What Is The Difference Between A Wrench And A Screwdriver

Wrench and screwdriver. What is their difference?

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Many different tools are required for repair or workshop work. There are universal ones that can solve most problems, and there are those aimed at narrow application. A striking example is a screwdriver and a wrench. Despite the similar principle of operation, these tools have differences that make them useful in different situations. Further in the article, we will analyze what is the difference between a nutrunner and a screwdriver, as well as in what cases this or that tool will be needed.

Advantages and disadvantages of impact wrenches

One of the key differences between the impact wrench is the tangential impact. When unscrewing, the tool first rips the nut off the bolt and then unscrews it. This approach allows you to work with rusted fasteners without a wrench, without fear that the nut will fly to the side due to the high unscrewing force. Impact wrenches are very useful when working with dimensional machinery.

One of the disadvantages of the impact wrench is the increased noise level, which is due to the high power of the tool. This is especially true for large powerful models. If you can use a screwdriver even at a later time, without fear of waking up the neighbors, then it is not always possible to hide the noise when working with a screwdriver.

Models of impact wrenches that do not have a well-thought-out system of tangential impact and the subsequent limitation of the unscrewing speed are not very convenient. They can damage the fasteners. However, in modern impact wrenches this drawback is eliminated.

Summing up, we can say that the impact wrench will most effectively prove itself in the hands of a skilled craftsman who knows exactly how and for what to use this tool. The screwdriver is suitable even for beginners, although it has not so much power.

What is a screwdriver?

It is an electric hand tool designed to work with a variety of fasteners. Use a screwdriver to unscrew and screw in screws, bolts and self-tapping screws. Its use allows you to significantly speed up the work, especially if you need to tighten several hundred fasteners. Furniture assembly, renovation work, construction. All these work can be done faster with a drill-driver.

Screwdrivers differ among themselves according to several criteria:

• Depending on the type of power supply, network and cordless screwdrivers can be distinguished.
• There are impact and non-impact screwdrivers, which differ in the presence of impact mode.

This tool has several additional features and uses:

• An electric screwdriver can replace a not very powerful drill.
• With the appropriate attachments, the screwdriver becomes an excellent alternative to hex wrenches.
• If the instrument has a backlight function, it will be useful when working in low light conditions.
• An adjustable ratchet mechanism allows the heads of the mounts to be positioned exactly on the surface of the material, improving the appearance of the product.

Briefly about the features of the impact wrench

An impact wrench is a slightly more specific tool, although its principle of operation is a lot like that of a screwdriver. To distinguish a nut device from a drill, you need to pay attention to the holder. Its attachment is different from the one installed in a drill or screwdriver. The tool mechanism is best suited for working with bolts or nuts. He will be able to unscrew even rusted old fasteners.

There are several popular types of impact wrenches:

• Pneumatic (run on compressed air from a compressor);
• Gasoline (use internal combustion engines);
• Hydraulic;
• Electrical.

By the type of action, nutrunners can be divided into torque and impact. Torque are used for heavy work, their torque is from 1000 to 12000 Nm. The downside of the coin is a low rotation speed. 3-16 rpm.

It can be added that there are torque and impact wrenches according to the type of action.

Torque wrenches are used for heavy duty applications, with a torque rating of 1,000 to 12,000 Nm. The disadvantage of this type of nutrunner is its low speed (rotation speed 3-16 rpm). Impact wrenches are more widespread due to their relatively high power (from 100 to 4000 W) and relatively affordable cost.

A wrench is an indispensable professional tool that can be found in the assortment of any repairman or assembly worker. The most powerful models have found their application in mechanical engineering.

The main differences between a nutrunner and a screwdriver

An impact wrench is often called a tool for professional work, and a screwdriver is often called a household tool. There are several of their key differences:

1. The dimensions of the wrench are often larger than those of the screwdriver. Their weight is also different. The wrench is heavier, but it has a good positive difference in power.
2. The impact wrench has no chuck attached. Instead, it has a special holder that secures the nut head. An extension that allows you to work with nuts. To use bits or drills on the nutrunner, you will need to install an adapter.
3. The impact wrench is able to apply more force to the fastener. This allows the nuts to be ripped off, even if they seem to be firmly rusted to the bolt.
4. Wrenches and screwdrivers have additional functions. Some models may differ in the presence of a speed controller, multiple speeds, backlight, etc. The screwdriver also often has a keyless chuck and a 2- or 3-speed gearbox.
5. The screwdriver mechanism is not suitable for tangential impact.

