Impact wrench: corded or cordless, how to choose (torque, drive size)?

Clé à chocs sans fil brushless TOTAL 20 V 1350 N.m carré 3/4 pouce

Changing a wheel in seconds, freeing a rusty nut on a tractor or assembling a steel frame: an impact wrench, also called an impact gun, does in an instant what takes a lot of effort by hand. But before buying an impact wrench in Morocco, three questions come up: corded or cordless? What torque? What drive size? This guide helps you answer them simply and compare the prices of cordless and corded impact wrenches available at Brico MIM.

What is an impact wrench used for?

An impact wrench turns a socket like a regular wrench, but adds a series of very fast small rotary blows. These impacts make it possible to tighten and above all to loosen very tight or seized nuts and bolts, without the user having to force and without a violent kick in the wrist.

  • Automotive: removing and refitting wheels, mechanical work in the garage.
  • Agriculture and machinery: wheels and parts of tractors, trailers, farm equipment.
  • Construction: steel frames and structures, scaffolding, site bolting.
  • Maintenance: machines, pumps, assembling shelving and structures.

Not to be confused with a drill driver: that tool drills and drives screws with a chuck, whereas an impact wrench works with sockets and delivers much more torque.

Torque (N.m): how much do you need?

Torque, expressed in newton-metres (N.m), indicates the machine's rotational force. It is the first selection criterion. Keep in mind that a rusty nut or one tightened long ago needs much more force to loosen than to tighten: always allow some margin.

  • Around 150 to 200 N.m: driving large screws, small nuts, assembling light structures.
  • From 300 to 550 N.m: car wheels, everyday mechanics, site bolting.
  • Over 1000 N.m: trucks, tractors, construction machinery, large-diameter heavily seized nuts.

Drive size: 1/4", 1/2" or 3/4"

The drive (or square drive) is the part the socket fits onto. It must match your sockets and the size of the nuts you work on.

Drive Typical uses Example at Brico MIM
1/4" hex Fixing screws, small nuts, screwdriver bits TOTAL TIRLI2002 – 170 N.m
1/2" square Car wheels, everyday mechanics, building sites TOTAL TIWLI2001 – 300 N.m, TOTAL TIW10101 – 550 N.m
3/4" square Trucks, tractors, heavy mechanics TOTAL TIWLI20135 – 1350 N.m

For a homeowner who mainly wants to change their car's wheels and do basic mechanics, the 1/2" square drive is the most versatile format.

Corded or cordless impact wrench?

The corded electric impact wrench

Plugged into the mains, it delivers its power with no runtime limit: ideal in the garage or workshop, when a socket is close at hand and you do one tightening after another. It is also often more affordable for the same torque. Its drawback: the cable, which limits movement, for example at the roadside or in a field.

The cordless impact wrench

Battery-powered, it goes anywhere: at the roadside, on a site without electricity, on a farm. Recent 20 V models, especially those with a brushless motor, offer very high torque. Check carefully what is included: some wrenches are sold with batteries and a charger, others as a “bare tool”, a good option if you already own batteries from the same range.

Brico MIM tip: an impact wrench is perfect for loosening and pre-tightening, but for the final tightening of wheels, use a torque wrench set to the torque given in the vehicle manual. Overtightening with an impact gun can damage the studs or the rims.

Our impact wrenches and their prices in Morocco

Model Power supply Max torque Drive Price
TOTAL TIRLI2002 Cordless 20 V, 2 × 2 Ah batteries 170 N.m 1/4" hex 1299 DH
TOTAL TIWLI2001 Cordless 20 V, 2 × 2 Ah batteries 300 N.m 1/2" square 1500 DH
TOTAL TIW10101 Corded 1050 W 550 N.m 1/2" square 1100 DH
TOTAL TIWLI20135 Cordless 20 V brushless, 2 × 5 Ah batteries 1350 N.m 3/4" square 3500 DH
TOTAL THKTHP31262 (126-piece kit) Cordless 20 V, 5 Ah battery 1350 N.m 3/4" square 3800 DH

For screwdriving and small jobs

The TOTAL TIRLI2002 20 V 170 N.m cordless impact wrench (from 1299 DH) is compact, with a 1/4" hex shank, two speed ranges, two batteries, a charger, bits and nut setters. Ideal for driving large fixing screws and tightening small nuts.

For car wheels and everyday mechanics

For heavy mechanics and agriculture

Find all these models in our Impact wrenches collection and the full battery-powered range in Cordless tools.

Sockets, safety and good practice

  • Use impact sockets (usually black and thicker), designed to withstand the blows. Standard chrome sockets are not made for this use and can crack.
  • Choose a socket that exactly matches the nut size and push it fully on before starting the machine.
  • Wear safety glasses and gloves, and hold the tool firmly with both hands at high torque.
  • To remove a wheel, loosen the nuts with the vehicle on the ground, then raise it on a stable jack before removing them; never work under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
  • On a very rusty nut, a penetrating oil applied a few minutes beforehand makes the job easier and spares the machine.
  • For cordless models, fully charge the batteries before first use.

To complete your equipment, see our list of essential tools for the home and building site, our guide to cordless battery tools and our comparison circular saw, jigsaw or mitre saw.

Frequently asked questions

Which impact wrench should I choose to change car wheels?

A 1/2" square drive impact wrench of 300 to 550 N.m suits most cars, such as the TOTAL TIW10101 (corded) or the TOTAL TIWLI2001 (cordless). Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

What is the difference between an impact wrench and an impact gun?

They are the same tool: “impact gun” is simply another common name for an impact wrench.

What does “bare tool” mean?

The tool is sold without a battery or charger. It is a good choice if you already own compatible batteries from the same TOTAL 20 V range.

Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?

Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.

Find the right impact wrench for your work

Corded and cordless impact wrenches, from 170 to 1350 N.m: delivery everywhere in Morocco and cash on delivery. A question about torque or drive size? Message us on WhatsApp.

See the impact wrenches WhatsApp: 06 67 39 14 83

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.