Impact Wrench vs Impact Driver - What's The Difference?

[@charlielucky4201]

I bought a 2017 Ram with a 5.7 Hemi about six months ago. I've tried to take advantage of the time this pandemic has given me to learn new things and took on modifying my truck as one of those projects. I am not a mechanically inclined person. My only experience with any type of vehicle work is changing tires and oil at a shop when I was in my early 20s (aka a long time ago). So far, I've installed a K&N cold air intake and a throttle body spacer, which I'm sure are extremely basic to a lot of the experts who watch this channel. Still, baby steps. Likely to move on to exhaust work next. Videos like this have been extremely helpful in explaining the tools I should choose in a given scenario. Thank you!

[@zytigon]

Well thanks, you just saved me wasting money on an impact driver when i was actually needing an impact wrench

[@juanh1093]

I wasted my money on a impact driver. Now I got to try to sell it.

[@michellezunnurain3555]

@@juanh1093 return it.

[@juanh1093]

@@michellezunnurain3555 I wish I could. I had it longer than the return period unfortunately. I'm going to try to sell it.

[@michellezunnurain3555]

@@juanh1093 a return period is made up nonsense. If you have the original receipt I might argue with them. Or exchange for the wrench.

[@michellezunnurain3555]

@@juanh1093 or a store credit

[@Nitrxgen]

To anyone who is considering buying either a impact driver or impact wrench: Make sure you buy the appropriate impact-rated bits or you will snap them. Especially sockets if you're doing heavy duty work, you want impact-rated sockets usually made of chrome molybdenum (usually with a black coating). Avoid using chrome vanadium (actual chrome) for impact tools as they will shatter eventually, these are really only for hand-cranking.

[@Azzamess182]

Nice, short, no stretching over 10 mins bs video, subscribed!

[@LinearElasticity]

Great video - you're not trying to break the 10min money-making mark, or, repeating yourself over and over just to drag the video out... instead, you manage to answer the simple question proposed in the video's title! I feel more informed for watching this - keep up the good work.

[@rubes1688]

For real. That's the only reason I actually watched this video

[@ant98tan]

Hands down the most detailed and simply put explanation. Thank You

[@Alkatraz415]

I was waiting for the Milwaukee commercial to end so I could watch the video. Once the commercial was over there was no video! What the heck guys!

[@jthomp997]

I typically use my impact driver as my 1/4 impact wrench and then have my 1/2 and 3/8 cordless impacts.

[@MrD3000]

Pretty amazing that impact wrenches can be battery powered now, and they’re actually fantastic. Modern battery technology has changed everything in the tool world.

[@wmc128]

Pneumatic tools still beat cordless. Show me an impact wrench that's faster than IR Thundergun. I will wait.

[@MrD3000]

@@wmc128 I think that’ll always be true, as pneumatic is insanely powerful. But, that amount of torque is only needed in relatively few situations. For the majority of users (myself included), these battery powered ones will suffice.

[@Jtwizzle]

@@MrD3000 The thundergun is fast but not as powerful. If it can not even break free the fastener what good is the 10000rpm? Battery impacts can put out 2x or more torque than the thundergun.

[@jonasstahl9826]

@@wmc128 Maybe faster, but i cant carry a 100 pound compressor in my toolbox.

[@gewizz2]

yes my cheap lipo powered drill has been amazing, so handy.

[@cliffordpress1]

Thanks!

[@robertknight4672]

I have both tools. I don't use the impact wrench often but it was a budget model on Amazon and has come in handy on a few occasions. However I use the impact driver all the time mostly with socket bits loosening the smaller Fasteners when performing maintenance snowblowers and and I typically just tighten those nuts and bolts back up with hand tools.

[@SirGolfalot-]

Good info. I'm now wrenching on my own vehicles. I'm buying tools as I need them for an upcoming job. The cost savings of doing my own work pay for the tools. Sometimes you have to buy a tool because of the time it saves getting the job done.

[@FR-yt5ik]

Saved me 1-2 hours of research. Thank you.

[@sabrinamulligan6235]

Upgraded from an older 18v kit. kzbin.infoUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv I independently chose the drill and impact tool, before I came across the kit.I like the 3 speed impact gun. It seems more powerful than my older one, and it can be set to be really gentle. The drill is more appropriately sized for my use. I used to have a hammer drill, but I did not like that it was so big and it was not a great hammer drill. I rather have a smaller drill like this, and then get a corded hammer drill for the odd case I need that.

