If you are thinking of buying a cordless impact wrench then you are probably doing some research before the purchase as some impact wrenches can be expensive. You want to know are they worth it?
My aim in this article is to give you a few pointers in getting the best quality power tool you can when you make that purchase. Today manufacturers are offering a bewildering array of features for new cordless impact wrenches, but are these features really necessary?
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Purchase Considerations
If you are buying cordless, then it is likely that mobility is a bigger factor in your purchase decision than raw power is. Corded tools are still more powerful whether they are powered by electric motor, hydraulic energy or compressed air. The biggest overall determinant of power for a cordless power tool generally is voltage rating. This rule is true for any electric impact wrench currently available. An 18 volt tool will generate more torque than a 12 volt for example, but power should not be your sole determining factor. Read manufacturers torque output ratings with skepticism. An honest user review of the particular model in use can provide better information in many cases. Compare that review with other reviews of different models by the same user.
An issue that relates closely to power is that of controllability. When you apply a fixing using a cordless impact wrench you will also often need to remove it the same way. If the model has no torque control then every fixing you apply will be as tight as can be and this can be a bad thing if the time comes that they have to be undone. It is far better to have a wrench that will apply a measured amount of torque to the nut and so avoid any danger of stripping the threads. If your chosen tool cannot moderate its power then there are adapters available that can do this for you, but they are an additional expense and this should be factored in when making a purchase.
If access to the work piece is an issue, like in some automotive applications for example, then an angle head impact wrench can be great. They can normally be used at a variety of angles and not just the usual 90 degrees, but check the models specification. Most angle head cordless impact wrenches have narrow heads that are designed for constricted access environments and this is why their power output is often lower than a more conventionally designed impact wrench.
If you are on a budget then buying a second hand or factory reconditioned unit can offer a great saving, but be careful. Make sure the power tool you choose comes with a reasonable length warranty and read the conditions. Some stores sell second hand tools that are great value and have been thoroughly reconditioned with quality parts, others do not. If you are in doubt then ask around and see if anyone you know has bought from them and were happy with what they received. Going to a physical store, rather than buying off the internet is key here. An internet bought product with a manufacturers guarantee is fine, but the same product second hand can be a nightmare if you have to pay to return it and then wait for it to come back again. Postal charges alone can exceed the purchase price of the tool if it has to be returned more than once.
Some manufacturers offer various proprietary technologies in order to make their product better than a competitor. It is impossible to details them all but generally a few things hold true. Moving surfaces in contact wear out – anything that reduces heat or friction in the impact wrench is a good thing. Also, consider a model with brushless motor technology. Similarly harder wearing parts are better than those that aren’t – if a manufacturer advertises better quality steel in a hammer and anvil assembly for instance, then it is most likely true as advertising standards agencies in most countries will not allow false claims. Air cooling systems are only minimally important as in fact almost all cordless impact wrenches are air cooled. Unless you are aiming to use the tool on almost continuous cycle this “feature” will play little role in determining the life of the power tool.
The two most important areas in cordless impact wrenches are the hammer/anvil/drive shaft and the motor. Batteries also play a role, but can be replaced easily and with little downtime. It is natural for heavily used batteries to wear out over time. Casings need to be reasonably durable and not obviously flimsy, but here the real factor is how much care you take with your purchase. No quality cordless impact wrench will stand up to being mistreated.
