How do Impact Wrenches Work? (Video Explained)

Different types of power tools make our life easier handling different types of projects.

Accurate knowledge of power tools’ working procedures is inevitable if you want to get the best benefit from a power tool.

If you are a mechanic, you might be familiar with an impact wrench and its uses. An impact wrench is also known as a torque wrench or gun, rattle gun, etc.

Changing the wheels of car tires will become effortless with an impact wrench. But do you know how impact wrenches work?

This article will give you a clear idea of the working process of an impact wrench.

Sit tight until I finish the article.

What is an Impact Wrench?

As I already stated, an impact wrench is known by many different names. Impact wrenches are a powerful tool that assists its user in delivering high torque with minimal effort. It manages to accumulate intensity in a rotating measure.

Impact wrenches are widely used in the automotive industry for different purposes like repairing a car, maintaining heavy components, assembling an item, or other manufacturing projects where high torque is mandatory.

Different sizes of impact wrenches are available in the market. For assembling or disassembling an item, a ¼” impact wrench will be the best choice. And for a big manufacturing project, 3 ½” is the most suitable one.

How do Impact Wrenches Work?

Below is the step-by-step working procedure for an impact wrench.

Step 01: Assembling the impact wrench

Firstly, you will need to know what an impact wrench looks like. The design of an impact wrench is similar to a drill machine. The body of impact wrenches is made of silver. The pressure of the air torque depends on the user’s requirement. Controlling the air torque is pretty simple with the easy-release trigger switch option.

It has a long rubber hose, which is attached to the air pressure unit. The pressure released depends on the pressure of the user’s hand on the trigger. Before starting to use an impact wrench, you should connect the air pressure unit and rubber hose. As a result, you can effortlessly remove the rubber hose anytime from the air pressure unit.

Step 02: Trial Run

The performance of an impact wrench depends on the pressure level that is used by the wrench. The standard pressure of an impact wrench is 90 – 100 psi (lbs / inch2).

Also, make sure that the hose pipe is straight and that there are no bends in the pipe. Because if the pipe gets twisted, air can get trapped in the pipe as a water pipe. So, inspect the impact wrench to avoid any further problems while working.

Touching the trigger lightly, you can use the impact wrench in a specific direction as per your preference. The wrench socket direction is adjustable to 2 different directions. Clockwise rotation will ensure the tightening of the socket, and anti-clockwise will make sure it is loosened.

Step 03: Controlling the Speed

An impact wrench consists of a switch or dial, which will allow you to control the speed precisely. Different projects will require different speeds. Once the speed is set, assemble the socket to the bit and ensure you use the right socket size.

Then the socket bit needs to be placed onto the nut, and the trigger needs to be pressed. You will receive the best performance from an impact wrench if the wheel nut is loosened correctly.

Safety tips while operating an impact wrench

• Avoid applying excessive torque. If you do so, the thread will get damaged. Standard wrenches are designed to hold the anticipated load.
• The impact wrench will be effective when you are pulling it but not pressing it.
• Your position is restricted because there may be a sudden release of fasteners while working with an impact wrench.
• You will not receive good results if you tilt an impact wrench with an angle. Make sure; the impact wrench is placed on the nut fully.
• Don’t think of using an impact wrench as a conventional wrench.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use an impact driver as an impact wrench?

The truth is impact drivers and impact wrenches are used for different purposes, and they have differences too. Impact drivers are less powerful than impact wrenches.

If you want to give a well-tight or lose any nuts, bolts, or sockets, an impact wrench will deliver the best result. On the other side of the coin, to drive a screw, an impact driver will be a wise pick.

What is the best use of an impact wrench?

You will need an impact wrench for high torque situations and nuts to loosen or tighten. For this type of work, an impact wrench is the best choice.

Do the impact wrenches get dull?

Eventually, an impact wrench will dull over time. Even if you store it in a perfect environment, it will wear out. Although, you can extend the lifespan of an impact wrench by taking proper care and maintenance.

It would be best if you use a premium quality power tool conditioner to clean the impact wrench. And cleaning will ensure that your impact wrench will work for the long term with top-quality performance.

What are the uses of impact wrenches?

Impact wrenches are widely used for-Removing jammed bolts, nuts, or sockets. Fastening bolts and nuts to a compact space with ease.Assembling or disassembling any heavy equipment.

Last Words

If you work in a garage, then an impact wrench is a tool that will be needed most frequently to assemble or disassemble a car tire. So, you can’t deny the importance of learning “how do impact wrenches work.”

In this article, we have discussed the working process of an impact wrench briefly. Apply the process successfully when dealing with an impact wrench.