How Does an Impact Wrench Work?

Power

An impact wrench is a tool used by mechanics to remove lug nuts and other bolted on parts of a car. The impact wrench is ideal for mechanics because it has a high output of power and torque and requires little manual turning on the mechanic's part. The wrench is called an impact wrench because it operates by a spinning motor that delivers a shock of power to the lug nut. This shock loosens and turns the nut very quickly.

Design

An impact wrench has a housing that is in the shape of gun, a bit that usually contains a nut driver attachment, handle and air cord. The air cord delivers compressed air through a chamber inside the wrench. This compressed air contacts a motor that is shaped like a turbine and when air is force through it, as in any turbine, it spins. The trigger mechanism is what engages the power and allows the air to contact the motor. Other impact wrenches can work on pumped hydraulic fluid or electricity. Both will turn a motor in the same way.

Function

The function of the wrench is to easily deliver a high torque driver with very little power consumption. The acceleration of the wrench because of the turbine shaped motor and instant contact with the compressed air gives the wrench an advantage. It can apply a lot of force to a small lug nut, in a very short period of time, removing it with ease. Also, the compressed air is supplied by a tank and this can be hooked up to several impact wrenches at once in some cases.

Resources

• About impact wrenches
• Impact wrenches and supplies