Electric impact wrench

[71T Targa]

Are the electric impact wrenches any good? It seems everyone uses air, but I don't have a big enough compressor to drive tools.

I don't want to waste my time if they can't get the job done.

Something like the 1/2" Dawalt:

[A930Rocket]

I have one and it's great for R&Ring wheels, but you have to be careful how much torque you use installing them. I just zip them down where I can then use a torque wrench to dial the lug nuts in. It can be used other places as well, but the bulk of the impact makes it hard sometime. Plus, you can't control the torque setting, so it's easy to break off a nut/bolt.

It's also good for some wood projects, like lag srews etc.

[Superman]

The pros and cons of inexpensive electric impact wrenches:

Pro - They are inexpensive
Con - They don't work worth a darn

The pros and cons of expensive impact wrenches:

Pro - They work
Con - They are expensive

You want my advice? Keep your eye out for a good deal on an air compressor. I got a good used on Craigslist for $100. It's not that big, and isn't going to keep up with a die grinder or cutoff tool, but it works great for impact wrenches, blowing stuff, airing tires, etc. Air is just way better than electric. I use it ALL the time.

[VINMAN]

I have a 32v Dewalt cordless 1/2 impact gun. The thing works awesome.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

I have a 32v Dewalt cordless 1/2 impact gun. The thing works awesome.

Same here, had my close to 4 years now and still does the job..

[71T Targa]

Other than 'cutting the cord' is there any advantage to the cordless?

[tcar]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

Other than 'cutting the cord' is there any advantage to the cordless?

Don't have power where the car is stored.

Take it to the track to change wheels.

No extension cords to fight with.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by tcar

Don't have power where the car is stored.

Take it to the track to change wheels.

No extension cords to fight with.

Yep, and there isn't always power near by either..

[legion]

That reminds me, I have a HF battery-powered impact wrench I want to throw in next year's garage sale.

I spent $100 on a decent pneumatic Craftsman unit. Not Matco or Snap-On quality, but good enough for a hobbyist. I can run it for about 30-45 seconds (depending on settings) before my 12-gallon compressor needs to refill. I pretty much only use it for breaking free stubborn wheel nuts. They go on by hand, then a socket and ratchet, then a socket and torque wrench. Especially the fragile aluminum ones.

Oh, and when I attached stairs to the back of my house, the impact wrench was perfect for driving the 6" lag bolts.

I'd think an electric corded one would be okay for occasional use as well.

[Ned, NYNA11]

I use my 3/8 drill with a socket attachment to spin on the nuts.

Then I torque them.

Why do it anyway else?

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Ned, NYNA11

I use my 3/8 drill with a socket attachment to spin on the nuts.

Then I torque them.

Why do it anyway else?

Because if I have to change wheels between session, lugs can be very tight, and the impact is much quicker than the breaker bar+drill+torque wrench and since we rent out track cars, sometimes there isn't a lot of time between sessions.. I have had breaker bars break (Mac) before, but were still able to get the sticky lug off with a cordless Dewalt impact, the following week, I bought one for my self and never looked back.

[Rick V]

Campbell Hausfeld® 60 Gallon Cast Iron Air Compressor - 3310006 | Tractor Supply Company
For the price you guys are talking about cordless and such, this will make the garage work. Not very portable though

[Paul K]

I have a DeWalt corded 1/2" impact driver, just like in your picture.

It's the dogs bollocks!

[Justin@Athens]

I have this one for very occasional use. I carry it with me in my trunk as it is powered by the 12v cigarette lighter. It is fairly cheap and does the job. Amazon.com: Nocord Digital Torque Control Wrench DigiWrench WWT-1430: Home Improvement

[tcar]

Originally Posted by Justin@Athens

I have this one for very occasional use. I carry it with me in my trunk as it is powered by the 12v cigarette lighter. It is fairly cheap and does the job. Amazon.com: Nocord Digital Torque Control Wrench DigiWrench WWT-1430: Home Improvement

Interesting...

No batteries to charge.

Have you done more with it than a few lug nuts?

[tab tanner]

I just bought a Snap-on 3/8 cordless impact, 18V it removes lug nuts with ease and its 3/8's to boot much lighter to handle. I like the variable speed and a light it has on the front. Pricey YES but it will last for years

[porsche4life]

You guys need to stop pussy footing around and get a 3/4" drive hydraulic impact.....

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by Superman

The pros and cons of inexpensive electric impact wrenches:

Pro - They are inexpensive
Con - They don't work worth a darn

Very untrue statement...my 1/2" electric drive impact will easily torque to 200ft.lbs

[Justin@Athens]

Originally Posted by tcar

Interesting...

No batteries to charge.

Have you done more with it than a few lug nuts?

No, not really. I have taken my wheels off a handful of times with it though. I like the fact that it has no batteries as well. I still carry a tire iron with me even though this is in the trunk.

[Racerbvd]

I need to upgrade to this one!!!