When you perform automotive work, you need to have the right tools on hand. Otherwise, you can’t get the job done properly. By now, you are probably asking – how much torque do I need in an impact wrench? In this guide, we cover the factors affecting how much torque is needed for an impact wrench.
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How Much Torque Do I Need In An Impact Wrench?
First things first - how much torque does an impact wrench have? There are many different ratings of impact wrenches, sure to provide exactly what you need for any job. The amount you need depends solely on the tasks you will be trying to accomplish.
You can get a light-duty torque wrench that's compact for a minimal amount of money. For example, the basic impact wrench might provide 250 ft-lbs of torque, which is enough power for light-duty applications around the home. However, it might not be the best option for mechanical needs, such as removing lug nuts.
If you are working on your cars, you need to consider how much torque should an impact wrench have? With a mid-range wrench, you are looking at about 450 ft-lbs of torque. This is great for taking off or tightening lug nuts, as well as bigger automotive jobs. You could actually get away with having a 350 ft-lb impact wrench for most passenger cars.
How much torque do I need for an impact wrench if I have larger jobs to do? With a 750 lb-ft impact wrench, you can do all of the heavy-duty jobs. Of course, these wrenches will cost the most, so you need to budget accordingly.
Can You Adjust The Torque On An Impact Wrench?
How much torque do you need in an impact wrench? There are times when you need varying amounts of torque. In this case, you want to know how to adjust it. Thankfully, adjustment can occur, and there are several ways to accomplish it. For example, let's assume you are working on a heavy-duty project, but you also need the wrench for a small household job; how would you change the torque?
The first option is to regulate the line pressure to the pneumatic tool. If you can regulate the amount of pressure coming from the compressor, you can adjust the torque. Aside from this option, there are ways to regulate the tool pressure itself. Use the built-in regulator on the tool to adjust the torque.
Can You Modify An Impact Wrench To Get More Torque?
As you look at the air impact wrench and how much torque is needed, you might find that you need more than what the tool provides. You can follow these steps to increase the torque but do so with caution.
- 1Disassemble your impact wrench with an Allen wrench. You will need to take off the rear plate to reach the cylinder and motor.
- 2With a Dremel, you want to reshape the cylinder ports. Just make sure you don’t cut into too much of the metal. You will perform this task on the back and front of the cylinder.
- 3Open up the exhaust ports of the cylinder. This reveals the endplate. Grind it, so it enlarges the inlet ports. You want both of the inlet ports to be the same size while leaving space for the screw hole.
- 4Cut a paper gasket to match up with the new ports.
- 5Clean everything up and put your wrench back together.
Is Excess Torque Good? (Pros & Cons)
The measurements showing how much torque an air impact wrench are needed to know what jobs can be performed. If too much torque is applied, the bolts could break or crack. The worst part is trying to get the bolts back off once the damage has occurred. It can be nearly impossible, causing you to need help from a professional.
However, the other end of the spectrum isn’t good either. If there’s not enough torque, the parts could warp or fail to tighten appropriately. Additionally, you can wear the impact wrench prematurely if you use it outside of the factory specifications.
Frequently Asked Impact Wrench Torque Questions
How much torque does a 1-inch air impact wrench have?
As you examine the options for an impact wrench and how much torque do I need, the measurements vary by model. The 1-inch air impact wrench could produce 1,500 ft-lbs of torque, but it could also be more or less.
How much torque should an impact driver have?
It depends on the type of jobs you have to accomplish. Consider how much torque do you need for an impact wrench based on whether you are taking off lug nuts or something bigger. Most automotive jobs require around 450 ft-lbs of torque.
Conclusion
How much torque for an impact wrench? The measurements could differ as you look at how much torque does an air impact wrench have vs. how much torque does an electric impact wrench have. Evaluate your options to ensure you get what you want.