The Impact Wrench
When you drive past a service center, one of the most distinctive sounds is that of impact wrenches being used to remove and install wheels on cars and trucks. Many people think of the impact wrench as a power tool normally found in that setting and while that’s true – the pneumatic impact wrench is just one of several variations of this versatile tool.
If you do a lot of work on your own vehicles, a pneumatic impact wrench can be a real time saver and most serious car enthusiasts always have the air compressor needed to operate the tool already in their garage. However, impact wrenches aren’t just for vehicle work — they can be used for any home improvement project that requires a screw or bolt to be loosened or tightened. While you can use the pneumatic model for those types of tasks, it’s often a little easier and more convenient to use an electric or battery powered impact wrench that doesn’t require an air compressor – these common workshop tools are often called impact drivers rather than wrenches.
Regardless of which type you choose, impact drivers or wrenches normally appear very similar to a power drill, but they don’t make any holes – the tool combines a downward force with a twisting motion to loosen or tighten screws and bolts with special sockets. Instead of a chuck where a bit would be installed on a drill, they have a protruding shaft that accepts a socket in much the same fashion as a ratchet. They’re one of those tools that may sit on your workshop or garage shelf most of the time, but when you have a bolt that won’t budge with a hand wrench or ratchet and socket – you’ll be glad it’s a part of your power tool collection.
While impact wrenches and drivers can make a job much easier, if used improperly, they can also turn an hour long project into one lasting a day. The tools have quite a bit of torque – especially pneumatic and electric powered models – and it’s very easy to over-tighten, cross thread, or strip the screw or bolt you’re working on. Always make sure your wrench is adjusted correctly for the task at hand and use the proper socket for your screw or bolt.
Types of Impact Wrenches and Drivers
Most impact wrenches and drivers have a ½ inch drive which means they work with ½ inch sockets, but it’s good idea to only use sockets that are designed for the high torque the tools can produce. The three primary types of impact wrenches and drivers normally used by DIYers:
- Pneumatic impact wrenches – these require an air compressor for operation, but if you already have air powered nail guns or jig saws, these models may be a good choice as they can provide a lot of power
- Electric impact drivers – this category is a good all around choice for most DIYers – these electric tools provide enough power for all but the toughest screws and bolts, but you don’t have to be quite as cautious as with the air powered models.
- Battery powered impact drivers – these are convenient as you don’t have to worry about a compressor or extension cord, but go with the most voltage possible and even then you may occasionally wish you had an electric or air powered model.
Impact Wrench and Driver Safety
The impressive torque that impact wrenches and drivers can display makes it necessary to always hold the tools securely when in use to avoid injury. You should wear eye and ear protection when using these power tools.