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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@jthomp997]

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

[@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

[@ant98tan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@AnOkayPerson]

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

[@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.

[@94SexyStang]

@@Alex-lc1bv NEVER in the real world though, try 500lbs!!! Go gets your tires rotated, and TRY to take it off with even a shitty 300lbs impact gun...NOT happening, you're gonna need 700lbs ALL DAY, because that's what they're using to put them ON!!

[@rjmari]

@@94SexyStang I guess my tire place is legit. Because I can crack my lugs with the crappy wrench that came with my car.

[@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...

[@DGFishRfine1]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@jimmyf.x.9526]

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

[@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.

[@MrD3000]

Learned something new today. Thank you.

[@breaking_bear]

This was a very informative video. Thank you.

[@tomh9807]

Sorry but i disagree to use an impact driver for to drive regular smaller screws in. That's what usually a compact drill is for unless u drive big timber screws in.

[@wild_away]

Great comparison Cheers 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@Jerdpo]

Exacly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@Lu-cho]

SHORT VIDEO AND GOOD EXPLANATION 👍👍👍

[@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.

[@Mixwell1983]

I have socket adapters for my impact driver and also a 1/2 socket to 1/4" for my impact wrench. This lets both tools overlap and fill similar roles depending on the situation.

[@cabezotaz1]

To remove lug nuts Impact driver or impact wrench?

[@MarcosElMalo2]

🎼 It’s in the way that you use it 🎶

[@jacedaace01]

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

[@scottwhitley3392]

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

[@mini14head]

Great simple explainations. Well done. Thank u.

[@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.

[@olivertwist9003]

I always think that they are the same, thanks for the indormation.

[@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

[@voiceofreason9238]

Re: passenger car or SUV. Would a typical driver ever keep a quarter-inch impact driver w/socket in their car to remove lug nuts in case of a flat on the side of the road?

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

@@Protoolreviews . Hi. Would a Flex 1/4" impact work with removing passenger car lugs, control arms and ball joint nuts and bolts?

[@shirazdamji1092]

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

[@saiefmohammed1200]

Learned alot

[@garypitt7020]

It was very helpful, thanks

[@HiFiInsider]

excellent information. thank you

[@DaltonPepple]

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

[@hecimbecir8482]

Thank you.

[@kennethhoneycutt4513]

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

[@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

[@stephenadams2594]

Very informative video thanks

[@Lucas_McCain]

Super helpful. Many thanks.

[@thally4061]

Buy both, you'll need them.

[@AndyKingCo]

Great video and explanation thanks!

[@eunicedanne165]

Very helpful advice. Thanks

[@thetheoryguy5544]

Bought the Bosch freak which is both 😁

[@airarmed-ni4519]

Informative video, thanks, you have gained a subscriber

[@Revelation_Overland]

Great video but I’m still not sure what to get. I just need something for lug nuts on my Jeep. From the video, I would say a 3/8 impact wrench. 400 ft lbs. but I’ve also seen people do it with a 1/4 impact driver which is much cheaper.

[@busman2050]

1/4 inch not strong enough, overstressing the tool. Use a 1/2 inch

[@michaelmiller6843]

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

[@KoneetRollForming]

can we use an impact driver for tapping in steel, if possible make a video on that?

[@roykeene2097]

Use self tapping screws with hex heads and adapter on your drill for the head. Worse case scenario use drill bit to start your hole. Just make sure it’s smaller than screws you intend to use.

[@raphaelvillafana4207]

Very informative

[@MohsinExperiments]

Very informative video thank you!

[@mysticjedi6730]

Always go with the smallest tool for the job to avoid sheering off bolt heads

[@bluekg13]

This video helped soo much thank you!

[@ronpatterson5483]

I see farm equipment dealers using cordless impact guns for putting tires on combines when delivering new machines. Very impressive!!

[@patchreefs]

Thanks I needed the info.

[@Steathl]

I want something to work car wheels...weekend warrior to clean and detail weeks. What should I get?

[@busman2050]

Get the 1/2 inch gun with at least 350 fat pounds of torque. I have a craftsman one but ryobi has one in sale now for about $120.00. If you are not a pro either of the above will work on car or light truck lugnuts. The really cheap ones for about 69.00 are not very good.

[@gpatz1992]

Impact wrench is all i need...👍

[@brianproffitt7263]

Can you use any of the m12 batteries with any m12 tool, I just started messing with cordless tools and I’m so confused they have like five different version of the m12 battery alone.

[@seagie382]

Did you know that anvil size does not influence torque much? Torque test channel proved it!

[@3aOpinion]

Thank you!

[@Kdjoao]

I bought an impact driver and then i came across 1 bolt i can not open. So went out and bought a giant 3/4 impact wrench.

[@isaacgutierrez372]

very helpful thank you!!

[@tristantaus4556]

So basically I need an impact wrench because its multi-purpose, good because using the drill for screws could mess up the drill in time. Good news now I can have normal drill tool for wood, my hammer drill for masonry bits then the impact wrench for screws even sockets.

[@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!

[@Ggllg2323]

What is the best impact wrench

[@90210dk1]

Great thumbnail😆

[@DarkChaos420]

Damn didnt know Will Forte had a KZbin channel

[@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!!✌️🌸☮️

[@benmiller5015]

I feel like this video was meant more for people who think the drive size on an impact wrench is measured front to back

[@miguelarreguin64]

Great video

[@salarena3127]

Where’s Clint been ?

