Impact wrench
 

I am looking at easier ways to remove/install lug nuts. I just had surgery on my elbow for a torn tendon (wear and tear).

I have a good source of compressed air and most work is done in my garage. My thought is to use an impact gun to remove and maybe to do 90% of the reinstalling after hand starting the lug. I’d finish with torque wrench.

The idea is to limit future stress on elbows wrists in fitting lugs.

Are there any suggestions out there for decent all around impact wrenches? I’m a little weary of battery only because that technology advances quickly and battery life is finite.

Thanks for any feedback.

Ever since I got my battery impact wrench (Dewalt) I never get out my air impact anymore.

That said if you prefer the air type - my air impact is an Ingersol Rand and works fine.

Ir 2135. nothing is better,

I use a cordless impact wrench from Milwaukee and don't have to fire up the compressor any more for lug nuts. Battery technology has come a long way the last couple of years and lithium ones hold their charge.

I have a air impact wrench. Ingersol Rand. It is heavy and will twist off anything I have thrown at it.

I keep looking at the battery power impacts. I have a 19 volt hammer drill and the batteries are stupid expensive, and only last a few years. I can buy an entire new drill with two batteries for the price of replacing two batteries. I just hate the throw away mentality. I still have my grandfathers old Sears 110 volt drill with an metal body and it works fine. Of course I have also have my first "cordless drill" hanging on the wall, an old hand operated brace that used to belong to my great grandfather. When I first bough my house in 1980 I had to drill a hole in the rafters in the back of the attic. I did now own enough extension cords and battery operated drills were not in use. The old brace worked great. The "batteries" were beer powered as I remember. ;)

I just picked up an aircat 1150 and am impressed. I was looking at the IR Fred mentioned but didnt want to drop the $$. I use 'lectrics more and more now too but for axles, crank bolts, lug nuts I really like air and a good gun.

I use a old school plug in 110v craftsman gun
for the few it will not budge a 4 way and a 4ft pipe will get them
btw you can use your foot/weight to save the elbow stress
by laying the 4 way across a jack stand for the super tight ones

I have an Earthquake air gun from Harbor-Freight. Say what you want about HF, but it has enough power to do some serious damage and has lasted a solid decade without any service or maintenance. I also have a cordless impact but find that it is only useful for small tasks.

If you want to minimize strain on the hands, also consider an air ratchet and an electric driver or two. Most auto tasks are pretty light duty and can be handled by an electric driver.

I'm not a fan of the current gen battery powered 3/8" or 1/2" impact guns. They are just too heavy and too bulky. There seems to be a ft/lb race to the universe with ever higher (1000+ ft/lbs) of torque with battery powered units........... which for me makes them ridiculously awkward to hold and maneuver with one hand.

My preference is a light weight copy of the Ingersol-Rand 'big hammer' style (that's been around for 30+ years or so) where the main body is a composite plastic. Very light weight and enough power to get any job done that you'd expect a 1/2" drive to do.

The only time I use the battery impacts is where I have no access to air.............................

I've had an IR for years, never failed me. I also have a Porter Cable 20V lithium impact, which also works okay...definitely doesn't pack the torque of air. I thought about picking up one of these...just cuz. I know it's "Chinese-ium", but looks like this might have some potential, and I like the small footprint:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jqWypTAG4Hw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

^^^ yes - like that^^^^^

"Not a whiff of offshore stink no shrimp, noodles..."

Man that video is awesome!

rjp

Oh man...he's the best!!! I watch all his videos!!! Best use of profanity, I've ever heard!

BOLTRs are the best thing on the internet


aVe also did a tear down on the harbor freight Hercules 1/2 electric impact. It was pretty Skookum and had a high chooch factor. Around 500ftlbs. If you are just doing lug nuts I would get 1/2 electric unless you already have airlines convenient to where you change tires. Probably most of us already have some cordless tools already so you can just buy a bare tool or at least share batteries between tools.

I find the LION packs last a minimum of 5 years these days, and likely a lot more but havent had enough time to test them to 10 years.

I bought the 3/4" Harbor Freight impact when it was on sale. I think I gave $60-$70 for it. Works great for breaking loose stubborn lug nuts and is cheaper than the Earthquake, although it is heavy.

I have a IR 3/8" pneumatic gun but I recently bought this just for lug nuts,: lots faster, less hassle, don't have to pressure up the air system, quieter, etc. Works great. I got it for $39 on sale.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1529426262.jpg


https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-Heavy-Duty-Electric-Impact-Wrench-68099.html

IR 231(something).

it's an older model. i dont think i'll EVER break it. i put a drop of tool oil into the chuck, connect the hose and go. i wish i got the new lighter one, but i think i paid $100 for mine..1/3the new model.

I bought a 1/2" drive that uses twin hammers from Harbor Freight. Don't remember the brand name but it was $50ish. Runs off my 6 gal compressor to remove lug nuts so it should work well with a good source of air. Works great running them on blipping the trigger and finish with the torque wrench.

Great vid. Entertaining dude.
I'm in the market for an impact...will look for a HF coupon for this rig.
.
Best vid. comment:
"1986 I bought a 1/2 impact gun from my snapon dealer 6 more payments and it will be mine !!!"

Isn't and impact wrench where you get frustrated and throw the wrench.

Got a 12V impact wrench I use to swap wheels/tires before and after Autocross.
My air pump has a cigarette lighter style plug and runs the impact wrench as well as air the tires back up to street psi.