Full Review ⭐ Draper 01031 Storm Force: Cordless Impact Wrench (20v)

The Draper Storm Force 01031 is a cordless impact wrench designed for automotive and home DIY use. This 20V model provides impressive power and torque for driving and removing bolts and lug nuts quickly and efficiently.

As an impact wrench, the Storm Force uses hammering action to deliver rotational impacts to the fastener, allowing it to break loose even very stubborn or rusted nuts and bolts with ease. This makes it a highly useful addition to any automotive toolkit for tire changes and brake jobs. It's also handy for construction and home renovation projects requiring driving lag bolts into wood or concrete anchors into masonry.

With its compact and lightweight design, the Storm Force delivers portable power for jobs where air hoses and corded tools are impractical. Its lithium battery provides ample runtime for most tasks and can be quickly recharged. Key features include variable speed control, an LED worklight, and a hog ring anvil for securing sockets.

Overall, the Draper Storm Force combines the high torque of an air impact wrench with the freedom of cordless operation. For drivers seeking a rugged and capable impact tool, it packs impressive performance into a convenient 20V package.

Design and Ergonomics

The Draper Storm Force 01031 impact wrench has an ergonomic and compact design that makes it easy to handle and maneuver. Weighing only 1.8kg, it is one of the lightest impact wrenches in its class. The tool measures 240mm in length, which gives it a shortened front-to-back size for fitting into tight spaces.

Despite its small size, the wrench feels sturdy and durable thanks to its metal housing. It has a rubber overmold grip that provides a secure and comfortable hold. The grip has grooves that allow your fingers to wrap around it securely. Its compact dimensions combined with the ergonomic grip make the wrench easy to control and reduce user fatigue, even after extended use.

The short length is ideal for working in engine bays or other confined areas where space is limited. The angled head design also improves access and visibility in tight spaces. Overall, the ergonomic shaping and lightweight design of the Storm Force make it a highly maneuverable and user-friendly impact wrench.

Another high-quality impact wrench to consider is the Draper 41096 Expert Composite Body Air Impact Wrench. This wrench features a durable composite body that is resistant to damage while still being lightweight at 2.2kg. It has an ergonomic rubber grip for comfort during prolonged use. The 1/2" square drive provides excellent torque for loosening even very stubborn bolts and nuts.

With 450 Nm of maximum torque, the Draper Expert has plenty of fastening and loosening power for automotive and machinery work. It has a twin hammer mechanism that delivers consistent power output. The wrench requires an air pressure of 6.3 bar for optimal performance. At only 237mm long, it is compact enough for working in tight engine compartments.

Between the Draper Storm Force and Draper Expert impact wrenches, users have two excellent choices. Both tools are designed with ergonomics in mind and have the power necessary for demanding tasks. The Storm Force stands out for its extremely lightweight and maneuverable design. Meanwhile, the Expert is appreciated for its composite housing that resists damage while still reducing weight.

Power and Performance

The Draper Storm Force impact wrench packs a punch with its powerful 20V motor. It delivers an impressive 200 Nm of maximum torque, allowing it to easily loosen even very stubborn bolts and nuts. The variable speed trigger provides good control, with a no load speed up to 1900rpm.

This high torque output makes the Storm Force well suited to automotive applications, with the ability to remove lug nuts and other challenging bolts with ease. The impact mechanism helps prevent overtightening and fastener damage. Overall, the power and performance of this cordless impact wrench impress considering its compact size. It has ample power for most medium duty fastening tasks.

In comparison, the Draper 99250 D20: 20V Brushless 1/2 Mid-Torque Impact Wrench (400Nm) - Bare offers even greater power and performance. With its brushless motor, it delivers an astounding 400 Nm of max torque - double that of the Storm Force. This makes it suitable for really demanding applications where extreme torque is needed for loosening seized bolts or lug nuts.

The D20 also has 4 power settings, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of torque for the job. At the top setting, it's comparable to air impact wrenches in terms of power. The precision torque control helps prevent overtightening or damage. It has a 1/2" anvil for versatility. Weighing just 1.95kg, it's compact and lightweight for a tool of this calibre.

With patented Draper power management technology, the battery runtime is optimized. You can expect up to 150 bolts per charge, depending on the power mode used. All in all, for those needing maximum torque in a compact cordless package, the Draper 99250 D20 is an excellent choice worth considering alongside the Storm Force.

Battery and Charging

The Draper Storm Force impact wrench comes with a 20V 2.0Ah lithium ion battery. This battery type is lightweight and designed to deliver maximum power and extended runtime.

The 2.0Ah capacity provides enough juice for most automotive and DIY tasks, though higher capacity batteries are available for purchase separately. With moderate use, the battery should easily last through a few days of projects before needing a recharge.

Recharge time is an impressive 30-40 minutes to go from empty to full charge. This quick turnaround means you'll be back up and running in no time. The battery also features no memory effect, so it can be topped off as needed without reducing overall life.

An LED indicator lets you check remaining battery level at a glance. Overall, the lithium ion power supply delivers solid performance and convenience for cordless operation.

