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| © AIMCO, 2001 |
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Ergonomic Comparison of Pulse Tools and Impact Tools |
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When comparing pulse tools and impact tools, you
see two primary issues - vibration and sound levels.
Based on our current data and research, there is a
tremendous difference in the ergonomic
considerations comparing impact wrenches to pulse
tools, regardless of brand. |
Impact Tools: |
First, as you are aware, the impact wrench
mechanism is based upon metal-to-metal contact of a
rotating anvil against a housing. The impact
of the anvil to the housing on each revolution
produces the torque required to run down the
fastener. However, this same impact is what
caused the high noise and vibration levels.
There are primary factors in inducing Raynaud's
syndrome, white finger disorders, and other common
cumulative trauma disorders.
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Pulse Tools: |
A pulse tool uses a chamber filled with hydraulic
fluid. This chamber rotates and generates
torque on each revolution when the anvil reaches an
internal seal point. Since the fluid generates
the torque, instead of metal-to-metal contact, pulse
tools operate much more quietly and with less
vibration.
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Sound: |
The average sound level of an impact wrench is
about 98 dB(A) (averaged or four tool sizes from
3/8" to 1" drive sizes). The average pulse
tool operates at only 80 dB(A). This
difference is accentuated by the fact that sound
level values are logarithmic. Every increase
in only 3 dB(A) is actually doubling the sound
level. This means that an impact wrench is 64
times as loud as a pulse tool. Likewise, one
impact wrench sounds as loud as 64 pulse tool
operating simultaneously.
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Vibration: |
Vibration can be measured with an accelerometer in
meters per seconds squared (m/s2).
The vibration levels of the same set of impact
wrenches ranged from 5.6 to 35 m/s2, with
an average of 16.2 m/s2. The
equivalent of earth's gravity is only 9.8 m/s2.
Holding this type of tool is equivalent to almost 2
"g's" in forces constantly. Another analogy is
that a high tech racing sports car going through a
slalom course would have a hard time generating even
1 "g" in force. This impact wrench used on a
daily basis generates a constant load of almost 2
"g's".
In comparison, the typical pulse tool generated from 0.7
to 3.2 m/s2, with an average of 2.1 m/s2.
This is only 13% of the vibration level as the impact
wrench.
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