
Impact wrenches and impact drivers are two very similar tools with very different purposes. The main difference between the two is that impact drivers are used for smaller fixings, such as screws, whereas impact wrenches are used for larger fixings, such as wheel nuts. Impact drivers usually have a hex drive, while impact wrenches usually have a square drive. Adapters can be used to make an impact driver turn a square attachment or an impact wrench turn a hex attachment. However, it is best to use each tool as the manufacturer intended.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Bit shape | Hexagonal or square |
Compatible attachments | Hexagonal bits and attachments or square bits and attachments |
Hex bits size | 1/4 inch |
Square bits size | 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch |
Use | Impact drivers are suitable for small fixings, such as screws, whereas impact wrenches are used for larger fixings, such as wheel nuts or coach screws |
Size | Impact drivers are smaller and lighter than impact wrenches |
Torque | Impact drivers: 200-300 Nm. Impact wrenches: 400-1,000 Nm |
What You'll Learn
Hexagonal impact driver accessories
- LEXIVON Impact Grade Socket Adapter Set LX-101: Includes three pieces (1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive) to adapt your power drill to a high-torque impact wrench. It has a 4+ rating for versatility.
- DEWALT Right Angle Attachment DWARA120: This attachment is impact-ready and measures 1.5". It is a best-seller in the power right angle drills category.
- NEIKO 20753A Keyless Drill Chuck: A quick conversion adapter with a 1/4" hex shank that transforms cordless screwdrivers into power drills. It is compatible with round-shank drill bits and does not require keys.
- DEWALT Drill Chuck for Impact Driver DW0521: Features a quick-connect design for easy attachment to an impact driver.
- Impact Socket Adapter Set: Includes six pieces (three 3" and three 6" pieces) with a 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive. This set turns your impact drill into a high-torque impact wrench.
- DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set DWA2T40IR: A 40-piece impact-ready FlexTorq screwdriver bit set.
- Right Angle Drill Adaptor: A 4-in-1 impact drill bit extension with a 360-degree rotatable design and a 105-degree angle screwdriver drill bit.
- Impact Grade Power Hand Tools Driver Sockets Adapter Extension Set: Includes three pieces (1/4", 3/8", and 1/2") with a hex shank and a 105-degree right-angle driver extension.
- DEWALT FlexTorq Magnetic Bit Holder DWA2SLVIR: A 2" impact-ready bit holder.
- Impact Socket Adapter and Reducer Set: A four-piece set with 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" impact driver conversions made of chrome-molybdenum alloy steel.
- LIBRATON Impact to 1/4 Hex Converter: Adapts 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" drive female to 1/4" hex adapter for ratchet wrench drivers, with a quick-change chuck made of Cr-Mo steel.
- DEWALT Impact Driver Ready 3-Piece Socket Adapter Set: Includes DW2541IR, DW2542IR, and DW2547IR adapters for impact drivers.
- 7 Piece 3/8 Drive Hex Driver: Sizes include 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2. The sockets are mounted on a metal rail with clips.
- Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Alloy Steel Screw Driver Bit Set: Available in 40, 45, 60, and 74-piece sets.
These accessories provide versatility and functionality to impact wrench users, allowing them to take on a wider range of tasks.
