Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench

[pdxgearhead]

Hi GJ,
I'm shopping for a 3/8" size impact driver or wrench. I'm looking at Makita or any brand you recommend. This tool would be used for automotive primarily, but home project use wouldn't hurt. I noticed that the impact drivers put out about the same torque as impact wrenches. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two? Does the impact driver have enough power to loosen small nuts?

 

[SASORacing]

If you get a impact gun with a 3/8 anvil then an assortment of 3/8 bit sockets with will come in handy.

 

[Voi]

I noticed that the impact drivers put out about the same torque as impact wrenches.

To use the driver as a wrench you'll have to use an adapter which makes the driver harder to fit into tight areas and, according to some, leads to torque loss. Plus some say wrenches are better at loosening than drivers, assuming torque values are similar.

Since this is for automotive get a 3/8" wrench and pick up an adapter that will allow you to run 1/4" hex bits for those times you need a driver.

What brand/model you go with depends on whether you favor compactness and light weight or raw power.

 

[Super Sport]

Impact drivers are often rated in in. lbs of torque, whereas impact wrenches are in ft. lbs. Usually an impact wrench is far more powerful than a driver.

 

[Kirbot]

I don't know if it's just plain over rater, or if the socket adapter makes that big a difference, but my Ridgid 12v impact driver is nowhere NEAR the 1100 inch pounds (91lbs) it's rated.

On the other hand, my M18 3/8" impact is every bit of the 200lbs it's rated.


IMO, once your invested in the batteries, it doesn't cost that much more to just get both tools. A non fuel M18 impact driver (no battery) is $80 shipped from Northern if you use one of their coupons.

 

[SASORacing]

A Mil 3/8 fuel m12 is a perfect balance of power, and is very compact. If you are planning on buying a impact gun and using it primarily on SCREWS get the impact driver with a hex head. The 3/8 fuel m12 will be more expensive, but its able to handle a wider array of tough bolts, some even use it on lugnuts! The hex driver wouldnt. I like the 3/8 gun, its one less attachment. I had a hex gun for a while, but i gave it away and got a 3/8 gun. I like not needing to use the adaptor when I want to use sockets.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Impact Driver- Impacts push the bit into the screw or bolt

Impact Wrench- Impacts push the anvil to the side, and thus twist the bolt off or on.

Impact wrenches are what should be used for automotive work. Impact drivers are for driving bolts/screws through wood and such.

 

[er3456df]

Impact Driver- Impacts push the bit into the screw or bolt

Impact Wrench- Impacts push the anvil to the side, and thus twist the bolt off or on.

I don't think this is true. A hammer drill will impact forward, but impact drivers and wrenches are both impacting in a rotating motion.

I really just think it's the shape of the business end, and the power/weight being tuned for each specific use. No functional difference. Same reason the 3/8" impact is not as strong, heavy, or expensive as the 1/2" impact- because it doesn't need to be.

 

[Plutal]

An impact wrench typically has a larger anvil leading to more force. The tradeoff is extra size and weight aren't necessary to drive screws. In both, there is a spring which forces the spinning anvil forward after each hit. This can help push the driver bit forward into the screw to prevent stripping. I do find this effect is less noticeable on impact wrench when using an adapter, probably from energy loss. There is also torque loss from the adapter and an annoying amount of play when preparing to drive the screw in.

 

[RedRabbit]

I would buy a makita impact driver for home use and non auto need. And a IR wrench for cars.

 

[SASORacing]

i think the 3/8 fuel m12 vs the hex fuel m12 has a 200 in pound difference. The engine is the same, but the 3/8 anvil is just more heavy duty.

 

[jd_1138]

I don't know if it's just plain over rater, or if the socket adapter makes that big a difference, but my Ridgid 12v impact driver is nowhere NEAR the 1100 inch pounds (91lbs) it's rated.

On the other hand, my M18 3/8" impact is every bit of the 200lbs it's rated.


IMO, once your invested in the batteries, it doesn't cost that much more to just get both tools. A non fuel M18 impact driver (no battery) is $80 shipped from Northern if you use one of their coupons.

Heck, my Ryobi 18V puts out 1600 inch pounds. Not sure a 12V tool is worth the bother, unless you're constantly using it to where the lighter weight would be nice.

 

[pdxgearhead]

Ok sounds like an impact wrench is the ticket.

 

[jzmtl]

You could go with Bosch IDH182 since it can take both 1/2" socket and 1/4" hex. It's rated 137lb if I recall, mine will remove lugs torqued to 100 ft.lb if you give it a few seconds

I don't think this is true. A hammer drill will impact forward, but impact drivers and wrenches are both impacting in a rotating motion.

I really just think it's the shape of the business end, and the power/weight being tuned for each specific use. No functional difference. Same reason the 3/8" impact is not as strong, heavy, or expensive as the 1/2" impact- because it doesn't need to be.

Impact driver does have forward component, it keeps the driver bit engaged to screw, take a look here:

A hammer drill doesn't actually impact, the other end of chuck shaft just rubs on a ribbed plate, it's more like a ********. A rotary hammer does have a dedicated piston for impacting though.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have a 12v dewalt li-ion impact gun. It's great! It works very well in auto duty anywhere you would use a 1/4 or 3/8 socket and it will fit. Will it take off lug nuts,no. But it does just fine for lots of work. Dash work with a long bit it's great. Screw heads are less likely to get buggered as well as there is no cam out forces. It you have no finesse then they are not for you.

 

[Voi]

A Mil 3/8 fuel m12 is a perfect balance of power, and is very compact.

The M18 3/8" Fuel is 1/2" shorter and has 70% more torque than the M12, at least according to published specifications.

I can't find the listed weight but to me the M18 is the one I'd look towards if I wanted the perfect balance of power and compactness.

If all day use is a concern then I'm sure the M12 is quite a bit lighter.