Has it ever happened that you were trying to tighten a nut and the socket of the impact wrench fell off mid-operation? This is a result of sheer negligence and unawareness which can lead to outcomes that nobody wants to experience.

 

Not putting the socket on the impact wrench properly will damage the impact wrench, and the socket and may even harm the user in the process. This seemingly small accessory holds a lot of importance. Therefore, it is critical for you to know how to put a socket on your impact wrench the right way before you start using the tool.

 

I made the mistake of not putting on the socket properly and had to face the consequences. Therefore, I have shared the right method of putting the socket on down below so no other novice repeats my mistake. So, without any delay, let’s talk about how you can fix this accessory in its place correctly.

How To Put Socket On Impact Wrench

The article below will help you learn the right method of putting the socket on your impact wrench.

What Is A Socket?

A socket is a small part that goes at the front of an impact wrench. This part comes with a hollow design, with one side a bit tighter than the other. The tighter side latches on to the anvil of the impact wrench, while the other end makes contact with the nut or bolt that has to be tempered. A socket can be of any size, the users can add one that fits their bolts and screws.

How To Put It On?

Putting a socket on an impact wrench may seem like a piece of cake, but this task needs to be done very carefully. Even the slightest mistake from your end can result in irreversible damage to your impact wrench. The first step is to make sure that you have the right socket. Sockets come in different sizes; therefore, you need to pick one that is compatible with the nuts you are going to work on. After you have picked the perfect socket, it is time to put it on.

 

As you know, a socket comes with two open ends. Take the socket and place it on the anvil protruding from the front of the impact wrench. After you have placed the socket in its place, you need to push it back towards the impact wrench. You need to keep pushing and adding pressure till you hear a small clicking sound. That sound is a clear indication that the socket is secured in its place on the impact wrench and will not fall off.

 

To further ensure that the socket sits tightly in its place, you can use a socket ring. Once you have the socket locked in its place, slide a socket ring on top of it. Socket rings come with a rubber ring that has a thin pin extension protruding from its interior. Push the socket ring on the socket that is residing on the anvil. There is a small hole on the side of the socket which is for the locking pin. Locate it and push the extension of the socket ring through it. Once the socket ring is in its place, your socket will not budge from the anvil of the impact wrench.

What To Keep In Mind While Putting On The Socket?

Using an impact socket keeps the anvil of the impact wrench secure from damage. However, this security will only be guaranteed if you add the right socket, and I do not mean the size here. There are multiple sockets on the market, you need to pick the impact socket that is made from high-grade steel. Using an ordinary and regular socket may get the job done. But, it neither guarantees the safety of the user, nor the anvil of the impact wrench. Therefore, it is important to pick the impact socket.

 

In addition to that, it is critical to make sure that you put on the socket which is compatible with the size of the bolts that you need to work with. Another thing to look out for is to test the socket before placing the impact wrench on the nuts. Press the trigger to make sure that the impact socket is secure. The last thing that you need to be mindful of is always making sure that you hear the clicking sound, as that means the socket is securely fit in its place.

Conclusion

Using an impact wrench with an unfixed socket is a move that will cost you the life of your power tool. Many beginners make this mistake which then ultimately gets them discouraged from using their impact wrenches. Instead of quitting using this handy power tool, learn how to put the socket on the impact wrench the correct way.

 

An impact wrench comes with a ton of small bits and pieces that make the tool what it is. Take one apart and its performance will not be the same. One of those bits goes by the name of a friction ring. Unfortunately, many novice users are unaware of what is a friction ring on an impact wrench.

 

This small ring holds the power of keeping the socket glued in place which ultimately leads to a better and smoother performance of the tool. The performance of an impact wrench can be enhanced by leaps and bounds if only more users become aware of this magic piece.

 

I had to learn about this nifty part of an impact wrench after multiple accidents. This is why I have devoted an entire article to what it is and how it affects the usage of an impact wrench. To make sure no other beginner goes through the trouble that I did, I have added every benefit of this handy part along with the procedure of putting it on.

What Is A Friction Ring On An Impact Wrench?

You will find the answer to the question of what is a friction ring on an impact wrench in detail down below.

What Is A Friction Ring?