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Square impact wrench accessories
There are many square impact wrench accessories available on the market. Here are some options:
Square Drive Sockets
Square drive sockets are a type of socket that is designed to be used with a square drive impact wrench. They come in various sizes, including 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drives, and can be either male or female. Some examples include:
- SUNEX TOOLS 3841 3/8-inch Drive Pipe Plug Socket Set
- SUNEX TOOLS 2302 1/2-inch Drive Impact Adapter
- TEKTON 3/8-inch Drive Hex, Torx, Triple Square Impact Bit Socket Set
Impact Wrench Adapters
Impact wrench adapters allow you to use your square drive impact wrench with other types of sockets or bits. They typically feature a female square drive end that attaches to the wrench and a male hex or square drive end that attaches to the socket or bit. Some examples include:
- DCA 2-piece 1/2-inch Square Drive to 1/4-inch Hex Female Socket Adapter Converter
- Neiko 30275A Impact Wrench Adapter: 1/2-inch Drive Female to 1/4-inch Hex Converter
- Dewalt DT7508-QZ Impact Adaptor: 1/2-inch to 1/4-inch
Impact Sockets and Bits
Impact sockets and bits are designed to withstand the high torque and impact of an impact wrench. They come in various sizes and types, including Phillips, Torx, and square drive. Some examples include:
- Kango Hypertorque SQ2 Impact Driving Bits
- Kincrome Torx T20, T25, and T27 Impact Bits
- Irwin 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch Impact Socket Adaptors
Nut Runners
Nut runners are used to quickly and easily drive square nuts. They typically come with adapters to fit different sizes of square nuts. Some examples include:
- Greenlee Heavy Duty 7/16-inch Hex x 1/2-inch Square Drive Shank Nut Runner
- Greenlee Nut Runner with Adapter for 1-inch, 1-1/8-inch, and 1-5/16-inch Square Nuts
These are just a few examples of the many square impact wrench accessories available. The specific accessories you need will depend on the type of project you are working on and the size and type of fasteners you are using.
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Impact driver torque
Impact drivers are powerful tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, from driving screws to loosening or tightening nuts and bolts. They are designed to deliver high torque impulses, making them much more powerful than traditional drills or screwdrivers. However, this also means that controlling the torque of an impact driver can be challenging.
Understanding Torque
Torque is the rotational force that causes an object to rotate or twist. In the context of impact drivers, torque is what allows the tool to drive screws or tighten nuts and bolts. The torque of an impact driver is typically measured in Newton-meters (Nm) or foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
Controlling Torque with an Impact Driver
Unlike traditional drills, impact drivers do not have a clutch to adjust the torque directly. This can make it difficult to achieve a consistent torque when driving multiple fasteners. Here are some techniques and tools that can help you control the torque of an impact driver:
- Adapter Selection: Choosing the right adapter for your impact driver can help you control the torque. Adapters with a smaller hex size, such as 1/4", will reduce the torque transferred to the fastener.
- Variable Speed Settings: Most impact drivers have variable speed settings. By using a lower speed setting, you can reduce the torque output of the tool.
- Manual Torque Wrench: If you need to achieve a precise torque, you can use a manual torque wrench to tighten the fasteners after driving them with the impact driver.
- Impact Driver Sockets: Using impact-rated sockets with your impact driver can help you control the torque. These sockets are designed to flex and absorb some of the torque, preventing over-tightening.
- Torque Limiting Extension Bars: These extensions are designed to flex and disconnect from the fastener when a predefined torque value is reached, preventing over-tightening.
- Air Pressure Adjustment: For pneumatic impact drivers, you can adjust the air pressure to control the torque output. Lower air pressure will result in lower torque.
Advantages of High Torque
While controlling torque is important to prevent over-tightening and potential damage to fasteners or workpieces, there are also advantages to having a high-torque impact driver:
- Versatility: A high-torque impact driver can replace the need for a separate impact wrench, as it can handle a wider range of tasks.
- Faster Work: With more torque, you can drive fasteners faster and more efficiently, reducing the time required for your projects.
Disadvantages of High Torque
There are also some drawbacks to using a high-torque impact driver:
- Adapter Breakage: When using high torque settings or adapters with a larger hex size, there is an increased risk of breaking the adapter, especially when working with hard metal fasteners.
- Over-tightening: Without proper control, a high-torque impact driver can easily over-tighten fasteners, potentially damaging them or the workpiece.
Impact drivers are powerful tools that can significantly speed up your work. However, it is important to understand how to control their torque to avoid potential damage. By selecting the right adapters, using variable speed settings, and employing additional tools like torque-limiting extensions, you can effectively manage the torque of your impact driver and make the most of its capabilities.
