Which impact wrench to choose: electric, battery-powered, pneumatic, hydraulic, gasoline, geared

The purpose of a wrench and its difference from a screwdriver

The purpose of this tool can be guessed from its name. An impact wrench is needed to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts with significant force: some models can develop a force of up to 65,000 Nm (Newtons per meter). Many craftsmen who have not encountered this tool confuse it with a screwdriver, apparently due to its external resemblance to the latter. And the main difference between the tools is the different type of cartridges. But in fact, the impact wrench has many more differences, which turn into a huge advantage when compared with a screwdriver.

So, what is the difference between a screwdriver and a wrench? Most impact wrenches are equipped with a pulse-impact clutch, but it differs from the same hammer drill clutch in that the force is directed not along the axis of the unit, but in the direction of rotation of the chuck. The impact (pulse) mechanism operates as follows: the device drive rotates the cartridge through a massive coupling element until the force reaches a certain threshold. Next, the leading element of the clutch is released from engagement and accelerates; the element accelerates within an incomplete revolution, after which it strikes the cam located on the axis of the cartridge. The massiveness of the element and the speed it gains create a high torque, thanks to which it is possible to “break off” stuck bolts and nuts.

Due to the high discharge current, even expensive, professional cordless impact wrenches can only work continuously for 15-20 minutes, which cannot be said about screwdrivers.

Based on the above differences, it is not advisable to use a wrench instead of a screwdriver.

Operating principle

There are a large number of varieties of tools that have a similar structure and principle of operation. The impact wrench consists of a barrel handle, inside of which a functional mechanism is embedded that activates the operation of the motor, spring and chuck. Unlike a drill, the tool is not equipped with a drill, but with an oblong attachment for clamping the nut.

After starting the impact wrench, energy is supplied to the motor and gearbox, including the chuck. The presence of an additional spring provides reverse rotation, which expands functionality. Modern types of tools have a speed control function and replaceable attachments.

Types of tools

The impact wrench, being a highly specialized tool, performs quite an impressive amount of work. It is difficult to say which impact wrench is better, because the type and power of the tool is selected based on the goals and tasks that it has to perform.

Electric. A high-speed, powerful and precise unit with virtually no vibration. The electric motor of the device operates from a 220V network and is equipped with a fan for better cooling, which allows the tool to operate for a long time.
Rechargeable. This type of impact wrench is convenient due to its mobility and allows you to work away from the electrical network. The battery device can be used in construction when installing various panels, laying communications and for performing minor installation operations.
Pneumatic tools. As you might guess, the prefix “pneumo” means that compressed air is used to set the device’s cartridge in motion. The latter is supplied through a high pressure hose connected to the compressor. Due to the absence of a motor, pneumatic impact wrenches are distinguished by their lightness and do not cause fatigue to the operator during operation. Also, the air impact wrench is not afraid of overheating and can be used in places where the use of electric tools is unacceptable (rooms with high humidity, places with a high risk of explosion).
Hydraulic. The drive in this tool is a hydraulic pump with a distributor. The device operates on the following principle: the force developed by the hydraulic cylinder during the translational movement of the piston is converted into torque through a ratchet wheel. A hydraulic impact wrench, depending on the model, can develop colossal force, sometimes reaching up to 65,000 Nm.

It should be noted that there are two types of hydraulic impact wrenches: snap-on and cassette. The picture below shows a socket tool.
The following photo shows a hydraulic cassette type of unit. It is usually used in places where it is impossible to reach with a spanning tool.
Petrol. This type of impact wrench is mainly used in the repair or construction of railway tracks. A gasoline impact wrench is convenient to use far from power supply, in difficult field conditions, thanks to its complete autonomy.
Geared. This is a manual multiplier impact wrench, popularly called a “meat grinder”. A gear wrench consists of a planetary gearbox housed in a metal housing. When the handle is rotated quickly, the speed is transmitted through the gearbox to the output shaft, which begins to spin much slower than the handle, but with much increased force.

Thanks to this hand tool, you can unscrew fasteners that cannot be “torn” out of place in the usual way. It is often used in the field for trucks, buses, and tractors as a wheel impact wrench.

Impact wrench selection options

When choosing a tool, you need to decide for what purposes you are going to use the impact wrench: household or professional . Their main difference is the power and duration of continuous operation. Household appliances have low power, overheat quickly (applies to network devices), and the working units in them are made of less durable materials than in professional-class tools. The device's power of 400 W will be enough for home use. If we talk about the rotation speed of the cartridge, then for domestic needs 20-40 rpm will be enough. A professional tool should have a speed of about 1500 rpm.

