It is no wonder how the right equipment can make a big difference in the task. Having a job-specific tool can make the process smooth rather than turning everything into a nightmare! Likewise, when it comes to the choice between “should I get 3/8 or 1/2 impact wrench”, you need to make the right choice to make the work a lot easier.
If you aren’t confident about what to buy, this guide will help you understand the difference between the two impact wrench. So, let’s quickly jump into the topic.
What Is An Impact Wrench?
In the automotive industry, the work of repairing technicians has become much easier with the production of impact wrenches. Whether the job is to change the tires, undo rusty bolts, maintain tools, or something else, an impact wrench is a savior.
Impact wrenches are available in both corded powered and cordless versions. They are also known as torque wrench, torque gun, air gun, impact gun, impact socket, impactor, and a few more names. However, here we will stick to the impact wrench for the comparison.
Most of these have a push button to start the tool and stop. In addition, they may also have an LED light and a display system for showing the setting you are currently using.
In simple words, this powerful tool is mainly used in heavy-duty industries like automotive work, construction, mining, etc. It helps to fasten and undo bolts, nuts, screws, and several other fasteners.
They give a huge output of torque with little effort. The operator needs to give a little effort, and it will convert electrical energy into a powerful rotational force by delivering it through the wrench driver or shaft.
The driver is available in various sizes, plus the market is also full of tools ranging from ¼” to 1-inch versions. Each of these versions comes with its own benefits or some drawbacks. However, the most popular impact wrenches sizes are either ½” or ⅜.”
What is the difference between a 1/2 and 3/8 impact wrench?
Now that we know what these impact wrenches are all about let’s check out the difference between these two sizes.
1. Power
When the comparison between these two tools is for power, a ½-inch impact wrench truly wins the debate. A ⅜” wrench delivers a maximum torque of 90 to 100 ft/lbs, whereas a ½” version can provide a minimum of 300 ft/lbs of the maximum torque.
2. Sizes and Weights
Since a ½-inch impact wrench has a bigger battery, it weighs around 7 pounds. ⅜-inch versions, however, weigh nearly 2lbs which is less than half of the former version. Substantially, ⅜” wrenches are smaller than ½” ones.
3. Functions
⅜-inch wrenches are ideal for working in smaller spaces. On the other hand, “what is a 1/2 impact wrench used for” is the complete opposite. These are better for use in large areas.
4. Precision
Because of its form aspect, a ⅜ wrench offers a better precision while tightening or removing bolts and nuts.
3/8 vs 1/2 Impact Wrench
| Tools | 1/2-inch Impact Wrench | 3/8-inch Impact Wrench |
| Motor | Powerful | Less Powerful |
| Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Uses | Large areas | Compact areas |
| Ergonomic | Comfortable | Comfortable |
| Precision | Less precise | More precise |
As you already know by now that there are different sizes of impact wrenches working with different power. Accordingly, you need first to figure out what will be best for your work to avoid picking up the wrong tool.
Remember, the ½” driver is considerably much heavier and bigger than the ⅜” compact impact wrench version.
It is extremely vital to make sure that you choose the correct power product to perform a specific task. Otherwise, you could have the risk of damaging your tools and materials. For instance, if you use a ½-inch wrench driver along with a breakaway torque of 1200 ft-lbs to loosen tiny 10mm nuts, you would end up rounding off or stripping the thread of the bolt.
Again, if you unfasten a rusty lug nut on the car suspension bolts by using a ⅜-inch cordless wrench, it will be a real struggle to get off the nuts.
Therefore, using a ⅜-inch wrench is best suitable for working in compact spaces to undo the bolts and nuts. Moreover, it is great for loosening 10mm bolts effortlessly. On the other hand, ½-inch impact wrenches are safe to undo seized bolts and nuts without much effort as it provides more power.
