When it comes time to do some severe wrenching, you have a couple of options: cordless or air impact wrench. Both impact wrenches have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs.
In this blog post, we will compare cordless vs air impact wrench in terms of power, portability, convenience, price and grip type. We’ll help you to decide which impact wrench is best for you!
Cordless vs Air (Pneumatic) Impact Wrench – Comparison
Purpose:
Cordless and air impact wrenches are two types of power wrenches that are used to loosen or tighten bolts and nuts. The air impact wrench is powered by compressed air. But the cordless Impact Wrench is battery-powered, so it does not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
These tools provide a high level of torque or twisting force so that bolts and nuts can be tightened or loosened more easily. Cordless and Air Impact Wrenches are available in various sizes and power levels so that they can be used for multiple applications.
Regardless of their size or power level, all cordless and air impact wrenches provide the same essential function: they make it easier to loosen or tighten bolts and nuts.
Power Supply:
The power of a cordless impact wrench is measured in volts (V). So, the higher voltage impact wrenches are more powerful than, the lower voltage. For example, an 18-volt cordless impact wrench will have more power than a 12-volt cordless impact wrench.
However, an air impact wrench is powered by an air compressor, so cordless impact wrenches are not as powerful as air impact wrenches.
Portability:
Cordless impact wrenches are more portable than air impact wrenches because they do not require an air compressor, making them suitable for use in tight spaces, and you can take them outside quickly.
On the other hand, air (pneumatic) impact wrenches are less portable because they require an air compressor.
Convenience:
Cordless impact wrenches are more convenient than air impact wrenches because they do not require an air compressor. This means you can use them anywhere without worrying about finding an outlet or lugging around a heavy air compressor.
Air impact wrenches are less convenient because they require an air compressor. However, they offer the advantage of working in any climate – cordless impact wrenches may have trouble working in cold temperatures.
Maintenance:
Cordless impact wrenches require less maintenance, but your lithium-ion battery can be ruined after 3 to 5 years, which is more expensive.
Air impact wrenches have to need more maintenance than cordless impact wrenches. Short maintenance list of air impact wrench-
- Sometimes need to be oiling
- Compressor air draining
- Check the air compressor tank holds air properly
Price:
Cordless impact wrenches tend to be more expensive than air impact wrenches. This is because cordless tools generally cost more than their corded counterparts. However, cordless impact wrenches are becoming more affordable as technology improves.
Air impact wrenches are less expensive than cordless, but they require an air compressor, which may cost more in the long run.
So, which is better – cordless or air impact wrench? The answer depends on your needs.
Trigger & Grip Type:
Cordless impact wrenches have two types of triggers: trigger-activated and constant-on. Trigger-activated cordless impact wrenches will only start spinning when the trigger is pulled, which is convenient because it allows you to control the torque applied to the bolt or nut.
Constant-on cordless impact wrenches will start spinning as soon as they are turned on and will continue spinning until they are turned off. So, it will be convenient if you need to apply a lot of torque quickly.
Impact wrenches have two types of grips: pistol grip trigger and inline grip trigger. It is helpful because it allows you to control wrench power. The pistol grip is the most common and popular because it offers excellent comfort while holding the wrench. You also feel less fatigue on your hand while working for long hours.
Inline grip impact wrenches are long and slim that is also compact. So it is ideal for working in a tight and compact space where you feel uncomfortable with a pistol grip wrench. But nowadays, many compact pistol grip wrenches are available on the market.
Cordless vs Air (Pneumatic) Impact Wrench – Comparison Table
| Cordless impact wrench | Air impact wrench | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Battery powered | Air compressor |
| Accuracy | Less accurate | More accurate |
| Weight | Lightweight | Bulkier |
| Noise Create | Less noise | More noise |
What is an Air (Pneumatic) Impact Wrench?
An air (pneumatic) impact wrench is a handy tool that uses compressed air to drive nails or screws into wood or other materials. It is also known as an air (pneumatic) gun or nailer. An air impact wrench is a versatile tool that can be used for various applications, such as driving nails into walls, screwing screws into wood, or loosening bolts.
