Saw Tools Guide

Impact tools are best for those looking for a power tool that can swiftly tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. An old-school wrench might do the trick, but in this fast-paced world, you won’t be able to get much done. People often get confused while buying impact power tools and may buy the type they do not need. This impact wrench vs impact driver guide will help you understand the differences and make the right choice for your needs.

Impact Wrench

An impact wrench is a power tool that uses a ½ inch square drive for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. This power tool is compact but packs a punch that  is mandatory when dealing with stubborn fittings. In fact, some impact wrenches can generate short bursts of high torque. As a result, they are much more suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Features and Examples


Dewalt DCF899B impact wrench vs impact driver

  • An impact wrench houses a slow-rotating motor that generates high torque.
  • It uses rotational force to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
  • Most impact wrench has a hog ring anvil or a detent pin anvil to hold nuts and bolts.
  • Battery-powered impact wrenches come in 12V, 18V and 20V variants.

Dewalt’s DW059HB 18V cordless impact wrench uses a ½ inch chuck and produces 3600 in-lb. torque

Different Styles of Impact Wrench

Some popular styles that you may encounter are:

  • Air-powered impact wrenches have air compressors that force the nut or bolt.
  • Corded impact wrenches use an AC motor and need to be near the power socket for working.
  • Cordless impact wrenches have a DC motor powered via battery. They are compact and portable.
  • Impact wrenches also come in pistol-grip, stubby, right-angled and utility impact wrench styles.

Pros and Cons of Impact Wrench

Pros:

  • An impact wrench generates tremendous torque to undo nuts and bolts.
  • It can help you speed up the process by quickly tightening or loosening fittings.
  • It is available in different powering options to meet your needs.

Cons:

  • An impact wrench can be extremely loud.
  • It is heavy and can tire you quickly.
  • It is suitable for professional work because of its heavy weight and force.

Impact Driver

An impact wrench is a power tool that uses a ½ inch square drive for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. This power tool is compact but packs a punch that is mandatory when dealing with stubborn fittings. In fact, some impact wrenches can generate short bursts of high torque. As a result, they are much more suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Features and Examples


Black and Decker 20V Max BDCI20C impact wrench vs impact driver

    • Unlike an impact wrench, an impact drill has a motor with low torque but high rpm.
    • The rotational and axial direction force allows you to dig holes.
    • Impact drills typically have hexagonal drives for drilling and tightening screws.
    • Battery-powered impact drivers also come in 12V, 18V and 20V configurations.

    Black and Decker 20V Max BDCI20C uses a ¼ inch hex chuck to deliver 1375 in-lb torque.

Different Styles of Impact Wrench

Impact drivers come in the following two styles:

  • Cordless impact drivers are the most common form of impact drivers on the market. They use a DC motor which is powered by a compact Li-Ion battery.
  • Corded impact drivers are less popular and have an AC or DC motor. They are powered by a direct AC supply.

Pros and Cons of Impact Wrench

Pros:

  • An impact drive can rotate at high speeds and is suitable for driving screws into metals and hard surfaces.
  • It is compact and light. As a result, you can use it for extended periods without causing fatigue.
  • It offers you the flexibility of changing bits as per your needs.

Cons:

  • It is also loud, like an impact wrench.
  • Impact driver bits differ from regular drill bits. Thus, you need to buy special bits to get it to work.
  • It can be tricky for beginners as you can over-drive a screw.

Key Differences between Impact Wrench vs Impact Driver

Understanding the difference in settling the impact wrench vs impact driver debate is vital. Therefore, you must consider the following differences when deciding the best tool for your needs.

Torque

Torque is your best friend if you want to use a power tool for arduous work. An impact wrench is a clear winner if torque is all you need. Some impact wrenches can produce torque surpassing 1000 ft-lbs necessary for industrial applications.

Power and Speed

But when it comes to speed, there is no match for an impact driver. A high-end impact driver can outperform a top-notch impact wrench in rotation speed. Such a high rotation speed allows you to tighten screws quickly or drill holes that are impossible with an ordinary drill.

Impact wrenches are available in air-powered, corded and cordless power options. Whereas impact drills only come in corded and cordless designs.

Driver Type and Wrench Size

Another critical difference between impact wrenches and impact drivers is the driver type. Impact wrenches usually have square drives that can hold on to nuts and bolts. An impact wrench can accommodate a ½ inch square drive, while a more compact version has a ¼ inch square drive. On the other hand, an impact driver has a ¼ inch hexagonal drive.

Usability and Cost

Regarding usability and cost, impact drivers are people’s favourites. Impact drivers are incredibly versatile and ideal for drilling holes and tightening screws. While an impact wrench is only suitable for working on nuts and bolts.

Also, in terms of price, impact drivers are ahead of wrenches. This is because an impact driver does not have an internal clutch. Thus, reducing the overall cost of the product.

When to Choose from Impact Wrench and Impact Driver

If you are a DIYer or an occasional user looking for a tool to help you with minor projects and fixes, then go for an impact driver. It’s cheaper, easier to handle and offers high value. However, opt for an impact wrench if you work in a professional setting where you have to deal with nuts and bolts and require a high-torque-producing tool.

If by any chance you’re in the process of choosing the best one for you, have a read some of our other articles depending on the direction you chose to go.

Conclusion

Impact wrenches and impact drivers are handy tools that serve different purposes. It is important to understand the capabilities and limitations of these tools before deciding on the best tool for your job. If you are planning to buy one, consider the power ranges, torque, speed, usability, driver types and sizes for an informed decision.

Scroll to Top