Makita DTW285Z Impact Wrench UK Review

Impact wrenches have become increasingly popular among UK home mechanics and serious DIYers, and Makita’s DTW285Z is one of the most searched models in this category. At 285Nm of maximum torque in a compact 1/2-inch drive body, it sits at an interesting price point – cheaper than the heavy-duty professional options but considerably more capable than the basic compact models. Makita’s LXT 18V platform is one of the most established in the UK, which means battery compatibility is rarely an issue for anyone already invested in the ecosystem. If you already own a Makita combi drill or impact driver, your existing batteries will slot straight in.

We tested the DTW285Z over several weeks on a range of fastener removal and installation tasks – wheel bolts, deck screws, structural bolts and M10 fixing bolts – to give a realistic picture of what this tool is actually like to use in UK conditions. Here is what we found.

Overview and first impressions

Out of the box the DTW285Z feels well put together. The body is compact for an 18V impact wrench – at 252mm from anvil tip to the back of the motor housing it is short enough to fit into awkward spaces where a full-size impact wrench would struggle. Weight without battery is 1.7kg, which is lighter than most comparable models. The rubber overmould grip sits comfortably in the hand and the forward/reverse switch is well positioned for thumb operation without shifting your grip.

The trigger is variable speed with a soft-start function that reduces the risk of fastener cam-out on delicate or painted surfaces. There are four torque modes selectable via a button on the top of the body – a useful feature that lets you dial down the power for lighter duty tasks where full torque would cause damage or overtightening. The LED work light illuminates automatically when the trigger is pressed and lights a useful area around the anvil. Build quality throughout feels consistent with Makita’s broader LXT range – solid and professional without being excessively heavy.

Specifications and scores

How it performed in our tests

On standard wheel bolt removal – M12 bolts torqued to 110Nm – the DTW285Z removed every fastener cleanly and quickly, with no hesitation even on bolts that had been in place through a full UK winter. The four-mode torque selector proved genuinely useful: mode 1 handled lightly torqued bolts without risk of cam-out, while mode 4 delivered everything the tool had for stubborn or corroded fixings. The soft-start on modes 1 and 2 was well calibrated – enough feel to control the tool without being sluggish.

On M10 structural bolts used in deck and fence post construction, the tool performed confidently, driving fasteners flush without difficulty and removing previously installed bolts without any stripping. For the kind of DIY and light trade work this tool is pitched at, the 285Nm maximum is sufficient for the vast majority of tasks. It will not match the 400Nm+ output of the heavy-duty professional tools, but those tools are also significantly heavier and more expensive.

Battery system and runtime

The DTW285Z runs on Makita’s 18V LXT platform – one of the most widely available cordless battery systems in the UK. LXT batteries are stocked by most major tool retailers and are compatible with over 225 Makita tools, which is a significant advantage if you already own other LXT tools. The platform includes batteries from 1.5Ah up to 6.0Ah in capacity. For regular impact wrench use, a 3.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery is the practical choice – the 1.5Ah is too small for sustained high-torque work and will drain noticeably faster.

In testing with a 5.0Ah battery on mixed tasks over approximately one hour of intermittent use, the battery was around 40% depleted – suggesting a realistic runtime of two to two and a half hours of normal use before needing a charge. That is more than adequate for most DIY sessions. The 6.0Ah paired with Makita’s rapid charger is the best combination for anyone using the tool professionally or for extended jobs.

Performance and limitations

The DTW285Z’s 285Nm maximum torque is honest and delivers reliably in testing, but it is worth being clear about where the tool has limits. Very heavily corroded bolts – the kind found on older vehicles that have been neglected for years – will occasionally resist even full mode 4 output. A breaker bar may still be needed for the most extreme cases. The tool is not designed to replace a pneumatic impact wrench in a professional automotive workshop, and anyone expecting that level of brute force will be disappointed.

Final verdict – is it worth it?

The Makita DTW285Z is a well-executed compact impact wrench that delivers reliably on its promises. The 285Nm output is sufficient for the vast majority of DIY and light trade applications, the four-mode torque control adds genuine versatility, and the compact body makes it genuinely useful in confined spaces where a full-size wrench would not fit. For anyone already in the Makita LXT ecosystem, this is the obvious choice in this torque class.

The main caveat is cost. Body only at around £150, you are looking at a significant additional outlay for batteries and a charger if you are starting from scratch. For platform newcomers, that total investment needs to be weighed against the long-term benefit of joining one of the most comprehensive cordless tool ecosystems available. If you are already running LXT tools for other jobs – using your Makita jigsaw on decking projects, for example – the DTW285Z slots in at low marginal cost and delivers excellent results.