Choosing the right tool for multiple jobs can be a daunting task. There are countless brands to choose from, and each of them offers hundreds of tools in different models that often look the same. At the beginning of this year I finally bought Ryobi High Torque Impact Wrenchand it's not only the tool upgrade I needed, but something everyone should have.
Walk through the power tools section of any hardware store and you'll quickly overwhelmed by all the options. And that's because most tools serve a specific purpose. While you probably already have a few hand wrenches and sockets of different sizes, these tools will only get you so far until you need more power and torque. This is where an impact wrench comes in, and now that I have one, I wish I had bought one sooner.
You will find the impact wrench in every mechanics toolboxand this is because not only are they incredibly powerful, but they are also multi-functional tools that are relatively affordable. Here are a few more details you'll want to know.
If you're a beginner or new to power tools, an impact wrench may look similar to a drill or screwdriver, but it's very different. Instead of screwdriver bits and the like, an impact wrench uses sockets and is designed to provide high torque when tightening nuts, bolts and other tough jobs. Instead of just spinning like a drill, the hammer has a knurled ring inside, and as it spins, it “acts” on those notches and punches through the nuts and bolts with much more torque than you can create by hand.
Essentially, when a hand wrench isn't enough, touch the blow. Whether you're removing tires from a car for a quick spin or installing pinch bolts into wood for a new patio cover, an impact wrench will save the day and make the job 10 times easier and faster.
I opted for the more expensive Ryobi 1/2″ High-Torque 4-Mode Impact Drive, which allows it to be set at a variety of speeds and is incredibly useful depending on the job at hand. The ability to select power and torque between four different settings is a game changer. I already have a smaller 3/8″ model, but I haven't found as many uses for it and it's not nearly as versatile.
For example, the larger, more powerful 1/2-inch 4-mode impact driver is ideal for a wide range of applications. This is what I use to remove the lug nuts on my truck. I replaced some suspension components on my rusty old Toyota Tacoma and it helped me finish the patio cover at my new home over the summer. I laid down some cement, built a deck cover with reinforced metal corners, and used a Ryobi hammer to quickly drive large joist bolts into the 6×6 wood posts. I even added a louvered top with angled wood slats to let in light but still provide some shade. Without exposure, this work would take much longer; I would have to pre-drill much larger holes, and doing something like that by hand with a wrench in 105 degree heat sounds terrible.
See where I'm going? An impact wrench like the Ryobi 4-mode model makes tough jobs easier than ever, and that's why you need one. This is an absolutely fantastic tool for every mechanic to have and a great addition to have on hand for repairs, repairs, home auto repairs and more.
You can buy the Ryobi ONE+ 1/2″ 4-Mode Impact Wrench with battery and charger. at Home Depot for $269.but it is often sold. For those who already own a variety of Ryobi tools and batteries, you can… save some money and buy just the toolwithout battery. And the same tool-only model might even be found on Amazon.
