How to choose the best impact wrench? What force should the impact wrench have for car and truck tire service? Read on and learn more about choosing the right impact wrench.
Pneumatic Impact Wrench
- one of the most useful tools in a car service or tire service. Carefully selected, it ensures comfortable work not only with the wheels, but also with other elements in the car. See what you need to pay attention to when choosing the right tool. Here are the 5 most important factors to keep in mind:
- maximum torque (Russian designation N m; international: N m)
- rotation speed (revolutions per minute)
- air flow (liters per minute)
- noise level (decibel: Russian designation: dB; international: dB)
- type of shell
Max. impact wrench torque
Why worry about 1450 Nm of torque when you can get impact wrenches with 1900 Nm? Or 2200 Nm? Or even 5000 Nm? The higher the value, the more convenient it will be to work with it.
So what exactly is torque? This is the force that the impact wrench can generate in a short period of time, such as when the trigger is pulled for the first time. The higher, the greater the Max. torque, the tougher the nuts it can unscrew.
Remember that maximum torque is the value achieved only on the first impact at the highest speed. The rest of the time the torque is lower. For example, for the ROSSVIK RT-5277 impact wrench the torque is 1492 Nm, and the operating torque varies from 68 to 1054 Nm.
The fact is that pneumatic impact wrenches with a torque of 1500 Nm can easily cope with most tasks in tire shops or car services, whose main work is related to the maintenance of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (Gazelle, Ford Transit, etc.).
Characteristics
Before you start studying the rating of impact wrenches, you should know the characteristics that are usually taken into account when choosing these tools.
Torque
This parameter is measured in Nm (one unit is the force from using a lever of one meter). Let's give an example: a human hand can make a force equal to 9 Nm. For an electric impact wrench, this figure can be in the range of 100-2.5 thousand Nm. In addition, the tool must fully meet the assigned tasks. Thus, the electronic control option will facilitate more precise adjustment of the impact wrench.
Expert opinion
Levin Dmitry Konstantinovich
Low-power impact wrenches sometimes fail to loosen or tighten fasteners, while very powerful tools can break fasteners or strip threads.
Power supply
Most electric impact wrenches produced today can operate both from the mains and from a battery. This affects the autonomy, ease of carrying, and the tightening force of the nuts.
Battery capacity
This figure can vary between 2-5 A/h.
It affects battery life, which can range from 30 minutes to three hours. It usually takes one to three hours to charge the battery. It is advisable to choose high-capacity batteries as they will ensure long-term uninterrupted operation.
Cartridge
There are cartridges in the form of hexagons, as well as squares of different sizes. This has a big impact when choosing the right equipment. How the heads are fixed is important: with a ring, a ball, or nothing at all. The clamp used prevents the equipment from falling out when the tool is lowered down. This is very important if structures are dismantled at significant heights.
Not every device, due to its design or power, is suitable for any fasteners. It is for this reason that when choosing a tool, look at what accessories you should purchase for a given impact wrench.
What electric impact wrench do you use?
ImpactRotational
Number of revolutions
The chuck can rotate at a speed of 800-9000 rpm, which affects the performance of the tool. If the process is constantly repeated, the option of stepwise speed switching will not hurt, as it allows you to quickly switch to the required speed. There are electric impact wrenches that have one to four speeds.
Impact function
A number of devices have the ability to make blows that help loosen or tear off old fasteners.
When choosing a wrench for dismantling, special attention should be paid to this. A good impact wrench should have a pulse frequency of 2 to 3 thousand blows per minute.
Now you know what to look for when choosing an electric impact wrench.
Rotational speed
Good pneumatic impact wrenches always have several degrees of shaft rotation speed adjustment. Let the HANS 84111 impact wrench serve as an example. The black flag is used to switch the direction of shaft movement: right or left. The round “lamb” switches the shaft rotation speed, as you can see in the photo there are 4 speed modes, of which:
|
Proper operation of the impact wrench and the ability to switch the shaft rotation speed make working with the impact wrench convenient and safe. After all, an incorrectly selected rotation speed mode will lead to damage to the wheel stud. We always adhere to the rule that you only need to tighten a wheel nut with a torque wrench
, but in practice not all craftsmen do this.
Pneumatic impact wrench with adjustable tightening
Experienced mechanics know very well that it is not enough to tighten the nut to what is called the “all the way” level. The nut will hold firmly on the wheel stud only if the tightening force ensures elastic deformation of the stud and nut. If you tighten the nuts with a hand wrench, then the tightening torque and the required force can be caught quite easily by hand; only a little experience is needed.