These features allow the use of impact wrenches for work requiring more loosening power. Screwdrivers are used for simple work. By the way, if you use a wrench to screw in screws, you can damage the mounting head with a tangential impact or twist the screw. But, if for any reason you need to tighten the fasteners very tightly, the wrench will make it much more efficient.

Is it possible to make a wrench with your own hands?

If you have a screwdriver, you can use it as a wrench without purchasing a separate tool. Of course, the power of the tool will remain small, but it will still help to significantly reduce the time of working with nuts when changing wheels for cars. It is enough to install the desired nozzle (head) on the screwdriver, the dimensions of which will coincide with the parameters of the special key. This can be done using an adapter. To loosen the nut, you will need a wrench, since the power of the screwdriver is unlikely to be enough for this. However, after doing this, you can use a homemade impact wrench to speed up the process. This way you can remove the wheels in a few minutes.

Summing up all of the above, it can be noted that the impact wrench is more specific, high power and the presence of a tangential impact. It is most effective when working with nuts and bolts. In turn, the screwdriver is used for easier work, it quickly unscrews and tightens screws, self-tapping screws, etc.

Which is better wrench or screwdriver?

Given the many functions of a screwdriver, it performs a wider range of work, which is what wins over a nutrunner. In many cases, it replaces the nut device, performs the simple work of a wrench. The screwdriver works even more accurately: the tangential impact of a professional nutrunner, although it works quickly, but the screws do not withstand the stress and can fly out of the building material.

Advice: From the outside, the nut mechanism looks like a regular drill, and its holder is equipped with an extension attachment.

The impact wrench becomes indispensable during large construction works, when working with cars, ships, airplanes and other units. A device for screwing in self-tapping screws and screws is often used at home for furniture repair. Since such a mechanism is free from mains power, the use of the impact wrench is.

What is the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver: 3 main criteria

In some everyday situations, it is quite difficult to get by with a wrench. Then devices come to the rescue that help to assemble and disassemble threaded devices. Some of these are a screwdriver and a wrench. They have one task. Help when working with fasteners. But also a lot of differences. We propose to consider the main differences between the devices, find out which is more convenient to use, and how you can upgrade an old screwdriver to a nutrunner.

An impact wrench is a mechanical tool for screwing in and out nuts and bolts. You cannot do without it when you need to unscrew a rusty nut in hard-to-reach places, and a simple wrench is powerless. The impact wrench can be confused with a drill. But an experienced owner will see the difference: the nozzle installed in the holder. It is this nozzle that compresses the nut and holds it while the engine twists it in or unscrews it.

Advice: DeWalt DW292 is considered a convenient option. The model consumes 710 watts of power.

Screwdriver. A device for screwing and unscrewing screws, screws, self-tapping screws and other fasteners. Its peculiarity. Work at different speeds. Expands the range of possibilities. The device drives screws, drills, has an impact function.

Advice: Bosch has established itself as a market leader in this niche as well. Especially popular are the models Bosch GSR 6-45 TE, Bosch GSR 14.4-2-LI Plus.

A wrench, unlike a screwdriver, is considered a more professional tool. According to the method of application, the mechanism for nuts can be: gasoline, pneumatic, hydraulic and work from the network. It is designed for screwing in or out bolts or nuts. Unlike a screwdriver, a cartridge is not attached to a nutrunner. In its place, a rod with a nut head is installed.

The second difference. In tightening power, here the impact wrench has an advantage. With him you can “master” any crafts.

Another difference lies in the volume and weight of the mechanisms, for example, not every person can lift some wrenches. Also, screwdrivers are able to regulate their work process, while another representative of mechanics does not have this opportunity. The nutrunner copes with complex tasks no faster than the screwdriver, which creates a lot of noise during operation. This fact is the key difference. In such a situation, equipped with a 3-speed gearbox, the DeWalt DCF895M2 screwdriver in light tasks can replace any device for tightening nuts.

