What is an impact wrench? It is a wrench that uses a discontinuous drive clutch system and compressed air to achieve torque. Impact wrenches are commonly used worldwide. They are often used to tighten lug nuts on cars for tire changes.
Impact wrenches, with their “hammering” design, are destructive by nature. Due to the lack of proper torque control, an impact wrench can easily damage parts and fastener threads. The wrench is not designed for torque control. The tool tends to either under- or over-tighten the fastening application.
The initial purchase of an impact wrench is inexpensive. Yet, the wrench is not ergonomically friendly to an operator, and an impact wrench requires a high maintenance budget. The wrench typically needs service multiple times each year. For fastening applications, a pulse tool will increase productivity and provide excellent ergonomics, reliability, and quality.
Pulse Tools
A pulse tool has the speed of an impact wrench with nearly the repeatability of a clutch-based shut-off torque tool. It contains precision-machined parts, and the pulse unit is a sealed chamber filled with a formulated hydraulic fluid. Pulse blades with a custom-designed precision roller push the fluid inside the rotating chamber, generating hydraulic pressure that produces torque. Air power is the power source that spins the anvil, and resistance against the fastener causes the pulse unit to activate.
Key Reasons for Selecting a Safe Ergonomic Pulse Tool
- Durability
- Power & speed
- Low noise decibels
- Minimal vibration
- Low torque reaction
Productivity of Pulse Tools
Pulse tools increase productivity and enhance product quality through precision torque control and user comfort. A lightweight pulse tool with more torque capability is ideal for an operator. A pulse tool with an excellent power-to-weight ratio will enhance the cycle time for the operator with a high-speed rundown. The Flex Power pulse tools, by Mountz Inc., feature a double chamber motor that allows the tool to reach the required torque and increase productivity quickly. The roller inside the pulse unit reduces friction, which increases power and allows the “pulse fluid” to last longer.
Ergonomics of Pulse Tools
The fluid inside the pneumatic pulse tool acts as a shock absorber, providing a robust, reactionless, vibration-free nut runner that is low in noise and highly ergonomic. A pulse tool is crafted for a quick rundown time, which reduces the operator’s exposure. Mountz FlexPower pulse tools are ergonomically safer than the harmful hammering and vibration of impact wrenches.
Durability of Pulse Tools
Due to the design of a pulse tool, there is no mechanical clutch or the conventional metal-to-metal hammering mechanism like an impact wrench that causes a short tool life and higher maintenance costs. Pulse tools are designed for durability and a long tool life.
Controlling torque is essential for companies to ensure their products’ quality, safety, and reliability aren’t compromised. The failure of a three-cent fastener that isn’t properly tightened can lead to catastrophic or latent failures. Fasteners that are insufficiently torqued can vibrate loose, and excessive torque can strip threaded fasteners. Using a quality pulse tool has become increasingly important for many companies to ensure proper torque is applied and maintain gauge requirements associated with the ISO 9001 Quality Standard.
The Mountz pneumatic pulse tools deliver reliable torque control, ensuring process reliability and efficiency. To see our full range of products, shop our store. Contact us anytime to ask a question. To inquire about price, request a quote. If you’d like to see our equipment in person, schedule an appointment. To get the latest torque-related news, follow us on LinkedIn.
