Impact pneumatic impact wrench: how to choose the most powerful and reliable one

A pneumatic impact wrench allows you to quickly tighten and unscrew threaded connections. It works using compressed air, which is where the name comes from. Today, hundreds of different models of instruments are produced. And if you carefully study how to choose an impact wrench, you should consider several points. The main selection criteria are described in detail in the article.

Types of tools

Often, users are looking for the most powerful cordless impact wrench, although this indicator is not the most important. To make the right choice, you need to understand what types of modern devices there are. First of all, all models can be divided into 2 groups:

1. Angular.
2. Direct.

The easiest way to hold devices is the latter type. Outwardly, they resemble a pistol, a screwdriver, and fit well in the hand. They provide effective torque due to the parallelism of the rotation axes of the motor and the chuck.

There are also 2 other types of tools:

1. Drums
2. Unstressed.

The first ones work thanks to a series of frequent blows. The longer ones come first, then the shorter and more powerful ones. The result is a very reliable fastening. Such devices are well suited for rusty connections and dismantling large bolts. They are the ones discussed in this article.

Impact-free devices are well suited for installation and dismantling, if you do not need to make special efforts.They also perform well when working with sensitive fasteners that require careful and precise movements.

If we consider a cordless impact wrench and model rating, we also need to take into account the type of impact mechanism. The most common ones are:

1. Twin hammer - that is, a double hammer. It produces torque pulsed rather than uniformly. Well suited for intensive work.
2. Rocking Dog - delivers one hard hit, so works best with medium loads.
3. Single ratchel is a fairly simple ratchet-type mechanism. Suitable for the least intense load. Used in angle wrenches.

Specifications

It is also important to decide what parameters the device has. The characteristics described below are of particular importance.

Maximum torque

A reliable way to choose a wrench is to study the maximum torque, which is directly related to the power of the device. It is measured in units of N*m, that is, Newton multiplied by a meter. Different models differ greatly in torque - the value ranges from 30 to 3000 N*m.

For domestic purposes, it is quite enough to use devices up to 1000 N*m. If you intend to work with large-sized fasteners, it is clear which impact wrench to choose. The tool must have a torque of at least 1500 N*m.

For tire fitting and wheel rim installation, you will need less powerful devices. Nevertheless, their torque should be at least 100 N*m, the optimal value is 500-700 N*m.

Landing square

This is the spindle size, which is directly related to the torque of the device. The more powerful the tool, the larger the diameter of the spindle. Based on this indicator, 4 groups can be distinguished:

1. With a diameter of up to 18 mm and a torque from 600 to 1400 N*m. Such tools are used for tire fitting, in car repair shops, and for passenger cars.
2. With a diameter of 18-25 mm and a torque from 700 to 2000 N*m. Suitable for passenger cars and semi-trucks.
3. There are also devices with a diameter from 25 to 50 mm, which corresponds to a torque from 2000 to 4000 N*m. These are the most powerful devices that are used for working with trucks and large fasteners.

If we talk about how to choose a pneumatic impact wrench with the greatest power, you can consider models with a spindle size of 50 mm or more. They are suitable for working with the largest fasteners.

Extra options

Since the impact wrench is a technically complex device, other parameters are also important when choosing:

1. Weight - the more it is, the more productive the device. On the other hand, if you take a tool that is too heavy, your hands will quickly get tired. Therefore, it is optimal to choose a medium-weight device.
2. Case material – pay special attention to this parameter if you plan to use the device constantly. In such cases, the housing must be especially durable, preferably made of composite material.
3. Compatible with a compressor that supplies compressed air. Parameters such as operating pressure and air flow must be checked. If the device operates autonomously from its own engine, for example, a gas impact wrench, you can skip this point.
4. Ergonomic rubberized handles. Before purchasing, you need to hold the device in your hands and make sure that it fits comfortably and does not slip.
5. If we talk about which impact wrench to buy for professional purposes, you can also pay attention to the torque regulator.This is a rather expensive and rare function, but it is indispensable in cases where tightening cannot be done “by eye”.

Thus, when purchasing a tool, pay attention to several parameters at once. If we consider the question of which pneumatic impact wrench to buy for the garage, a lightweight device with a torque of 500-700 N*m and a diameter of up to 18 mm is sufficient. If we consider tools, for example, for changing truck tires, it is necessary to choose the most powerful devices with a torque of 1500 N*m.