Impact Wrench vs Impact Driver - What's The Difference?
There are some tools that share so many similarities, that it’s difficult to know the exact purpose of them. Two of these tools that people sometimes refer to interchangeably are impact drivers and impact wrenches. However, while these tools are both great to have in your toolbox, they do not perform the same functions, despite their similarity in name.
What is an impact driver?
Impact drivers are a type of drill driver that features a 1/4” hex bit holder that grips small screwdriver bits. They are designed with hi-torque and high impact levels for fastening and breakaway impact. In essence, you will be able to quickly fasten long screws into even the toughest of materials.
What is an impact wrench?
Impact wrenches are designed to tighten and loosen bolts, nuts, and fasteners. They produce a high torque output without much push from the user, that a regular drill is not capable of delivering.
Impact wrenches are most popularly used in the automotive and construction industries, but can also be used in other applications where needed.
Should I use an impact wrench or impact driver?
Generally, you are able to look at the drive style of both to decide which is needed in which application. Impact drivers are screw driving tools and can be used to drill holes if you use bits that are compatible. While impact wrenches have a square drive, hence screws typically wouldn’t fit onto this tool.
Drives, collects, and chucks
Impact drivers all have a ¼ inch hex collect, regardless of the size, voltage, and performance level of your driver. Impact wrenches will most likely have a ¼, ⅜, or ½ inch square drive. However, more industrial tools will come in ¾ or 1-inch drives.
It is important to note that those measurements measure the distance from side to side as opposed to front to back. Wrenches will come with either a friction ring or a pin detent. Friction rings are easy to remove, while the pin detent tends to be a bit more secure. The one you choose to work with will depend on your personal level of comfort.
Can drivers and wrenches be used interchangeably?
While there are socket adapters or nut driver bits available to make your impact drivers adaptable, as well as hex head fasteners and ¼ inch driver bits for your impact wrench, it is not always recommended that you do so.
The torque, impact, and speed of each of these power tools are designed to deliver the right amount of power to get the job done. By adding adapters to either in an effort to use them interchangeably, you could end up with more problems on your hands.
In short, impact drivers and impact wrenches perform different tasks and are used in different situations. If you are into DIY projects, it could be useful to have both tools on hand in the event that either is needed.