Impact Wrenches: Air-Powered Tools Explained

air powered impact wrench wiki

An impact wrench, also known as an impactor, impact gun, air wrench, air gun, rattle gun, torque gun, or windy gun, is a power tool designed to deliver high torque output with minimal exertion by the user. It is powered by compressed air, though electric and hydraulic power sources are also used. Impact wrenches are widely used in various industries, including automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, product assembly, and construction projects. They are available in different sizes and styles, such as inline, pistol grip, and angle drive, and can be found at retailers like Home Depot and Harbor Freight Tools.

Characteristics Values
Other Names Impact gun, air wrench, air gun, rattle gun, torque gun, windy gun
Power Source Compressed air, electric, hydraulic
Use Cases Automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, product assembly, major construction projects
Drive Sizes 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2-1/2"
Torque Up to several hundred thousand foot-pounds
Weight Up to several hundred pounds
Form Inline, pistol grip, angle drive, butterfly wrench, D-handle, T-handle
Socket Attachment Methods Spring-loaded pin, hog ring, through-hole, pin retainer
Common Brands Ingersoll Rand, Snap-On, MAC Tools, Matco, Chicago Pneumatic, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch

shuntool

Types of power wrenches

There are two main types of power wrenches: impact wrenches and air ratchet wrenches (or pneumatic ratchet wrenches).

Impact Wrenches

Impact wrenches are ideal for jobs that require very high torque and power, such as replacing multiple tires. They are widely used in many industries, such as automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, product assembly, and major construction projects.

Impact wrenches are available in all standard socket wrench drive sizes, from small 1⁄4 in (6.4 mm) drive tools for small assembly and disassembly, up to 3+1⁄2 in (89 mm) and larger square drives for major construction.

Compressed air is the most common power source for impact wrenches, but electric or hydraulic power is also used, with cordless electric devices becoming increasingly popular.

Air Ratchet Wrenches

Air ratchet wrenches are very similar to hand-powered ratchet wrenches, with the same square drive. However, an air motor is attached to turn the socket drive. This type of power wrench is designed more for speed and less for torque.

Other Types of Wrenches

In addition to power wrenches, there are several other types of wrenches, including:

  • Open-end wrenches
  • Box wrenches
  • Combination wrenches
  • Adjustable wrenches (crescent wrenches)
  • Socket wrenches
  • Torque wrenches
  • Flare nut wrenches
  • Pipe wrenches
  • Crowfoot wrenches
  • Strap wrenches
  • Allen wrenches (hex keys)
The Air Impact Wrench's Sonic Boom

You may want to see also

shuntool

Industries that use impact wrenches

Impact wrenches are used in a variety of industries, including:

Automotive Repair

Impact wrenches are commonly used in automotive repair shops, particularly for tasks such as changing tires and removing and installing lug nuts. They are also useful for suspension work and engine repairs where high torque is necessary.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance

Impact wrenches are essential for the upkeep of heavy machinery in industries such as mining, oil and gas, and construction. They facilitate the assembly and disassembly of machinery and are used for servicing industrial motors, gearboxes, and components of large vehicles like skid steers and forklifts.

Product Assembly

In manufacturing, impact wrenches are used for assembling heavy equipment and machinery. Pulse tools, a type of impact wrench, are commonly used for product assembly as they feature reactionless tightening and reduced noise levels compared to regular impact wrenches.

Construction

Impact wrenches play a crucial role in major construction projects, helping to tighten bolts and fasteners more efficiently. They are also used for heavy equipment assembly on construction sites.

Other Industries

Impact wrenches are also used in any other industry or application where high torque output is required. This may include heavy industrial work, such as assembling large machinery and equipment.

shuntool

Impact wrench sizes and styles

Impact wrenches are available in a variety of sizes and styles, depending on the application. The most common sizes are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch, which are suitable for most applications, including automotive work. 1/4-inch impact wrenches are great for small, delicate jobs, while 3/8-inch wrenches are versatile tools that can handle a wide range of tasks. 1/2-inch impact wrenches are designed for heavy-duty applications and are commonly used for removing lug nuts and large bolts.

For more heavy-duty applications, such as industrial construction and large tyre changes, 3/4-inch and 1-inch impact wrenches are available. These larger wrenches provide higher torque outputs and are often used in industrial settings.