In terms of operational capabilities, the nut mechanism has serious limitations. It is good to use drills when drilling. So, for soft wood, it is not necessary to use a professional mechanism, you can get by with the Black Decker EPC12CAB screwdriving tool.

It may also be interesting: How to choose a drill

How to convert a screwdriver to a wrench?

Consider how to convert an unusable screwdriver into a new nutrunner. For such a design you will need:

• Adapter set.
• Device battery.
• Control indicator.
• Button for wrench.

Advice: Store the devices in a case, so the chance of breakage if dropped is minimized. It is important to remember that attachments for mechanisms are very fragile and require careful maintenance.

For the device, you need to set the horn for the brakes. Then you need to connect and solder all the connectors of the indicators. If you connect the components correctly, you get a screwdriver. Watch your voltage. The battery is difficult to tolerate. Assembly of parts will take no more than 20 minutes; you can also convert the device to its original state. Such a device will be able to screw in the screws, but for this you need to put a suitable nozzle.

In summary, it is not necessary to buy new home appliances. Practical expert advice will help you build your wrench. At home, it can be easily replaced with a screwdriver. For more serious construction, the wrench is irreplaceable. We hope our material helped to understand the main differences between devices for screws and nuts.

See clearly in how to make a new nutrunner from an old screwdriver: Turning a screwdriver into a nutrunner

What is the difference between tools

A wrench is considered to be a tool for professionals, while a screwdriver is mainly used for smaller household jobs. The main differences between a nutrunner and a screwdriver are their following characteristics.

1. The wrench is more cumbersome than a screwdriver and does not have a chuck. At its end there is a special rod on which the nut head is attached.
2. The power of a wrench applied to an object is many times greater than that of a screwdriver. With the help of the first one can solve any “problems”.
3. There is a significant difference in the weight and size of these mechanisms. Wrenches are usually larger and heavier.
4. Screwdrivers have several operating modes that can be adjusted. Unlike them, no other special tools have this capability.

Thus, impact wrenches are used more often for heavy mechanical work, while its competitor is more often used for simpler domestic repairs. In addition, for simple tasks, you can try to make the wrench yourself using ordinary nozzles.

Which tool should you choose? The answer to this question will depend on the type of work where these tools will be needed. Considering that the impact wrench has a tangential impact during operation, it cannot be used to tighten the screws, as it will simply tear off their caps. However, if you ensure that there is no stop, then he can make such a mount that even the most powerful screwdriver cannot create. If there is a small amount of work to be done, which includes only screwing in screws, then an ordinary screwdriver is enough for this. Therefore, it is necessary to decide what to choose for work. A screwdriver or a wrench, based on the specific circumstances.

What is a screwdriver

A screwdriver is an electric tool, the main purpose of which is to carry out work on screwing in or out of various screws, bolts and self-tapping screws. You can only imagine how long it will take to screw in a few hundred screws by hand when assembling, for example, a conventional built-in cabinet for things or shelves for tools. With this device, all work will take a few minutes. In addition, this power tool has some other additional features:

• Use as a cordless drill;
• Replacement using special nozzles of conventional hex keys;
• Backlight function in poor visibility conditions.

A few words about the impact wrench

An industrial or homemade wrench is used to install and remove bolts and nuts. Some may accidentally confuse it with a drill, but experienced craftsmen will immediately point to a special attachment in the holder, which a conventional drill does not have. You will definitely not be able to do without it if you need to unscrew the old nut, which is so rusted that you simply cannot unscrew it with your hands or with a key. The tool is produced in the following versions:

• Pneumatic;
• Gasoline;
• Hydraulic;
• Powered by electricity.

What is the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver

During work, difficult situations are often encountered when using a wrench alone becomes clearly insufficient. Then you have to pick up special tools: they help in working with parts that have a thread. Among them are a screwdriver and a wrench. These technical devices serve one purpose. To speed up work associated with a large number of nuts, bolts and screws used. At the same time, despite the similarity of the tasks being solved, they also have a number of significant differences. You can find out about this and which of the tools is better to use from the review below.

