Before starting a project, choosing the right tools is necessary. Without the right tools, the project can’t run successfully. But in a market of lots of products, which one is the right choice? Don’t worry; we are here to help you. By their names, Impact drivers and wrenches seem to do the same job. But actually, they are very different from each other. So, the question is which one is better? Which one should you use for renovating my house? Which is suitable for factories? We have provided a detailed comparison between Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench.
Contents
Our Verdict
Owing to the differences in power and force, both tools are meant for different types of projects. The impact driver is for DIY enthusiasts and handymen. It is best to use it for loosening nuts and small drilling. Impact wrenches are bulkier. They are preferable for industrial use.
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench: Differences
1. Torque
The torque delivered by an Impact wrench is much more than that by impact drivers. Usually, this difference is in hundreds of in-lbs. Thus, Impact wrenches find uses in the automotive industry, carpentry, construction sites. Whereas Impact drivers are for household uses.
2. Main Work
Impact drivers drill screws into metals, sheets, etcetera. But Wrenches are mainly used to tighten or loosen sockets. Though Drivers can also fasten or loosen screws but have lower efficiency than wrenches.
3. Type Of Project
Impact drivers are for renovations, DIY projects, while wrenches are for bulky projects. This due to the difference in max torque of both tools.
4. Ease Of Use
Impact drivers, are easier to use, comfortable, and user-friendly. Wrenches are more massive and powerful.
5. Holder
Impact wrenches have 1/2” sq. drive. Drivers have 1/4” hexagonal collect.
Impact drivers, can be corded or cordless. That means it either runs on battery or electricity. Wrenches have four modes of power—corded, cordless, Pneumatic, or Hydraulic.
8. Cost
Impact wrenches are much more expensive than drivers.
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench: Comparison Chart
Specification
Impact Driver
Impact Wrench
Power source
Battery, electricity
Battery, electricity, Pneumatic, Hydraulic
Tool holder
¼” hexagonal
½” square
Torque
High
Very High
RPM
Very high
High
Uses
Fastening and loosening screws, boltsDrilling
Fastening and loosening big sockets, lug nuts
Type of projects
DIY, renovation
Automotive industries, construction
Cost
Budget-friendly
Expensive
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench: Similarities
Both tools use the same principle of rotational torque to work. Their functions are similar- using rotational blows and hammering. Both of them are used to fasten or loosen screws, nuts, and sockets. However, the size and power differ.
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench: Features
Features Of Impact Driver
A standard 1/4inch hex for drill bits. You can buy bits as you like.
Impact drivers have high speed. They have considerable RPM suitable for rigid materials. You may need a slower speed for softer materials.
Impact drivers are compact. Thus, they can fit into small spaces.
The average torque of an impact wrench is about 700 ft-lbs.
The amount of torque and power is very high.
It works smoothly on oversized sockets where an impact driver fails.
Impact Driver Vs Impact Wrench:What Do You Get In The Box?
Impact Driver- The accessories in the box are batteries, chargers, user manual, protective cases
Impact Wrench- The accessories in the box are batteries, chargers, user manual,s, and tool bags.
What Is An Impact Driver?
An Impact Driver is a powerful tool for fastening or loosening screws. It is also called an Impact drill. With an internal impact mechanism, it exerts high torque. The torque is usually in the axial direction. The tool is useful for both professionals and DIYers. It can be used in factories and at homes. The main work is to fasten the screws. If operated in the reverse direction, it loosens the screw.
Moreover, it is also used for drilling. It looks like a cordless drill. The strong, repeated, and rotating hammering impact smoothly cuts into the surface. A cordless drill has the same functions. The difference lies in power and efficiency. An impact driver is much more potent than a drill. This is due to the high rotational torque. Working with a drill gives fatigue and stress. Impact drivers are very efficient and don’t cause any fatigue or stress to the worker.
Impact drivers are tough and can drill into metal and wood. Typically torque ranges between 1500-1800 inch.lb. Impact drivers have an added safety feature. While using it, the user won’t face wrist twists or reactionary torque.
Uses
The typical use is driving screws into tough surfaces. Due to high torque, they can easily penetrate studs and metal sheets. Thus, they have high efficiency and need less power. They are more efficient than drills.
You can also drill 1/4inched holes with a hexagonal shank. Drilling holes with impact drivers is easy. But if you are drilling on softer materials, you need to be careful.