As the name indicates, a friction ring is a small circular piece. This handy piece of an impact wrench comes with construction of rubber which gives it a durable and long-lasting design. Along with that, the rubber construction also makes this ring resistant to slipping as well as water, and moisture. However, it is also available in other materials such as aluminum, and steel which are much stronger than rubber friction rings. In addition to that, a friction ring comes in various sizes according to the size of the socket that has to go on the anvil of an impact wrench.

What Is It Used For?

It may seem like a small piece, but this tiny part holds a lot of power. Thanks to its slip-resistant nature, this ring singlehandedly keeps the socket glued to its place on the anvil. The basic job of a friction ring is to keep the socket secure on the anvil of the impact wrench, and also keep the friction force at bay. Therefore, even if you use your impact wrench for a longer duration to deal with stubborn rusty nuts, the socket will sit tight on the anvil. It may slide up and down the anvil slightly, but it will not fall off even with the vibrations of the impact wrench.

How To Put On A Friction Ring?

Putting a friction ring on an impact wrench is no hassle. It only requires a little force and considering the fact that it keeps the socket in its place, the extra force becomes justified. To put the friction ring on, simply slide it over the front of the anvil. Once it sits on the front, then you can slide the socket on top of it on the anvil. You may need to exert some force while pushing the socket on the impact wrench. Once it is on the anvil, the friction ring will compress to make room for the socket and hold it tightly in its place. After you remove the socket, it decompresses back to its original state.

Perks Of Using A Friction Ring

The best advantage of using a friction ring on an impact wrench is that you do not need to worry about the socket falling off during operation. The ring will hold it tightly in its spot. As there are fewer chances of the socket falling off, the possibility of an accident also lessens significantly. So, the users can get done with the job without either them or their handy power tool enduring any damage. You may need to replace the friction ring after a couple of uses, as they tend to wear down.

Conclusion

This goes without saying that beginner-level users are not aware of many smaller things that make a huge difference while using an impact wrench. One of them is knowing what is a friction ring on an impact wrench. Instead of repeating my mistake of ignoring this small part, read the article above to find out what is it. You will also find the benefits of its presence and how to put it on.

 

A cordless impact wrench is a lifesaving tool till its battery dies. Now you have a half-done project at hand and a nifty tool that has turned into a corpse. The simplest solution to this is to get a corded impact wrench for yourself. They may be bulky in size, but these models will always have your back.

 

Being a novice, the first dilemma that struck me was deciding whether I wanted a corded or a cordless model. I went with a corded model and it has truly been a lifesaving tool for me which leads us to the question, are corded impact wrenches any good? A precise answer to this question is yes they are good.

 

These models pack power, torque and reliability in a bulky body. There is so much more to these impact wrenches that can not be summed up in a single paragraph. Therefore, every benefit of such models that I have noticed is shared in the article below. Read it and then decide for yourself if these models are good for you.

Are Corded Impact Wrenches Any Good

Yes, corded impact wrenches are an amazing tool. The detailed answer to this question is presented below.

Corded Impact Wrenches

Corded impact wrenches are nothing short of a blessing. As their name indicates, they come with a long cord that plugs into an electrical outlet. To bring the tool to life, you need to plug it into a power outlet, and then press the trigger. The presence of longer cords makes it possible for the users to work on different projects around the garage with ease. Moreover, as they are powered by electricity, these models pack way more power than cordless ones.

Benefits Of Corded Impact Wrenches

The advantages of a corded impact wrench are too many to count. However, there are a few that are the reason these models are worth the purchase. Those benefits are shared below.

Power

The first advantage of corded impact wrenches is the amount of power that comes packed into their bodies. As these models run on electricity and not batteries, they offer a higher amount of torque. Therefore, whether the task revolves around busting stubborn nuts or tightening them, these impact wrenches are perfect. Furthermore, due to the absence of batteries, there is no worry about the tool dying in the middle of the project. Corded impact wrenches will run for as long as you need them to.

Precision

As the power of corded impact wrenches never fluctuates, they offer very precise performance. The users can get done with their tasks much more efficiently, as compared to a cordless model.

Weight

This may seem like a small factor, but when you need to use an impact wrench for a longer duration, then their weight becomes quite important. As corded models come without any batteries, they are comparatively lower in weight. Therefore, holding them in hand and using the tool for even half an hour will not make you suffer through cramps.