When working with a pneumatic tool, it is almost impossible to “catch” with your hands the amount of torque developed by the impact mechanism. Therefore, to work, for example, with lug nuts on wheels with light alloy wheels, pneumatic impact wrenches with an integrated overrunning clutch are used.
A small device allows you to adjust the compression force of the spring; accordingly, the more the elastic element is deformed, the higher the operating limit of the overrunning clutch will be.
The force is adjusted using a movable ring dial or a four-position lever. In the latter case, the tightening torque is determined by four fixed values; this adjustment scheme is more reliable and easier to operate.
What's better? Metal? Composite?
Most cheap impact wrenches, which can be purchased at almost any store, have metal bodies. This may seem like an advantage. It would seem that metal is good, we still use the impact wrench in the workshop, where there is a risk of damaging it or dropping it. Theoretically, metal will withstand such impacts much better than a wrench made of other materials. Unfortunately, metal surfaces are still susceptible to scratches or dents.
And these are not their only shortcomings. Pneumatic impact wrenches with a metal body are simply heavier. This is important to consider when working for a long time. Also, imagine having to touch such a metal key on a frosty morning. Well... not a very pleasant feeling, right? Impact wrenches made of composite material
They are light in weight, but are not afraid of bumps or falls.
It would seem that the difference in weight of a metal and composite impact wrench of 200-400 grams is small, but after a long intensive work with such an impact wrench in your hand, it matters. Such a tool fits much better in the hand than a heavy metal impact wrench, so it is much more pleasant to work with. In addition, composite impact wrenches are more pleasant to the touch.
Pneumatic impact wrench Sumake
Of all the existing models of pneumatic impact wrenches, the Taiwanese brand Sumake has the most controversial reputation. On the one hand, the tool has proven itself to be very reliable, with a long service life of the strike group and characteristics proven in practice. Sumake pneumatic impact wrenches can be found with equal frequency in both home workshops and car repair shops. The reason for its popularity lies in its low price and good supply of auxiliary materials.
For example, the STM3007K model costs 8,900 rubles. develops a tightening torque of 542 N*m, which is even higher than that of Bosch tools. The weight of the impact apparatus is 3.5 kg, and the air flow is 480 l/min. In addition, the impact wrench comes with a case for storing the device and a set of working heads from 9 to 24 mm. The design is equipped with a half-inch square chuck and a ¼ F receiving fitting.
The second model STC554 will cost about 10 thousand rubles. The weight of the tool is only 2.1 kg, with an air consumption of the same 480 liters. Unlike the 3007K model, the C554 impact wrench produces more than twice the torque, up to 1300 N*m. At the same time, the manufacturer does not complete the pneumatic impact wrench with a free set of ten impact sockets; the device comes with packaging, a certificate and a passport for the product. The price difference is only 10%, with the apparent manufacturing costs of the C554 impact wrench being significantly higher than the M3007K.
In practice, according to user reviews, the C554 turns out to be practically indestructible, even under extremely high loads. The second impact wrench, M3007K, begins to “burn” and completely fails after a couple of weeks of use. The only thing that confuses you when you first get acquainted with the C554 is the somewhat boxy-angular design of the model, which is inferior in appearance to even the cheapest Chinese AIW pneumatic impact wrenches.
Twin Hammer - what is it?
This means "double hammer" in English. An impact wrench has two hammers constantly rotating around a spindle. Thanks to this, the impact wrench is able to create enormous torque in the first moments of operation.
Will the double impact mechanism affect the reliability of the wrench? We have good news - this will not happen. The hammers used in this case provide trouble-free operation for many years.
Eastwood models
Among budget models of pneumatic impact wrenches, the Eastwood line is considered the most inexpensive and affordable. The design uses a large amount of duralumin alloys and plastic. The handles and base of the body are made of polymers; hardened steel is used only for the impact coupling.
Instead of rolling bearings, bushings are installed on bronze liners. The device turned out to be inexpensive and at the same time simple, there is practically nothing to break. A distinctive feature is the severe wear of the pneumatic drive parts, so impact wrenches are practically not used for mounting wheels; its scope of application is limited to small fasteners of 9-12 mm.
In any repair there will be many areas of work with bolted connections where there is no need to use powerful and heavy impact wrenches. Eastwood line of pneumatic impact wrenches can be used as an auxiliary tool. Often, most of the fasteners, nuts and bolts are screwed onto the threads with a cheap impact wrench, and only pressed with a broach using something powerful, like Sumake C554. As a result, the service life of the main pneumatic impact wrench for 20-25 thousand rubles can be extended almost twice.
