The Best Impact Wrenches for Lineman: A Balance of Power and Ergonomics

Battery-powered impact wrenches have largely replaced hydraulic and gas-powered models in the utility market. Improvements in battery life and power mean that lineman no longer have to carry long hydraulic hoses on the job or carry fuel to run their tools. The life of the battery and power it delivers are key considerations when selecting an impact wrench. “Batteries today are much improved,” says Andrew Condino, account manager for Utilities at Makita. “They are lighter, charge faster and hold more power than they did in the past.”

Condino says a big consideration for lineman is the battery platform. “Utilities don’t want to keep four different chargers on the truck.” To solve that pain point, all of Makita’s utility tools use the same battery platform.

Users also compare how fast the impact wrench will charge and how it holds up over time. The newest batteries on the market use larger 21700 lithium cells while keeping the battery size small. These cells produce higher capacity and output per cell while running cooler.

Hilti offers three classes within their 22-volt platform – a compact, advanced compact and power class. “While the V22 8.0 Ah Li-ion battery power class battery offers the most run time, we find users look for a balance of weight, size and run time,” says Kevin Stahler, segment manager for Hilti North America- Power. “Most lineman choose the V22 4.0 Ah and find that work per charge is plenty to get them through the day with maybe one charge.”

Makita’s 18-volt options include a 4.0 Ah Li-ion battery that weighs in at 1.5 pounds while the 8.0 ah industrial battery weighs 2.5 pounds. Condino says whether or not a battery will last all day is dependent on the task. “If a lineman is drilling holes all day it’s likely they are going to have to change out batteries a couple of times.”

Lighter tools reduce injuries

Utilities today are increasingly paying attention to the role of ergonomics in improving worker productivity and avoiding lost time to due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders – injuries of the muscles, tendons, joints and nerves. The weight of the tool and distribution of the load within the tool are important considerations when lineman work with a tool like an impact wrench all day. It affects the way an operator holds the tool.  “While we strive to make the lightest tool possible, larger, more demanding applications require larger tools to achieve the desired performance in the application,” says Stahler. “Designing the tool to be well balanced and reduce operator fatigue is important.”

Match torque to the job

The impact wrenches lineman use today are equipped with brushless motor technology that prevents the tool from losing power when it comes in contact or proximity of an energized line. According to Cordino,  lineman often call the high-torque impact wrench – “the hard money gun.” It has the most power and is designed to work as fast as possible. Torque is measured in foot pounds and manufacturers have several options depending on the power needed. Both Cordino and Stahler believe the mid-torque category is growing as lineman recognize that lighter weight tools have the power to get the job done.

“Torque and speed go hand in hand,” says Stahler. “You get the job done faster with more torque.” But too much power can also be a problem.

“Some connectors may only need 20-foot pound,” says Condino. “A lineman puts a tool on at full speed and overtightens and strips the threads on the bolt.”

Makita’s solution to the problem is a torque-limiting feature called an “auto-stop” that gives utilities more control over fastening.

Lifetime cost of ownership

Determining what impact wrench will be the lowest cost over the life the tool requires tracking maintenance and repair costs, along with battery life.

“Makita impact wrenches feature seals and gaskets that keep water and dirt from damaging the motor and core components,” says  Condino. “The tools keep on working and are more reliable.” The company also offers a three-year warranty.

Hilti’s ON!Track software solution provides tool and asset tracking to help customers manage costs by asset, job and time. “Hilti covers wear and tear for two years when the tool, batteries and charger are purchased or 3 years when the tool is purchased with the Fleet Management program.  Hilti Tool Fleet Management provides tools at a fixed monthly rate for a defined usage period, eliminating up-front capital investment.  

Best Impact Wrenches for Utility Lineman

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