3/8IN IMPACT RATCHETS TESTED

We’ve spent several months testing four impact ratchets that can all be equipped with 3/8in sockets, so they are suitable for light jobs and the tools are also small enough to squeeze into relatively tight spaces. Our equipment was manufactured by Draper, Milwaukee and Sealey, but many of the models looked almost identical in size and shape, only the colouring was different.

In general, a battery-powered impact ratchet proved to be a useful tool for undoing nuts and bolts. There’s some kickback whenever the ratchet cannot slacken or further tighten a fastening, but with maximum torque ranging from 45Nm to 68Nm on our test equipment, it wasn’t too harsh.

The cheapest of these tools tested was Draper’s Storm Force 10.8v cordless ratchet, which retails at around £80 for the tool,

battery and charger, while a second battery only costs around £17. Draper’s Storm Force range enables one battery to be used for a range of tools, including a drill, mini polisher and reciprocating saw. We liked the low cost of these tools and their accessories and felt that for the hobby mechanic, they are suitable for light use. Sealey’s 12v impact ratchet is similar in design, performance and price (retail price is higher, but we spotted a deal on Amazon for £83.95 that included two batteries and a charger), and uses a lithium-ion battery that is compatible with its 12v impact wrench/driver. Several professional mechanics were asked to use these tools, and they favoured

Milwaukee’s 3/8in ratchet, which is for sale through Screwfix for £179.99 and even though it only has one battery (a replacement costs £29.99), it only takes 40 minutes for a recharge, plus Milwaukee offers a three-year guarantee.

Our professional mechanics also liked Sealey’s Premier range of 3/8in power tools, including the 68Nm impact ratchet. Its size makes it the biggest of all the impact ratchets we tested and the most expensive at £525 for the tool with two 14.4v 2Ah batteries and a 40-minute charger which, just like the Milwaukee, comes with a three-year guarantee.

Mikwaukee’s quickcharging tool was popular with professional mechanics.

Increased torque and better batteries can start to push the price beyond the realms of DIY.

Look out for deals – we found Sealey’s impact ratchet with two batteries offered for just £83.95.

The cheapest of our test tools was Draper’s Storm Force at £80 all- in.