Cordless Impact Wrench

What is a Cordless Impact Wrench?

Before we can understand what a cordless impact wrench is, or the benefits it can bring to the workplace, we must understand what a conventional impact wrench is and the types of jobs it is usually used for.

An impact wrench is type of power tool designed to supply high torque energy to a socket or other fitting.  The energy transferred is designed to occur with minimal exertion by the operator.  Impact wrenches work by storing energy in some form of rotating mass inside the tool housing and transferring this energy in a rapid manner to the work piece via an output shaft.

Impact wrenches are sometimes also known as an air wrench, air gun, torque gun, rattle gun, pulse tool or impactor.

How They Work

In use, the impact wrench stores energy in a rotating mass called a hammer.  The power to rotate this hammer is supplied by a motor and the energy contained in the hammer is then transferred to the output shaft which is known as the anvil.  The power transfer is very rapid and occurs over a very brief time frame, this means that only minimal torque is experienced by the operator.

Industrial Uses

Impact wrenches are widely employed in a large number of industries.  Examples include the automotive industry, aerospace, heavy equipment maintenance, major construction projects and product assembly – although here they are commonly known as “pulse tools”

Types of Impact Wrench

Compressed air is the most usual power source for impact wrenches, but this type of tool is not cordless and lacks versatility and mobility.  Compressed air tools also require lubrication which is supplied either by “oiled air” supplied direct by the compressor, or from an oil reservoir stored on the tool itself.

It is also possible to power impact wrenches with hydraulic power, but this is generally more expensive.

Cordless Impact Wrenches

Due to recent advances in battery and motor technology it has become possible to power impact wrenches with electric motors.  Modern, battery operated, cordless impact wrenches are becoming an increasingly common sight in the workplace.  Cordless impact wrenches give all the advantages of mobility without the necessity of a trailing cord or other limitation imposed by a corded tool.  They are ideal for light industrial applications, although many models lack the power to be of use in heavy industrial workplaces.

In situations where a very high toque force is required hydraulically powered impact wrenches are still king, but the day is coming when they will be replaced by the more mobile cordless impact wrench.