Price Range

Another advantage of corded impact wrenches is their price range. Cordless models come with lithium-ion batteries that give a boost to their cost along with the power. Therefore, cordless models are quite hefty in terms of price. On the other hand, corded impact wrenches come at a reasonable cost. So investing in them will not punch a hole through your wallet.

Restrictions Of Corded Impact Wrenches

There is no doubt that corded impact wrenches are a great investment. However, there is a drawback to these models. They are not very portable. As these tools run on electricity, you can only use them when there is a power outlet nearby. Therefore, using them outside the premises of your garage can become difficult. However, if you are someone who only works in their garage, then these models are the best pick.

Best Models Of Corded Impact Wrenches

When you search for a suitable model of corded impact wrench, you will find a gazillion models. However, not all of them are worth the bucks. There are only a handful of corded impact wrenches that are truly worth the money.

PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench PCE211

The first corded model that is worth the purchase is the PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench PCE211. With a 7.5 amps motor that delivers 2200 RPM and 450 ft/lbs of torque, this model is ideal for various heavy-duty jobs. The cherry on top is that it comes with a ½ inch hog ring anvil that comes with a friction ring for easy socket change.

DEWALT DW292 Corded Impact Wrench

The DEWALT DW292 Corded Impact Wrench is the cream of corded impact wrenches, without a doubt. This model comes with a detent pin anvil that will make it impossible for the socket to fall off mid-operation. In addition to that, the 7.5 amp motor makes it powerful enough to deliver 345 ft/lbs torque and 2100 RPM. These features are packed in a metal body which is a cherry on top.

Conclusion

When it comes to impact wrenches, deciding between a corded and a cordless model is a critical yet unavoidable choice. Even though they both have their own benefits, the needs of every user are different. Therefore, to figure out whether corded impact wrenches are any good, take out some time and read the article above carefully. The information presented above will also help you decide if corded impact wrenches are the perfect ones for you.

 

Using power tools such as impact wrenches by following a random YouTube video is a careless step that can lead to a lot of damage. To keep yourself and your precious tool safe from any harm you need to know precisely how to use an impact wrench.

 

The intimidating name often dissuades people from trying their hand at impact wrenches, but using this tool is not difficult at all. There is no need to buy yourself a hazmat suit, you only need to be mindful of a few things such as picking an impact wrench of the right size according to the project at hand, and you will be good to go.

 

Instead of summing up the entire procedure in a few lines, I have shared every step in detail in the article below, being aware of the struggles of beginners. Therefore, with the step-by-step guide, it will be possible for every novice to use this power tool without facing any issues.

How To Use An Impact Wrench

The steps listed below will guide you through the entire procedure of using an impact wrench.

What You Will Need?

Before you plug the impact wrench into a power outlet and start using it, you need a couple of things. First of all, you need a pair of glasses for keeping your eyes safe. Moreover, you also need to use ear protection and gloves. Using an impact wrench without ear muffs may work, but you always need to wear eye-protective glasses.

Step 1

A critical step of using an impact wrench is picking the right size. Many users, especially novices, often confuse picking the right size with the actual size of the tool. However, the term right size does not refer to the size of the power tool, but the size of the anvil or the chuck. As that is the part that comes in contact with the nut or bolt, it needs to be of the exact size of that nut or bolt.

Step 2

Now that you have got an impact wrench of the ideal size for your project at hand, it is time to get down to business. If the impact wrench is crowded, make sure you have an extension cord if there is no electricity outlet closer to the workspace. However, if the impact wrench is cordless, then you need to check and make sure that it has all the batteries.

Step 3

After that, adjust the direction of rotations. If you need to unscrew the nut in an anti-clock motion, move the direction button to backward, or anti-clock. If you need to tighten the nut, then you will need to push that button to the ‘forward’, or clockwise setting. Once your settings are adjusted, take the impact wrench in your hand and place it over the nut.

Step 4

Now press the trigger down gently and hold it for a couple of seconds. Once the nut tightens in its place, you can move to the next one and keep going. However, if you are dealing with a lug nut that will not come off, then you may need to hold the impact wrench over it for a bit longer. The hammer present inside the impact wrench will get activated and it will take care of the stubborn nut.