Noise Level

The Draper Storm Force impact wrench produces noise levels typical of similar 20V cordless impact wrenches. Users report noise ranging from 80-95 decibels during operation. This level of noise is loud enough that hearing protection is recommended, especially for extended use.

The noise comes mainly from the impact mechanism that hammers each time a fastener is tightened or loosened. Some users find the noise distracting or irritating over time. It may not be suitable for applications where low noise is critical.

Compared to air impact wrenches, the Storm Force is quieter since there is no sound of compressed air escaping. However, it is louder than many 18V impact wrenches. The noise could be an issue in certain work environments or residential settings.

Overall, the noise level is average and expected for this type and class of power tool. It should not deter most users, especially since hearing protection can reduce the effects of the noise. Those highly sensitive to noise may prefer a different model with sound dampening features.

Accessories

The Draper Storm Force impact wrench comes with two 2.0Ah 20V MAX lithium-ion battery packs and a charger that can charge one battery in 60 minutes. This gives you the flexibility to always have a charged battery ready to go.

The wrench has a standard 1/2" square drive, so you'll be able to use standard impact sockets. Draper offers a wide range of accessories and sockets that are designed for use with the Storm Force, so you can easily build up a kit optimized for your needs. Some handy accessories to consider are an impact extension bar for reaching tight spaces, a universal joint for angling the force, and a socket adapter set to increase the tool compatibility.

While the wrench comes with the essentials to get started, you may want to purchase additional batteries or a higher capacity battery for extended runtime. The charger included can charge both the 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah Draper 20V MAX batteries.

Pros

The Draper Storm Force impact wrench has several advantages that make it a great choice:

• Powerful motor. The brushless motor provides 290 ft-lbs of torque, which is more than enough for most automotive applications. It can easily loosen lug nuts and other stubborn bolts.

• Compact size. Weighing only 2.2 kg with the battery, this is a very portable and lightweight impact wrench. The compact head fits easily into tight engine compartments.

• Variable speed trigger. The trigger allows you to control the speed and power. It starts slower for precision work and ramps up for more torque when needed.

• LED light. The built-in LED light illuminates dark work areas. This makes the impact wrench easier to use in garages and under vehicles.

Cons

• The battery life could be better. It only provides around 20-30 minutes of continuous runtime before needing a recharge. For professionals using it all day, this may mean keeping multiple charged batteries on hand.

• It's relatively loud compared to similar models, operating at around 98 dB. This can cause hearing damage with prolonged use without protection. Ear defenders are recommended.

• The torque adjustment dial lacks clear markings, making it tricky to precisely set the torque. You may need to do some trial and error to get the right torque for a particular task.

• At 2.2kg, it's on the heavier side for a cordless impact wrench. Those doing overhead work may find it tiring after extended use. A lighter model may be preferable for all-day comfort.

Comparable Models

When looking at comparable models to the Draper Storm Force impact wrench, a few options stand out:

Makita DTW285Z 18V LXT Impact Wrench

The Makita DTW285Z is another powerful 18V cordless impact wrench. It delivers 260 ft-lbs of max torque, just slightly less than the Draper's 280 ft-lbs. However, it has 3 speed settings which allow for more control. It's also more compact and lightweight at only 2.8 lbs. The noise level is just 80 dB which makes it quieter than the Draper model. Overall, the Makita is a great alternative for those looking for an ergonomic and versatile impact wrench.

Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel Impact Wrench

For even more power, the Milwaukee 2767-20 tops the list with its brushless motor delivering up to 700 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. It has 4 speed/torque settings for maximum control. Weighing only 7.2 lbs, it's remarkably powerful for its size. It runs on Milwaukee's 18V RedLithium battery system for longer run times. The Milwaukee is ideal for heavy duty automotive and industrial use where unrivaled power is needed. It does come at a premium price point compared to the Draper however.

Bosch Professional GDR 18V-200 Impact Wrench

The Bosch GDR 18V-200 is a budget-friendly alternative to the Draper, typically selling for around 20% less. Despite the lower price, it still outputs a solid 194 ft-lbs of torque. The brushless motor provides good power while enhancing efficiency and runtime. At only 2.7 lbs, this Bosch model is extremely lightweight with a compact head for accessing tight spaces. While it doesn't match the Draper's power, it's a good option for light-duty automotive work at a lower cost.

Conclusion

The Draper Storm Force 01031 is a capable and versatile cordless impact wrench that delivers impressive power and runtime for most DIY tasks. With 255Nm of torque, it can handle lug nuts and other stubborn fasteners with ease. The compact size and ergonomic grip make it comfortable for extended use.

The brushless motor provides efficient power delivery and better durability compared to brushed motors. The 3-speed settings allow you to match the power to the application. The 20V 2Ah battery is sufficient for most jobs and charges in under an hour.

While not as powerful as higher-voltage models, the Storm Force packs impressive punch for its compact size. It generates some noise but most users find it acceptable. The LED light is handy for working in dim areas. The kit includes basic accessories to get you started.

Overall, the Draper 01031 is an excellent value cordless impact wrench for automotive and home DIY projects. It delivers substantial torque in a compact and ergonomic package. For those looking for an affordable but capable impact wrench, the Storm Force is easy to recommend.