Impact drivers are undoubtedly an indispensable tool in any car garage, as a tool that is not only versatile but also useful for tightening and removing screws.

There are currently several models available on the market, so choosing an impact driver that fits any wheel can be a more difficult task than it seems.

In this article, we’ll take you through the models available in our catalogue and walk you through the care you should take when choosing the best one, ensuring you buy the most suitable tool for your car garage.

 

What is an impact driver?

Impact drivers can be either pneumatic or electric. Pneumatic impact drivers are powered by energy from compressed air, whereas electrical ones work through an electrical source when tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. The tool can be an excellent aid for heavier-duty tasks, depending on its torque capacity.

In short, the role of an impact driver is to replace the need for human strength in activities that require substantial strength or repetitive movements.

For this reason, it is very common to see car workshops or construction companies using impact drivers to carry out their work.

 

How does an impact driver work?

Where pneumatic impact drivers are concerned, for the impact driver to work, it must be connected to an air compressor. After all, these impact drivers are powered by compressed air or, more precisely, the pressure created by the compressed air.

Electrical impact drivers must be connected to a power source.

Though they operate similarly to a screwdriver, these tools are able to unscrew even the stiffest, most rusty bolts, thanks to the hammer and anvil assisting their work.

 

 

What types of impact drivers are there?

If thinking about buying an impact driver, you need to keep in mind that there are currently 3 categories available:

 

• Pneumatic impact drivers

Pneumatic impact drivers are powered by compressed air, which comes from a compressor external to the impact driver. This type of driver is best for long hours of heavy, continued use. It also provides more power.

 

• Electric impact driver

Electric impact drivers require a power source to which they must connect while they are being used. The power of the driver can be regulated by simply adjusting the torque to the service to be performed.

 

• Battery-operated impact driver

Battery-operated impact drivers – also known as cordless impact drivers – are the practical option, as they can be used in remote locations.

The limited use of battery power does, however, produce lower torque than in other types of impact drivers.

Among these categories, the pneumatic impact driver is the most widely used in car repair shops due to its heavy, continuous operations.

 

Which impact wrenches are available in the KROFtools catalogue?

The KROFtools catalogue contains 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ impact drivers, of which a small selection is detailed below:

 

• Pneumatic Impact Wrench 1/2″ 1112/1756Nm

 

 

This impact driver has a thumb-operated grip and release switch, a double hammer, composite housing, and a variable speed trigger.

Click on the image to find out more about our Pneumatic Impact Wrench 1/2″ 1112/1756Nm (Ref.9200)

 

• Compact Pneumatic Wrench 1/2″ 9204 678/1302Nm

 

 

This impact driver has a thumb-operated grip and release switch, a double hammer, composite housing, and a variable speed trigger.

Click on the image to find out more about our Compact Pneumatic Wrench 1/2″ 9204 678/1302Nm (Ref.9204)

 

• 1/2″ Impact Wrench 650Nm 18V Battery

 

 

This impact driver has a charging voltage of 18V. Its battery fully charges in approximately 90 minutes.

However, charging time may vary depending on the ambient temperature and power source voltage.

Click on the image to find out more about our  1/2″ Impact Wrench 650Nm 18V battery (Ref.9900)

 

• Pneumatic Impact Wrench 3/4″ 1627/2034nm

 

 

This impact driver has a thumb-operated grip and release switch, a double hammer, composite housing, and a clamping force of 1627nm.

Click on the image to find out more about our Pneumatic Impact Wrench 3/4″ 1627/2034nm (Ref. 9210).

 

How should you choose the best impact driver for your car repair garage?

Now that you know what the tool is and some of the models available, it’s time to seek out the best impact driver model for your car repair shop. To do so, take careful note of the following points:

 

1. Consider the torque

The torque must be set to the appropriate force to ensure the screw can withstand the designed load without being damaged.

If it is lower or higher than specified, the quality of the service may be compromised, especially in critical tightenings.

 

2. Know the size of the screw

Impact drivers are generally recommended based on the size and strength of the screw. To do this, the diameter of the thread is taken into account.

To find out the torque suggested for the screw, you should refer to the manufacturer’s reference table.

 

3. Calculate the proper bit square size for an impact driver shaft

To apply the force proportionally, the impact driver bit square must be the same size or bigger than the diameter of the screw thread.

This specification is generally provided in inches, with a pneumatic impact driver being 1 inch, for example. In addition, it should be remembered that the larger it is, the heavier it will be.

 

4. Consider the optimal fitting type

There are 6 types of fitting, taking into account different needs:

1. Pin retainer, ideal for operations requiring increased safety;
2. Hole, intended for high-intensity applications requiring an elastic ring;
3. Friction ring, which ensures increased versatility for quick but low-intensity exchanges;
4. Double (hole + friction) for high-intensity operations requiring safety;
5. Spline, which provides increased shaft durability;
6. Fast bit switching.

 

5. Establish the usage intensity 

Last but not least, you should consider the number of hours you will use this tool daily.

After all, the higher the intensity of use, the greater the need to choose a more robust model.

By choosing the right tool for the type of service and intensity required, you will increase the time between maintenance and a tool’s useful life.

In addition to choosing the most suitable model for your car repair shop, it is important to take some precautions, such as lubricating the pneumatic impact driver to extend the tool’s lifespan.

 

Where can you buy an impact wrench?

You can purchase an impact driver from any KROFtools dealer.

It’s worth remembering the importance of buying the impact driver that meets your needs.

 

How much does an impact driver cost?

The price of an impact drive depends on the model you choose – prices range from 100 to 700 euros depending on whether you opt for an electric or pneumatic impact driver.

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