When choosing a battery-powered tool, pay attention to the type of battery. Typically, household devices use nickel-cadmium batteries, which cannot be recharged if they are not fully discharged, while professional devices use lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged at any stage of battery discharge.

But it is worth knowing that lithium batteries are afraid of being completely discharged, which causes them to lose capacity and fail.

We should not forget about additional functions that increase the convenience of working with the tool.

Impact mechanism. The instrument can be either percussive or unaccented. An impact wrench will be useful when tightening “important” fasteners, such as car wheel nuts, where a lot of force is required both when tightening and unscrewing. An unstressed tool will not cope with such a task.
Adjusting the tightening force. It is not recommended to neglect this function. For example, if you have to tighten nuts with “vulnerable” threads, then without a force regulator they will break off in 1 second. Also, a wrench with adjustable torque allows you to tighten connections evenly, which is useful when installing car heads.
Gearbox type. A pistol-shaped impact wrench does not always allow you to solve all the issues during repair and installation work. Sometimes fasteners may be located in places inaccessible to “pistol” type devices. Therefore, for such purposes it is customary to use an angle wrench.
Built-in lighting. A very convenient addition to the tool, especially when repairing a car.

Also, when choosing this tool, pay attention to how it fits in your hand, whether the handle is comfortable, how much weight the device has, where the start button is located, etc. Ergonomic parameters determine the comfort of use.

For a better understanding of which tool to choose, below is a rating of the most popular models of various types of impact wrenches.

How to choose an electric impact wrench

The tool market offers a wide range of electric impact wrenches, both domestic and professional, each with unique technical characteristics and features. Based on them, you should select the device for specific tasks.

Nutrition

Each electric impact wrench falls into one of the following categories according to the type of power supply:

Network - powered from a household network.
Rechargeable – powered by a built-in or removable battery.
12-volt - powered by a 12-volt DC source, for example, a car cigarette lighter or battery.

The tool of the first group is superior to the other two in terms of power, but among the battery options there are also productive models, and their main advantage is independence from the network. 12-volt impact wrenches are also called automotive impact wrenches, since their main purpose is the installation and dismantling of wheel fasteners for passenger vehicles.

Purpose

By purpose, the tool is divided into:

Household - small, lightweight impact wrenches not designed for continuous, long-term use.
Professional – designed specifically for continuous operation in harsh conditions. As a rule, this is a powerful productivity tool.
Specialized – designed for specific tasks. An example is rolling models for tire fitting of trucks and special equipment.

Power

The more powerful the motor of an electric impact wrench, the more complex fasteners it can handle. For example, to remove a passenger car wheel, you will need a device with a power of about 350 W. At the same time, for truck tire fitting or when assembling metal structures, you will need a wrench with an engine capable of delivering more than 1 kW.

Torque

Perhaps this is one of the main indicators that you should focus on when choosing an electric impact wrench. Excessively high torque can damage the fastener, while too low torque simply will not tighten the nut or bolt to the designed torque. For household models, the parameter ranges from 100 to 300 Nm, while production tools transmit more than 500 Nm of torque to the spindle.

Spindle speed

The parameter completely determines the performance of the impact wrench. The faster the spindle rotates, the faster the work gets done. The tool for auto repair shops and manufacturing enterprises has a spindle speed of 1.5-3.2 thousand revolutions per minute.

Impact mechanism

Its presence greatly simplifies the unscrewing of a overtightened or stuck fastener. In addition, the impact mechanism allows you to tighten this fastener more efficiently. Between impact and non-impact impact wrench models, you should choose the former.

Additional functions

Each of the additions increases the cost of the tool, which means that when choosing, you should decide in advance whether each specific item is needed for the job. At the same time, additional options make your work easier. The most popular add-ons are:

electronic speed control system;
electronic brake;
work area illumination;
torque control.

Also, impact wrenches are selected taking into account their design. In addition to classic straight lines, there are corner models designed to work with fasteners in limited space.

Electrical corded tool

DeWALT DW 292

This is a corded impact wrench powered by a 220 V mains voltage. The unit has good torque (440 Nm), a power of 710 W and can produce 2700 blows per minute.

the gearbox is in a metal case;
there is a striking mechanism;
good torque indicator.

the reverse switch often gets touched if you work with gloves;
There is no torque regulator.

Hitachi WR22SA

Hitachi WR22SA is a professional device that allows you to unscrew and tighten hardware with a thread diameter of no more than 24 mm (M24). The tool can be used for cars.

