The impact wrench is an indispensable tool in auto repair shops, especially for removing and tightening nuts and bolts with high torque.
Practical, efficient, and available in different versions, such as electric, pneumatic, and battery-powered, this tool is great for increasing speed and precision in any Car Repair Shop.
Find out in this article how this equipment works, what models are available, and their advantages.
What Is An Impact Wrench?
An impact wrench is a tool that applies high torque with little effort, using short rotary pulses to tighten or loosen screws.
This tool is crucial for performing demanding work in workshops and industrial settings.
What Is The Difference Between A Screwdriver And An Impact Wrench?
The screwdriver is ideal for light, continuous tasks such as assembling furniture or working with wood. It generates less torque and offers more control.
The impact wrench, on the other hand, is designed for heavy-duty work such as tightening or loosening screws on wheels or engine parts. It uses short and powerful pulses to loosen difficult screws without effort.
What Is An Impact Wrench Used For?
This equipment is used to tighten and loosen screws and nuts with strength and speed, making work more efficient than with hand tools. It is widely used in auto repair shops for:
- Quickly and safely remove and tighten wheel nuts;
- Loosen parts such as shock absorbers, brake caliper brackets, and suspension arms;
- Help dismantle pulleys, brackets, and other tightly fastened components;
- Assemble heavy machinery on tractors, trailers, and industrial equipment.
How Does An Impact Wrench Work?
This tool works through a mechanism that generates high-power pulses, allowing it to rotate quickly and apply torque to fasteners.
These pulses are generated by an electric or pneumatic motor that compresses air or another fluid, accumulates energy, and releases it in short and quick bursts.
This is why this wrench is effective for tightening very tight or corroded screws, as the pulses help break the grip.
What Are The Different Types Of Impact Wrenches?
There are three main types of impact wrenches:
1. Pneumatic Impact Wrench
Used in car repair shops, it is powered by compressed air (from a compressor) and is ideal for heavy-duty and continuous use. It offers high torque and durability.
2. Electric Impact Wrench
Operates when connected to a power source. Allows torque adjustment and is perfect for those who need power with less maintenance.
3. Battery-Powered Impact Wrench
Offers mobility and is ideal for quick jobs outside the car repair shop, as it does not need to be connected to a power source. However, torque is more limited due to the battery.
What Are The Advantages Of Using An Impact Wrench?
The main benefits of using this tool for vehicle maintenance are:
- Greater Efficiency: applies torque with less physical effort;
- Greater Agility: makes it easier to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts;
- Versatile: adapts to various tasks and sizes;
- Ergonomic: reduces fatigue and the risk of injury;
- Practical: ideal for car repair shop services.
Electric Or Pneumatic Impact Wrench: Which One To Choose?
The choice between one model or another depends mainly on the needs of the car repair shop and the resources already available.
When investing in this tool, one of the first decisions to make is the type of power supply: electric or pneumatic.
The electric model is portable and ideal for car repair shops without a compressor, but as a general rule, it offers less power.
The pneumatic version, on the other hand, tends to be more powerful and durable, making it ideal for intensive work, although it requires a compressed air system.
What Is The Best Pneumatic Impact Wrench?
Pneumatic impact wrenches tend to offer higher torque, making them ideal for heavy-duty work.
However, they need to be connected to a compressed air source, which limits their portability.
Battery-Powered Impact Wrench: Worth It?
If you often perform quick, light tasks or do a lot of maintenance outside the car repair shop, then the battery-powered model may be ideal.
How To Choose The Best Impact Wrench For Your Car Repair Shop?
The best model for your car repair shop is the one that suits the type and volume of work to be done.
In this regard, you should consider the following factors when choosing an impact wrench:
1. Torque
The torque must be appropriate for the application load. An incorrect value can compromise the quality of the fastening, especially in more demanding jobs.
2. Type Of Fitting
There are several types, each with its own function:
- Pin Retainer: greater safety;
- Hole: intense applications with elastic ring;
- Friction Ring: greater versatility for quick and easy changes;
- Double (Hole + Friction): safety in demanding applications;
- Spline: provides greater shaft durability.
3. Intensity Of Use
If you will be using the tool for many hours a day, choose a more robust model. This ensures durability and less frequent maintenance.
What Are The Tips For Maintaining And Caring For Impact Wrenches?
Choosing the right tool for the type of work and frequency of use helps to extend the time between maintenance and increases its durability. Therefore, it is important to:
- Clean regularly;
- Lubricate properly;
- Replace worn parts;
- Check for wear frequently;
- Calibrate and adjust the torque of the impact wrench;
- Store the tool immediately after use (e.g., in a tool cabinet).
What To Do If The Impact Wrench Loses Power?
When this tool loses power, the efficiency of work in the workshop can be compromised.
This problem can have several causes, ranging from equipment failure to problems with the power supply or compressed air.
If you notice a loss of power in the equipment, you should:
- Check The Power Source: ensure that the outlet, battery, or compressor is providing sufficient power or pressure.
- Check The Air Hose: on pneumatic models, avoid kinks, punctures, or leaks that could impair performance.
- Clean And Lubricate: dirt or lack of lubrication can affect the tool’s operation.
- Adjust The Torque: confirm that the force level is correctly set;
- Test The Battery: if cordless, a weak or old battery may be the problem;
- Inspect The Interior: worn internal parts can also cause loss of power.
Is It Necessary To Calibrate An Impact Wrench?
Some models allow manual torque adjustment, while others require periodic calibration.
To avoid loss of torque, you should read the user manual and follow the recommendations for calibrating the equipment.
Where To Buy Quality Impact Wrenches?
KROFtools is a benchmark in car repair shops tools. You can purchase our products from authorized distributors in several countries.
What Impact Wrenches Are Available In The Kroftools Catalog?
KROFtools offers a range of high-quality impact wrenches for demanding workshops, such as:
Pneumatic Impact Wrench 1/2″ 1112/1756Nm
This model is equipped with a thumb-operated switch for tightening and loosening, a double hammer system, a composite housing, and a variable speed trigger.
Click on the image for more information about the Pneumatic Impact Wrench 1/2″ 1112/1756nm (Ref. 9200).
1/2″ Impact Wrench 650Nm 18V Battery
It runs on an 18V battery and charges in about 90 minutes, although the time may vary depending on the ambient temperature and power source voltage.
Click on the image for more information about the 1/2″ Impact Wrench 650Nm 18V Battery (Ref.9900).
1/2″ Mini Impact Wrench 1200Nm
Compact, lightweight, and ergonomic, this mini impact machine is ideal for precision work and hard-to-reach areas, without losing power (up to 1200Nm).
Click on the image for more information about the 1/2″ Mini Impact Wrench 1200Nm (Ref. 9245).
3/4″ Impact Wrench 2000Nm
This robust tool has high torque, designed for demanding applications.
Click on the image for more information about the 3/4″ Impact Wrench 2000Nm (Ref. 9246).
1/2″ Impact Wrench 1750Nm
Offers an excellent balance between size and power, reaching 1750Nm of torque. Ideal for workshops looking for versatility and high performance.
Click on the image for more information about the 1/2″ Impact Wrench 1750Nm (Ref. 9242).
How Much Does A Pneumatic Impact Wrench Cost?
The price of an impact wrench varies depending on the model, ranging from hundreds to thousands of euros.
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