Things We Like
Impact drivers are mighty and have high speed (RPM)
Multi-purpose in nature. Suitable for DIY and also factories.
Impact drivers are flexible. You can change bits according to your needs.
Impact drivers give minimal kickbacks despite high RPM.
Impact drivers are affordable in price.
Impact drivers are lighter in weight than regular cordless drills.
Things We Don't Like
Impact drivers produce a lot of noise. Wearing ear protection is essential.
Absence of a clutch. Controlling speed is an important task, especially for softer materials. Otherwise, you may drill too far.
Bits from regular drill can’t be used in impact drivers. You have to buy drill bits separately.
Best Impact Drivers
1. DeWalt DCF887D2 20V Max Brushless
This DeWalt impact driver is highly recommended. It has a high rating with a torque of 2000in.lb. It is light in weight. The LED lighting helps in more precision and accuracy in work, even in the dark. You get three-speed settings. The first one is the Precision drive. The precision drive helps in steady and accurate operation. It is cordless and runs on batteries. You get two batteries in the box with change indicators on them. Overall, it is decent and best in price pick.
One of the best tools in the market. It is cordless and has powerful, long-lasting batteries. They get charged very quickly and last long. It can provide a maximum torque of 2200 in-lbs. With a sleek body, it is user-friendly and comfortable. See other Milwaukee tools that are useful.
What Is An Impact Wrench?
Similar to Impact drivers, an impact wrench is a power tool with high torque. They have a square drive and provide massive rotational force. Their work is to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts. They are smaller in size but more powerful in the force. Its impact mechanism works on the shaft and delivers high torque. The power delivered is mostly more significant than what you need at home. Thus, they are not very much used at the household level. They find the most use in car garages and construction sites. Impact wrenches cost more than an impact driver. But, in regular use, it pays off real quick. This is one of the best impact wrench.
Uses Of An Impact Wrench
The wrenches are specially designed to provide high force and torque. The main work is to fasten or loosen sockets, unlike Impact drivers who work on screws. High power associates them with work in garages, automotive industry, etcetera. It can work on oversized and tight sockets, bolts very well.
Things We Like
Very high force, which loosens even the toughest bolts and nuts.
The design doesn’t give strain to the wrist of the user.
There are four different types available in the market. You can choose the one suitable for the job.
It has everything you need. With BI Brushless motor, it delivers a max torque of 210 lbs. You can control the speed with the 3-speed power selection switch. With the Auto-stop Reverse rotation system, it stops when adequate loosening is done. It comes with a 2.0Ah 18V li-ion battery, fast charger, and a tool bag.
Superior performance: Delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque, up to 1,100 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque...
POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Outpowers competitors yet runs cooler with no wearable components
REDLINK PLUS Intelligence: allows the operator to choose between 2 fastening modes with Milwaukee’s proprietary DRIVE...
The mighty beast delivers torque up to 700 ft-lbs. The nut-busting torque is around 1100 ft-lbs. With the Redlink Plus Intelligence, you can choose the fastening mode you want. It is very quick and has excellent control. It has high ratings and is the best for price.
FAQs
1. Can I use usual bits in an Impact Driver?
No. You can’t use regular bits in an Impact driver. You need special bits to be used by the impact driver.
2. Is there a clutch in Impact drivers?
No. Impact drivers do not have a clutch. Thus, you should be careful while drilling. Otherwise, you might drill too far.
3. Can I adjust the speed of an Impact Driver?
Yes. Most models have a variable speed system. You can adjust to the speed fir for your work needs.
4. Can an Impact wrench remove Lugnuts?
Yes. An impact wrench can remove lug nuts.
Final Thought
Now you know about both the tools, similarities, and differences. Both have their pros and cons. You also know when to use which tool and even some of the best products in the market.
To conclude in a line, an impact wrench is much more potent than an impact driver. This has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are a DIY enthusiast or an amateur or your project is a small renovation, go for the Impact driver. If you are a professional with heavy work needs in the automotive industry, construction sites, go for Impact wrench.
You should consider the job needs, the features of the tool, and then make a choice. All the best!
It has everything you need. With BI Brushless motor, it delivers a max torque of 210 lbs. You can control the speed with the 3-speed power selection switch. With the Auto-stop Reverse rotation system, it stops when adequate loosening is done. It comes with a 2.0Ah 18V li-ion battery, fast charger, and a tool bag.
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