How to choose the right compressor for a wrench?
Even the most powerful impact wrench will not be able to work without a compressor. But how to choose the right compressor for a pneumatic impact wrench? Here are two rules:
The air flow of the impact wrench must be equal to or less than the compressor capacity. Only then will you be able to work without serious interruptions.
And so, if we have an impact wrench with an average air flow of 210 liters per minute, then it is best to choose a compressor that will provide a performance of at least 320 l/min at the output; we take into account the actual performance of the compressor, which is usually 15-20 lower than stated %.
What if the compressor performance is lower? Then the whole system will work intermittently. That is, the impact wrench will not only not reach its rated power, but will also not be able to work without interruption.
What if the compressor performance is clearly lower than what is required by the impact wrench? There is a chance that the impact wrench will work... but the compressor will stop producing the required amount of air from time to time because it will take time to pump the air in the receiver to the required pressure.
A compressor is necessary for a tire workshop or car service in any case. However, it cannot be hidden that operating comfort will only be ensured by a powerful compressor with a large receiver. Compressor power is of great importance. But the effectiveness of the strike is even more important.
Review of 10 types of best impact wrenches
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |
| #1 | AMT AIW 195180 | ⭐ 4.95 / 5 4 - votes | Find out the price | |
| #2 | Licota PAW-04048 | ⭐ 4.95 / 5 19 — votes | Find out the price | |
| #3 | Jonnesway Jai-1054 | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 11 — votes | Find out the price | |
| #4 | Aist 90141360 | ⭐ 4.85 / 5 6 — votes | Find out the price | |
| #5 | Fubag IW 720 (100192) | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 4 - votes | Find out the price | |
| #6 | Ombra OMP 11212 | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 7 — votes | Find out the price | |
| #7 | Fubag IW 900 (100195) | ⭐ 4.75 / 5 12 — votes | Find out the price | |
| #8 | Kraft KT-707003 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 4 - votes | Find out the price | |
| #9 | Fubag PW 158/312 (100109) | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 1 - voice | Find out the price | |
| #10 | Kraft KT-707001 | ⭐ 4.65 / 5 3 - votes | Find out the price |
Which air impact wrench did you choose?
Take the survey
No. 10 - Kraft KT-707001
Kraft KT-707001
This is a model of a pneumatic impact wrench, which is perfect for unscrewing or screwing any type of fastener using the pulse-impact method. The tool's jerks are powerful and smooth, and, as users note, there is no excessive vibration or excessive noise.
The case is made of impact-resistant and reliable materials. Moreover, in the manufacture they used those that made it possible to make a light, convenient and strong instrument.
The service life of a pistol impact wrench of this type is quite long, and you can work with the tool for a long time without much interruption. The working pressure with which the impact wrench is compatible is 6 atmospheres. The inside diameter of the hose is 10 mm. There is a torque adjustment function. This is an inexpensive product that is in demand among customers and deserves to be included in the ranking of the best. Ideal for use in a personal garage.
pros
- reliable tool
- low cost
- suitable for use in the garage
- smooth and powerful blow
- good build quality
Minuses
- there are none as such - a decent model for the money
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Kraft KT-707001
Kraft KT-707001
No. 9 - Fubag PW 158/312 (100109)
Fubag PW 158/312 (100109)
Not very powerful, but a good pneumatic-type impact wrench that is relatively inexpensive and thanks to this is in demand. The product is perfect for various plumbing and installation works, even very heavy and complex ones.
The device is suitable for use not only in personal garages, but also in auto repair shops where there are air lines or a compressor is installed.
Pistol type impact wrench. The pressure suitable for work is a little more than 6 atmospheres. Air consumption is moderate and amounts to just over 600 l/min. The main drawback is the lack of detailed instructions. It’s just that not everyone has experience working with a wrench and because of this they may encounter certain difficulties.
pros
- low cost
- suitable for use in the garage
- can be used in car repair shops
- copes with complex tasks
- good build quality
Minuses
- no detailed instructions
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Fubag PW 158/312 (100109)
Fubag PW 158/312 (100109)
No. 8 - Kraft KT-707003
Kraft KT-707003
This pneumatic impact wrench is suitable for performing various jobs where the impact-impulse method of unscrewing is simply necessary. The device makes almost no noise, there is no excessive vibration and other disadvantages of a similar nature.