Is it possible to independently make a nutrunner from a screwdriver

Of course it is possible, with only one important caveat: it is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain the same power as a tool made in an industrial environment. But, very often too much power is not required. For example, if you have to change tires on a car. Many people know how long the process of unscrewing wheel nuts is. Of course, there is an opportunity to contact specialists, but this will cost money. If you have a screwdriver at hand, then it can be quickly converted into a wrench: this requires only an adapter with a head of a certain size, which must completely match the size of the wheel wrench. It remains to fix this adapter in the chuck and install the head. Wrench from a screwdriver completely ready.

How to distinguish impact sockets from conventional?

The main difference lies in the thickness of the wall, but it is extremely easy to distinguish them from each other, just by inspection: the impact heads are matte, while most of the ordinary ones have a glossy finish. See the table below for details:

Differences between a traditional drill and an impact type screwdriver

Before almost all craftsmen who choose tools for home use or for work, the question arises, what is the difference between the recognizable impact-type screwdriver and an ordinary ordinary electric drill.

With a similar appearance, the main difference is the principle of operation:

1. In the first case, the tool has an impact mechanism, which drives the drill, while increasing the torque;
2. At the base of the operation of a conventional electric drill is a two-stage gearbox.

This distinction is beginning to show itself, giving an advantage to the percussion type tool when working on hard and particularly difficult surfaces. When the drill senses resistance, a series of massive and rapid blows are sent, which multiply the torque and tighten the fastener much easier.

It is also worth distinguishing between an impact driver and a drill.

With a similar principle of operation, they have a different direction of impact. For a drill, this is longitudinal, and for a screwdriver, it is perpendicular to the direction of rotation. The process of the tool is most clearly represented as small strokes with a wrench while tightening the nut.

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Which is better wrench or screwdriver?

Given the many functions of a screwdriver, it performs the widest range of work, which is what wins over a nutrunner. In almost all variants, it replaces the device for nuts, performs the light work of a wrench. The screwdriver works even more accurately: the tangential impact of the professional screwdriver, although it works quickly, but the self-tapping screws do not withstand the stress and can fly out of the construction.

Advice: From the outside, the mechanism for nuts looks like an ordinary drill, and its holder is equipped with an extension nozzle.

The wrench becomes irreplaceable during large construction works, when working with cars, ships, airplanes and other units.

A device for screwing in self-tapping screws and screws is often used at home for furniture repair. Since such a mechanism is free from the mains supply, the use of a wrench.

: How to choose an angle grinder

How to recycle a screwdriver into a wrench?

Consider how to recycle an unusable screwdriver into a fresh nutrunner. For such a design you will need:

1. Adapter set.
2. Device battery.
3. Control indicator.
4. Button for wrench.

Advice: Store the devices in a case, so the possibility of breakage if dropped is minimized.

It is essential to keep in mind that attachments for mechanisms are extremely fragile and require careful care.

For the device, you need to set the horn for the brakes. Later, you should connect and solder all the connectors of the indicators. If you connect the components correctly, you get a screwdriver. Watch the voltage. It is difficult for the battery to endure the drops. Assembly of parts will take no more than 20 minutes, you can also recycle the device to its original state.

Such a device will be able to screw in the screws, but for this it is useful to put a suitable nozzle.

Summing up, it can be noted that it is not necessary to take fresh home appliances. Practical advice from professionals will help you design your own impact wrench. At home, it is simply replaced with a screwdriver. For the most severe construction site, the impact wrench is irreplaceable. We hope ours helped to understand the main differences between devices for screws and nuts.

See clearly in how to make a fresh wrench out of an old screwdriver: Turn the screwdriver into a wrench

about additional equipment

We prepare a nut runner

In fact electric impulse drivers and wrenches are extremely simple. An engine, a gearbox, a rotary-impact converter and control circuits are hidden in a case made of duralumin alloy or strong plastic. Only the spindle with a square (SQ) section 1/2 “, 3/4” or 1 “or with an internal hexagon (HEX) 1/4” protrudes outside.