[@pauloisidoro2]

You didn't say which one is the best for automotive jobs

[@4WinterTires-uv1mr]

He mentioned Impact Wrench

[@riceburner4747]

OH! So THAT'S why u see so many impact DRIVERS than WRENCHES. Auto shops use pneumatic wrenches. It was a real PIA looking for best wrench,best brand, & best price for the DYI. THEN u have to cope with correct model number. Advertisements mix them all up, drivers/wrenches, 3/8 1/2, voltage, etc. List in size, then wrench, volts, price. Drivers, same in THEIR category. It's NOT me, I was in a Home Depot & a couple ACTUALLY copied ad/brand/size & STILL appeared confused to sales clerk. It's the manufacturers. We just want the best bang for our buck.

[@youaregoingtolovethis]

I believe it was Patrick Henry that said "Give me power tool,or give me death!"

[@corocordinc9909]

Subtítulos en español ....

[@Sticknmove77]

Can someone tell me if I can use a impact driver for loosening and tightening lug nuts? Will torque of course after tightened. Thanks!

[@michaellim4165]

You can but you will struggle depending on the type of model you get. Putting on adapters will decrease the useful torque transferred into the socket. If you have a powerful enough impact driver, it should do it. However, if you are working on cars, I would highly suggest getting an impact wrench as you will use the full potential but also get to use the impact driver like features by using a 1/4 square to hex adapter. Some models, like the Milwaukee M12 Stubby, you get additional features where you can select the type of power. Super slow for sensitive low torque applications or high speed, high torque applications with a push of a button. The best damn tool I've bought for working on cars for me is hands down my M12 Stubby (3/8 version). Its been a life saver, time saver and money saver as I dont have to waste effort, time and money using different tools to loosening and retighten nuts and bolts. One tool does it all. Just make sure to get good adapters and sockets to keep up with the impact wrench.

[@Sticknmove77]

@@michaellim4165 Thanks for the response! I decided to go with an 18V Ryobi 1/2" Impact Wrench since I have a few of their power tools and is more cost effective. I think it'll do for the 3-4 times a year I'll be removing my wheels. Again, thanks!!

[@AdnanKhan-ky3jp]

Hi, I am planning to buy an impact wrench for my home garage Auto DIY. Do you think max 300 ft-lb is enough?

[@94SexyStang]

300 is really nothing......expect Half of that in the real world, companies like to throw FAKE numbers around......But honestly I have a Gun that does 350tq Tightening........and it's plenty for tightening Lugs or large bolts....., but for Removing, 300 is Nothing!.......you need more like 700lbs of Removal Torque for most cars you come across..........I have a gun that does around 500tq Off, and it's pretty good but Plenty of Lugs it won't remove. BUT if you're removing and applying with the Same gun, 350tq is fine.

[@alanthomas561]

I bought a Ridgid 1/2" Impact wrench and ordered a set of 1/2" impact sockets from Amazon. The 1/2" sockets would not fit the tool. Be careful when ordering sockets, i suppose China's 1/2" is less that our standard 1/2".

[@kle2217]

I'm a DYI'er and looking for an impact wrench driver. Not sure if I'll have more need for a 1/4" or 3/8" or 1/2" impact sized driver in the future and don't want to buy 2-3 different sized drivers. Is it possible to go from 1/2" to 3/8" to 1/2" and vice versa by just using a socket attachment adaptor instead no matter which drive size I get? thx

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

Go 3/8 with adapters for 1/4 and 1/2 1/4 have less power and with 1/2 if you wanted to use 1/4 you would need to use two adapters which would look weird and lose you space to work with

[@94SexyStang]

Air power is DEAD...........We strip Trucks down to the bone on ONE battery, all day long.

[@matussalvador21]

Well spoken, Kenny

[@battleblazegamer8390]

Love it

[@tcity6334]

Is there adapter to turn an impact wrench into a drill?

[@tcity6334]

@@Protoolreviews What is the downside to using an adapter?

[@baileylaw1022]

Bro was just driving drill tip wafers with ease I struggle a bit sometimes

[@rolla.18s87]

I’m gonna do a suspension on my jeep. What York do u recommend I need to use on a cordless impact gun?

[@rolla.18s87]

@@Protoolreviews thanks I do have a ridgid one with 3 settings

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

@@Protoolreviews . On the fence 1st buy. I also have a jeep. I want a impact wrench to do both under hood and suspension. 3/8" or 1/2. M12 or M18. I'm concerned using 1/2" and adapting to 3/8" sockets and losing space. Also using 3/8" and adapting to 1/2" and losing torque and space?

[@fergalhopkins1230]

Bosch 18v gdx all day long

[@nuclearexplosion5841]

The only thing is it lacks power

[@conqwiztadore2213]

Whats a bosch?

[@MrD3000]

@@conqwiztadore2213 Bosch is a big German brand that makes electric tools. Major competitor of Milwaukee. Also good quality stuff.

[@yolo_burrito]

There are right angle impacts wrenches now.

[@JimKinkade]

Haha. You look like my buddy Clint. Thumbs up if you agree. 👍🏻

[@ciprianion4142]

Is there any chance that I can use an impact driver to get lug nuts out? 🙂

[@ciprianion4142]

@@Protoolreviews I just bought myself a wrench, torque wrenc, breaker bar, jack trolley and axle stands. So I have everything needed for the job. Thank you anyway!!!

[@Just.Tap.444]

😅😅 "If your not sure what to get, start off with a 1/2' Torque Wrench" bruhhhh just carry a arm cast around while your at it

[@wickedbeto2732]

the guy tightening the lug nuts in a circle bugged me 🙃