Dealing with frozen bolts manually can be annoying and frustrating, especially in massive projects that need remove thousands of them. Once you remove them, you may also have to tighten new bolts, which will be a real pain in the neck. Such scenarios make the impact wrench a godsend tool for mechanics. Since no nut or bolt can stand in the way of an impact wrench, it has become a must-have tool in any toolbox.
With ample options available in the market, determining the features you need can be challenging when choosing an impact wrench. In this guide, we will provide you with in-depth information about how to purchase the best impact wrench.
What Type of Impact Wrench is Right For You?
Air Powered Impact Wrenches
Air impact guns are traditional impact wrenches and were the first to be manufactured. They require a large amount of compressed air supply to operate. This type of wrench is not ideal for home use or for someone who uses the tool once in a while. Since they should always be attached to an air compressor, moving them around frequently can be difficult.
However, air impact wrenches can be used constantly, even at places where there is no power. They are also smaller than other types of impact guns, making them a perfect choice for working in tight areas.
The main disadvantage of air wrenches is that they do not have a power adjustment mechanism. For instance, when you need a little torque, the wrench may produce more power, which breaks, shatters, or damages the bolts.
Corded Electric Impact Wrench
The corded electric impact wrenches are fast and powerful. They need a direct connection to the power source to operate. They are usually longer in size as compared to air wrenches. The length has increased due to the addition of an electric motor that generates the torque.
This impact wrench can be used continuously as long as it has a power supply. Besides, you can regulate the amount of power in corded wrenches when little torque is required. However, this wrench cannot be used in remote areas with no electricity.
Cordless Electric Impact Wrench
Cordless electric impact wrenches have gained momentum in recent years. They are typically powered by either lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries that can range from 18-20 volts. Today, these wrenches are available in various sizes and price ranges and are most common in the market.
The key advantage of cordless wrenches is portability. Since they don’t need an external power source, they are a good fit for every location. They offer unmatched flexibility and convenience, especially in road emergencies. However, their batteries can’t store enough power to generate the torque required for powerful tasks. The battery power also tends to drain faster, causing constant work interruptions. Thus, cordless electric impact wrenches are considered less powerful than corded or air wrenches.
What are the Key Factors You Must Consider When Purchasing an Impact Wrench?
Power
Power is measured by torque (Nm) and it is one of the key aspects you must consider when choosing an impact gun. The higher the power or torque, the greater the force. Some wrenches have a powerful function called breakaway or nut busting torque, which is the initial burst of extra power to undo a tight bolt. The nut busting torque is also measured in Nm, although it exceeds the standard torque of an impact wrench. For instance, the breakaway torque of a 1000 Nm wrench can reach 1700 Nm.
Size
The size of an impact wrench depends on the bolts and the required torque. For instance, a large wrench of 1005 Nm will work with bolts of 12mm to 14mm, while a medium-sized wrench of 280 Nm will work with bolts of 8mm to 16 mm. Thus, it is imperative to choose the right impact wrench for the size of the bolt that you are going to loosen or tighten.
Material
The material of the impact wrench is another significant factor to take into account. Metallic tools are powerful but too heavy to utilize for a long while. However, composite wrenches are lighter and enable maneuverability but less durable due to their material. Thanks to the advancement in material development over the last ten years, composite material resistance has improved considerably, making it an excellent alternative to metallic impact guns.
Speed
Since speed is proportional to power or torque, some impact wrenches allow you to adjust this factor as per the requirement. It can help you protect the bolts that may get damaged due to applying more force than required.
Ergonomics
Vibration and sound level are two key factors that can significantly impact your safety as well as ergonomics. The lower the vibration level, the safer and better the user experience. And the same goes for the sound level. Some impact guns are engineered to have low vibration levels. Using vibration-absorbing gloves can also enhance safety as well as comfort.
Drive size
The drive size is a critical consideration when picking a specific model of the impact wrench. For most automotive tasks, a 1/2 inch drive is ideal. However, some wrenches also have drive shafts of 3/8 inch or smaller. So, make sure to check the drive size before investing in an impact wrench.
Warranty
Purchasing a wrench with a decent warranty of 1 or 2 years will provide you with assurance against any defects due to which the tool fails to perform. You may also get a lifetime warranty on some variants though it will come at an additional cost.
Final Words
Bear in mind that the level of priority of each of these features or factors highly depends on the intended use. If you know how you will use your impact wrench, you should have no problem picking a robust one that meets your needs.
Impact Wrench FAQs
Q:
What should I wear while using an impact wrench?
You should wear goggles while using an impact wrench to protect your eyes if anything breaks off during the task. Wearing gloves will also save your hands from injuries.
Q:
Is using an impact wrench for home purposes safe?
Yes, it is safe to use an impact wrench to tighten various bolts at home. But make sure not to use too much torque as this could lead to damage.
Q:
In which industries impact wrenches can be used?
Impact wrenches can be used in a wide range of industries for various purposes. Car repairs, scaffolding, maintaining heavy plants, and big construction projects are a few examples of impact wrench applications.