This corded impact wrench has a torque of 640 Nm, a power of 850 W and a speed of 1800 rpm. The entire body is made of aluminum, which increases the strength of the unit and increases heat transfer. Therefore, the tool is often purchased by car enthusiasts for the garage. With its help, you can unscrew almost any “stuck” nut on a passenger car.

reverse is switched when you press the top or bottom of the trigger;
high torque;
high-quality assembly;
presence of an additional handle;
high performance.

Disadvantage: according to reviews from device owners, electric impact wrenches of this model are sometimes subject to overheating, which occurs in the mechanical part of the device.

DeFort DCW 12

DeFort DCW 12 can also be called mains-powered, but this impact wrench operates on 12 volts. It has a torque of 350 Nm and develops a maximum of 3300 rpm. The package includes an adapter that allows the device to operate from a car cigarette lighter. There is also an adapter with alligator clips to connect the device to the battery.

This device is mainly used for passenger cars.

sufficient power for tire mounting;
presence of reverse;
small dimensions;
car tool, since there are adapters for connecting to the battery and cigarette lighter;
pulse mode;
presence of a case.

no additional handle;
There is no adjustment of clamping force and rotation speed.

Delta Turbo-2000

The most powerful tool in this segment is the electric rolling impact wrench.

It is used mainly for trucks, when mounting wheels. Delta Turbo-2000 is a load impact wrench operating at 380 V and with a power of 1500 W.

It also has a square one-inch chuck and can produce up to 2,500 Nm of torque, which should be enough for wheel bolts.

Since the device weighs 65 kg, it is installed on a chassis.

sufficient torque for efficient operation;
availability of chassis;
convenient height adjustment;
speed regulator

operation only on voltage 380 V;
the movement of the unit is limited by the length of the cable.
high price.

Best electric jack impact wrench

Kraft motorist's kit , which includes a diamond-type jack with an electric drive and an electric impact wrench, is a good help for hand tools when replacing car wheels. The jack itself is equipped with an independent electric motor and is equipped with a handle for mechanical lifting. Control is carried out by a remote control, on the body of which there is a flashlight.

As for the screwdriver, it produces 340 Nm of torque on the spindle, which is quite enough to work with car wheel fastenings. The connection is made both to the cigarette lighter and directly to the battery terminals using an adapter with appropriate clamps. The whole set fits into a case and easily fits into the trunk.

Characteristics

Type – jack-wrench set.
Torque – 340 Nm.
The lifting capacity of the jack is 2 tons, the type is rhombic.
Weight – 7.42 kg.

pros

operation from the cigarette lighter;
2 heads included (17-19 and 21-23);
Possibility of connecting to a car battery.

Minuses

Chinese production;
price.

Electric cordless tool

Bosch GDR 10.8-LI

This is an impulse impact wrench, which we can say without exaggeration that it is one of the best devices in its segment . This tool runs on a Li-Ion battery with a voltage of 10.8 V, has built-in battery protection against complete discharge and overload, and is compact in size and weighs only 1 kg.

It is very convenient to use when working when the fasteners are at a height higher than the height of the master.

The device has a torque of 105 Nm, a spindle speed of 2600 rpm and a number of pulses per minute of 3100. The Bosch GDR 10.8-LI is successfully used both for household repair and installation tasks, and for professional use.

high power;
presence of battery charge indicator;
short charging time;
compact size and light weight;
conveniently located reverse switch;

as with all battery-powered impact wrenches, the main drawback is the short operating time;
handle ergonomics.

Bosch GDS 18 V-LI HT

This is the most powerful cordless impact wrench with an 18 V battery, as it has a torque of 650 Nm.

Thanks to the metal gearbox housing, the device is highly durable and reliable. The device weighs 3 kg, and it can be called the lightest among devices of the “High-Torque” class, that is, among tools with high torque. Therefore, if you need a powerful and mobile tool, then it is better to choose a wrench of this particular model.

metal gearbox housing;
high torque.

The only downside to this tool is the price. You can buy it for about 15 thousand rubles.

Makita 6940 DW

This impact wrench is an angle tool and complements the range of cordless impact wrenches.

This model has a length of 370 mm and a height of 60 mm. Thanks to these dimensions, the side tool is effectively used in hard-to-reach places. The maximum torque value of the impact wrench is 30 Nm, and the rotation speed is 2000 rpm. In addition, the device can produce 2700 pulses per minute.

small dimensions;
the ability to work in inaccessible places;
You can work with one hand due to the small diameter of the case;
pulse operating principle;
presence of a case.

low torque level;
low battery capacity.