“Craft” impact wrenches are reliable and durable, they are not afraid of long work - they are not afraid of overloads. Work can be carried out almost without stopping, which means this tool can be used in car repair shops, and not just in a personal garage.
Working pressure - 6 atmospheres. Air consumption is low and amounts to 200 l/min. But the power of the product is high. The comfortable rubberized handle allows you to hold the tool comfortably and confidently in your hands. Moreover, the mass of the product is small, and this is another +100 to comfort.
pros
- high power
- reliability
- low air flow
- can be used in car repair shops
- copes with complex tasks
- long service life
Minuses
- not detected
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Kraft KT-707003
Kraft KT-707003
No. 7 - Fubag IW 900 (100195)
Fubag IW 900 (100195)
This impact wrench is perfect for use not only in garages, but also in service stations. It is often purchased to perform certain actions, even in production workshops. All this suggests that the device is reliable and of high quality.
This is a pistol-type impact wrench with a working pressure of more than 6 atmospheres and an air flow rate of almost 250 l/minute. The torque is high, which means it allows you to work with loaded and complex connections. The package also includes 10 heads, thereby making the tool universal and easy to use.
pros
- high power
- can be used in car services and in production
- copes with complex tasks
- long service life
- 10 heads included
- versatility
Minuses
- sometimes it breaks almost immediately after purchase
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Fubag IW 900 (100195)
Fubag IW 900 (100195)
No. 6 – Ombra OMP 11212
Ombra OMP 11212
Not the most convenient, but reliable and productive impact wrench. It is often used for complex work with highly loaded types of connections. And all because the torque of the product is very high.
The device is very productive and can work for a long time without stopping. It does not emit unnecessary noise or vibration, but is quite heavy. This is its main disadvantage. But a wrench can unscrew almost anything. As users note, if you need “power in a compact”, then there is simply nothing to replace this model of impact wrench.
According to the manufacturer, the working pressure of this pistol impact wrench is 6.3 atmospheres. However, users noted that this characteristic is greatly underestimated - the device operates at 10 atmospheres. Air flow is 125 l/min. The torque can be adjusted.
pros
- high power
- reliable
- high performance
- copes with complex connections
- no unnecessary noise or vibration
Minuses
- heavy weight
- Difficulty working in hard-to-reach places
Reviews and prices for the Ombra OMP 11212 pneumatic impact wrench
No. 5 - Fubag IW 720 (100192)
Fubag IW 720 (100192)
This powerful and easy-to-use tool deserves high praise and a place among the TOP 10 best air impact wrenches. The pistol-type model with a working pressure of 6.3 atmospheres and an air mass flow of 226 l/min has practically no drawbacks, according to user reviews.
The impact wrench does an excellent job with almost any, even very tightly tightened nuts, thanks to the ability to adjust the torque. The main drawback is the rather large mass, which is why it is not very easy to operate this device. But the comfortable handle compensates for this disadvantage. There is also a reverse function, which allows you to both tighten and unscrew the fasteners without unnecessary steps.
pros
- high power
- moderate cost
- unscrews any nuts
- there is a reverse function
- torque adjustment
- reliable
- comfortable handle
Minuses
- heavy weight
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Fubag IW 720 (100192)
Fubag IW 720 (100192)
No. 4 - Aist 90141360
Aist 90141360
Lightweight, easy to use and not bulky, but at the same time a powerful pneumatic-type impact wrench. An excellent model for both the garage and car service.
As users note, the model has virtually no drawbacks. It is reliable, convenient, unscrews any nuts on passenger cars and does not lose power over time. The main thing is to properly care for the device.
The comfortable handle and pistol type ensure comfortable use and convenience. Hands almost never get tired during work, even for a long time. In short, an excellent option at an adequate price.
pros
- high power
- nice price
- unscrews any nuts
- durable
- very light and comfortable
- torque adjustment
- does not lose power over time
Minuses
- not detected
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Aist 90141360
Aist 90141360
No. 3 - Jonnesway Jai-1054
Jonnesway Jai-1054
Another model of a pneumatic impact wrench that not only deserves to be in the TOP 10, but must occupy one of the leading positions. This version of the tool is suitable for industrial use, it is so productive and efficient.
Compared to a number of other models, this one is convenient and easy to use, as it does not have a huge weight. All controls are extremely simple and convenient.
The working pressure is 6 atmospheres. Air consumption is only 119 l/min. Torque adjustment available.
