An impact wrench is a type of tool with which you can loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. Many often use impact wrenches in conjunction with a torque wrench. A torque wrench is also used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts but up to a specific torque. An impact wrench works mechanically, and a torque wrench works manually. Because a torque wrench works manually, you can manually determine the exact precision.
Impact Wrench Types
In general, a distinction is made between a cordless impact wrench, an electric impact wrench and a pneumatic impact wrench that uses compressed air. The biggest advantage of a cordless impact wrench is that you can work without a cord. On the contrary, an electric impact wrench has a cord and must be connected to an outlet. A pneumatic impact wrench works on compressed air and is, therefore, suitable for heavier work.
What to look for when buying an impact wrench
Looking for the best impact wrench? What should you pay attention to when buying an impact wrench? The most important thing to consider when purchasing an impact wrench is the maximum torque. With impact wrenches, power is indicated by the amount of torque, measured in Newton-meters (Nm). Depending on what you want to use the impact wrench for, you can choose an impact wrench with higher or lower torque.
Difference impact wrench and impact driver
An impact wrench is perfect for heavy work whereas, an impact driver is the same as an electric screwdriver with a knocking rotation. Although it is similar to an impact wrench, it has a regular bit connection so you can screw in or out a Phillips or Torx screw. The impact wrench is a cordless device that is ideal for serial screw work.
Best Impact Wrench Brands
The best impact wrench brands are Makita, HiKOKI, Milwaukee, and Metabo. A Makita impact wrench is a powerful battery-powered brushless wrench for heavy-duty assembly work and is even more powerful and with greater autonomy per battery charge. HiKOKI has some of the best on battery for a price of around 100 euros, for example, the HiKOKI WR18DJLW4Z Battery 18V impact wrench.
Do you need an impact wrench for the heavier work? The Milwaukee ONEFHIWF1DS-121C M18 fuel one-key 1″ d-handle impact wrench with friction ring and short drive shaft may be for you. The integrated speed sensor of this model improves the consistent repeatability of the chosen torque setting. This Milwaukee impact wrench delivers up to 2711 Nm breakaway torque with which bolts up to M42 can be loosened.
Are you specifically looking for a compressed air wrench? Then an impact wrench from the Metabo brand is definitely an option. Metabo DSSW 2440-1″ compressed-air impact wrench has a large bow handle for an ergonomic working position and an extended drive shaft for screwing work on low-bed rims.
Would you like to learn more about battery-powered devices? Read our article “Battery platform: one battery for all your tools“.
