While they may seem similar at first glance, these pneumatic tools actually serve quite different purposes. We’ll break down the key differences between impact drivers and impact wrenches, their intended uses, and help you determine which one is right for your next home improvement or auto repair project.  

What is an Impact Driver?

An impact driver is tool that provides short bursts of rotating force, called impact energy, while you press forward on the tool. This impact energy allows the driver to efficiently drive screws, especially long ones. Impact drivers use hex-shaped drive bits to grip screws, allowing the impact energy to transfer directly into the fastener.  

Impact drivers aren’t necessarily more powerful than drills when it comes to torque, but the sharp impacts apply much more instantaneous force. This lets them drive screws more quickly and easily, with less effort and stripping of screw heads. Most impact drivers have adjustable torque settings to provide just the right amount of tightening power for different materials, they also tend to be more compact and lightweight than most drills.

When to Use an Impact Driver?

Driving screws, bolts and other fasteners, especially into dense or hard materials.

Assembling furniture and other projects with many screws.  

Assembling decks, fences, and other outdoor structures. 

Building cabinetry and other woodworking jobs.

Automotive repair requiring removal/installation of small hardware.

What is an Impact Wrench?    

An impact wrench (also known as an air impact wrench or air gun) uses compressed air to create short powerful twisting motion to loosen or tighten bolts, nuts, and other fasteners. The drive mechanism is geared to produce maximum twisting force rather than quick pulses.  Impact wrenches utilize sockets, allowing them to grip the sides of nuts and bolt heads from the outside.

Most impact wrenches use a 1⁄2” square drive to accept impact rated sockets. Common socket sizes used with impact wrenches include, 1⁄2", 3⁄4” and 1”. The powerful twisting action allows impact wrenches to break loose overtightened fasteners with minimal physical effort. The same short burst twisting can then be used in reverse to efficiently tighten fasteners.  

Industrial quality pneumatic impact wrenches are the most powerful, delivering over 1,000 ft-lbs of nut busting torque.

When to Use an Impact Wrench?

Changing tires on cars, trucks, tractors and other equipment.

Major automotive repair jobs requiring removal of wheel lugs, brake caliper bolts, suspension components, etc.

Large equipment maintenance that involves removal/installation of large threaded fasteners.

Major construction and industrial assembly/disassembly tasks.  

For Torque Output

An impact driver delivers 50 to 200 foot-pounds of max torque, while an impact wrench churns out anywhere from 100 to over 1,000 foot-pounds. The much higher torque output of wrenches allows them to break loose even corroded, tightly stuck bolts with ease. For simply driving screws into wood, lower driver torque should suffice.

Size and Weight

Compact and lightweight define impact drivers, with weights ranging from just 2 to 5 pounds. Their trim size suits working in tight spaces common for driving screws. Conversly, beefy impact wrenches weigh anywhere from 4 to over 20 pounds for the high-torque, heavy-duty models. Large wrench size provides stability when attempting to break very stubborn fasteners free.

For any repairs requiring loosened or tighten lug nuts, an impact wrench becomes a go-to tool.  AEROPRO A301 1/2-inch air impact wrench will provide you with more power (1000 ft-lbs) for larger lug nuts. One hand forward/reverse switch with three position speed control.

Twin hammer mechanism, this design delivers maximum impact force while minimizing vibration, reducing wear and tear on both the tool and your body. The A301 weighs in at just 4.4 lbs, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

They are engineered to provide years of reliable service in commercial automotive shops, industrial plants, farms and construction jobsites. So you can count on them to hold up well even with repeated hard use.

Model No:A301

Square Drive:1/2"

Capacity Bolt Size:5/8”(16mm)

Free Speed: 7000Rpm

Working Torque:1000Ft-Lb(1356 N.m)

Air Inlet :1/4"

Air Hose(Id):3/8"

Avg.Air Consumption: 6.5cfm,183.9 l/Min

Sug.air Comp: 3HP

Net Weight: 4.4Lbs(2.0kg)

Overall Length: 185mm

Recommended Air Pressure: 90PSI (6.3bar)

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