The Impact Of Butterfly Wrenches On Your Workshop

The butterfly impact wrench is a unique tool that differs from traditional impact wrenches in its lever actuation mechanism, resembling a butterfly's wings. This tool is designed for small engine repair, bench work, and tight applications, offering convenience and ease of use. With a variety of brands and models available, such as the Chicago Pneumatic CP7711/CP7721 series, the Powermate 3/8-inch Butterfly Impact Wrench, and the ACDelco ANI309 3/8 Butterfly Type Impact Wrench, it has sparked interest among tool enthusiasts and professionals alike. The butterfly impact wrench's distinct design and functionality make it a fascinating addition to any toolbox.

Butterfly impact wrench design

The butterfly impact wrench is a unique tool that differs from traditional impact wrenches in its grip and actuation mechanism. Unlike the conventional pistol grip and trigger, the butterfly wrench features a lever that resembles the wings of a butterfly, allowing for bidirectional actuation. This design not only offers ergonomic benefits but also enhances the functionality of the tool.

The butterfly impact wrench is designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. Its compact and streamlined form factor ensures that it fits comfortably in the palm of the user's hand. This ergonomic design reduces strain on the user's wrist and provides a more natural grip, making it ideal for extended periods of use. The butterfly wrench's lightweight construction further adds to its maneuverability and reduces user fatigue.

One of the defining features of the butterfly impact wrench is its innovative actuation mechanism. The bidirectional lever allows for easy forward and reverse operation without the need for a separate trigger. This design simplifies the use of the tool and reduces the time required to switch between forward and reverse actions. The built-in air regulator is another crucial aspect of the butterfly wrench, as it enables precise torque adjustments, ensuring that the desired level of force is applied during operations.

The butterfly impact wrench is typically designed with a 3/8-inch drive, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The compact size of the wrench allows it to access tight spaces where traditional impact wrenches may not fit. Additionally, the butterfly wrench often features a durable aluminum alloy housing, which not only protects the internal components but also contributes to the tool's overall lightweight construction.

Overall, the butterfly impact wrench stands out due to its unconventional yet highly functional design. By prioritizing comfort, ease of use, and maneuverability, this tool offers a fresh take on the traditional impact wrench, making it a versatile and efficient option for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Uses of butterfly impact wrenches

Butterfly impact wrenches are a type of impact wrench that, instead of a traditional pistol grip and trigger, has a lever that can be used to actuate the tool in either direction. This type of impact wrench is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and features quick and easy forward/reverse operation.

One of the main uses of butterfly impact wrenches is for small engine repair and bench work. They are ideal for working on small to mid-size fasteners, offering faster performance than an air ratchet and slightly more torque. They can also be used for transmission and engine repair work, body panels, oil pans, ignitions, motorcycle repair, and vehicle seats.

Butterfly impact wrenches are also suitable for production line work, where they can be easily grabbed from overhead air lines without fumbling for the handle, trigger, or direction switch. They can be useful for any task where you encounter small, rusty fasteners often, as you can work them back and forth without having to switch tools or get a wrench.

Some specific examples of tasks that butterfly impact wrenches can be used for include:

• Removing lug nuts
• Dropping the tank of a TJ (removing 7 13mm nuts)
• Starter/alternator rebuild shop bench work
• Die changes at a box factory

Comparison to other impact wrenches

Butterfly impact wrenches are designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and feature a lever that can be used to actuate the tool in either direction, as opposed to the traditional pistol grip and trigger. They are ideal for small engine repair and bench work, and can be used more generally, depending on the user's preference.

The butterfly impact wrench can be compared to other impact wrenches in terms of its design, functionality, and performance. Here is a detailed comparison:

Design:

Butterfly impact wrenches have a unique design with a lever that resembles the wings of a butterfly, which is different from the traditional pistol grip and trigger design of most impact wrenches. This design makes it easier to grab and use without fumbling, especially when the air lines are overhead.

Functionality:

The butterfly impact wrench is designed for quick and easy forward and reverse operations. It has a built-in air regulator that allows the user to adjust the torque, providing more control over the tool.

Performance:

Butterfly impact wrenches deliver high power and speed, with some models offering up to 75 foot-pounds of torque and 10,000 RPM. They are suitable for a variety of applications, including transmission and engine repair, body panels, oil pans, ignitions, motorcycle repair, and vehicle seats.

When compared to other impact wrenches, such as the Snap-On MicroLithium impact wrench, the butterfly impact wrench offers a different grip and actuation method. The Snap-On wrench has a more traditional form factor but also features a two-way trigger setup.

Some users have mentioned that the butterfly impact wrench may not be as versatile as other impact wrenches and that it might not be suitable for certain specific tasks. For example, one user commented that they found their 1/4" impact with socket adapters to be more effective for small engine work.

However, others have praised the butterfly impact wrench for its lightweight and ergonomic design, making it easy to manoeuvre and use in tight spaces.

