What is a cordless impact wrench?
A cordless impact wrench is usually a battery-powered tool designed to tighten a nut or other fastener, although other varieties exist. An impact wrench works by using a motor to rotate a mass inside the tool called a hammer. The hammer stores energy that is quickly transferred to the drive shaft of the tool, called the anvil. The energy transfer happens very fast and is deliberately intermittent. Peak torque can be very high, but because this transfer process only occurs for a short period of time, very little energy is returned to the tool operator.
What designs are available?
The typical design of a light industrial cordless impact wrench is very similar to that used in automotive designs. That is, it is a small torque pistol style product. The difference between a battery-powered tool and one that is powered by compressed air comes from the fact that power comes from a battery inserted into the base of the handle, rather than a compressed air line.
These pistol-style impact wrenches are the most powerful cordless designs available, but for jobs where access is limited, they can be too bulky to use, requiring another format.
Angle Head Cordless Impact Wrenches are used where there is a desire for mobility and increased flexibility of use. A typical tool in this class may offer multiple head positions, not just 90 degrees, so it can be used in a variety of positions as the work environment demands.
What are the advantages of a cordless impact wrench?
Cordless power tools are generally less powerful than their corded cousins, there’s no denying it, but the gain in flexibility of use is great. If you are going to be working some distance from a power source, a cordless tool is a big help, as all you need are a few batteries and the job can continue with minimal interruption.
Cordless impact wrenches are also safer on the job site, leaving no dangling cords to trip over.
Angle head tools are designed for ease of use in tight work environments and usually come with their own LED lights as natural light is often restricted in these tight environments. While these tools lack the power of more conventional pistol grip designs, they do have exceptional reach due to their elongated design and narrow heads. They can be great additions to an auto shop for this reason alone.
While cordless impact wrenches will never replace the heavier industrial units in terms of power, they certainly offer greater working flexibility. Surely any workplace that values workforce safety should consider replacing old corded tools with a safer alternative that is a cordless impact wrench.