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Impact wrench torque
An impact wrench is a tool that delivers a high torque output with minimal input, making it a useful tool for a range of tasks. The torque output of an impact wrench is dependent on a few factors, and there are a variety of attachments available that can turn an impact wrench into a driver.
Torque Settings
Impact wrenches have torque settings, which are often not specific torque values. Instead, the torque output increases the longer the trigger is held. For example, an impact wrench on setting '3' might deliver 100 ft/lbs of torque if the trigger is held for 2 seconds, and 120 ft/lbs if held for 4 seconds.
Torque Sticks and Torque Wrenches
To determine the exact torque being applied, a torque wrench or torque sticks can be used. Torque sticks are accurate when used with the same impact wrench, and they are a good investment if you are frequently using your impact wrench for a range of tasks.
Impact Wrench Attachments
There are a variety of impact wrench attachments available that can turn your wrench into a driver. These include:
- Drill chuck adapters, which can quickly convert your impact wrench into a power drill.
- Socket adapters, which allow you to use your impact wrench with different sized sockets.
- Right-angle drill attachments, which allow you to use your impact wrench in tight spaces.
- Reducers, which reduce the drive size of your impact wrench.
- Universal joints, which allow your impact wrench to pivot and reach difficult areas.
These attachments, coupled with the adjustable torque settings of an impact wrench, make it a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks.
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Impact driver size and weight
The size and weight of an impact driver are important factors to consider when choosing the right tool for the job. Here are some insights into impact driver size and weight to help you make an informed decision:
Impact Driver Drive Styles
Impact drivers typically use a 1/4-inch hex collet that accepts 1/4-inch hex shank bits. This is the most common size and style for impact drivers, and it is suitable for a wide range of applications. However, there are also right-angle impact drivers and palm-sized pressure-driven models available.
Impact Driver Power Sources
Impact drivers are predominantly cordless, with 12V, 18V, and 20V Max batteries being the most popular options. Corded impact drivers are also available but less commonly used. The cordless feature provides convenience and mobility, making them ideal for construction sites and other outdoor applications.
Impact Driver Torque
Impact drivers typically offer higher torque than impact wrenches, with some models exceeding 2000 in-lbs of torque (approximately 167 ft-lbs). For professional use, an impact driver with at least 1600 in-lbs (125 ft-lbs) of torque is recommended. Impact drivers usually measure torque in inch-pounds (in-lbs), while impact wrenches use foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
Impact Driver Speed
Impact drivers tend to have higher speeds compared to impact wrenches, with maximum RPMs reaching 3600 or more. This makes them efficient for driving screws and smaller fasteners.
Impact drivers are generally more compact and lightweight than impact wrenches, making them easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The size and weight of an impact driver can vary depending on the power level and voltage of the battery.
When choosing an impact driver, consider the specific applications you will be using it for and select a model that offers the right balance of power, size, and weight to suit your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Impact drivers and impact wrenches have a lot in common, but there are some key differences. Impact drivers usually have a hex drive and are compatible with hexagonal bits and attachments, typically measuring 1/4 inch across. Impact wrenches, on the other hand, usually have a square drive and are compatible with square bits and attachments in various sizes, including 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, or 1/2 inch. Impact drivers are generally smaller and lighter, while impact wrenches are designed to deliver more power and torque.
Yes, you can use an impact driver as an impact wrench if you have the right adapter. However, keep in mind that impact drivers have much less torque than impact wrenches, so they may not be suitable for heavier-duty tasks or larger fixings.
There are several adapters available on the market that can be used to turn an impact wrench into a driver. Some recommended options include the DEWALT Right Angle Attachment, the LEXIVON Impact Grade Socket Adapter Set, and the Neiko 30275A Impact Wrench Adapter. These adapters can help you use your impact wrench with different types of bits and attachments.