How Much Impact Driver Noise is High?

Impact drivers are used for screw and bolt driving. The impact driver machine consists of a motor, hammer, and anvil. Due to the action of these, noise is produced. Impact driver noise is a combination of mechanical, magnetic, and electrical processes. The noise level should be in the range that the user can hear without any pain. Let’s see what the best noise level for the impact drivers is.

The noise level for the impact driver varied from 95 dB to 105 dB. This is more than the recommended exposure limit of 85 dB. Impact driver noise level depends on the tool brand, mechanism, used period, using position, and place.

This is research that I conducted to seek the least noise impact drill for use. I could find many brands and many tools. Among that, I could summarize a few that are consistent with relevant data. I have lined up all in detail below. So, let’s read on!

What is the Noise of Impact Driver?

The noise of the impact driver is a combination of electrical noise and mechanical noise. Mechanical noise can be identified as brush, shaft, clearance, resonance, thrust sound, and wind of the mortar. Electrical noise can be named conductive and radiation noise. Additional noise is produced due to the hammer hitting the anvil.

Mechanical Noise of Impact Driver

1. Impact Sound – When the hammer hits on the anvil every 180 degrees, there is a punching sound
2. Brush Noise – Frictional sound caused by brushes and commutator in the impact driver
3. Shaft Sound – Frictional sound caused by shaft and bearings in the impact driver
4. Resonance – Resonance sound in the impact driver that occurs at the specific speed range only
5. Thrust Sound – Tapping noise of the impact driver caused by the thrust move of the rotor
6. Wind – Wind noise of the impact driver that occurs in a motor, especially with a built-in cooling fan

Electrical Noise of Impact Driver

1. Conductive Noise – Noise that travels through power cables and connection cables
2. Radiation Noise – Noise that is radiated from the source to the air and causes interference in TV and radio

We are unable to identify each noise separately, and the whole it can hear a loud sound. Sometimes the noise is too much disturbance. To reduce this, there are safety regulations. We should know the maximum noise that the machine can be produced.

What are the Standards for Measuring Impact Driver Noise?

There are so many standards in the USA to measure the noise level of a point related to many sections. You can use a noise meter, and also, using your mobile phone application, you can measure the noise level in decibels. If the noise level is high, it can be deaf a man. So when you work, always pay attention to the noise level of the workplace.

Considering Europe, there are 2 main regulations
01. Noise at work “Directive 2003/10/EC.”
02. Noise in the environment “Directive 2005/88/EC amended by Directive 2000/14/EC

What are the Noise Levels of Impact Drivers?

There are so many impact drivers in the market. Each one is with a different noise level. Most used brands such as DeWalt, Makita, Black and Decker, Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Craftsman pay great attention to producing drivers under a safe level of noise.

How to Prevent Impact Driver Noise?

You can prevent impact driver noise by wearing the proper hearing protection, using rubberized handle grips, using impact-rated bits, maintaining tool lubrication, operating in a lower speed and rating, and setting up a sound barrier.

When you use impact driver for automotive regularly, you should check the ears regularly per month can help understand your hearing health. When considering ear protection, you should wear the proper ear protection guards. And make sure it is worn properly when you are working. Some employees wear it to the neck because they have forgotten to wear that. If the sound level reaches 120 dB can be damage the ears.