[@pruett89]

GREAT VIDEO! It had the basic info upfront and then the details laid out in a logical way! Thank you for making this and not wasting our time with fluff!

[@ptrproducttestreview9593]

I totally agree! I don't like videos that have a bunch of filler dialog of guys just repeating themselves. I made a video a year ago about impact guns vs impact wrench. Here is the link in case anyone is interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5rZXoOObb5ogbc

[@CompleteHealthControl]

Great video, really enjoyed the clarity you offered here. Something that would be great is to understand the various sockets, adapters that are right to use with each tool. I almost picked up a universal head/angle changer for an impact wrench that would have shattered on first use, and was directed to an impact-rated version of the same item (2x the price) that would actually do the job.

[@johnsacco5095]

What a great, straight forward comparison. Thanks. I just subscribed. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more reviews.

[@ptrproducttestreview9593]

I made a video a year ago about impact guns vs impact wrench. Here is the link in case you are interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5rZXoOObb5ogbc

[@Oblimix]

I would recommend that people get the right tool for the job. I have a makita impact driver that broke when trying to unfasten some nuts on a car's tire. I took it apart to see that some teeth of certain gears had snapped off, and were blocking the rotation. Removing the broken teeth made it work again, but it shows that the tool is strong enough to break itself with its own power. I imagine an impact wrench would have to be sturdier on the inside, so as to not break its own gears with the higher torque.

[@siveti15]

Impact wrench then for unfastening nuts on a car tire sir?

[@siveti15]

Impact wrench then for unfastening nuts on a car tire sir?

[@forrestjbernard]

@@siveti15 yea

[@billbillerton6122]

Uhm that's what an impact wrench is for.

[@TobyCostaRica]

That and the Surge hydraulic impact driver is a pleasure to use. So much quieter

[@kleinfeicht]

I have both wrench and driver first got an driver an made most impact things with adapters but the usually wear out quite fast and broke now i got an impact wrench and love it...

[@ginge5253]

Really good explanations for both tools I've had a cheap worx impact driver for a while and it's really useful for speeding stuff up once I've "cracked" a nut or bolt by hand but I've just bought an xr dewalt impact wrench and damn that thing doesnt mess about. I work on motorbikes more than cars so the little driver is ideal most of the time but the seized axles, exhaust studs or rota bolts and the impact wrench is a god send. Wouldnt advice using either to start a bolt off though or finish

[@noeeon9910]

That's exactly how I use mine. On smaller bolts it does the job quite nice if I can't break them in hard to reach areas where I don't have the leverage.

[@CarsnStuff]

Yeah for awhile i've been using my impact driver just because its sort of my everything tool. whether its doing a small construction job or working on my car its just been used for it all. but i really need to get a proper impact wrench. The little socket adapters just dont cut it and break easily. Considering i do more automotive than construction it just makes sense.

[@Just.Tap.444]

Just got me a M12 Fuel 1/4" Extended ratchet and that thing is beautiful for automotive/auto-body work. Use it everyday

[@randomhobbies5796]

Weekend wrenching. That mid size impact m18 wrench is looking good. No more hoses and loud compressor

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

don’t overlook the M12 stubby impact wrench. i take lug nuts off with it and it’s still small enough to get in behind brake calipers.

[@randomhobbies5796]

@@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760 damn. Nice thanks for the info

[@ACUNA909]

This whole time I was trying to figure out why my impact driver wasn’t loosening my lug nuts 😂 🤦🏽‍♂️ Thanks for the video, it’s very informative.

[@AndyKingCo]

Great video and explanation thanks!

[@johnboyjr21]

3:56 "Only 450 Ft-lbs" of fastening torque!? How is Jiffy Lube gonna get my oil pan drain plug snugged up with that shit?

[@Meekmillan]

_Sir did you realize you have a drain plug inside your oil pan? We can fix that but it'll be another $110_

[@hamie63_m]

Lol

[@Alex-lc1bv]

Even lug nuts are only like 90-140ish ft-lbs.

[@rjmari]

@Mike Fu I guess my tire place is legit. Because I can crack my lugs with the crappy wrench that came with my car.

