Impact wrenches may not be the most common tools, which does not mean they are not useful. These utensils have become an interesting piece for those who do DIY tasks, but especially for mechanical maintenance professionals, who need to work with nuts at all times.

An impact wrench will allow you to tighten or loosen a nut most comfortably, without having to strain. Also, with these tools we avoid "biting" the heads, leaving them useless. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about these powerful corded electric Impact wrench so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

The most important

• In impact wrenches the power will be given by the amount of torque, measured in Newtons-meter (Nm). In this way, the power must be correct to be able to loosen any fixing element with which we work.

• Unlike other tools, a corded electric impact wrench is usually only present in workshops, as they are very powerful utensils. However, the new models are very versatile and suitable for all budgets.

• As important as the design or the feeding, it will be the size of the cup or mouthpiece. In an impact wrench, this factor will be decisive, as it will mark with what type of nuts you can work. We recommend that you choose an interchangeable one.

Purchasing Guide: What you owe on impact keys

Impact wrenches have been associated with car and tire repair for a lifetime. Although it is indeed a common tool in this type of work, every day it is more common to find it in other labor fields, such as steel, mining or aeronautics. Here is a buying guide on impact keys.

What is an impact wrench?

Impact wrenches or impact guns were introduced to the market about 75 or 80 years ago and have not evolved much since then. They have an appearance similar to that of a drill, although unlike this one (which works with rotational energy), the impact wrenches are designed to provide high torque at low speed. Unlike drills, impact guns do not generate a constant torque. Its performance could be defined as similar to the fact of placing a manual wrench on a nut or screw that we want to loosen and hit the key with a hammer, turning it by short and gradual sections.

How does corded electric Impact wrench work?

When the corded electric Impact wrench receives energy, an internal "hammer" strikes an anvil that is connected to a socket mandrel (which can be square or hexagonal) in the tool nozzle. This prints a rotation to the socket wrench that connects to the mandrel and that rotation is the one used to adjust or loosen the nut. This hammering action is its main advantage over similar tools since it achieves two important effects that a drill lacks. First, it exerts much more force and secondly, the hammering action tends to loosen the rust and other deposits that keep the nut or bolts attached to the surface and hinder its extraction.

What advantages does the use of a corded electric impact wrench have?

The three main advantages of the corded electric Impact wrench are their high power in a compact size and reduced weight, their speed and above all, the absence of reaction, which is the force that tends to turn the machine and the operator's wrist when the machine delivers power to the head. This means that they are very safe and easy to use the equipment. Although the first models were heavy and only had a sense of rotation, today these machines have evolved and are very compact. The most modern models work with battery and you can take them in the trunk of your car, which will allow you to make an emergency tire change in a few minutes.

What do I have to know about corded electric Impact wrench if I work hard?

Traditionally, corded electric Impact wrenches were designed for very heavy work. They have been used for vehicle repair, aeronautics and tire change. However, with the entry into the market of electric models and, above all, with the arrival of battery guns, the use of these tools has been democratized. If you plan to use the impact wrench for heavy or very heavy work, there are some things you should consider. For example, the best are pneumatic models, capable of using a lot of power. You should also choose straight, clamping models with both hands, these will be much more powerful than the rest.

How do you use a corded electric impact wrench?

Now that we have explained everything you need to know about the impact wrenches, their most important features, and their uses, the time has come to see how these powerful tools are used correctly so that you can get the maximum performance and avoid accidents and injuries. Next, we explain step by step how to use an impact wrench:

• Check the manufacturer's manual. The first step is very important; Never use a tool without first reviewing the manufacturer's guide. You have to familiarize yourself with the tool and its main features.

• Connect the key. In the case of being wireless, connect the battery to the charger and wait for it to be fully charged. In the case of the electric ones, connect the cable to the current. Some models turn on automatically, while others have a switch.

• Select the head. Depending on the size of the nut you want to loosen, you will have to place the appropriate wrench. Once the correct head is found, firmly tighten the square socket of the key. Never change your head with the machine on.

• Loosen the nuts. Hold the key with both hands, place the key on the nut and pull the trigger. Do not release the trigger until the nut is loosened. If the workpiece has several nuts, loosen each one as we have explained.

• Tighten the nuts. Make sure the nut is not tight. Place the wrench over the bolt head, adjust the tightening switch, hold the wrench tightly and pull the trigger. Hold the action until the nut stops rotating. Do not squeeze too much, as you could damage them.

• Turn off the tool. Once the work is finished, turn off the impact wrench. Unplug the power cord or remove the battery from the base. Store the key and its accessories in your briefcase.

Summary

Surely you've seen more than once the mechanics of a Formula 1 team run to the pit car and change the four wheels in less than a rooster sings. If you've ever wondered how that is possible, the answer is very simple: thanks to the impact wrenches that make this task a walk.

In this article, we have reviewed the most important characteristics of impact wrenches. We have explained point by point everything you need to know about them and their operation and we have shown you what the main purchase factors are. Now it's your turn to decide, follow our advice and choose the best impact gun.

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