In terms of price, butterfly impact wrenches vary depending on the brand and specifications. They can range from around $20 to a few hundred dollars, with some models, such as the CP7711 1/4" Mini Butterfly Impact Wrench, priced at over $300.

Overall, the butterfly impact wrench offers a unique design and functionality that sets it apart from traditional impact wrenches. It provides good power and speed, and its compact and ergonomic design makes it a convenient tool for a variety of applications.

Reviews of butterfly impact wrenches

Butterfly impact wrenches are a type of impact wrench that, instead of a traditional pistol grip and trigger, has a lever that can be used to actuate the tool in either direction. This lever somewhat resembles the wings of a butterfly.

One popular brand of butterfly impact wrench is the Snap-On MicroLithium, which has a two-way trigger setup. Another is the Astro Pneumatic Tool, which features a butterfly throttle for single-handed control of speed and forward/reverse, as well as a built-in power regulator and a ring-type socket retainer for secure socket retention. The Astro Pneumatic Tool weighs 1.78 lbs and has a maximum torque of 75 ft/lbs.

On Amazon, the Astro Pneumatic Tool has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 15 reviewers. One reviewer praised the tool for its "good power and speed", while another appreciated its "small size and light weight." However, one reviewer noted that the tool "does not have a lot of power", and another mentioned that the "forward/reverse lever is a little stiff."

Another brand of butterfly impact wrench is the Powermate, which is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and features quick and easy forward/reverse operation. The Powermate has received mixed reviews on Walmart, with some customers praising its "good power and speed" and others complaining that it "does not have enough torque."

The ACDelco ANI309 3/8” Butterfly Type Impact Wrench is another option. It features a durable aluminium alloy housing, a forward/reverse switch, and a side exhaust design.

Overall, butterfly impact wrenches offer a unique design that can be advantageous for certain applications, but some users may find them less versatile or powerful than traditional impact wrenches.

Where to buy butterfly impact wrenches

Butterfly impact wrenches are available at several online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of butterfly impact wrenches, including:

• Neiko 30088A 3/8" Drive Butterfly Impact Wrench
• JET 3/8-Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench, 75 ft-lbs, 12000 RPM (JAT-100)
• Astro 136E 3/8" Drive Butterfly Impact Wrench
• Ingersoll Rand 216B 3/8" Air Impact Wrench, 200 ft-lbs Max Torque, Inline
• SUNTECH SM-401 Air Butterfly Impact Wrench with Single Hammer, Silver, 3/8"
• Performance Tool M562DB 3/8-Inch Drive Butterfly Impact Wrench, Working Torque: 20-75ft/lbs, Black
• Chicago Pneumatic CP7722 3/8 Inch Air Impact Wrench, 90 ft. lbf/122 Nm, 9500 RPM, Butterfly, Rocking Dog, 4 Positive Power Settings, 360 Swivel Inlet
• AIRCAT Pneumatic Tools 1320: 3/8-Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench with Built-In Air Inlet 100 ft-lbs of Torque
• Sunex SX111 3/8-Inch Palm Grip Impact Wrench
• Urrea UP722 3/8-Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench
• Eagle EGA-111 3/8-Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench
• ARC-POWER For 3/8" Drive Butterfly Air Powered Impact Wrench Tool
• VESSEL - 3/8 Baby Butterfly Imp Wrench (SP-1850)
• OP 1418 3/8-Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench Kit
• DEWALT Impact Wrench, Square Drive, 3/8-Inch (DWMT70775)
• PowerMate Vx 0240108CT Butterfly Impact Wrench, 3/8"
• DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil (Tool Only) (DCF923B)
• DEWALT DCF913B 20V MAX 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil (Tool Only)
• MILWAUKEE'S Mid-Torque Impact Wrench, 3/8", Cordless

Walmart

Walmart also offers a variety of butterfly impact wrenches, such as:

• Campbell Hausfeld TL1017 3/8-Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench
• Powermate Vx Butterfly Impact Wrench, 3/8in. 024-0108CT
• 3/8" Drive Butterfly Air Powered Impact Wrench Tool
• 3/8" Butterfly Air Impact Wrench
• IMPACT WRENCH - BUTTERFLY 3/8
• MAT Industries - Campbell-Hausfeld Campbell Hausfeld 3/8" Butterfly Air Impact Wrench
• K Tool 81550 Air Impact Wrench, 3/8" Drive, Butterfly, 75 ft/lbs Ultimate Torque, Streamline Design
• CP7711 1/4" MINI BUTTERFLY IMPACT WRENCH
• John Deere AT-3113-J 3/8 Inch Butterfly Impact Wrench AT-3113-J
• SP Air SP-1850 .375 in. Baby Butterfly Palm Impact Wrench

Home Depot

Home Depot offers the Husky 3/8 in. Butterfly Impact Wrench H4410.

Frequently asked questions