If you’re considering opening a car garage or already have one and are looking to improve your services, you should invest in equipment, especially an impact driver.
A tool that is very useful when tightening and loosening screws, it can be used for various tasks in any car garage.
For example, when used on car wheels, the precise, significant torque applied by an impact driver allows mechanics to work faster and more practically, allowing for tyres to be changed.
To buy the impact driver that best suits your garage, keep reading to find out which models are available and the care you should take to choose the best one for you.
What is an Impact Driver?
An impact driver is an electric or pneumatic tool used to tighten or unscrew nuts and bolts easily and efficiently by applying significant torque.
Are Screwdrivers and Impact Drivers The Same Thing?
Screwdrivers are used for light, precise work, as they provide torque control. Impact drivers, however, are used for heavy tasks, such as working in a car repair shop, to apply high torque with the help of impact pulses.
As such, they are different tools used for different purposes.
What Types of Impact Drivers Are There?
The three main types of impact drivers are:
-
Pneumatic Impact Drivers
This type of driver works using compressed air from a compressor.
Pneumatic impact drivers are suitable for long hours of heavy, continuous operations as they provide more power.
-
Electric Impact Drivers
This type of driver must be connected to a power source while in use.
To adjust the power depending on the job, simply adjust the torque.
-
Battery Operated Impact Driver
Also known as a cordless impact driver, this tool is more practical than other types of drivers as it can be used in remote locations.
Because of the limited use of battery power, the torque on this type of driver is lower.
Among these categories, the pneumatic impact driver is the most widely used in car garages due to the heavy, continuous work required.
How does an Impact Driver Work?
Impact drivers operate through a mechanism that generates high-power impulses, allowing them to rotate quickly and apply torque to fasteners.
These impulses are generated by an electric or pneumatic motor that compresses air or other fluid, accumulates energy, and releases it in short, fast bursts.
This is what makes this driver effective in loosening screws that have been screwed too tight or are corroded, as the impulses help break the grip.
What are the Advantages of using an Impact Driver?
The main benefits of using an impact driver for vehicle maintenance are:
- Efficiency: it is an efficient tool in applying torque to nuts and bolts, saving mechanics time and effort;
- Speed: as it operates at high-speed thanks to impact impulses, it speeds up the process of tightening and unscrewing nuts and bolts;
- Versatility: available in different models to meet various needs and sizes;
- Ease of use: requires less physical effort from the operator, reducing fatigue and improving productivity;
- Injury Reduction: they can help prevent repetitive strain injuries, as they require less physical effort.
Which Impact Drivers Are Available in The KROFtools Catalogue?
You’ll be able to find various models of impact drivers at KROFtools.
Keep reading to find out about a small selection of the best impact drivers available in our catalogue:
-
Pneumatic Impact Driver 1/2″ 1112/1756Nm
This driver features a thumb-operated grip and release switch, a double hammer, composite housing, and a variable speed trigger.
Click on the image to find out more about our Pneumatic Impact Driver 1/2″ 1112/1756Nm (Ref.9200).
-
Compact Pneumatic Wrench 1/2″ 678/1302Nm
Providing similar characteristics to the previous model, this pneumatic driver has a speed of 10000 RPM.
Click on the image to find out more about our Compact Pneumatic Wrench 1/2″ 678/1302Nm (Ref.9204).
-
1/2″ Impact Wrench 650Nm 18V Battery
This driver has a charging voltage of 18V, generally taking about 90 minutes to charge the battery.
However, charging time may vary depending on the ambient temperature and voltage of the power source.
Click on the image to find out more about our 1/2″ Impact Wrench 650Nm 18V Battery (Ref.9900).
-
Pneumatic Impact Wrench 3/4″ 1627/2034nm
With a thumb-operated grip, release switch, double hammer, and composite housing, this tool has a clamping force of 1627nm.
Click on the image to find out more about our Pneumatic Impact Wrench 3/4″ 1627/2034nm (Ref. 9210).
Where can you Buy an Impact Driver?
You can buy this type of tool from a KROFtools representative.
However, be sure to choose the best model for your garage before buying one.
How Should you Choose the Best Impact Driver for your Garage?
Now that you know what it is and some of the models available, it’s time to look for the best model of impact driver for your workshop.
To do so, be aware of the following points:
-
Consider the Torque
For the screwed joint to withstand the designed load without being damaged, it is essential that the torque is set to the appropriate force.
If the torque is higher or lower than required, the quality of the service may be compromised, especially where critical tightenings are concerned.
-
Calculate the Proper Square Size of the Impact Driver Shaft
To apply the force proportionally, the square of the key shaft must be greater than or equal to the diameter of the thread that requires unscrewing or tightening.
This specification is generally provided in inches.
You should also consider that the larger it is, the heavier it will be.
-
Consider the Optimal Type of Fitting Bolt
There are six types of fitting bolt that account for different needs:
- Pin retainer, ideal for operations requiring additional safety;
- Hole, intended for high-intensity applications requiring an elastic ring;
- Friction ring, which ensures increased versatility for quick but low-intensity exchanges;
- Double (hole + friction) for high-intensity operations requiring safety;
- Spline, which provides increased shaft durability;
- Fast bit switching.
-
Establish the Usage Intensity
Last but not least, you should consider the number of hours you will use this tool daily.
After all, the higher the intensity of use, the greater the need to choose a more robust model.
Top Tips for Impact Driver Maintenance and Care
By choosing the right tool for the type of service and intensity required, you will increase the time between maintenance and a tool’s useful life. As such, you should:
- Clean it regularly;
- Lubricate it properly;
- Replace worn parts;
- Inspect for wear frequently;
- Calibrate and adjust the torque of the driver;
- Store as soon as you finish using the tool (in a tool cabinet, for example).
What is the Best Electric Impact Driver?
If you aim to carry out external services or need a high torque capacity, an electric impact driver is the most recommended, as you’ll be able to connect it to a 127v or 220v electric current, depending on the machine.
Which is the Best Pneumatic Impact Driver?
Compared to electric ones, pneumatic impact drivers tend to provide higher torque, making them ideal for heavy operations.
However, you’ll need to connect them to a compressed air source, which limits their portability.
How much does a Pneumatic Impact Driver Cost?
The price will depend on the model, that is, whether it is electric or pneumatic. However, prices can range from 100 to thousands of euros.
Interested in finding out more about the world of all-things cars? Then follow us on Facebook and keep up with our daily content.
