Wrenches: what is it and how to use it?

Recently, both in production and at home, they began to use more advanced technology. So, very often, instead of wrenches, wrenches are already used, because they are not only faster to work with, but also easier to cope with large volumes of work.

Such a device is a device for working with different connections and threads. With its help, they can be unscrewed and twisted. In fact, it is an improved wrench. Its layout is pretty simple. The impact wrench is a bit like a screwdriver, it is similar in shape to a pistol with a slightly elongated body, inside which all the main nodes are located. In addition, such a unit has excellent characteristics. It consists of a torque element and also has a fast speed, battery or electric charging.

Each of its parts is responsible for certain functions, namely:

• cladding - nutrunners are made from metals, sometimes from polymers; the body itself unites parts and assemblies into a single whole;
• drive - it can be hydraulic, and electric, and mechanical;
• power amplifier - designed to increase torque;
• output shaft - provides reliability in holding the head.

Weight depends directly on what kind of work it will be used for. So, for household work, such small tools are suitable that will weigh no more than 3 kilograms. However, for more professional work, there are models with two handles. They are more massive.

Like any technique, the impact wrench has both advantages and disadvantages, which you must definitely familiarize yourself with. It's worth starting with the first. These tools are pretty easy to use. They can be used in various fields of activity, even in the field. Wrenches make the job much easier, especially where a conventional wrench no longer helps. Almost everyone, even an inexperienced person, can handle such a tool. The downside is that most of these tools differ in that they cannot adjust the speed. And also some models work with high vibration, which puts stress on the hands, and this can ultimately lead to joint diseases if you use a wrench frequently.

The application of this technique is quite varied. Its very purpose is laid down in the name, that is, it was created in order to be able to cope fairly quickly with tightening, as well as unscrewing the nuts. It is intended for use both at home and by professionals. Most often it is taken to work with large structures, for example, when working on machines or over large tunnels. In this case, you will need to work not only efficiently, but also quickly. It is for this kind of work that a wrench is suitable. It is used for connecting and loosening nuts, bolts, reinforced wood grouses and anchors, as well as for tightening various connections in cars and in different industries.

Many people believe that there are practically no differences and the wrench is just a kind of screwdriver.However, in reality this is not at all the case, and there are differences between the two tools. As mentioned above, a wrench is a tool that serves to twist and unscrew threaded elements. It is used in places where the nuts are rusted and hardly loosened. In addition, it easily handles tightening nuts in particularly difficult places.

A screwdriver is a tool with which you can not only screw in different screws, but also self-tapping screws, and various fasteners. It can be additionally used as a drill. And also, unlike a nutrunner, a screwdriver has a rod with a special nut head, which allows it to cope with the necessary tasks. In addition, impact wrenches have great power, weight and size.

If we talk about the types of impact wrenches, then they can be divided into impact and non-impact tools. It is worth considering these basic varieties in more detail.

• Pulse. In other words, this instrument can be called percussion and rotational. It allows you to make movements using a special attachment. Such tools are able to regulate the operation of the twisting element, as well as calculate how many blows are needed. At first, such a device makes rather long strokes, and at the end of the work they become short. In the end, the last blow will be the strongest, in this way it makes the connection quite reliable. This type of model is most often used by professional workers.
• Unstressed. This model is most often used for everyday work. It features high torque. Such a nutrunner costs several times cheaper than an impulse one.

In addition, nutrunners also differ in the type of drive. They are presented in several varieties.

• Gearbox. This model is mechanical. There is a cylinder with a reduction gear inside. It is also called a torque amplifier. Therefore, such models are considered torque wrenches. On one side of such a device there is a handle, by rotating which you can set in motion the rod itself with the head. Most often, these wrenches are used in order to "break" rusted nuts, for example, on the wheels of cars.
• Electric. This model is powered by an electrical network. It is distinguished by its low noise level and small size. Such a tool is quite powerful, but at the same time it consists of a simple mechanism for switching the rotating head, as well as adjusting the tightening torque.

• Rechargeable. One of the main features of this type of model is its autonomy. It can be used both by professionals and at home. With this technique, even those nuts that have already become rusty can be unscrewed. These models also have a torque regulator that can go up to 500 Nm. The most popular are such wrenches, the impact frequency of which reaches 3000 per minute. For cars, wrenches are used that are powered by a 12 volt car.
• Pneumatic. This model is very often used in car repair shops, as it consists of a metal case, and also has a connection system to the compressor. They are both percussion and unstressed.

