No. Regular sockets may shatter and break on an impact wrench due to less durable material and thinner walls. Impact sockets has thicker walls designed to be able to take the shatter.
An impact wrench is used for tightening and loosening medium to large lug nuts, bolts, screws, and fasteners.
The cordless power tool uses high rotational torque without needing much effort exerted by me or other builders and mechanics operating the tool.
The energy of an impact wrench is stored in a rotating mass and then released to the output shaft to deliver the high torque.
The most common source of the power of an impact wrench is compressed air [1], but battery-operated impact wrenches are also available now and becoming more and more popular due to portability on construction sites.
How to use an impact wrench? Let’s start.
Step 1. Choosing the right type of impact wrench
A pneumatic impact wrench uses the power of gas under pressure, or compressed air.
The tool is also lighter since the mainframe doesn’t pack a battery or internal motor.
A pneumatic air wrench is the most powerful type of impact wrench. However, the gear requires more maintenance and needs to be oiled, the air tank drained, moisture removed, etc.
An electrical impact wrench uses the power of electricity, instead of compressed air or pressurized gases.
An electrical impact wrench contains an internal motor for power. The weight of an electric impact wrench is much heavier because of the motor.
A cordless impact wrench uses the power of lithium batteries or a lithium battery, instead of compressed air or pressurized gas.
It is more convenient to carry around, but not as powerful as the pneumatic impact wrench.
Specialty impact sockets are stronger compared to standard sockets, used with impact power tools that apply more torque and require stronger bits.
Impact sockets like standard sockets have an enclosed head that grips the entire head but has an extra internal mechanism so that the fastener won’t slip off.
The secure construction means that parts won’t fly off during the use of an impact wrench.
Impact sockets are typically made with chrome-molybdenum steel, adding elasticity to the socket which can bend or stretch instead of shatter due to its ductility while minimizing deformation or damage.
Can you use regular sockets with an impact wrench? Regular hand tool sockets are typically made from chrome vanadium steel [2] which is structurally strong but more prone to breaking when exposed to shock and vibration due to brittleness.
Step 3. Choosing the right socket size
Choosing the right socket size is essential to the project that needs an impact wrench to be used.
The size of an impact wrench is the dimension of the drive anvil, the distance between the flat edges of the driving anvil.
Before operating an impact wrench, inspect the air-impact wrench for damage, need of repair, or missing parts, including assessing the condition of the air hose for pneumatic air impact wrenches and associated fittings.
Check the battery for any leaks and cords for any damages.
When operating an impact wrench, wear safety goggles, tie your hair back ladies and secure the end, don’t wear loose clothing, and wear hearing protection.
Step 5. Attaching the socket
Identify the socket you need for your project, depending on the size.
Match the nut measurement to the socket for compatibility.
Attach the socket to the handle by locating the socket’s hole, then placing the socket over the nut.
After attaching the socket, identify the correct direction for tightening and loosening.
Step 6. Impact wrench direction settings
For the impact wrench’s direction settings, place the rotation push button located above the trigger of the impact wrench in the correct direction.
For the Forward position, push the button forward. For the Reverse position, push the button back.
Step 7. Setting the torque, speed, or PSI
For setting the torque, speed, or PSI, check what kind of impact wrench you have to see if there are any adjustable controls.
If there are controls for torque, speed, or PSI, turn the ring to adjust the torque to the preset level you need on the numbered scale.
If there are no controls, either install an air pressure regulating valve between the air hose and the impact wrench or adjust the output with compressor valves.
The last two methods are only applicable to pneumatic models.
Step 8. Final checking before using
Analyze your work surroundings. Check if you are using the right socket size for your impact wrench and project.
Carry the impact wrench by the body and not by the air hose. Check if you are using the right amount of torque.
Always have a firm grip on your impact wrench to prevent slipping and injuries.
Dos and Don’ts for using an impact wrench
Do prepare beforehand by reading the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
Do wear safety equipment when operating an impact wrench.
Do use clean, dry air at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (about 90 psi) to power the air impact wrench.
Do use impact wrench sockets that are specifically designed for this type of tool.
Do disconnect the air hose before installing or adjusting impact wrench sockets or performing tool maintenance.
Do maintain your impact wrench tool.
Don’t keep using the tool when you feel pain and discomfort from use.
Don’t over-torque bolts and nuts with an air-impact wrench.
Don’t use the impact wrench for tasks inappropriate for an impact wrench.
Don’t leave your impact wrench exposed to weather elements like water and sunlight as extreme weather conditions can damage the internal components.
Using an impact wrench safely
When using an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts or bolts safely, always read through the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for operation.
When operating an impact wrench, wear safety gear and equipment such as safety goggles or glasses, hearing protection devices like ear muffs, and good-quality gloves.
Hold the impact wrench properly by the body. Be cautious of the output power of your impact wrench since too much power could snap smaller fasteners.
Time to have an impact wrench
An impact wrench is a convenient and powerful tool, useful for projects that need the delivery of high torque power output without the operator needing to put in much effort when working.
The tool is usually used for automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, major construction projects, and other D.I.Y projects that need the power for faster installation time for bolts and coach bolts.
More information:
How does an impact wrench work? a guide from, https://home.howstuffworks.com/impact-wrench.htm
What is the difference between impact sockets and regular sockets, published by https://www.pclairtechnology.com/blog/post/what-is-the-difference-between-impact-sockets-and-regular-sockets
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Hi, my name is David Walker, and thanks for reading this article!
As a leading mind in construction and engineering as a mechanic, and a car restoration enthusiast I share some of my tips here at Bangingtoolbox to help other DIYers to grow their practical abilities and skills in their garage or workshop.
If you have any questions about your car restoration projects or if you have any bright ideas or queries you can find out more here.
![Best impact socket sets [Including both 3/8 and 1/2 bits]](https://www.bangingtoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Best-impact-socket-set-review-300x180.jpg "Best impact socket sets [Including both 3/8 and 1/2 bits]")
