshop to find out.

Verdict

Clear winner among the 12V tools was the Clarke CIR-13, which blends price and performance well. The punchy Laser comes second.

If you want a cordless tool, check out Draper's 74054. It works brilliantly, has lots of accessories and is realistically priced. The US Pro Wheel Nut Gun is close behind, though.

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Submitted by impact on Sun, 2009-11-22 00:31.

I BOUGHT ONE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO FOR MY WIFE WHO IS AMAIL CARRIER. THEY HAVE A LOT OF FLATS. IT'S CHEAP MADE. DIDN'T LAST LONG . WON'T BUY ANOTHER ONE. IT SEEMS TO BUILD UP A LOT OF SPEED AND THEN ENGAGES THE SOCKET ATTATCHED TO THE LUG NUT. SO THERE IS NOT MUCH STRENGTH IT JUST USES THE SPEED OF THE MOTOR AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGAGES AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. IT JUST BARELY GETS THE LUG LOOSE AFTER SLAMBING INTO IT MULTIPLE TIMES.