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

@Mike Fu completely true, I always wonder why they even bother putting those little wrenches in the boot so you can get your wheel off because you will never be able to do so with how short they are

[@fambam7979]

Great video, I learned a lot between both tools. I recently switched to battery powered tools, your explanation for use and power is very helpful. Thank you.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video. I have been wondering about having too much torque when screwing into wood or using a self drilling screw into hard metal. I have had trouble with them in the past and have broken a screw head or two off before. So what you are saying is that Impact Wrench should be used for high torque bolts and nuts. Then a impact wrench would be better to drive torx or hex head screws into metal and of course wood. I don’t use these tools very often so it is okay if they take longer, I am just wanting not to ruin parts or threads. This is a casual or hobby activity for me. Thanks again for your videos.

[@Tonyhouse1168]

Honestly, my impact driver works great for torx, hex head, and every other type of screw. I don’t use the impact driver unless I’m working with nuts of bolts

[@AnOkayPerson]

Thank you, I was looking for the tool with the most nut busting torque ;)

[@rafaelverastegui7611]

Very clear and professional, I learned a lot today, thanks !

[@matejmotuz108]

I was looking for a video like this 3 days ago , well now it's here

[@jeffhansman2829]

I am about to by a drill/driver combo and really didn't understand the difference between these two. I now know I only need a driver and not a wrench. Now, onto bits; many thanks for a clear, succinct explanation and demo.

[@Go4thandrock]

FANTASTIC VIDEO. but that air tool guy wasn't going in a star pattern a couple times. But everything else was amazing.

[@MathieuPrevot]

Do you see any advantage of using an impact wrench (with say 1000Nm) for non bolt jobs, eg., tapping, drilling, over drillers and impact drivers ?

[@redsunsmr284]

Finally plopped down the money for a combo set of milwaukee impact driver and drill. Since I work on car stuff a lot, debating on the m12 1/2 stubby impact wrench, or just get the m18 high torque. Compactness vs power is my dilemma.

[@settingshadow]

mechanic here i personally use impact wrench wren loosening nuts and bolts and tightening using torque wrench

[@BoyToy21005]

I'm going to offer a different final perspective. If you can only get one Impact tool,, get the small size Impact wrench with the Dentin Pin, and then get the Driver adapter bit. The reasoning is simple.. Bolts are usually bigger then screws, and usually require more torque. So if you need to turn a bolt, pull the adapter off. If you need to drive some screws,, put the adapter bit back on. The difference in weight between my wrench plus adapter, and the driver is not that much. But when I need that that socket head, i know its attached to a proper 3/8" wrench head, instead of a 3/8" adapter bit sitting inside a 1/4 inch socket adapter bit. I have the Dewalt DCF880B, and I do everything short of brushing my teeth with it.

[@traxxgoingwild]

Can you elaborate as to why you suggest picking up a deten pin over friction ring? I'm in the same boat currently. I'm looking to buy my first impact tool and my thought process is basically a reflection to what you explained here. If I was to choose I'd rather have 1/2 at all times and use 1/2 to 1/4 adapter for screws. I'm looking to get dewalt dcf 921 as it's compact and has a punch from what I was able to research.

[@mooretofitness862]

Second this comment ^ currently in the same predicament.

[@JoeJoe-wp1vv]

So what you're saying is to get my teeth cleaned real good should I get the Philips Sonicare 1100 or the 1400? 🤣🤣

[@fitnesspoint2006]

@@JoeJoe-wp1vv i prefer oral B 8000 pro

[@jimmyf.x.9526]

Thanks!. You just cleared my confusing caused by Homedepot shopping experience. 👍

[@Jerdpo]

Exacly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@gerardlunow567]

Just enough to get informed. It was what i was looking for.

[@breaking_bear]

This was a very informative video. Thank you.

[@MrD3000]

Learned something new today. Thank you.

[@dand3975]

I really like my DeWalt 20 volt impact driver with a small battery. Great for driving screws leg bolts and small nuts and bolts. For the big er tasks like lug nuts, u bolts and rusted bolts that need to be broken off nothing beats a air powered Ingersoll Rand Thunder Gun. Sounds great too, it is like a Ir-231 on steroids.

[@cardioandfriends]

Dewalt’s 20v should have no problem with lug nuts because it can go to 1300 inch pounds. I’ve got the old 18v model and it takes off mine just fine, maybe with some help from penetrating oil. given I don’t drive a semi or 4x4

[@johnshipps441]

So helpful I just subscribed! 💪🏼

[@4WinterTires-uv1mr]

Great vid and straight to the point!! Thanks

[@DGFishRfine1]

It's sure not designed for it, but the little M12 impact DRIVER will pull the lug nuts off my car!

