The Dos and Don'ts of Using an Impact Wrench

Impact wrenches make it easy to install and remove fasteners. Rather than manually turning a traditional wrench, you can use an impact wrench. Impact wrenches are power tools that provide automatic torque to easily install and remove fasteners.  Because they are power tools, though, there are several dos and don'ts you should follow when using them.

Do Use the Right-Sized Bit

Always use the right-sized bit with an impact wrench. Impact wrenches support different bits. You can remove the existing bit and replace it with a new bit in a different shape or size. The bit, of course, needs to fit the fastener with which you intend to use the impact wrench.

Don't Cross-Thread

When using an impact wrench, try to avoid cross-threading. Cross-threading is a phenomenon that occurs when a male fastener "crosses" the threads of a female fastener. It's a common occurrence with impact wrenches because of their sheer power. If you happen to cross-thread a set of fasteners, you may struggle to separate them.

Do Familiarize Yourself With Power Source

You should familiarize yourself with the impact wrench's power source before using it. Most impact wrenches are powered by either compressed air or electricity. Also known as pneumatic impact wrenches, compressed air impact wrenches are the most common. Electric impact wrenches, however, are convenient because of their portable and easy-to-use design.

Don't Overtighten

In addition to cross-threading, another mistake to avoid when using an impact wrench is overtightening. Assuming you're trying to install a fastener, you'll need to tighten it. Installing fasteners requires tightening, whereas removing fasteners requires loosening. But tightening a fastener too much may result in damage. You could end up breaking the fastener, or you could damage the surface in which it's inserted.

Do Wear Safety Eyewear

Whether you're using a pneumatic or electric impact wrench, you should wear safety eyewear. Eye injuries are common in the workplace. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that roughly 2,000 workers sustain an eye injury each day in the United States. With safety eyewear, you can lower your risk of sustaining an eye injury when using an impact wrench.

Don't Use at an Angle

Try to avoid using an impact wrench at an angle. The correct way to use an impact wrench is to place it directly over the faster so that it's perpendicular to it. This will give you the most torque while also lowering the risk of damage to the fastener and the surface.