After AX, we air our tires back down to street PSI. In my experience, even if lower tire pressures actually widen the contact patch, higher air pressures prevent tires from changing their shape under stress. YMMV.

Back to the OP's question. The compressor in my garage is always pressurized. It is used often. BIG time and physical stress saver.

I've been using a Dewalt for over 10 years, been happy with it. Some of the newer models and makes have even more power.

Used one of those for a long time. Maybe 12 years. $36 It did finally peter out. Upset because I oiled it at least three times.:)

The air Earthquake is much nicer because you have three forward speeds, at least on my $100 1/2 drive bought four years ago. You can put it on wimp mode to drive the nuts on without fear before using the torque wrench.

The new air Earthquake XT 1/2" is $140. I don't know what you would need 1,000 pounds of tightening torque for but it claims to have it.

I just texted my pal with a giant IR battery powered one he uses to take the big center nut off his 911 Cup Car to see how long the battery has lasted. Just for grins. Edit: responded with the IR is still cooking just fine but his Dewalt batteries are tired.

Well, I picked up my impact wrench today from HD. There were 3 on the shelf. The one in front looked like the box had been re-taped - and the one in back had a box with a hole in it and creasing - so I got the one in the middle because the box looked OK.

I took it out of the box when I got home and there's grease smudges all over it and what looks like some very light rust on the bare metal parts, so I will be returning it tomorrow. Hate to be picky but how do I know this one wasn't abused somehow and won't operate as good as a brand new one?

Anyhoo......I'm not in a pinch or anything so it will work out. I did stick a battery on it and really love the operation of it and am excited of the possibilities - once I get a new one.

In the meantime I went ahead and ordered some deep sockets from Amazon and they will be here Friday.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

I did pick up a M12 fuel stubby and love it! Works for almost everything I need and it’s just a bit taller than my iPhone. Fits pretty much everywhere, but sometimes it’s too short .... luckily extensions take care of that. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1568856806.jpg

My Ryobi 1/2" impact wrench has been working fantastic for me. I recently used it on the boat trailer renovation project and it really helped.

Now I am working with fasteners - specifically going to re-do the canopy over my back deck, which I originally constructed with Deckmate screws. I've been using my regular cordless Ryobi drill for fastener work, but decided to get this Ryobi Impact Driver to use for this remove/rebuild phase. It has a hex type chuck so less monkeying around with the standard drill type chuck. Plus it has more torque and is a little bit lighter. The $59 price for both unit, battery, and charger makes it very affordable too. Will pick up at HD later today.

https://images.homedepot-static.com/...70-40_1000.jpg

I bought the smaller Ryobi impact gun and drill set for under $100 from HD years ago. They are not DeWalt quality, they are rugged, reliable, and great value.

My air impact is an IR that I have owned since the 80s working as a fleet mechanic. It works fine but I just never use it any more. I am a big proponent of choosing the right tool for the job.

If you are primarily doing Porsche and other passenger vehicle lug nuts, most are hand torqued to 95-120 lbs. As a result you really don't need a super heavy duty impact driver at all. Almost any light weight 3/8 cordless driver is good for 150 lbs and will do tire changes all day without ever firing up the compressor. This is what I use 70% of the time these days. A modern cordless w/2 lithium batteries will probably last 20 years and weighs about 3 lbs. It is useful for working on cars, mending fences, building decks, household projects, appliance repair, and so many other uses. I installed a new built-in microwave yesterday and the lightweight cordless made quick work of all the mounting hardware.

What about those nasty rusted trailer wheels that need to get pulled and the 3lb cordless won't touch em? I have a choice to either break out the heavy duty impact wrench or just grab a breaker bar and 5' helper. Most of the time a breaker bar will have the job done before the compressor is filled and hose is connected.

Air tools still work but they are just loud and clumsy compared to a modern cordless tool.

This is the lightweight 3/8 driver I use and weighs 2lbs. I also have a medium duty 18v 1/2" impact and a heavy duty 1/2" impact. The smallest one sees the most use.

https://www.toolsid.com/makita/12v-max-3-8-anvil-cordless-impact-wrench-mpn-wt01w.html?view=152361&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5K3gmdzq5 wIVgcBkCh2JYAckEAQYCCABEgKE6vD_BwE#specifications

Hah! Mine should last a lot longer, I have oiled it at least 5 times!

Well....my local HD did not have that $59.00 impact driver so they gave me 25% off a $99.00 package of the same driver plus an extra battery, an upgraded charger, and a bag. I'm happy to get all that for only another $15.25. Win-win.....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1582584598.JPG

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1582584598.JPG

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1582584598.JPG

I think you will be very impressed with that driver.

I'm considering going battery powered. I'm thinking about impact (Relatively light duty stuff), leaf blower and maybe even pressure washer. I suspect the pressure washer would need to be a big battery/high volts model. I think Seahawk/Paul mentioned 40V. Which is probably more than is needed for the other two items.

I bought this one...$79.99
https://shop.harborfreight.com/media...6/56124_W3.jpg

^^^ Harbor Freight

Posted this in the impact wench thread by mistake...

I could use something like the cordless Snap-on cordless heavy use impacts without the price. It would be nice to no longer depend on the air compressor.

what say ye, brain trust? How do the Ryobis and Milwaukees stack up under heavy use?

I think the battery is the key, at least in 18V. Some batteries last longer than others. I've found also that whatever you decide on, brushless is the way to go. I am currently partial to Metabo and Bosch. I went away from Dewalt stuff because their stuff is really bulky, especially the drills. Small powerful and reliable is what I am looking for if I need to pack a bunch of equipment up all the time.

Good to know

Out of curiosity, I checked the HD website to see what they had in stock. Everything in stock was 1/4" drive. Is that really what you guys are using for lug nuts in cordless/battery format 1/4"?

3/8" in the Bauer one

I have the Ryobi 1/2" impact gun. It's very good, especially considering the price.

That's the only way I change tires now.