
A 3/8-inch drive angle impact wrench is a cordless power tool that can be used for tightening and loosening bolts, nuts, and screws in tight spaces. It is a type of impact wrench, which is a tool that employs both rotational force and short-burst concussive blows to deliver a high amount of power. The drive angle in the name refers to the fact that these wrenches have a square anvil that accepts sockets, with the 3/8-inch measurement referring to the size of the square anvil and corresponding socket.
What You'll Learn
Brushless motors
How Brushless Motors Work
Advantages of Brushless Motors
One of the key advantages of brushless motors is their durability. Without brushes, there are fewer parts that can wear out or become coated with dust and debris, reducing operating heat and improving tool longevity. Brushless motors also generate less heat at their core, as the rotor does not have windings. This makes brushless motors much more durable, with manufacturers claiming up to three times the lifespan of brushed motors.
Drawbacks of Brushless Motors
The main drawback of brushless motors is their cost. They are more expensive than brushed motors, with a price difference of 10-35% for a tool of equivalent size. However, brushless tools offer increased torque and longer lifespan, making them a worthwhile investment for many users.
Brushless Motor Impact Wrenches
The use of brushless motors in impact wrenches has resulted in cordless tools that rival the power output of their pneumatic counterparts. For example, the Kobalt 24-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench delivers 180 ft-lbs of torque, making it ideal for automotive applications. Other notable brushless motor impact wrenches include the Craftsman 20V RP Brushless 3/8" Drive Cordless Impact Wrench and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL GEN-2 18V Lithium-Ion Mid Torque Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Impact Wrench.
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Tight spaces
When it comes to working in tight spaces, a 3/8-inch cordless angle impact wrench can be a handy tool to have. Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy manoeuvring in confined areas, making it a valuable addition to any toolbox.
One such example is the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8-inch Right Angle Impact Wrench. With a small 2.2-inch head profile, this wrench can easily fit into tight spaces, providing more access and control when working on projects. Its long 14.1-inch body also allows for better reach in hard-to-access areas. The four-mode drive control, including an auto shut-off mode and bolt removal mode, offers precise control to prevent over-tightening and increases productivity.
Another option is the Kobalt 24-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 3/8-inch Drive Cordless Impact Wrench, which features a slim and lightweight body design for effortless use in tight spaces. The variable-speed trigger provides 0-2,000 RPM, giving you maximum control over your project. With a high-efficiency brushless motor, this wrench delivers 180 ft-lbs of torque, making bolt tightening and removal a breeze.
The Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-inch Impact Wrench is also worth considering for tight spaces. As a subcompact model, it is smaller and lighter than other options, making it ideal for working overhead or in confined areas. While it may struggle with very tight bolts or larger lag bolts, it can still handle tasks like removing lug nuts with ease.
Additionally, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 3/8-inch Impact Wrench (Tool Only) is a lightweight and compact option that can be useful for working in tight spaces. It comes with an 18V Lithium-Ion 4.0 Ah battery and a charger kit, providing the power and portability you need for your projects.
Lastly, the DeWalt ATOMIC 20V MAX Cordless Brushless 3/8-inch Variable Speed Impact Wrench (Tool Only) is a versatile tool that can be used in tight spaces. Its variable speed and brushless motor provide the control and power needed for a range of applications.
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Variable speed
For example, the Kobalt 24-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench offers a variable-speed trigger that provides 0-2,000 RPM. This gives the user maximum control over the tool, making it ideal for automotive needs and working in tight spaces.
Another example is the Craftsman V20 20-volt Max Variable Speed 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench, which also features a variable speed trigger for added control. This wrench delivers a maximum torque of 165 ft-lbs, making it suitable for fast removal of large fasteners.
The Makita 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8” Sq. Drive Impact Wrench is another notable product in this category. It offers variable speed settings of 0-2,100 RPM and 0-3,200 IPM (impacts per minute), providing a wide range of fastening applications.
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Battery power
When it comes to battery power, there are a few things to consider when choosing a 3/8 drive angle impact wrench. Firstly, the voltage of the battery is important, as this will determine the power and performance of the tool. Most cordless impact wrenches on the market use batteries with voltages ranging from 12V to 20V. A higher voltage will generally provide more power and torque, but it's important to consider the trade-off between power and weight, as a higher voltage battery may also make the tool heavier and more cumbersome to use.
Another important consideration is the type of battery being used. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type used in cordless power tools, including impact wrenches, due to their high energy density and low self-discharge rate. They are also relatively lightweight, which makes them ideal for portable power tools. Some impact wrenches may also use nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, which are less expensive but have a lower energy density and higher self-discharge rate compared to lithium-ion batteries.
The capacity of the battery, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), will determine how long the tool can be used before the battery needs to be recharged. A higher Ah rating means the battery can store more energy and will last longer between charges. For impact wrenches, battery capacities typically range from 2.0Ah to 6.0Ah. It's worth noting that a higher capacity battery will also be heavier, so there is a trade-off between runtime and weight.
Some impact wrenches come with features that help protect the battery and prolong its lifespan. For example, Makita's Star Protection Computer Controls™ technology allows the tool and battery to communicate in real-time, monitoring conditions to protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. Rapid charging technology is also becoming increasingly common, with some chargers actively controlling current, voltage, and temperature to optimize battery life.
When purchasing a cordless impact wrench, it's worth considering whether the tool is sold as a bare tool or as part of a kit that includes batteries and a charger. This will not only affect the initial cost but also the long-term running costs, as you may need to purchase additional batteries and a compatible charger separately if they are not included with the tool.
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Impact and chemical resistance
The Kobalt 24-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench is designed with impact and chemical resistance for everyday use in the shop.
Impact resistance is the ability of a material to absorb and dissipate energy during high-speed collisions without sustaining damage. It is determined by the amount of energy required to break the material, usually measured in joules (J). The resistance is influenced by factors such as the presence of particles, voids, or other inconsistencies that act as flaws, with larger and sharper-edged particles leading to greater stress concentration and potential failure.
Chemical resistance is the ability of a substance to withstand chemical attack for a specific period. It depends on factors such as molecular structure, mechanical load, type and concentration of the chemical reagent, exposure duration, and temperature.
The impact resistance of a 3/8 drive angle impact wrench can be evaluated through drop impact tests and pendulum impact tests, while chemical resistance can be assessed through standard tests like ASTM D543, which involves immersing specimens in chemical reagents.
The performance of these resistance properties depends on the specific material used in the wrench. For instance, while polypropylene (PP) is susceptible to cold temperatures, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) can withstand abuse across a wide temperature range. Polycarbonate (PC) is highly impact-resistant but becomes brittle with prolonged UV exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
The best 3/8 drive angle impact wrench cordless will depend on your needs, but some popular options include the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Right Angle Impact Wrench, the Kobalt 24-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 3/8-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench, and the RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8 in. Right Angle Impact Wrench.
Cordless impact wrenches offer more access in tight spaces and are typically designed with impact and chemical resistance for everyday use. They are also more portable and convenient than their corded counterparts.
When buying a cordless impact wrench, consider the power source, torque, drive size, speed, and durability. Other features to look for include LED lighting, ergonomic design, and compatibility with different battery platforms.
Using a cordless impact wrench typically involves selecting the appropriate socket size and speed setting for your task. Some models feature a forward/reverse switch, allowing you to tighten or loosen bolts and fasteners. Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.