The body traditionally has a pistol-like shape, less often it is linear (it is held like an ordinary screwdriver), from time to time with an additional handle (butterfly scheme). The pistol grip can be located at the end of the tool, but from time to time for best weight distribution it is located in the middle of the body. Electric motors of impact wrenches and screwdrivers are both collector and brushless (valve), which have a number of indisputable advantages. They are quieter, do not spark, do not require maintenance and have a significantly longer resource. Such engines increase the operating time on one battery charge by almost a third.

To hold bits and extensions with an annular groove inside the hexagonal holder, a spring ring or a spring-loaded ball is provided on the spindle. They are also equipped with an outer square for end heads of nutrunners. The use of different adapters can be, but it is not necessary, since due to the effect of torsion smoothing, any excess link significantly reduces the maximum tightening torque.

The transmission of rotation from the motor to the spindle in all impact wrenches and screwdrivers is carried out through a reduction gear. perfect is the planetary structure of this unit, which has the smallest dimensions and weight.

But the torque limiting clutch (ratchet), which is a standard part of the design of ordinary screwdrivers, is technically extremely difficult to adapt to work in shock mode, therefore it does not use here. Accordingly, in order to find the achievement of a suitable tightening torque, the user of the tool will need some experience.

Benefits of Impact Screwdrivers (Impact Wrenches)

For most battery models, the torque spectrum is between 80 and 250 Nm!

Convenient for tightening nuts. At low weights, the tool works in shock-free mode with continuous force (quickly tightens the nut along the free thread), and with an increase in resistance, it runs over to the shock mode (tightening by the highest torque).

There is no need to apply a huge pressing force to the tool when tightening screws and self-tapping screws, thereby saving the caps from “licking”. Also, with its help, you can unscrew those screws and self-tapping screws, the caps of which have already begun to bully.

Reduces rotational stress on the operator’s wrist.

Two words about which battery to choose a screwdriver or screwdriver.

Most often, manufacturers of self-powered rotary tools use three types of energy carriers for their configuration: nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries.

The first ones are characterized as batteries that withstand about five hundred charge cycles and are considered environmentally friendly. 2nd. About a thousand, but the cadmium contained in these batteries is considered harmful to human health. 3rd type. Lithium-ion batteries. The choice of manufacturers is justified by the fact that lithium-ion batteries have the highest density of accumulated electrical energy, therefore, with a capacity similar to analogs, they have twice the smallest weight and dimensions.

The second plus of this type of battery is a small percentage of self-discharge.

Our power tool market is ready to offer you a wide selection of models of this kind of tools for both domestic use and production purposes, and our experienced experts will carefully tell you how to choose a good cheap screwdriver or a high-quality and reliable screwdriver.

Note to the master: we take tools for the home workshop

What is the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver

Screwdrivers and wrenches, since their inception on the power tool market, they have become one of the most necessary tools for both professional and household use. The popularity of these devices lies in the breadth of their implementation. These tools will find their place both during construction and during repair work and in almost all other options, since screws, screws and nuts have become the most common fastening tools.

Screwdriver. A power tool designed for efficient and quick unscrewing and tightening of bolts, screws, nuts and self-tapping screws.

It is also suitable for drilling holes, as it has a built-in drill and can work as a drill. Electric screwdriver possesses the ability to precisely set the screw-in depth, so that all screws and screws enter the base at a similar depth or leave it at a predetermined height. The rotational speed of the screwdriver is infinitely adjustable depending on the rate of work and hardness. Another plus is the locking of the tool switch.

Impact wrench. A tool mainly used for assembly work.

The scope of its implementation is very wide. From furniture work to mechanical engineering.
For comfortable use, the nutrunners have a fairly low weight, a cooling system, a reliable motor, a reverse function and, for changing nozzles, a quick-release SDS chuck. There is a wide range of different accessories available for impact wrenches: these are different attachments and adapters that make this tool versatile. Choosing an impulse wrench, you need to pay attention to its torque, power, seat size, the presence of reverse, as well as the ability to adjust the applied force.

