Get the Best Corded Impact Wrenches
The power of both corded and cordless impact wrenches is measured from the amount of torque, measured in Newton-meter (Nm). Thus, the power must be correct so that you can loosen any fastening element that is working.
Unlike other wrenches, corded impact wrenches are usually found only in workshops, as it is a very powerful tool. However, new models launched on the market are quite versatile and adaptable to any type of budget.
The corded impact wrench has always been associated with car and tire repairs. Although it is a common tool in this type of work, it is more and more common to find it also in other types of services, such as in the steel industry, mining, and aeronautics.
Impacts per minute
The number of blows or impacts per minute, as well as the speed, must be high enough, as the impact wrench needs a lot of contacts to work on a fastener, both to tighten and to loosen. This factor is important because it allows you to do very heavy work in a very short time.
For example, if you want an impact wrench to take in your car and meet some unpredictable need, this factor will not be as relevant, since any wrench is capable of loosening the nuts on a wheel. On the contrary, if you want a machine to do professional work, look for one that has a good balance between imp and speed.
Wattage
The power of an impact wrench is usually provided by the amount of torque, measured in Nm that it produces. This is the most important feature of the tool and also one of the most underestimated by users.
Remember that the maximum power must always be greater than the power required to do the job. Therefore, it is important to know the value in Nm that has the type of work that is at hand. For example, for maintenance and repair work, great power is not necessary, while for machine work, it does.
RPM
A corded impact wrench is one that has an RPM above 3000 rotations. The operation of these tools is based on the speed they use to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. The higher the rotation, the less effort is required by the operator, as the impact assumes the highest speed required by the job.
Slower speed can delay the completion of a task, so if you want to work quickly and optimize your service, that factor will be decisive in your purchase decision. If this is the case, it is recommended that you prioritize speed to a large extent, even if you have to sacrifice a little power. Good Luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much torque does a corded impact wrench have?
A corded impact wrench can provide up to 500 ft-lbs of torque, making it suitable for working on lug nuts and smaller fasteners. However, it may not be as effective for larger fasteners.
2. What's better electric or air impact wrench?
For regular jobs involving tightening and loosening nuts and bolts that are not too large, electric impact wrenches are a better choice. Air impact wrenches, on the other hand, are great for unjamming and loosening stuck or rusted bolts due to the extra torque they offer.
3. What is the difference between impact wrench and impact driver?
Impact drivers are smaller and primarily used for driving in smaller screws with a 1/4" hex drive. Impact wrenches, on the other hand, are larger, deliver more power, and are typically used for loosening and fastening large nuts and bolts with a 3/8" square drive or larger.
4. Which impact wrench is suitable for lug nuts?
A 0.5-inch impact wrench is commonly used for turning the lug nuts of a typical car, making it suitable for this task.
5. Is 250 lbs of torque good for an impact wrench?
Impact wrenches with torque under 250 ft-lbs, such as stubby, sub-compact, and compact models, are powerful enough for many applications. These tools are also small and lightweight, providing convenience and versatility.
6. What impact wrench has the highest nut busting torque?
The Ingersoll Rand W9491 and extended anvil W9691 are the world's most powerful 20V 1" cordless impact wrenches, capable of delivering up to 3,000 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque.
7. What is the recommended PSI for an impact wrench?
Most impact wrenches work well with a PSI (pounds per square inch) of 90. However, it's important to ensure that the wrench's compressor has a higher shut-off pressure, ideally around 100 PSI, to prevent pressure loss that could affect its operation.
8. When should you not use an impact wrench?
Avoid using an impact wrench in tight spaces or on small and weak fasteners, as the high torque output of the wrench can lead to over-tightening or damage to the fastener. In such cases, it is recommended to use a hand wrench or a more appropriate tool.
9. Is an impact wrench more powerful than an impact driver?
In most cases, impact wrenches provide more power (torque) compared to impact drivers. However, some impact drivers in the 18V/20V max class may have more power than compact impact wrenches, especially on 12V platforms.
10. Should I use an impact driver on lug nuts?
No, impact drivers should not be used to tighten lug nuts as it may damage or break the nuts. Using a hand wrench is recommended for tightening lug nuts.
Lug wrenches, which are socket wrenches, are the best tools for tightening or loosening lug nuts commonly found on tires. They are typically stored in a vehicle's trunk for emergency situations like a flat tire and are also useful for professional mechanics.
12. Is 400 ft-lbs of torque enough for lug nuts?
In general, lug nuts on passenger cars and light trucks require a torque of around 80 to 100 foot-pounds for proper tightening. A similar amount of torque may be needed to remove them.
Editor's Notes
During our corded impact wrench research, we found 24 corded impact wrench products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 38,761 customer reviews through our big data system to write the corded impact wrenches list. We found that most customers choose corded impact wrenches with an average price of $90.91.
The corded impact wrenches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of corded impact wrenches, including PORTER-CABLE, CRAFTSMAN, Dobetter, WEN, Wild Edge. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.
