There are a few times when using an impact wrench is not the best solution. When working on a cars engine, tires etc, for example, using an impact wrench can damage the engine. Overuse of an impact wrench can also result in breakage or damage to the tool itself. Impact wrenches are best used when they are needed to remove stubborn objects or when the task at hand requires a high degree of force.
Contents
- When Not To Use An Impact Wrench
- 1. When Working with Small Fasteners
- 2. When Working with Delicate Materials
- 3. When Working with Low Torque Requirements
- 4. When Working with Fragile Parts
- 5. When Working with Precision Parts
- 6. When Working with Sensitive Electrical Parts
- 7. When Working with Soft Metals
- 8. When Working with Flammable Materials
- 9. When Working with Plastics
- 10. When Working with Nuts or Bolts That Are Threaded
- Conclusion
When Not To Use An Impact Wrench
1. When Working with Small Fasteners
When working with small fasteners, such as screws, an impact wrench should not be used to tighten them. This is because the power of the impact wrench can easily cause the fasteners to become over-tightened, or even stripped. Using an impact wrench on small fasteners can damage the surrounding material, resulting in a weakened or distorted surface. For these reasons, it is safer to use a hand screwdriver when working with small fasteners.
2. When Working with Delicate Materials
When working with delicate materials, an impact wrench should be avoided. Impact wrenches are extremely powerful tools that can cause damage to softer materials like plastic and aluminum, leaving them more vulnerable to further damage. Instead, it is best to use hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches to ensure delicate materials remain intact.
3. When Working with Low Torque Requirements
When working with low torque requirements, it is important to understand when an impact wrench should not be used. An impact wrench can cause damage to components that require low torque, such as screws and bolts. To avoid this, use a hand tool or a low-torque powered tool. When working with more delicate and/or expensive components, a hand tool should be used to avoid any potential for damage. Carefully consider the application before using an impact wrench to ensure the highest quality of work.
4. When Working with Fragile Parts
When working with parts that are fragile, such as delicate plastic components or thin metal pieces, an impact wrench should not be used. The high torque produced by the wrench can easily cause these materials to shatter or warp, resulting in costly damage and repair time. To avoid this, it is best to select a tool that produces lower torque, such as a ratchet or a set of sockets with a hand wrench.
5. When Working with Precision Parts
When working with precision parts, an impact wrench should not be used. This is due to the fact that impact wrenches are designed to produce large amounts of torque, which can easily cause damage to delicate parts. In these cases, a manual or electric screwdriver is recommended instead, as they are better suited for providing the level of control necessary for precision work.
6. When Working with Sensitive Electrical Parts
When working with sensitive electrical parts, an impact wrench should never be used. An impact wrench is a tool that rotates a fastener at high speed, which can damage delicate electrical components. Instead, an adjustable torque screwdriver should be used to ensure the fastener is tightened to the right specification without damaging the electrical part.
7. When Working with Soft Metals
When working with soft metals, it is important to refrain from using an impact wrench. Impact wrenches are designed for use on hard materials such as nuts and bolts, and the torque of the tool can easily damage softer metals. To avoid damage to the metal, use a wrench or ratchet instead.
8. When Working with Flammable Materials
When working with flammable materials, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with using an impact wrench. These tools can generate a high amount of heat, which can cause a spark and ignite the materials.
9. When Working with Plastics
When working with plastic materials such as PVC, an impact wrench should not be used due to the risk of damaging the material. Plastic is a softer material than metal and is more likely to crack or break under the force of an impact wrench. To avoid potential damage to the plastic material, it is best to use a manual wrench or screwdriver to fasten and unfasten plastic components. .
10. When Working with Nuts or Bolts That Are Threaded
When working with nuts or bolts that are threaded, the use of an impact wrench should be avoided. Such tools are designed to loosen and tighten fasteners quickly, but they can easily strip the threads of any nut or bolt if used improperly. Instead, a ratchet or adjustable wrench should be used to achieve a secure fit without damaging the threads.
Conclusion
Impact wrenches are powerful tools capable of loosening and tightening fasteners quickly and easily, however they should not be used for all applications. When working with delicate materials such as plastic, electrical components, and soft metals, an impact wrench should not be used as it can easily cause damage. When working with nuts and bolts, it is important to use the correct tool, such as a ratchet or adjustable wrench, to avoid stripping the threads. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your projects are completed safely and correctly.
