Which is Better, Electric Torque Wrench or Pneumatic Torque Wrench?

 Pneumatic and electric torque wrenches are certainly familiar to you if you frequently use power tools. Two of the most typical varieties of impact wrenches are these. The electric impact wrench's primary operating characteristic is that it requires an electrical connection, whereas a pneumatic impact wrench can be operated by an air compressor. Manual wrenches are the norm. Electric and pneumatic torque wrenches have steadily been accessible due to technological advancement. Electric and pneumatic wrenches are both types of wrenches, however they differ in a few ways.

What is an electric torque wrench?

Electric torque wrenches can frequently be used to torque fasteners and have a digital display that provides precise torque readings to prevent over- or under-torquing of the bolts. High accuracy (2%) rotational force measurements are made using electric torque wrenches. Electronic torque wrenches are frequently used for constant torque application on assembled products and torque verification for quality control and safety reasons.

What is a Pneumatic torque wrench?

A planetary gearbox with a very high reduction ratio that is operated by an air motor is what makes up a pneumatic torque wrench. To counteract the torque reaction, the gearbox is equipped with a reaction arm. Pneumatic torque wrenches, as opposed to impact wrenches, are powered by continuous gearing, which eliminates their noisy, dangerous hammering.

Electric vs pneumatic torque wrench

Both the electric and pneumatic torque wrench offer the benefits of labor and time savings and high efficiency, and are primarily used for product assembly, heavy equipment maintenance, auto repair, installation of wire threaded inserts, significant construction projects, and any other projects that call for high torque output. As a result, you must choose the appropriate type of wrench based on your demands and the situation at hand.

Here are the differences between battery torque wrench and pneumatic torque wrench: 

1. Different power sources: Whereas the electric wrench is powered by electricity, the pneumatic wrench is powered by compressed air given by the air compressor.

2. Operating rule: The two types of wrenches' operating principles differ slightly as well. For example, the pneumatic wrench uses piston motion to perform reciprocating operations, whereas the electric wrench uses cam conversion.

3. Different application: The pneumatic wrench is better suited for prolonged work without heating than the electric wrench since it lacks overload and heating issues. Electric torque wrenches are not appropriate for long-term labor because they are quite heavy and have requirements for the working environment.

4. Maintenance: When first purchased, the pneumatic torque wrench must be equipped with air pressure pipeline equipment, but if it is used frequently, it will use less energy and require less maintenance. The electric wrench has a minimal initial investment, but if it is used frequently, it will consume a lot of energy and will cost a lot to maintain and replace.

5. Torque production: A pneumatic wrench's main function is to transmit high torque output with little consumption. Through a continuous power supply, it quickens the rotation of an object of a specific mass before striking the output shaft directly, producing a sizable amount of torque.

6. Advantage : The pneumatic wrench has the advantage of being easy to adjust for output power and speed, and it can offer a wider range of speeds. It can operate in a variety of challenging or hostile conditions and has a high torque, overload failure, and no heating. Electric wrenches provide many benefits, including affordable pricing, safety and reliability, long service life, excellent accuracy, and little noise.

7. Suitability: Additionally, the pneumatic torque wrench is well suited for the demanding working conditions of impact, wet, dusty, explosive, and flammable. Utilizing an electric torque wrench is the best option if there is a reliable power source. High work efficiency and excellent precision are advantages of both pneumatic and electronic torque wrenches.

8. Torque limit: You must take the wrench's torque into account when using one. Heavy equipment cannot be used if the torque is insufficient. The pneumatic wrench's adjustable torque is mostly dependent on air input. The electric wrench's power is mostly related to its torque. The pneumatic wrench typically has a torque of around 900–1200 Nm, whereas the electric wrench typically has a torque of 200–300 Nm.

9. Usability and power: The electronic torque wrench is the finest option due to its powerful capabilities. For heavy-duty work and over-rusted nuts, you can utilize an electric corded impact wrench. Additionally, compared to a pneumatic wrench, equipment is easy to transport. The cables could occasionally become disorganized is the only drawback.

When it comes to the battery torque wrench, you don't need to carry any extra parts, thus most mechanics use it only sometimes. Always keep in mind that prolonged use will shorten the battery-powered tool's lifespan. Finally, if you require a lot of strength and only want to work in one specific location, a powerful pneumatic impact wrench is a great choice.

Conclusion

So, these are the differences between pneumatic and battery torque wrenches. Different usage conditions need choosing between electric hydraulic wrenches and pneumatic hydraulic wrenches.