Why is an impact wrench preferred for tightening lug nuts?

An impact wrench is preferred for tightening lug nuts because it provides high torque output. This tool is specifically designed to deliver a powerful, sudden burst of rotational force, which is essential for loosening or tightening fasteners like lug nuts that can be very tight and difficult to manage with manual tools. The high torque allows users to efficiently and securely tighten lug nuts to the required specifications without the risk of stripping the threads or causing damage from over-tightening.

In contrast, while being lightweight or operating quietly might be advantages for some tools, they do not directly contribute to the effectiveness of tightening lug nuts. Additionally, the manual operation of tools does not provide the same level of torque and efficiency, making an impact wrench the superior choice for this task.