impact driver vs impact wrench

Mistakes or confusion between an impact wrench and an impact driver are common when purchasing impact tools. Although similar, these two impact tools have different use cases and purposes.

With adequate knowledge of their differences, you may purchase the right option. If you want to understand these impact tools, you have come to the right place.

In this article, BISON has provided a detailed analysis of both the impact wrench and impact driver. Read the information to make the right purchase decision.

Impact driver vs impact wrench: quick answer

Each device will produce different results depending on the type of work you do. A simple DIY job, drilling and screwing in fasteners is all an impact driver can do. An impact wrench is a better choice if you are a frequent worker with bolts and need to tighten them quickly. It also has high strength, so stubborn or rusty bolts are not a problem. They can be used equally if there is budget space. However, the impact driver is more versatile than the impact wrench.

Impact wrench overview

impact wrench is a modified version of a handheld ratchet that can be inserted into a socket to loosen bolts or tighten nuts. It produces significantly more torque for a fraction of the effort than a standard ratchet.

They are basically involved in any activity requiring many nuts to loosen and tighten. The motor will drive the rotating mass, which collects the energy. That's how they work. An anvil, a massive connecting rod, can provide the required torque. The output shaft provides torque. These tools are so light that they do not produce much torque. The hammer mechanism provides the impact force. It only works when it needs to. An impact wrench can efficiently operate when a fastener needs a bit of torque. This makes it a more enjoyable user experience.

Benefits of impact wrenches

• Suitable for removing stubborn bolts and nuts.

• Exerts twice the amount of torque.

• Temporary delivery of nut-busting torque

• Offers a choice of power source.

• Suitable for heavy-duty applications.

• Four types are available.

• It can work in seconds.

Disadvantages of impact wrenches

• Not suitable for a narrow range of tasks.

• Expensive from the impact driver

• Significant arm fatigue after prolonged use

• High torque can strip threads or break bolts if the user is not careful.

• It needs to be more beginner-friendly.

• Loud noises.

Impact driver overview

An impact driver is a power tool that provides intermittent bursts of rotational force. Using a complex internal mechanism, it uses a hammer to apply force in the axial direction. The drill bit attached to the hammer rotates when the impact driver's hammer repeatedly strikes its outer sleeves.

An impact driver can drive a hole or screw into a desired object. Impact drivers produce almost twice as much torque as cordless drills due to their internal mechanism. An impact driver can drill holes in more robust materials than any powerful drill. You must be careful not to overtighten fasteners or screws with an impact driver.

Benefits of impact drivers

• Compact, lightweight, portable

• Quite affordable

• A little fatigue while using

• Bits can be changed easily

• Drives fasteners and screws very quickly.

• No rational torque.

Disadvantages of impact drivers

• Impact-specific bits are required.

• This can over-tighten screws if care is not taken.

• High noise level

• No built-in clutch.

Impact wrench vs impact driver: An in-depth comparison

To understand which of the power tools is better for your needs, we recommend reading the in-depth analysis of the factors mentioned below. You can decide on the tools and choose the right one based on what you are looking for.

Torque

An impact wrench is the best tool in terms of torque. Both devices have exceptional torque and have unique uses.

Impact wrenches have more torque, but there are also impact drivers with 18V and 20V power. This impact driver can generate 167 ft. lbs. That's a significant increase in torque over the base starting at 100 ft-lbs.

Impact wrenches, on the other hand, can reach over 1,000 ft-lbs. In some cases, impact wrenches can produce more torque than this. For the average user or garage shop, however, 200 ft-lbs is more than enough to do the job.

Speed

RPM refers to how fast the bit spins. Impact wrenches are slower than impact drivers, focusing on speed more than power. A high-end impact driver can reach up to 3,600 RPM speeds, while an impact wrench can go as low as 2,000 RPM.

Pneumatic impact wrenches are used in garages and shops, but their RPM is much higher than the impact driver. This type of impact wrench can have an RPM of up to 8,000.

