With similar names and appearances, it is easy to confuse the impact wrench with the impact driver. In truth, this is a common mistake to make. However, these tools have different functions, so you must find the correct one for your project.
Impact wrenches, also known as impact guns, are ideal for loosening nuts and bolts, especially in professional settings. In contrast, you often use impact drivers for smaller DIY projects which we will discuss further in this article.
If you’re wondering if you need an impact wrench vs an impact driver, we break down the clear differences so you can find the right one for you.
The Key Differences Between Impact Drivers and Impact Wrenches
1. Speed
The first thing to research when looking at a wrench vs a driver is each tool’s speed.
These tools have different speeds from each other, but the rate also differs when comparing the variety of impact drivers or wrenches. An impact wrench is less than 2000 RPM, whereas a mid-torque pneumatic impact wrench can rotate at 8000 RPM or more. The impact driver is between the two at speeds up to 3600 RPM.
Usually, an impact driver is faster than an impact wrench.
Air impact wrenches are best suited to professional locations such as garages, whereas those for the home environment are significantly slower than their pneumatic counterparts.
2. Power Source
Currently, cordless impact drivers are popular for construction sites, with 18V and 20V wrenches being particularly common. For example, the Ingersoll Rand ¼” Cordless Impact Driver is a 20V tool with a speed of 2800 RPM. Despite this, you can still find corded equivalents.
You can also find corded and cordless impact wrenches. Mechanics use pneumatic impact wrenches, which produce the sound typically associated with their environments, such as the race track. On the other hand, other trades use cordless wrenches for their tasks.
Despite this, automotive shops are using battery-operated tools more often.
3. Output Force
The impact wrench has a lower RPM but also gives more torque. In contrast, the impact driver provides less torque but higher RPM.
Specifically, an impact wrench can provide more than seven times the power of an impact driver. However, this amount of power from the wrench can cause varying damage when used at home, such as overtightening short screws.
4. Uses
While adapters are available to alter the use of these tools, it is recommended to do this only sometimes. Using too little power can lead to the task being incomplete or motor damage. Too much power can damage the bit or fastener.
Impact drivers are designed for screw-driving purposes and whilst there are combined drill and driver products on the market, these often are not reliable enough to drive fasteners through hard materials.
On the other hand, impact wrenches are ideal for loosening and tightening hex head fasteners, such as heavy bolts, timber screws, and lug nuts. In this instance, you use a socket.
5. Drive Type
Whilst sometimes confused with each other, the end of both tools is different. The impact wrench uses differently-sized square drives, with the ½” square drive being a common type. They are stronger when connecting to sockets in comparison to regular sockets.
If you are looking at an impact driver, it typically comes with a hex collet-chuck chuck. This piece enables the bits to be fastened - be aware, you cannot use standard drill bits for your impact driver.
6. Comfort
When using tools, you need to consider comfort. To do this, think about the weight of the tools you want to use so you can respond accordingly.
An impact driver is heavier than an impact wrench, which means they can become uncomfortable and tiring to hold and use after long periods. Whilst less powerful, the impact wrench is lighter and produces less pressure, making it a more comfortable tool.
When using impact drivers, consider ear protection as another comfort method.
7. User Experience
You must know where to use these tools to choose the best for your circumstances. Using the wrong tool can damage the fasteners.
Impact wrenches are ideal for professional environments but are overly powerful for most homes. Wrenches with less power are better suited for most households as they are less likely to break the screw. Though there are precautions you can take for impact wrenches, they can be unreliable and expensive.
Instead, you can use impact drivers for various DIY projects and tasks at home. They are versatile and easier to use, offering more control and precision for tasks such as driving screws into wood or metal.
Combi drills can also drill into materials such as hardwood, however, it's important to note that while they can drill, they are not a replacement for a dedicated drill in many applications.
8. Size
The impact driver is the better option if you want a smaller tool. It is usually lighter than cordless impact wrenches, though their pneumatic counterparts are lighter. For driving smaller screws, you may find the best-sized impact driver has a 1/4” hex drive.
Usually, impact wrench drives are 3/8” or larger, though you can find a 1/4” impact wrench. 1/2” drives, such as with the 1/2” impact wrench, are common with bulkier versions. 3/4” and 1” options are better for industrial settings than home use.
9. Price
Though the exact numbers vary, impact wrenches are usually more expensive than drivers. For example, the cost of a budget impact wrench can be similar to that of a premium driver, though this depends on many factors.
10. Torque
Both tools offer large amounts of torque to help with your task. Impact drivers usually measure torque in inch-pounds (in lbs), whereas impact wrenches use foot-pounds (ft-lbs). You can convert ft-lbs into in-lbs and vice versa as required.
Impact driver torque is usually lower than that of an impact wrench, though 18V and 20V drivers can still reach 167 ft-lbs torque. Impact wrenches, however, can reach more than 1000 ft-lbs, though most users only require 200 ft-lbs.
One of the main takeaways from our comparison here is the clear differences in using the tools in question. If you have any queries about which products suit your needs, contact us at Heamar for the right tools for your project.
