What is Air Wrench?

An impact wrench (also known as an impactor, air wrench, air gun, rattle gun,torque gun) is a socket wrench power tool designed to deliver high torque output with minimal exertion by the user, by storing energy in a rotating mass, then delivering it suddenly to the output shaft.

Compressed air is the most common power source, although electric or hydraulic power is also used, with cordless electric devices becoming increasingly popular in recent times.

The air wrench is widely used in many industries, such as automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, product assembly (often called "pulse tools" and designed for precise torque output), major construction projects, and any other instance where a high torque output is needed.

Impact wrenches are available in every standard socket wrench drive size, from small 1/4" drive tools for small assembly and disassembly, up to 3.5" and larger square drives for major construction. Impact wrenches are one of the most commonly used air tools, and are found in virtually every mechanic's shop.

In operation, a rotating mass (the hammer) is accelerated by the motor, storing energy, then suddenly connected to the output shaft (the anvil), creating a high-torque impact. The hammer mechanism is designed such that after delivering the impact, the hammer is again allowed to spin freely, and does not stay locked. With this design, the only reaction force applied to the body of the tool is the motor accelerating the hammer, and thus the operator feels very little torque, even though a very high peak torque is delivered to the socket. This is similar to a conventional hammer, where the user applies a small, constant force to swing the hammer, which generates a very large impulse when the hammer strikes an object. Energy is stored over time, allowing a very strong, but short output impulse to be generated from a relatively weak, but constant input force. The hammer design requires a certain minimum torque before the hammer is allowed to spin separately from the anvil, causing the tool to stop hammering and instead smoothly drive the fastener if only low torque is needed, rapidly installing/removing the fastener.

 

Comments

[Air Power Tools]

I've heard that air power tools like this air wrench can really save a lot of time. Thanks for posting about air tools. I think they are a lot more efficient than your typical power tools. Great work on the post.

[Keijo Nyman]

Air wrench is really cool to use.I have one of it when i was in Finland i also have an air compressor,all my power tool really have good quality just like this one.