Getting it Done with the Cordless Impact Wrench
Posted on | April 29, 2009 |
Learn how a cordless impact wrench can help
It is thought that most cordless power tools are intended for novice builders. On the other hand, one power tool that is most certainly used by many experienced mechanics is the cordless impact wrench. Before now, many experienced mechanics used pneumatic impact wrenches. Since most people don’t have an air compressor, which is required for operating a pneumatic impact wrench, DIYers typically do not use these tools. But given that the impact wrench now exists as a cordless power tool, it has proved to be an ideal and valuable solution for experienced mechanics, electricians and DIYers alike.
The aggressive manner by which a cordless impact wrench can drive fasteners has heavily contributed to it’s growing popularity. Threaded fasteners (screws, lag screws or bolts) are now normally the more customary way to fasten materials like drywall, sheet metal, steel framing, wood framing, solid wood and synthetic decking - rather than nailing or riveting. It’s no wonder then that lots of experienced mechanics and contractors are looking for speedy-er fastening tools. If you often need quick and convenient impact during your jobs or you do work like driving large lag bolts or bolting pipe couplings, then a cordless impact wrench is an ideal tool.
There are many advantages to a cordless impact wrench. First, it is super suitable because it’s totally portable (battery powered) and therefore easy to handle. It’s a perfect solution for working outside or on the road. Keep in mind that usually an 18 volt battery will allow 1 hour of use and a 26 volt battery will allow about 2 hours of use. Additionally, another big benefit of a cordless impact wrench is that it’s much faster and provides about 3 times more torque than a cordless drill by delivering almost 3,000 blows-per-minute. Also, the torque is applied right to the fastener when you use an impact wrench. This makes the power tool almost effortless to hold on to and the reactionary torque is basically unnoticeable. This decreases fatigue and as a result enhances your productivity. In addition, you don’t need to use force to get the fastener into the material, like with a drill or driver. Instead, a light grip is all that is required and the impact wrench will do the job without stripping the fastener head. Plus, the characteristically larger square shaft of an impact wrench provides more sturdiness for heavy-duty applications.
Conclusively, a cordless impact wrench is portable, convenient, energy efficient, does not require a compressor and avoids having air lines dragging about. So this is the perfect power tool for quick jobs where you need fast and convenient impact and will save you lots of time. However, the cordless wrench does have some drawbacks compared to a pneumatic impact wrench. Usually, cordless impact wrenches cost more, have less torque, are heavier and are slightly less durable.
Choosing the right cordless impact wrench and the right brand depends a lot on your requirements and what kinds of jobs you need to get done. Also, it’s worth knowing that certain brands seem to be geared towards distinctive types of clientele. For instance, manufacturers like Makita, although they do provide good quality and reliability, are known to be geared more towards the consumer market. Whereas DeWalt and Ingersoll Rand are more geared towards professionals.