What to look for in an Impact Wrench?

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by ChrisBennet

My buddy borrows my IR 2135 impact wrench (700ft/lbs) when his Snap On wrench won't do the job. It's got 4 click adjustment for power so you don't have to use more power than you need.A "cheap" impact wrench is kinda useless. (But I find other "cheap" air tools work just fine.)
An impact wrench is not a butchers tool if used right.
One thing you don't want to use it on is axle nuts unless you are replacing the wheel bearings.
-Chris

+1

I bought a IR2131 (i don't think they make it anymore) and it is truly a different animal than the Sears Craftsman I had.

I bought it to get the 2 1/8 inch nut off my Rx-7 flywheel.

[legion]

Well, I got this one last night:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919984000P?sbf=Brand&sbv=Craftsman&vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Automotive+Air+Tools

I noticed it was the same as one of the IR models, but had a composite body (which makes it lighter). It will probably be fine for my intermittant use, but wouldn't be up to the job of day-in and day-out use. I got all five of the lug nuts off a wheel in about 30 seconds. It usually takes me 10 minutes by hand. (Use breaker bar to loosen lug nuts while car is on ground. Jack up car. Remove lug nuts and wheel.) Porsche specifies 96 pounds of torque on those lug nuts. They're a pain to budge.

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by legion

I got all five of the lug nuts off a wheel in about 30 seconds. It usually takes me 10 minutes by hand. (Use breaker bar to loosen lug nuts while car is on ground. Jack up car. Remove lug nuts and wheel.) Porsche specifies 96 pounds of torque on those lug nuts. They're a pain to budge.

I wouldn't use it on the Fuchs alloy lug nuts.

[David]

I've found that a $90 Chinese 3/4" will out torque the best 1/2" money can buy. If you're only using it occasionally, buy a $90 1/2" and a $90 3/4". I bought a nice 1/2" and a $90 3/4". I don't need the 3/4" very often, but when I do, it's worth it.