As users note, the impact wrench is capable of unscrewing even something that should not be unscrewed at all. A very good option in its class and for its price.
pros
- high power
- low air consumption
- easy
- simple controls
- reliable
- nice price
Minuses
- no fitting included
Reviews and prices for pneumatic impact wrench Jonnesway Jai-1054
No. 2 – Licota PAW-04048
Licota PAW-04048
Very good impact wrench with Twin Hammer mechanism. It is reliable, high quality and produced by a well-known and well-established brand. The cylinder inside the structure is made of steel, whereas most impact wrenches of this type are made of aluminum. That is why the reliability and working life of this tool is higher than that of others.
The body of the impact wrench itself is made of aluminum and high-strength plastic. But thanks to this, the product is lightweight (only 2.2 kg), which simplifies working with it. Actually, ergonomics are also excellent - the load on the working hand is greatly reduced. Compact dimensions and high adjustable torque make this model powerful, convenient and efficient. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
pros
- high power
- one of the most comfortable models
- easy
- ergonomic body
- steel cylinder inside
- small sizes
- long service life
Minuses
- high price
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench Licota PAW-04048
Licota PAW-04048
No. 1 - AMT AIW 195180
AMT AIW 195180
Powerful, relatively lightweight and convenient - the main characteristics of this impact wrench that attract the buyer. The all-metal housing means the device is highly reliable and robust. It can be used even under difficult working conditions and for long periods of time.
The operating pressure of the device is 6.22 atmospheres. The air flow is large and equal to 600 l/min. There is a torque control function, and the maximum torque value is 1800 Nm. So, in terms of efficiency, the impact wrench can be compared even with hydraulic models.
The handle is very comfortable, the hand does not get tired of holding it. The grip on the hand or glove is good, as there are rubber pads on the surface of the handle. Plus, thanks to them, vibration is felt less.
pros
- comfortable handle
- high power
- one of the most comfortable models
- ergonomic body
- steel body
- Possibility to use in difficult conditions
- long service life
Minuses
- high price
Prices for pneumatic impact wrench AMT AIW 195180
AMT AIW 195180
Compressor efficiency
This parameter describes the performance of the device. What does it mean? This is the amount of air that is generated within a few minutes and that the compressor moves to the connected instruments. Knowing what the output efficiency of the compressor is will help you determine if a 50 liter compressor is enough.
How do you choose a compressor with an efficiency that provides the correct power to all devices in your workshop? Well, first of all, make sure what air flow is required for specific tools. For ease of use, see the table below.
| Compressor performance | Impact wrench air flow | Is it enough? |
| 150 l/min | 140 l/min | Yes |
| 150 l/min | 150 l/min | No |
| 640 l/min | 410 l/min | Yes |
| 335 l/min | 410 l/min | No |
As can be seen from the table above, you should not choose a compressor whose performance is equal in relation to the air tool’s need for air. It is better to choose a compressor with a performance reserve, since even in the future it is possible to connect additional air consumers. This will ensure uninterrupted operation of the pneumatic tool even during intensive work.
Classification of network devices
Modern impact wrenches can be of the following types.
- Impact (rotary-impact) or pulse
These devices are mainly used by professionals. In these instruments, the impact mechanism converts the rotation of the head into jerks.
- Rotational (unstressed)
This is the option that is most suitable for home use.
This device is cheaper compared to impact models. In addition, according to the method of movement, electric impact wrenches can be transported, portable, stationary and self-propelled.
Where to buy a impact wrench in Chelyabinsk?
When choosing a specific impact wrench, make sure that the impact wrench has a warranty and that you can find spare parts. Even if you buy a completely new device, you should always protect yourself from various situations. The market for impact wrenches is very large, prices start from 2500 rubles and above. Our specialists will be able to select the necessary model based on your needs, and will also warn you against buying cheap Chinese counterfeits.
Choose a wrench from AvtoNovator
which will give you:
- maintenance and repair of tools
- tool spare parts
- manufacturer's warranty up to 24 months
Which impact wrench should I choose for tire fitting?
The most important factors here are:
- maximum torque
- price-quality ratio
For example, the most optimal price-quality ratio today is the ROSSVIK RT-5268 impact wrench, but if you are looking more at the service life of the impact wrench, then feel free to choose impact wrenches from the HANS
, which will last at least 5 years.
In tire shops, where you loosen hundreds of nuts a day, pace of work is important. The higher, the greater the maximum torque of the impact wrench, the more efficient your work
.