Wrenches, unlike screwdrivers, make an impact perpendicular to the axis of rotation and radius, due to which, with the same power, much huge moments are achieved when unscrewing and screwing.

As a rule, wrenches do not have a built-in torque adjustment, and external devices (for example, torsion bars) are used for this purpose.

Today, the choice of a screwdriver and an impulse wrench is not particularly difficult, since the construction power tool market is represented by a fairly wide range of models. But in this matter, you can only trust trusted manufacturers, whose professionalism has confirmed their highest qualifications.

Bosch provides quality screwdrivers and impulse wrenches for all dry finishing works. These are reliable and comfortable professional power tools with the use of innovative technologies based on practice.

Professional power tools. The Bosch screwdriver meets all the requirements for a similar tool.

It is easy and comfortable to use, and its belonging to this trade mark is an indicator of the highest quality.

Bosch screwdrivers. Is reliability, speed, accuracy and the highest ease of use. The torque and rotation frequency of these professional tools is optimal for any kind of implementation. Bosch screwdrivers provide fast and precise screwing of bolts and screws for interior finishing work, and their comfortable shape ensures tiring work.

Impact wrenches Bosch. A reliable and successful professional power tool with the highest impact force, low reactive torque and the highest service life. It provides precise screwing in both single work and serial production.

Impact wrenches, thanks to the highest torques, guarantee the highest productivity when assembling racks, cars, etc.

Choosing a screwdriver and impact wrench from a manufacturer such as Bosch, you get a reliable, long-term and successful-in-use construction power tool that makes it much easier to screw screws, screws and nuts into products from different.

Screwdrivers in most cases are supplied with only a conventional, but massive adapter for attaching nozzles, screwdrivers. An all-purpose three-jaw keyless chuck.

The first type of tool, designed for tightening massive screws and nuts, is often pneumatic or works from the mains, for the second type of tool, which is distinguished by maneuverability, power from batteries is enough. Screwdrivers and wrenches, often used for repairing cars and in mechanical engineering, can be equipped with an impact mechanism. Thanks to its action, a reliable clamping of the threaded connection is ensured with small jerks.

Therefore, with a huge size of stationary work (for example, at car service stations) that require a lot of power from the tool, attention should be paid to power-operated screwdrivers. But in other situations, especially when carrying out work away from electricity, users often prefer tools with autonomous power supply. Lightweight models are not equipped with an impact function, but they have proven themselves perfectly in finishing and repair work, where the main emphasis is not on power, but on maneuverability, versatility and speed of the tool.

Screwdriver or screwdriver: which tool to choose and why

When carrying out a construction or repair work, in fact, you constantly have to fasten together different systems, panels or structures.

Very often this is done with screws, bolts or screws.

In this case, one cannot do without the appropriate tools. A screwdriver and a screwdriver. How do they differ from each other and what do they have in common??

Both of these tools are provided for screwing (or unscrewing) various fasteners and, in general, the principle of their operation is the same: the electric motor makes a rotational movement, and the planetary gearbox transfers energy from the motor to the spindle, on which the chuck of the screwdriver or screwdriver is fixed. Both of these tools can be operated both from the mains and from the battery.

Rigging

The main attachments for impact drivers and impact wrenches are bits, square sockets (SQ 1/2, 3/4 or 1 “) and drills with hex shanks (HEX 1/4”). Home in this row are torsion bats with a special refinement (i.E.

N. Torsion zone) between the shank and the head, which absorbs peak shock overloads and protects the tool tip from destruction.

In devices with tangential impact, it is extremely important to minimize backlash in all joints, since in an unpleasant case, the part (for example, an adapter, extension cord or socket head) will quickly break or generally break. Accordingly, all devices for working with impact must be hardened to the highest hardness (by the way, during hardening they are covered with a dark oxide film, but almost all manufacturers get rid of it by different methods. Grinding, chemical action, etc.

The use of adapters and adapters when working with impulse inventory is not necessary, but if one cannot do without them, then one rule should be kept in mind: the larger the section (in this case, the intermediate link), the lower the level of torsion anti-aliasing and, accordingly, more effective transmission of torque to the socket or bit.