5 Reasons To Switch From Hydraulic To Cordless Impact Wrenches

Cordless Impact wrenches are important power tools used for high-torque bolt tightening and assembly applications in the oil and gas, renewable energy and heavy vehicle industries. When it comes time to choose between electric torque wrenches and hydraulic wrenches, it’s important to understand their advantages and disadvantages so you can choose the right wrench for your heavy-duty jobs to improve productivity and operational efficiency.

Here are five reasons why cordless electric impact wrenches are superior to hydraulic wrenches for tightening applications:

1. Battery-powered tools are lighter and easier to operate

Hydraulic wrenches require a hydraulic pump and hoses to work properly, so they are heavy and difficult to operate. For example, a hydraulic wrench can easily weigh over 20 kg. In contrast, PWRTOOL's P10 series of cordless impact wrenches are compact, more ergonomic, and 73% lighter than an equivalent hydraulic wrench and pump!

Due to the weight of hydraulic tools, operators often have to consider whether it is really necessary and worthwhile to use such a wrench for small bolt tightening jobs where they may only need to tighten a few bolts. With battery-powered wrenches, this decision becomes much easier as they offer excellent mobility and can be taken with you more easily.

2.Save labor costs

Compared to hydraulic wrenches, cordless impact wrenches are more compact and lightweight, allowing a single operator to handle the equipment effortlessly. This not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces labor costs.

3.Speed

Battery-powered tools offer speeds up to 10 times faster than hydraulic tools, significantly enhancing efficiency. For example, the P10322 boasts a no-load speed of up to 2400 RPM, enabling rapid bolt tightening and reducing downtime. This increased speed translates to higher productivity, making tasks quicker and more efficient.

4. Safety

Cordless battery-powered impact wrenches provide superior safety with advanced protection features not found in hydraulic wrenches. For instance, an ergonomic second handle enhances stability and control, reducing the risk of tool recoil and potential injury.

Additionally, the cordless design eliminates the hazards of tangled wires, minimizing the risk of tripping or workplace accidents. This ensures a safer, more efficient working environment, especially in high-mobility applications.

5. Fast ROI

In a real-world wind turbine application, switching to a cordless battery-powered wrench eliminated the need for a pump and allowed easier access to the turbine. A total of 92 M39 bolts were tightened at 3200 Nm of torque, completing the job in just 40 minutes—compared to 140 minutes with a hydraulic wrench. This 3.5x faster performance resulted in a cost savings of $285 per job, achieving ROI in just 4.5 jobs.

Only by fully understanding the requirements of each application and the advantages of each tool can you determine which tool is ideal for your job.

For more information on how to properly select the right power tool, please contact us.