In terms of style, impact wrenches typically come in inline or pistol grip forms. With an inline wrench, the user holds the tool like a screwdriver, while a pistol grip wrench has a handle that is perpendicular to the output. Angle drive impact wrenches are also available, which are similar to inline tools but have a set of bevel gears to rotate the output by 90 degrees.

Additionally, some impact wrenches are designed with a "butterfly" wrench style, which features a large, flat throttle paddle on the side that controls the direction of rotation. This style is designed for access into tight areas.

shuntool

How to attach sockets and accessories

To attach sockets and accessories to an air-powered impact wrench, follow these steps:

Selecting the Appropriate Socket

First, choose the right socket for the job. Impact wrenches require impact sockets, which are designed to withstand the high torque of these tools. Standard sockets are not suitable and can lead to breakage and potential injury. Common impact socket sizes include 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2", but always double-check the size you need for your specific task. Ensure that the socket matches the size of the nut or bolt you are working on.

Attaching the Socket to the Impact Wrench

Before attaching the socket, ensure that the wrench is unplugged or disconnected from its power source to prevent any accidental activation or injury. Line up the square-shaped end of the socket with the shaft of the wrench, making sure they are properly aligned. Push the socket firmly onto the drive until you hear a click or feel the locking mechanism engage. Some wrenches have a detent pin or ring that locks the socket in place. This ensures a secure connection between the socket and the wrench, minimising the risk of slippage or damage during use.

Using Socket Adapters

If you need to use sockets of different drive sizes, you may require a socket adapter. Ensure that the adapter is impact-rated to handle the torque. Attach the adapter to the impact wrench's drive, then secure the appropriate socket to the adapter, ensuring it is locked in place.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Always check compatibility by ensuring the socket size matches the drive size. Inspect the socket and wrench for any wear or damage before use. If the socket slips or wobbles, ensure a proper fit and replace any worn parts.

Impact Wrench Safety Tips

Wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when working with impact wrenches. Only use impact-rated sockets, and maintain a firm grip on the tool during operation. Regularly clean and lubricate your impact wrench to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust and damage.

Additional Tips

Use a socket ring for added security when working in heavy-duty applications. To avoid over-tightening or loosening, use a torque wrench for precision. Keep your impact sockets and wrenches well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.

shuntool

Commonly used impact wrench brands

Pneumatic impact wrench brands that are commonly used in shop and construction applications include Ingersoll Rand, Snap-On, MAC Tools, Matco, and Chicago Pneumatic.

Ingersoll Rand offers a range of air impact wrenches, from the 2235TiMAX, known for its power-to-weight ratio, to the heavy-duty 285B-6, which delivers up to 1,475 pound-feet of max torque.

Snap-On is another well-known brand in the automotive space, known for its high-quality, yet expensive tools. Their MG725A 1/2-inch drive heavy-duty air impact wrench delivers up to 1,190 pound-feet of breakaway torque.

Other commonly used brands include Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch, which are popular choices for cordless impact wrenches. Milwaukee's M18 Fuel, for example, is a powerful and compact option, while DeWalt's DCF899HB 20V MAX XR is known for its durability and ability to handle a wide range of automotive tasks. Makita's XWT08Z 18V LXT is also a well-respected brand that offers impressive torque and breakaway torque, making it suitable for even the toughest lug nuts and bolts.

When choosing an impact wrench, it's important to consider factors such as torque requirements, drive size, weight, and budget. These factors will help determine which brand and model are most suitable for your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions

An air-powered impact wrench, also known as an impactor, impact gun, air wrench, air gun, rattle gun, torque gun, or windy gun, is a power tool designed to deliver high torque output with minimal exertion by the user. It is powered by compressed air, which is the most common power source, although electric or hydraulic power is also used.

Air-powered impact wrenches have a higher power-to-weight ratio than cordless electric impact wrenches. They also have high duty cycle ratings, meaning they last a long time and can perform many duty cycles. Additionally, air tools can usually be serviced and refurbished more easily, making buying used a viable option.

Some factors to consider include the size of the fastener you'll be using, the torque range required, the build and size of the tool, and the frequency of use. You also need to pair your tool with an air compressor that delivers the airflow and power your air impact wrench needs, taking into account the PSI and CFM requirements of the tool.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment