Impact Wrench Advise

[Boaring1961]

I'm looking at buying either a cordless or corded impact wrench that I can use at home or carry in my vehicle for changing tires. Right now I'm looking at the Milwaukee line of cordless tools, but I can't figure out what is the best size and type of anvil (e.g. 1/2" or 3/4", pin detent or friction ring).

Any recommendations?

 

[AEdelheit]

For cordless I would look at the IR 20 Volt or Snap on, I have been very impressed with those two and have a Milwaukee that sits in the corner of my garage because its useless. The older Milwaukee's were great but the newer ones just dont have the power. I would stick with 1/2" as 3/4" sockets start getting much heavier and cumbersome to carry around, The pin detent are nice but a bit of a pain if you change sockets alot, the frictions rings work good until the sockets wear then they dont work very well but that usually takes a long time, the rings themselves can be replaced easily.

 

[Tuesdak]

Take a look at Snap-On. I like the pin as the friction ring is always Fing with me putting a socket on or off.

How often is this going to be used? The battery is always dead if you store a cordless anything for very long.

https://store.snapon.com/18-VOLT-IMPACT-WRENCHES-C629299.aspx

 

[6speed]

I wouldn't use an impact on any wheel. They need to be torqued. Dual wheels are in the 140 lb range and singles aren't much less. Over torque and you run risk of breaking or stretching the lugs. Not enough and they work loose. I know its a pain in the rear to torque 32 lugs, but you'll be better off in the end.

 

[AEdelheit]

I will run the lug nuts down with an impact but stop before it starts to hammer then go back over with a torque wrench for the last 1/2-3/4 rotation.

 

[RustyJC]

I use my DeWalt 350 ft-lb (max) rated impact to remove lug nuts on my truck and 5th wheel and to spin them up snug, but final torquing is done with a torque wrench. Nothing wrong with that. A pneumatic or electric impact gun has its place, but that's not for final torquing.

Rusty

 

[MarkEkberg]

I have a 1/2" snap on 18V. The thing rocks.

Have to plan ahead if not using it all the time and charge a battery, but well worth it being cordless.

 

[Larry Willard]

I have a cheap electric one from Harbor Freight. Been using it for 2-3 years now with no problem . I use it to remove lugs and other fasteners and to reinstall the lugs only snug, then torque by hand in several different steps.
Larry

 

[Boaring1961]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll just be using the impact wrench for removing the lugs and then putting them back on the lugs quickly, but not to fully tighten down. I have a pretty nice torque wrench for the final torquing: http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=C3FR250F.

I'm looking at something like this since I already have a few of these batteries: http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2762-22.

 

[JR]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll just be using the impact wrench for removing the lugs and then putting them back on the lugs quickly, but not to fully tighten down. I have a pretty nice torque wrench for the final torquing: http://www.torqwrench.com/tools/item.php?StockCode=C3FR250F.

I'm looking at something like this since I already have a few of these batteries: http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2762-22.

We have the high torque (brush and brushless models) very similar to the one you linked above. We regularly use them on 3/4, 7/8, and 1" studs with up to 1-5/8 impact sockets. They get used and abused and hold up well and the batteries last surprisingly long considering what we do with them.

 

[BIGNASTY]

i will run the lug nuts down with an impact but stop before it starts to hammer then go back over with a torque wrench for the last 1/2-3/4 rotation.

x2...........

 

[TFucili]

I am trying to replenish my rat-hole a bit, but I will be getting a Snap-On pretty soon.