Impact Wrench vs Breaker Bar

CONQUERING STUBBORN BOLTS: HOW TO USE AN IMPACT WRENCH FOR EASY REMOVALImpact Wrench vs Breaker Bar

Struggling with a stuck screw, bolt, or other fastener? Impact Wrench vs Breaker Bar, we’ve all been there: tackling a project that should be simple, except for a single screw or bolt that won’t budge. Fortunately, an impact wrench is the ultimate weapon for breaking loose even the most stubborn fasteners.

Why Bolts Get Stuck - Impact Wrench vs Breaker Bar

Before jumping straight to solutions, it’s helpful to understand why bolts become difficult to remove. Rust and corrosion occur when bolts are exposed to moisture and air, leading to oxidation that locks them in place. Over-tightening can also make bolts nearly impossible to loosen, as they exceed their intended torque. Additionally, heat expansion causes metal to contract and seize over time, especially in high-temperature environments.

How an Impact Wrench Helps

An impact wrench is designed to deliver short, powerful bursts of rotational force to break bolts free. Unlike a regular wrench or breaker bar, an impact wrench doesn't rely on constant force. Instead, it uses a hammering mechanism to provide intense torque without excessive effort on your part.

How to Use an Cordless Impact Wrench on Stubborn Bolts

  • Choose the Right Tool and Socket: Before you start, make sure your cordless impact wrench has enough torque for the task and the socket fits snugly over the bolt. Using the wrong size can damage the bolt or the socket itself.
  • Position the Wrench on the Bolt: Align the socket of your impact wrench with the stubborn bolt. Misalignment can cause the wrench to slip or cause damage to the bolt or surrounding area.
  • Set the Wrench to Reverse: Set the wrench to reverse mode to loosen the bolt. Double-check this to avoid accidentally tightening the bolt instead of loosening it.
  • Apply Steady Pressure: Once aligned, press the trigger to activate the wrench. It will deliver bursts of torque to loosen stubborn bolts. Hold the wrench firmly, but don’t grip tightly. Let the tool work with short bursts, pausing if needed before continuing.
  • Let the Impact Wrench Do the Work: The impact wrench’s hammering mechanism delivers high-torque blows to break rust, corrosion, or debris. If the bolt is stuck, be patient as it may take several bursts to loosen. Apply penetrating oil, let it sit for a few minutes, and try again.
  • Remove the Bolt: Once the bolt starts loosening, you should be able to unscrew it either with the impact wrench or by hand. You may need to finish unscrewing it manually if the wrench is unable to completely remove it.

    What If the Bolt Still Won’t Budge

If the bolt remains stuck even with an impact wrench, try these extra tricks.

Increase Torque - Use a more powerful impact wrench or an extension bar.

Heat and Shock - Apply heat again, then tap the bolt with a hammer to help loosen the corrosion.

Cut It Off - As a last resort, use an angle grinder or bolt extractor to remove the bolt.


A stubborn bolt doesn’t stand a chance against a good impact wrench and the right technique. Whether you're working on a car, heavy equipment, or DIY project, an impact wrench tools saves time and frustration. With the right preparation and tools, even the most seized bolts can be removed with ease.