Alkitronic EFCip series

The impact wrenches of this company are industrial tools.

Any EFCip series impact wrench has a synchronous motor (no brushes), making the drive subject to less wear and maintenance.

The body of the device is also durable, as it is made of aluminum alloy. The EFCip series units operate from a voltage of 100-235 V with a frequency of 45 to 66 Hz and can develop torque in the range from 60 to 6500 Nm.

The Alkitronic EFCip industrial device is a torque wrench, since the progress of its operation is monitored by a microprocessor, which, when the required torque (tightening force) is reached, turns off the engine. All necessary parameters are displayed on the LCD display located on the back of the instrument, where the control buttons are also located. In the nose of the unit, near the gearbox, there is a non-rotating gear wheel, onto which a special stop attachment is placed.

Based on the above data, the Alkitronic EFCip is the best impact wrench of all those listed above.

high torque;
electronic torque control:
LCD display;
metal case;
possibility of installing a stop;

The main disadvantage of this unit is its high cost.

How to choose a cordless impact wrench

Cordless impact wrenches are mobile and autonomous in operation, which makes them indispensable when working away from an electrical outlet. When choosing this tool, you should take into account the expected operating conditions and the purpose of its purchase in order to determine the optimal power of the device.

What to pay attention to

When choosing a wrench, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

maximum torque value;
battery capacity and voltage;
tool weight;
ergonomics of the tool.

What you can ignore The secondary characteristics that can be ignored when choosing a wrench are:

body and handle material;
frequency of impacts during operation;
presence of reverse motion;
possibility of adjusting speed;
the presence of a storage case and the number of attachments;
the ability to set automatic shutdown of the device when a certain torque value is reached;
ultra-fast battery charging.

Pneumatic

Impact wrenches operating on compressed air are practically not used in everyday life, since in addition to the tool itself, you need to purchase a compressor. These units are most often used in the professional field.

Wurth DSS1/2″

This is a premium air tool. This tool has a hammer mechanism; four positions for adjusting the tightening force; torque for loosening is 1321 Nm, and for tightening - from 60 to 835 Nm, chuck type - ½ inch.

To operate the impact wrench, only prepared air without impurities is required, that is, well purified and saturated with oil vapors. For these purposes, an air preparation unit (air preparation unit) and an oil sprayer are used, which is connected at the inlet of the tool. The oil sprayer enriches the air passing through the tool with oil vapors intended to lubricate the mechanical part of the unit.

So, if you need a powerful, reliable, low-noise pneumatic tool, then your choice of impact wrench can be completed with this model. It’s not for nothing that this unit is often used as a tire changer in car service centers.

high torque;
torque adjustment has 4 positions;
convenient reverse switches located on the back of the device, which can be switched with one hand;
the unit is not noisy;
The handle is made of a material that prevents the tool from slipping.

requires the use of a BPV;
installation of an oil sprayer is required.

YATO 1/2 YT-09540

This is an air gun that has also proven itself to be a reliable and powerful tool.

The unit has: torque 1150 Nm; ½ inch square chuck; 10000 rpm; weight 2.02 kg. There are 3 positions for adjusting the twisting force, and 2 for unscrewing. Effective operation of the tool is possible at a pressure of at least 0.63 MPa.

The impact wrench is most often used in car repair shops for car wheel nuts.

torque;
torque adjustment;
ergonomic handle;
high speed.

not recommended for use without GSV;
An oil sprayer is required for this to work.

Hydraulic impact wrenches

This type of tool is the most powerful of all listed. They are mainly used for unscrewing or tightening fasteners in places where a very strong connection is required.

PLARAD FSX / SX-EC

This is a cassette hydraulic impact wrench with a torque of 250 to 45,000 Nm. The tool has a very durable and at the same time lightweight body.

Due to the fact that the cassettes are removable, they can be quickly selected to the desired nut size.

high torque;
small weight of the tool;
quick release cassettes.

Disadvantage: high cost, which is typical for industrial tools.

PLARAD MSX/MX-EC

This is an end analogue of the above-described unit. It also has a durable and lightweight body, but has a huge torque of 65,000 Nm.

At the same time, the minimum torque of this device is 200 Nm. There is a shock absorber in the front part of the body to dampen beating and vibration during operation. The handle can be rotated 360°, which allows you to use the impact wrench in hard-to-reach places.