Size and weight

The impact driver and wrench size will vary by model and manufacturer. Impact drivers are lighter in weight than cordless impact wrenches.

The power output of an impact wrench increases, which can make the tool heavier and larger. The pneumatic impact wrench is an exception. Due to its simplicity and lack of a motor, the effect can be lighter than the driver.

Cost

Impact wrenches are more expensive than impact drivers. These impact drivers are compact and do not have an internal clutch. 

Drive Type

The output end of each tool is where you can see the most notable differences between these two impact tools. A typical impact driver comes with a hex collet chuck to allow bits for fastening or drilling. Removing the chuck from the driver and assigning the correct bit to your operational needs is essential. It is not possible to use standard drill bits with an impact driver. Therefore, you will need to purchase special bits for this purpose.

Impact wrenches can be equipped using a variety of square drive sizes, and a popular option is the 1/2-inch square drive. For connecting to sockets, impact wrenches are more robust than regular sockets. They can withstand high torque.

Tools holder

Another critical difference is the way these options adjust tools. A 1/2-inch square drive is standard for an impact wrench, although you can also get 1/4-inch square drives for small assembly jobs and three 1/2-inch square drives for larger projects.

Impact drivers usually come with a 1/4-inch hexagonal socket. The impact driver is a versatile tool. Any screwdriver or drill bit you like can be used. If you're like us, chances are you already have plenty of drill bits with circular shanks. You may be hesitant to purchase more drill bits for your impact driver. You can save money by purchasing a drill chuck to turn your impact driver into a powerful drill.

Power

An attached battery or an electrical outlet can power the impact driver. Both are pretty good, but the cordless option is preferred. The most commonly used voltages for impact driver are 12V, 18V and 20V. 

Many types of impact wrenches can create torque from different power sources. The pneumatic, or air-powered, version is probably the most popular. These impact wrenches can be used in the car garage to remove and tighten lug nuts quickly.

Applications for impact drivers and impact wrenches

Both the impact driver and impact wrench are extremely powerful and fast, more than the average user might need. Their performance and flexibility in application are where they differ the most.

Impact drivers can be used for various purposes around the home, including DIY projects, renovations and simple carpentry. An impact driver is the perfect tool to build a deck around the sides of your house. They are easier to use and more versatile than impact wrenches.

These impact wrenches are almost too powerful for most households. When using an impact wrench to secure a screw, it's easy for you to loosen and potentially break it. Impact wrench provides a high torque output for loosening large fasteners, such as removing lug nuts from tires, and tightening large bolts like engine manifolds or suspension assemblies.

Impact wrench vs impact driver - which to choose?

An impact driver and an impact wrench aren't the same tools. Both are designed to produce high torque output but are suited to different applications. The impact driver is almost like a cordless drill/driver. An impact driver can drive long screws and carriage bolts with high torque. 

Impact drivers offer less torque than impact wrenches. However, this torque comes at a price. Impact wrench use is limited to removing and installing heavy-duty bolts and nuts. Impact wrenches are very powerful for driving screws or drilling small holes. Impact wrenches are used for various tasks, including removing lug nuts from automobiles and dropping heavy industrial equipment onto floors.

Empower your customer base with our high-quality impact tools

As a potential reseller, understanding your customer's needs is paramount. Here's how our impact tools can cater to their requirements:

• Work type specific: We offer a diverse range of tools designed for various tasks, from construction to automotive repair. Reselling our products means you'll always have the right tool for your customers' projects.

• Optimal size & weight: Our impact tools are engineered to balance power and usability perfectly. Regardless of the size and weight preference of your customers, we have a product that fits.

• Budget-friendly options: We provide high-end features at cost-effective prices, making our products an excellent choice for customers with budget constraints.

By becoming a reseller of our impact tools, you can provide your customers with quality, versatility, and affordability, enhancing their productivity and satisfaction. Take action! Join our reseller program today and start offering your customers the best impact tools.