What To Keep In Mind While Using?

The first thing that you must keep in mind while using an impact wrench is to always place the tool over the nut before pressing the trigger. If you press the trigger first and then try to place it over the nut, it will not work and you may damage the tool and hurt yourself in the process. Another thing to keep in mind is to never apply too much pressure. Whether you are removing a nut or tightening it in its place, you never add pressure onto it, the impact wrench will do the job, you merely need to hold it steadily. Speaking of which, holding the impact wrench steadily over the nut is another factor that you need to make sure of.

Conclusion

Using an impact wrench will never be a source of headache, only if you know how to use the tool properly. Otherwise, you may as well prepare yourself for a wrecked project, and a damaged tool. To ensure that does not happen, give a thorough read to the steps listed in the article above.

 

The real dilemma of using an impact wrench is not the handling of the machine. Instead, the actual pain starts way before that when you need to figure out what size impact wrench is best for automotive work. One of the main reasons behind this problem is not having enough knowledge about different sizes and their influences.

 

Another cause of the conflict is the abundance of different models in the market. It may give users the freedom to pick one of their liking. However, along with freedom of choice, the pain of choosing one suitable size for most of the automotive work also arises.

 

Let me put you out of your misery. If you are relatively new to this, then you need to ignore every bit of information you have found on the internet and go for the ½ inch size. The article below will shed light on why this is the best size for automotive work.

What Size Impact Wrench For Automotive Work

The points below will give you a clear insight into which size is best for automotive work.

The Ideal Size For Automotive Work

There is no doubt that when it comes to impact wrenches, the market is flooded with various sizes. You can find something as small as ⅜ inch to an impact wrench with a socket as wide as 2 ½ inches. However, not all of them are suitable for automotive work. If you have to pick only one size for automotive work, then it has to be ½ inch wide impact wrench. The ½ inch model is wide enough to fit the nuts and bolts of almost every other vehicle, which is the major reason why it is the ideal.

What Makes ½ Inch The Ideal Size?

A ½ inch wide impact wrench is not labelled as the best for its looks. Instead, there are major reasons behind this size being ideal for most automotive work. Especially, if you are a novice, then it is critical for you to become aware of the reasons. The most critical ones are listed below in detail.

Power

The first reason that makes a ½ inch impact wrench suitable for all types of automotive work is the amount of power this size wields. Dealing with the repairs tasks and stubborn nuts of different vehicles requires a large amount of power. Lucky for us, a ½ inch impact wrench delivers enough power output to tackle any crisis.

Motor And Torue

The lead cause of the high power of a ½ inch impact wrench is its powerful motor. An impact wrench of this size comes with a motor that delivers a higher amount of torque as compared to a ⅜ inch impact wrench. The motor of a ⅜ inch does not deliver enough torque and power to deal with the nuts of different vehicles. On the other hand, the motor of a 1-inch impact wrench is way stronger than what is needed. Therefore, a ½ inch is the only one that comes with a motor that delivers just the required amount of torque. Speaking of which, the torque output of a ½ inch impact wrench is often somewhere close to 300 ft/lbs.

Battery

Another factor that makes the ½ inch impact wrench the perfect size for automotive work is the battery of such models. These models come with a bigger battery that not only adds more power to the tool but also brings more torque. Furthermore, the bigger battery makes their size just the perfect amount of bulkiness. So, they are not too painful to hold in hands for a prolonged duration.

Comparison With Other Sizes

As I have stated above that there is an abundance of different impact wrenches sizes. If you opt for a ⅜ inch size, it will be suitable for only a handful of vehicles, as the amount of torque and power it offers is not sufficient for larger nuts. A ⅜ mostly offers 90 ft/lbs to 100 ft/lbs of torque. Moreover, the 1-inch impact wrench is too wide in size and delivers more than the required amount of power. In general, a 1-inch impact wrench offers 1500 ft/lbs torque and sometimes even higher. Therefore, a ½ inch is a perfect size as it offers power that is perfect for most automotive jobs.

Conclusion

If you are working in a garage around different vehicles, then you need the ½ inch impact wrench. This is the only size that is perfect for automotive work. However, if you are still not sure, then read the article above as it sheds light on what makes the ½ inch impact wrench the perfect one for automotive work.