impact wrench

[scott.k]

Hello,
I have been looking around for impact wrenches and I am planning on buying one. For lug nuts, and other bolts/nuts on the car.

I was just wondering, for those who have experience with them, should I try to find one that is adjustable?

I ask this because I would be worried that I would over torque everything if I had a non-adjustable impact wrench that is rated at about 650 ft bls of torque.

Thanks
Scott

[john walker's workshop]

it can do 650, but you learn to feather the trigger.

[scott.k]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

it can do 650, but you learn to feather the trigger.

ok, thanks for the help. Would you recommend an adjustable one? or is buying a high torque one and "adjusting" it with your finger (like you said) better?
Thanks
Scott

[winders]

Originally Posted by scott.k

Hello,
I have been looking around for impact wrenches and I am planning on buying one. For lug nuts, and other bolts/nuts on the car.

I was just wondering, for those who have experience with them, should I try to find one that is adjustable?

I ask this because I would be worried that I would over torque everything if I had a non-adjustable impact wrench that is rated at about 650 ft bls of torque.

Thanks
Scott

Are we talking air tools? You don't want just one. I have a powerful 1/2" drive for the bigger stuff and nice 3/8" drive for smaller stuff. Then I have several air ratchets for every day stuff that does not require an impact tool.

I hand tighten by feel on the non critical fasteners and use a torque wrench on the critical stuff. I will use the air tools to get close.....

Scott

[scott.k]

Originally Posted by winders

Are we talking air tools? You don't want just one. I have a powerful 1/2" drive for the bigger stuff and nice 3/8" drive for smaller stuff. Then I have several air ratchets for every day stuff that does not require an impact tool.

I hand tighten by feel on the non critical fasteners and use a torque wrench on the critical stuff. I will use the air tools to get close.....

Scott

Yeah, I was talking air tools. and thats an interesting idea. if i understand you correctly, buy several different ratchets of different size that make different amounts of torque so you have a range of tools for the typical range of applications?

I was thinking of only buying one, for the big stiff that is hard to torque enough by hand. and in that case, I would probably buy a 1/2" that make >450 bls of torque

[Oh Haha]

I have impact tools but rarely use them anymore.
Unless I run into a bolt/nut that NEEDS extremely high torque or won't budge to remove, I use my breaker bar and or torque wrench.


Are you planning to use them for your 911 lowering job? If that's the case, then yes you will need one. Loosening factory set springplate bolts is a bi#$%, especially when under the car.

You don't
need to spend big $$$ on one, either. Most of your home hardware stores carry decent versions anymore.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by scott.k

I was thinking of only buying one, for the big stiff that is hard to torque enough by hand. and in that case, I would probably buy a 1/2" that make >450 bls of torque

You do not torque nuts with an impact wrench. You torque nuts with a torque wrench.

Impact wrenches are (mostly) used for removing nuts. Air wrenches can be used for both removing/installing nuts.

[scott.k]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

I have impact tools but rarely use them anymore.
Unless I run into a bolt/nut that NEEDS extremely high torque or won't budge to remove, I use my breaker bar and or torque wrench.


Are you planning to use them for your 911 lowering job? If that's the case, then yes you will need one. Loosening factory set springplate bolts is a bi#$%, especially when under the car.

You don't
need to spend big $$$ on one, either. Most of your home hardware stores carry decent versions anymore.

Yes, I thought that I needed one most for this job. So far I have been able to torque everything off using a 1/2" wrench with a pipe on it for extension. But that means having used all my weight into it. Its kind of a pain.

And yeah, I was tinking harbore freight had has a few decent ones

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by scott.k

For lug nuts....

Not for lug nuts! At least, not for the aluminum ones.

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by porschenut

Not for lug nuts! At least, not for the aluminum ones.

+1

I always use my torque wrench on lug nuts, on every vehicle. I spin them on by hand and then torque to specs.

[DRACO A5OG]

I bought a Good Year Battery Impact Wrench. It is perfect for the lugs, 3 taps of the trigger at the end is about 80 lbs then I finish with a torque wrench.

I also used it on my Strut Bolts and drop links.

Cheap too, PBoys

[porsche930dude]

Iv got a few old IR guns i picked up cheap at flea markets and stuff. They work great cant kill em and parts are plentiful and pretty interchageable. Definatly get an IR cant go wrong

[HarryD]

Picked up the prior iteration of one of these for 50% off.

With 80-100 psi air and a setting of 2 on the dial, I can take my lugnuts off and later snug them to about 80 ft-lbs (do the rest by hand). For my frequency of use, seems to be adequate.

[rfuerst911sc]

The air gun is only as good as the air supply. You need pressure and volume to get max removal power. I agree with the others you torque your lug nuts with a torque wrench. I have one large impact gun and two air ratchets in 3/8 + 1/2. Great tools to use. The key to happy air tool use is making the air experience as easy as possible. If you have to dig out your compressor and then find the hose and fittings you will say screw it and grab a regular wrench. Make your air quick and easy to access and you'll use it every time.

[porsche930dude]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

The air gun is only as good as the air supply. You need pressure and volume to get max removal power. I agree with the others you torque your lug nuts with a torque wrench. I have one large impact gun and two air ratchets in 3/8 + 1/2. Great tools to use. The key to happy air tool use is making the air experience as easy as possible. If you have to dig out your compressor and then find the hose and fittings you will say screw it and grab a regular wrench. Make your air quick and easy to access and you'll use it every time.

Totally agree there. I use my air all the time mostly die grinder air blower and tire filler. Compessor sits in the corner i just flip it on and plug in my tool. usually the hose is laying out on the floor ready to go lol. I really need one of those hose reels hanging from the celing

[diverdan]

I wouldn't be with out one. Essential for some jobs like loosening the bolts on the gears in the transmission. Used correctly on lug nuts is fine. I am still conservative on starting by hand and using a torque wrench. Suspension work goes so much faster. For engine work I love my 1/4 inch air wrench. Power is great!

dan

[SCOTITUDE]

i have used the HF earthquake guns for years without fail. and they are adjustable. One at the shop, one in the trailer for use at the track. Run the track one off a little pancake compressor for pullin lugs. u can get them for under $100, watch the sales and coupons. they are knockoffs of the Mac tools big impact gun from years ago. I havent come across anything yet it couldn't loosen or rip off. Shop or track.