The compressed air provides the power to drive the nails or screws into the material, and the impact wrench makes it easy to achieve the correct amount of pressure. The air impact wrench is available in a variety of sizes and styles, making it a versatile tool for any job.
Advantages of Air Impact Wrenches:
- Versatile – can be used for a variety of applications
- Easy to achieve the correct amount of pressure
- Air (pneumatic) impact wrench available in a variety of sizes and styles
Disadvantages of Air Impact Wrenches:
- Limited range – cannot be used for tasks that require a lot of mobility or precision
- Requires access to compressed air, which may not be available in all locations
You may also like: Corded vs cordless impact wrenches – which one is best for work?
How does an air impact wrench work
An air (pneumatic) impact wrench is a tool that uses compressed air to drive nails or screws into a surface. It uses a piston to create an impact, which operates the nails or screws. The advantage of using an air impact wrench is that it is very powerful and can drive nails or screws into even the most rigid surfaces.
In addition, it is very fast and can be used to complete a project within the short time it would take to do it by hand. However, one disadvantage of using an air impact wrench is that it can be deafening and may not be ideal for use in areas where noise levels need to be kept low.
How does a cordless impact wrench work?
A cordless impact wrench is a power tool that uses a battery to provide torque for driving and removing screws, bolts, and nuts. It works by using a rotational force that is then converted into a linear force. The linear power is what turns the screw or bolt.
The amount of torque that the impact wrench can provide is determined by the size of its battery. The higher voltage of the battery, the more torque the impact wrench can provide. The most common battery size for a cordless impact wrench is 18 volts. Most cordless impact wrenches also have a LED light that illuminates the work area, making it easier to see what you are doing.
FAQS
What size air impact wrench should I get?
When it comes to air impact wrenches, size matters, the general rule of thumb is that the bigger the wrench, the more power it packs. That being said, a few factors must be considered before making your purchase.
First, think about the projects you’ll be using the wrench for. A smaller wrench will suffice if you start working on smaller projects. However, if you’re planning on tackling larger projects, then you’ll need a bigger wrench with more power.
Second, consider the air compressor you’ll be using. If you have a small air compressor, then you won’t be able to run a big wrench – it will just overload the system. Besides, if you have a powerful compressor, you’ll be able to handle a giant wrench easily.
Finally, think about your budget. Bigger wrenches tend to be more expensive, so if you’re working with limited funds, then you may need to opt for a smaller model. Ultimately, the size of the air impact wrench you’ll need depends on a variety of factors. Considering all these, you can ensure that you will get the right size wrench for your needs.
How does the hammering mechanism work on an impact wrench?
An impact wrench uses a hammering mechanism to deliver high torque output with minimal effort. The hammering action creates a pulsing effect that helps to break loose stubborn bolts and nuts.
When using an impact wrench, it is crucial to keep the tool well-lubricated to prevent damage to the equipment. It is most important to use the correct type and size socket for the job at hand. Using an impact wrench that is too small for the task can result in stripped bolts or damaged nuts. Following these simple guidelines ensures that your impact wrench will provide years of trouble-free service.
Is air impact wrenches more powerful?
When it comes to air impact wrenches, power is everything. The more powerful the wrench, the easier it is to loosen stubborn bolts and nuts. There are two main types of impact wrenches: cordless and pneumatic. Cordless wrenches are powered by a battery, while pneumatic wrenches are powered by compressed air. While both types of wrenches are consequential, pneumatic wrenches typically have more torque, making them better suited for heavy-duty applications.
In addition, air (pneumatic) wrenches tend to be more durable and require less maintenance than cordless wrenches. As a result, pneumatic air impact wrenches are a clear choice when it comes to power.
Cordless vs air impact wrench: Which One Is Right for You?
Air (pneumatic) impact wrenches are more powerful than cordless, making them ideal for loosening stubborn screws and nuts that cordless wrenches can’t handle easily. They’re also cheap and less portable. An air impact wrench is a way to go if you need a powerful tool that can work in any climate.
However, a cordless impact wrench is the better choice if you need a more portable and convenient tool. Whichever you choose, we hope this blog post has helped you make an informed decision! Thanks for reading!
We hope you relished this blog post comparing cordless vs air impact wrench! If there are any queries arise in your mind, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading! 🙂