[@spencer82rocks]

Listen to the pro,learn from the pro,will save some money overtime,well explained,very direct info,big thanks 😊

[@ROMANEMPIRE69]

Well thank you for explaining this. Now I know. Looks like I’ll be getting another power tool. Thanks a lot. 😜

[@whitebmw528i]

Thanks for the quiz info I was wondering what I needed for this rusted bolt now I know

[@leonvanderlinde5580]

How about combining both and have something like the Bosch models that combines the driver and wrench.

[@trentonc9141]

Thanks this was very useful. I'm curious, do torque wreches have a setting to control the torque before disengaging? For example, can I get a battery powered or corded impact wrench to stop driveing the lug nut when it gets to 100 pound-feet? Or is that only availabe in pneumatic torque wrenches? Thanks Oh yeah does one that says brushless vs one that doesn't say that make any difference? I'm not sure what each ones does. Thx

[@DreadxOwl]

I work auto body so i’m constantly pulling panels and i recommended to get a impact driver instead of a impact wrench. Should i eventually get a wrench as well?

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

What you need if all you're doing is pulling panels Is an m12 electric ratchet , can take out all body bolts with ease

[@jake4194]

@@Alucard-gt1zf what size, 3/8" or 1/4"?

[@babilmesopotamia3733]

You money saver , great job Will done

[@gregholmes-brown5628]

I’m thinking about picking up the new Bosch “Freak”. This video was very insightful

[@mini14head]

Great simple explainations. Well done. Thank u.

[@lduranceau8046]

I started to drill a pilot hole in my house cement foundation using a regular drill and a masonry drill bit. However, I now find that I'm not making much progress after 20 minutes. If I decide to use a hammer drill to complete the pilot hole, will I need to change to a hammer drill bit? Thanks.

[@jessewoodward5056]

Yes

[@choyjimenez4112]

Love that you included the compressed tools every once in a while, all in 1 video!

[@keithivysr6553]

Which one is the best for changing Lugnuts on a car

[@ekjl]

Highly informative. Thank you!

[@shirazdamji1092]

Question: want to drive 1/4”x 4” long lag bolts into dough fir. What size impact wrench do I use?

[@wild_away]

Great comparison Cheers 👍

[@Random_Vince]

Wow!!! I learned a whole lot and it only took 5 mins and 54 seconds!!!

[@louie1086]

Thank you man. I appreciate this, i was about to use the wrong tool.

[@CheckmateWithPawn]

I'm going to make a really simplistic question, and I might be way off, but it sounds like the wrench pulls out and the driver pushes in. At least in terms of intended purpose. Is that right?

[@Lu-cho]

SHORT VIDEO AND GOOD EXPLANATION 👍👍👍

[@xRoyalSmoke]

Milwaukee liked this video 👍

[@jasonlin9805]

Yes

[@jacedaace01]

Great information...very helpful! Thanks for sharing your expertise... I've now subscribed as a result of this video...

[@kennethhoneycutt4513]

I am looking for a decent cordless impact wrench for automotive any suggestions

[@Jackal_Blitz]

Fantastic video. Thank you very much.

[@Rhotz-ix8ll]

Thanks. Good explanations.

[@Lucas_McCain]

Super helpful. Many thanks.

[@Apolloneek]

One accepts sockets and one accepts bits. The weird part comes with having bits that accept sockets and sockets that have bit ends like screwdriver or torx ends.

[@juanh1093]

You say the mid torque starts at 400 ft/lbs. If I get a impact wrench giving 300 ft/lbs to remove & fasten tire lugs, should that be adequate?

[@jake4194]

I think tire lugs are 100-150 ft lbs

[@b-2466]

Great video guys.

[@jonathangarzon2798]

@@Protoolreviews the drive style is obviously different but do they not have hammer and anvil motors in both? Of not what is the actual difference in internal mechanism

[@PanyingPilot]

Excellent presentation!

[@airarmed-ni4519]

Informative video, thanks, you have gained a subscriber

[@hibernatorawake]

Hi there. What would you recommend to get for assembling gym equipment like power racks with one inch hardware and such. I currently have a Bosch impact wrench. I’m not sure if it’s under powered or what not but it starts shaving the nuts like crazy just getting them on. I’m not even taking them off. Just bolting it together. Any recommendations ?

