Impact Wrench Vs Impact Driver
Impact driver and impact wrench are both top-selling handheld tools for mechanic work. For most projects, you will need a solid collection of power tools to get the job done.
Impact wrench vs impact driver – which tool should suit you best? To find the perfect fit, you had better figure out these two differences and decide on the right one. Not wasting any more time, let’s have a look through our precise comparison of these tools!
Table of Contents
Impact Wrench Vs Impact Driver – Comparison in details
Output Force (Speed and Torque)
Impact wrenches serve a similar purpose as impact drivers in general. However, the sheer amount of force and power each tool can produce sets them distinct from one another.
If an impact driver outperforms a conventional cordless drill, an impact wrench can be more powerful than both.
In most situations, an impact wrench provides more power (torque) than an impact driver. It is not always the case as certain impact drivers in the 18V/20V max class, particularly on 12V platforms, can offer greater power than small impact wrenches. When compact impact wrenches are set aside, impact wrenches nearly always provide more power.
The torque output of a good impact driver should be about 167 ft-lbs. An impact wrench produces more than 1250 ft-lbs of torque. That is more than a 7-fold increase in power.
In terms of speed, the impact wrench seems to be a bit slower than its rival. Impact drivers have greater speeds, with the best impact drivers reaching 3600 RPM or higher. The RPM of a decent cordless impact wrench is usually under 2000.
Showing such a good performance in speed and power, impact drivers can do well in most situations. In some difficult cases, purchasing an impact wrench would be better.
Bit/Socket Connection
Among the most significant distinctions between the two tools, the driving style should be a priority.
While a 0.635cm hex collet is a chuck in an impact driver, impact drivers require special 0.635cm hexagonal drill bits.
In compact wrenches, the socket connection is a separate location from the impact driver. These wrenches can also perform on a wider range with more specialized versions for various needs. What is more, a 0.635cm square drive is found on the smallest impact wrenches, whereas 0.95cm drives are more frequent on small models.
In terms of performance, a 1.27cm impact wrench might be the most popular size used by most of this tool users.
For extreme power, 2.54 cm and 1.91 cm drives are surely your best bets, but they are mostly heavy and applied for industrial work. They also offer quite a high power level that is unnecessary for daily projects.
Function
An impact driver is a perfect tool to drive screws into hard materials such as sheet metal. It can provide quick attachment from building cabinets to doing home improvement projects around the house or various tasks. Impact drivers have been quite appealing for amateur DIYers and experts of all types.
Impact wrenches, on the other hand, are ideal for large-power requiring projects like loosening and tightening sockets. This draws a significant “difference between impact driver and impact wrench,” one for tiny bolt jobs and the other for force-required projects.
When it comes to the auto business, impact wrenches become a must-have power tool thanks to their ability to meet massive power demands for large sockets and bolts in cars.
Quick Rundown of Impact Driver
Pros
- Ideal for long screw driving
- Ideal for woodwork projects
- Versatile, affordable, and compact
- Slight kickback
Cons
- Noisy
- Less powerful
- Drills with different bits.
Quick Rundown of Impact Wrench
Pros
- High efficiency
- Much more powerful
- Various versions for different purposes
- Ideal for removing bolts and stubbornness.
Cons
- A bit costly
- Limited range of tasks
- Better suited for professionals
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench – Which one should you choose?
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench – Which one should you choose?
The advantages and disadvantages of these two tools should now be obvious to you. Each serves a different purpose and is more effective in certain applications than the other.
When it comes to DIY projects and casual bolt removal, an impact driver will make a better choice. You can reduce the process of tightening bolts up while also being able to do some drilling work. You can finish this work with an impact wrench too, but you probably hurt yourselves because of the tool’s massive torque power.
If you are going for heavy-duty projects or more than one set-up, an impact wrench would be better suited. We can not deny that it is generally stronger in terms of torque power, which is perfect for specific jobs. In many hard cases, it will make a great company with professional contractors.
Conclusion
Impact wrench and impact driver are great tools for driving screws into materials that can not be penetrated by hand or powered screwdrivers, much like their names.
If you are still wavering between impact wrench vs impact driver, then remember: an impact driver is better in quick DIY projects and casual bolt removal, while an impact wrench provides massive power for hard situations. Make sure what you need and decide on your perfect fit!