An air impact wrench and a cordless electric impact wrench are both powerful tools used for a variety of fastening and loosening tasks. The air impact wrench uses compressed air to generate a high torque output, while the cordless electric impact wrench uses a rechargeable battery to power its motor. Both tools are useful for a variety of projects, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will compare the air impact wrench vs cordless electric impact wrench to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Every mechanic and artisan in the world knows what wrenches are and how useful and versatile the tools can be. But for the individuals who might be new to a wrench, it is a typical instrument which is regularly used to give a grip manually to apply torque and pressure when turning objects like bolts and nuts. In other words, a wrench can also be called a monkey wrench or a spanner.
There are various styles and kinds of wrenches out there, including air impact wrenches, electric impact wrenches, adjustable wrenches, spanner wrenches, flex-head wrenches, box-end wrenches and open-end wrenches. However, impact wrenches are considered to be the most popular type of wrenches among car mechanics who need to dismantle stiff bolts so as to change tires, fix parts, or to take apart engine parts more easily.
Air-Impact-Wrench-Vs-Cordless-Electric-Impact-Wrench
In this article, however, we will be comparing an air impact wrench with a cordless electric wrench. We will talk about their similarities and differences, and also review some of the best air impact wrench and cordless electric wrench on the market. Are you ready? Let’s go!
WHAT IS AN AIR IMPACT WRENCH?
Also called a pneumatic impact wrench, an air impact wrench has rapidly become the most used tool by automotive mechanics. An air impact wrench works by harnessing air power to produce a powerful force, which makes seemingly hard tasks extremely easy to do.
In order to work, an impact wrench requires a straight connection to the air source, usually – a powerful air compressor. This enables the wrench to work continuously as long as enough air is supplied to the wrench. Perhaps the only drawback of an impact wrench is that it requires an air source to be operational, which makes them a tool only meant to be stationed at a location and not ideal for on the go fixings.
WHAT IS A CORDLESS ELECTRIC IMPACT WRENCH?
A cordless electric impact wrench is the perfect wrench for situations where you are trying to reach places that are hard to reach because of their very portable built. While an electric wrench is a very useful tool as it can be charged overnight then taken anywhere without cords, its drawback is that it doesn’t provide the same kind of power that is produced by an air impact wrench. But if you are looking to get a wrench that is small and easy to use, the cordless electric impact wrench is the go-to tool.
However, it is important for you to know that electric impact wrenches are very expensive, more expensive than any kind of impact wrenches on the market. Thus, ensure you compare prices from different sellers before buying an electric impact wrench.
If you are interested in other cordless tools – read our comparison: cordless impact wrench vs cordless drill.
BEST AIR IMPACT WRENCH VS CORDLESS ELECTRIC WRENCH
Now that we know the similarities and differences between an air impact wrench and an electric wrench, we will review two of the best air and electric impact wrenches on the market.
AIRCAT 1150 KILLER TORQUE 1/2-INCH IMPACT WRENCH – ONE OF THE BEST AIR-POWERED TOOLS
The AirCat 1150 Impact Wrench is one of the best impact wrenches on the market it delivers the kind of excellent performance we have come to expect from air impact wrenches. This air impact wrench is considered by many professionals as one of the best wrenches on the market as it produces similar or better performance when compared to more expensive wrenches.
The AirCat 1150 doesn’t come with many drawbacks, however, there have been many complaints about its anvil, which doesn’t hold the sockets properly. But this is a small problem though as you can fix it by placing a piece of paper on the drive mechanism as the socket is slipped on. This provides the additional dimension needed to secure the sockets firmly.
Pros
- It uses minimal air consumption.
- It delivers a smooth performance.
- It has a very lightweight build
- It is very powerful
- It comes with an ergonomic design
- Quiet operation
- Tested and recommended for removing lug nuts.
Cons
- No tightening adjustments
- Not very durable
MILWAUKEE 2763-22 M18 1/2″ INCH IMPACT WRENCH – PERFECT ELECTRIC TOOL
If you are a mechanic and you need an impact wrench that you can easily use for many years while still performing like you just bought it, you shouldn’t look further than the Milwaukee 2763-22 M18 1/2″ Inch Impact Wrench. This tool produces an incredible torque of 700 ft.lbs and 1,100 ft-lbs for fasting and nut busting respectively. This is sufficient enough for all your professional needs.
In addition, there is no need for you to be concerned about your wrench running out of battery as it comes with two very strong batteries that will last for over 8 hours of heavy usage. The tool comes with a very fast charger that charges the tool fully within 30 minutes.
Pros
- Generates incredible torque
- Fast charge
- Long lasting batteries
- Powerful brushless motor
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Too heavy
- Too powerful sometimes
CONCLUSION
Choosing between an air impact wrench and a cordless electric impact wrench is always a difficult task, and it always comes down to personal preference most times. If you prefer power over portability, you should opt for an air impact wrench. However, if you favor portability over excessive power, a cordless electric impact wrench will do it for you.