• Hydraulic. Such a wrench will be needed in those places where a lot of effort is needed to unscrew the nuts. Its rated power reaches 10 thousand. In addition, this model differs in that it can be used under water.
• Petrol. The work of such a tool is provided by an engine that runs on gasoline.

In addition, impact wrenches can be divided into two types.

• Corner. They have a convenient pistol-like shape that allows them to be used even in awkward places. In these models, the spindle rotation axis is perpendicular to the motor axis, which makes it possible to cope even with rather dirty nuts.
• Straight. In such wrenches, the axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of the motor, which makes it possible to develop a torque of up to 4 thousand bits.

Despite the fact that such a tool appeared not so long ago, its choice is quite large. Particularly popular are models created in Japan, America, Russia and Germany, among which several of the most famous are worth noting.

• Bosch. A prime example is the GDR 10. It features a brushed motor, battery, backlight and motor brake. In addition, the kit includes a second battery. Such a model is quite powerful, lightweight and also compact, but it has an uncomfortable grip.
• Hilti. The SIW model is very popular, which has three speeds, can regulate not only the frequency, but also the direction of rotation. It is supplemented with illumination and has an additional battery.

• AEG. This German brand has become offering premium products. The BSS 18C 12Z-0 model operates on battery power and may shut down if the load is too heavy. The kit includes a backlight, a spare charger. Such a device is easy to use, quite powerful and has an average price.
• "Bison". The Russian company enjoys a well-deserved reputation. The ZGUE-350 wrench is frost-resistant and has a metal body. In addition, it features an automatic adjustment of the speed of the revolutions themselves, it is convenient to use, and has an average price. The company provides a warranty period of up to 5 years.
• DeWALT. This is one of the leaders in the modern market. The DW 292 model is more professional. It has a shockproof housing, a rubberized grip that helps reduce vibration, and a lock. In addition, the DW 292 is a fairly powerful model that stands out for its durability.

When making a choice of a wrench, there are several nuances worth paying attention to.

• First you need to decide what you need it for. If you use such a tool in everyday life, then it will be enough to purchase a wrench with a power of up to 400 watts. For professional needs, it is better to choose a more powerful device.
• You need to pay attention to the rotation speed of the cartridge itself. For work at home, 20 to 400 rpm will be enough. For professionals, it is necessary to buy such a wrench, the speed of which will be at least one and a half thousand revolutions per minute.

• If it was decided to purchase a tool that runs on a battery, then nutrunners with nickel-cadmium charges are suitable for everyday life. For professionals, it is better to take a tool with a casting-ion battery. This model can be recharged at any stage of charging.
• When buying, special attention should be paid to the mechanism. If a wrench was needed to work with cars or for screwing heavy fasteners, then it is better to take a closer look at the impact mechanisms, since such a task will not be otherwise strong.
• For work in hard-to-reach places, you should take a closer look at the corner model. In addition, there should be a backlight to make it more convenient to work.

Important! When making a choice, you should not chase very expensive models, because sometimes the price does not justify the purchase.

Before you start using the impact wrench, you need to check how it works.To do this, you need to connect the air connection with a hose that supplies compressed air, after which everything must be clamped with a clamp. In addition, before connecting it, you need to blow through all the hoses to remove dirt, if any. To do this, you need to take a hose up to 12 meters long. It should be checked that the starting mechanism is not blocked when starting, otherwise the equipment will not work.

Do not forget about regular lubrication of such a tool. This will help it last longer. In addition, the oil must be filled with distinctive properties. After all, it will help prevent wear and tear, as well as save from the formation of rust, which can subsequently lead to all kinds of damage. Frequent maintenance and inspection of the entire nutrunner should be performed. This must be done in special workshops where the appropriate tools are located, as well as workers with the necessary knowledge. When inspecting, they can not only lubricate the tool correctly, but also replace worn parts if necessary. In any case, it will definitely be done professionally.

Increasingly, people strive for progress, trying to make their work as easy as possible for themselves. Any locksmith work is no exception. By using tools such as impact wrenches, you can get the job done much faster. In addition, the work itself will be done much better and better. In addition, this tool can be used in various fields of activity: in industry, and in car dealerships, and even in construction.

For information on how to choose a wrench for a garage or car service, see the video below.