[@gerryortiz8324]

Thanks for your video! Which do you recommend for changing tires on a Ram pickup truck I’m assuming 1/2 inch mid torque impact wrench

[@ClubAmerica92]

Did you ever find out? I’m looking to remove lug nuts too

[@dancostaregni7631]

a impact driver wont remove them ,You need a half inch impact GUN

[@Sc19869]

What’s the difference between the impact driver and a drill

[@roycemartin9068]

Here’s a tip if you’re looking to save some money. Get a 3/8” impact wrench and buy a 3/8” to 1/4” hex adapter. You’ll get both tools in one. The key is to buy the higher powered of the 2 if you’re going to go the one tool route instead of buying both driver and wrench (the impact wrench is going to be more powerful than the driver, Atleast in most cases; check before you buy). With the 3/8” impact wrench and hex adapter you’ll have the power to do everything a 3/8” impact wrench can do and also have the versatility of a 1/4” hex impact driver.

[@paparose7747]

Can you plz advice me to buy Impact wrench ?

[@thetheoryguy5544]

Bought the Bosch freak which is both 😁

[@HiFiInsider]

excellent information. thank you

[@tiptoe2323]

Can I get an an adapter for any deep socket nut driver for my impact driver? Thanks

[@DaltonPepple]

What about 1/2 inch Drill Drivers? Can you/should you get an adapter for lugs?

[@eunicedanne165]

Very helpful advice. Thanks

[@jf9458]

Do they make drills with the 1/4” hex chuck?

[@TheClippa1]

Good video. If you add one key you can customise the settings on these wrenches.

[@trinhk]

Fantastic video, thank you. When tightening with an impact wrench, how do you know how much torque are you applying?

[@Protoolreviews]

The best way is to tighten the lug nut in low until it impacts a few times and then use a torque wrench to make sure you’re not over tightening it. Since most people don’t have a torque wrench on hand, you can use the impact wrench the same way, and then hand tighten the lugs with your tire iron. Most vehicles are only specced to have 80 - 125 ft-lbs of torque on the lugs, and even compact impact wrenches can do that. When you over tighten them, you can damage the threads, or sometimes even shear the entire stud off. Either way, that can cost a couple of hundred dollars per wheel to replace damaged studs.

[@trinhk]

@@Protoolreviews I finally got and used an impact wrench for the first to changed my tires. It definitely saved a lot of time. One thing I'm sort of nervous about when I loosen the nuts, I'm afraid that it may strip the lug nuts. Is that even possible? Thanks in advance!

[@MrAerazo]

Great information, just for me as I’m a inglés as second language speaker I find that your speech speed is rather too fast, It is okay for me all I got to do is resume the track a couple of times to understand your concept,could you teach us a little slower please… Thanks for the great info, Good job

[@RenegadesGarage]

Pro Tool Reviews.. Cool video. But isn't there a difference in the actual mechanism between the impact driver and impact wrench? In the way it hammers or the direction of the hammer?? Doesn't the impact wrench hammer hit on the turn and the impact driver hammer hit in and out like a hammer drill???

[@RenegadesGarage]

@@Protoolreviews I seen someone on KZbin talking about it that's why I asked.

[@ytb3748]

I work in IT and certainly do not need those tools but once you walk into my garage, you see them all hanged in there 😅

[@SA-lr1sf]

It was needed. Thanks

[@cabezotaz1]

To remove lug nuts Impact driver or impact wrench?

[@roycemartin9068]

The only difference is the chuck versus the square drive. I bought a snap on 3/8” drive impact and then bought a 3/8” to 1/4” hex adapter. So it serves as both as it can take regular sockets and it can also take any 1/4” hex.

[@firegal2k]

Thanks for this very informative video. Please, which size cordless high impact wrench removes vehicle lug nuts? For my tire changes on the side of the road. Thanks.❤

[@busman2050]

For car or light truck lug nuts use a 1/2 inch with at least 350 foot pounds of torque. I saw a ryobi kit one at Home Depot today for $120.00 that would be good for that use. You can also get a Milwaukee or DEWALT for more power but will pay several hundred dollars more. Avoid the no name cheap guns.

[@firegal2k]

@@busman2050 Everything I own is Ryobi so I’ll opt for that one. Thanks for mentioning torque too and for presenting various options for myself and others who may be reading this. You have been very helpful. Take care!!✌️🌸☮️

[@scottwhitley3392]

Pnumatic impacts are still the way to for the heavier stuff.

[@patchreefs]

Thanks I needed the info.

[@garypitt7020]

It was very helpful, thanks

[@stephenadams2594]

Very informative video thanks

[@michaelmiller6843]

Can an impact driver be used to remove lawnmower blades or the lug nut from a car tire?