You have decided that an air impact wrench is just the tool you need to get the job done, but what impact wrench should I buy? How do I know I’m buying the right one for my needs? The following are some important factors to consider when choosing an impact wrench:
Size of Your Air Compressor
What size air compressor you have is the most important thing to consider when purchasing your new air impact wrench simple because it is the wrenches power source. You want to make sure that your air compressor is capable of producing enough power to operate your impact wrench.
To determine if your air compressor is the right size for the impact wrench you wish to purchase, you need to know how much air your impact wrench needs to operate. This is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). You will need a minimum pressure of 90psi. You want to make sure your air compressor is cable of producing air faster than the wrench will use. If the air compressor can’t supply enough air faster than the wrench will consume, you will lose torque.
Size of the Drive
A lot of people fall into the trap of thinking that bigger is better. This is not necessarily the case. Do you really need a 1″ wrench to loosen a 10mm bolt? Make note of the size of nuts and bolts that you frequently use. Look for impact sockets in that size and what size drives are available, so you can get the drive size that will work for the size sockets you’ll use.
How Much Power Do You Really Need?
It is a common mistake to under-estimate how much power you will really need. Remember that the max toque is always more than your actual working torque. Find out what the suggested torque rating is for the job you need the wrench for, then add in a buffer for the difference between the working torque and the max torque.
Design
A general rule is that the less parts the wrench has, the less vibration that is produced. Too much vibration can cause fatigue and make the tool uncomfortable to use for longer periods of time. You also want to consider the weight of the wrench. If you purchase one that is too heavy, it will cause fatigue, which will interfere with your productivity.
There are many impact wrench models on the market today from a variety of manufacturers. Take your time choosing the model that you need. Visit a few impact wrench reviews sites for real feedback from wrench users. Once you know what model you will need, you can then shop around to find that model at the best price.
