Which torque figure should I go by?

Fastening torque. The higher breakaway figure is a peak produced for an instant to free a seized joint, not a continuous rating.

Can I tighten wheel nuts with an impact wrench?

To run them down, yes; for final tightening, no. Wheel nuts have a specified torque and must be brought to it with a torque wrench.

Can I use ordinary sockets?

No. Impact wrenches take impact sockets (CrMo, black). Bright chrome sockets can crack and shatter under hammer blows.

Is there a power difference between air and cordless?

Largely not any more — 18 V high-output models exceed 1,000 Nm. The difference is duty and infrastructure: air needs a compressor but runs for hours without heating.

What is the difference between 1/2" and 3/4" drives?

The maximum torque they transmit. 1/2" is the automotive and general maintenance standard; 3/4" and 1" belong to trucks, plant and industrial maintenance.

Do extensions affect torque?

Yes — extensions and universal joints absorb part of the blow and lower effective torque. Work with the shortest connection you can.

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Impact Wrenches

An impact wrench delivers blows in the direction of rotation, producing very high torque from a small body with no reaction through the wrist — that is what frees a corroded wheel nut. This page explains how to read the torque figures, what the square drive sizes mean, and why impact sockets are not optional. The catalogue holds over 100 models.

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Reading the torque figures

Catalogues usually quote two: fastening torque, and the higher breakaway torque. Breakaway is a peak produced for an instant to free a corroded joint; the figure that matters for your application is fastening torque.

Critical joints are not tightened with an impact wrench. Wheel nuts and engine bolts are run down by machine and then brought to value with a torque wrench. The impact wrench is a tool for removal and fast run-down.

Class	Fastening torque	Square drive	Use
Compact	150-350 Nm	3/8" - 1/2"	Service, assembly, light wheel work
Mid range	400-700 Nm	1/2"	Automotive, general maintenance
Heavy	800-1,500 Nm	1/2" - 3/4"	Truck wheels, steel structures
Very heavy	Above 1,500 Nm	3/4" - 1"	Plant machinery, industrial maintenance

Cordless or air

Air wrenches are light, run cool and work continuously — but need a compressor, hose and air preparation. A cordless model removes that infrastructure and works at the roadside, on a roof, anywhere that moves.

In a workshop where the line is already installed, air remains economical. For roadside assistance, field maintenance and jobsite work, cordless noticeably shortens the job.

Impact sockets are mandatory

Use impact sockets only: CrMo steel, usually a black finish, with thicker walls to absorb the blows. Bright chrome hand sockets crack under impact and can shatter.

The square drive on socket and machine must match. Running a 3/4" socket on a 1/2" machine through an adapter overloads both.

Impact sockets: CrMo, black finish, thick walls.
Extensions and universal joints reduce delivered torque.
Use protective (coloured sleeve) wheel sockets on alloy rims.
Where torque is critical, finish with a torque wrench.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which torque figure should I go by?
Fastening torque. The higher breakaway figure is a peak produced for an instant to free a seized joint, not a continuous rating.
Can I tighten wheel nuts with an impact wrench?
To run them down, yes; for final tightening, no. Wheel nuts have a specified torque and must be brought to it with a torque wrench.
Can I use ordinary sockets?
No. Impact wrenches take impact sockets (CrMo, black). Bright chrome sockets can crack and shatter under hammer blows.
Is there a power difference between air and cordless?
Largely not any more — 18 V high-output models exceed 1,000 Nm. The difference is duty and infrastructure: air needs a compressor but runs for hours without heating.
What is the difference between 1/2" and 3/4" drives?
The maximum torque they transmit. 1/2" is the automotive and general maintenance standard; 3/4" and 1" belong to trucks, plant and industrial maintenance.
Do extensions affect torque?
Yes — extensions and universal joints absorb part of the blow and lower effective torque. Work with the shortest connection you can.