Impact Wrench

JM19 · 08-22-06, 11:26

I am looking for an impact wrench to do light-duty work on my car, specifically the removal of lug nuts when it comes to doing tire rotations. Does anyone have a recommendation for a unit that will be used at most two to four times a year?

TigerMike · 08-22-06, 11:29

My dad and I use Campbell Hausfeld with his compressor...looks like this one, and generally works well. Only problems we have are if the lugs are overtightened or almost welded on due to heat. They will eventually break free, but not without a little fight.

http://www.campbellhausfeld.net/weba...egory_rn=10562

JM19 · 08-22-06, 12:29

Do you know of anything that wouldn't require the use of air?

mikebai1990 · 08-22-06, 12:32

I don't know much about impact wrenchs, but I just wanted to give you a little tip: Using a torque wrench to tighten lugnuts will prevent rotor warping, ensure even tightness, and make it easy to loosen the lugnuts next time.

kompressornsc · 08-22-06, 12:44

I can't think what they are actually called, but you can buy a socket set that has a special handle with it that you hit with a mallet. It spins the spindle of the socket, while the handle stays put. And I know that this is not making a bit of sense, but yes, what you are looking for does exist - I had to use a friend's to remove some old brake rotors.

TigerMike · 08-22-06, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by JM19

Do you know of anything that wouldn't require the use of air?

Oh, under the impression you had a compressor, sorry.

Try these: there are a few options, with some electric and some cordless, mixed in with the air driven.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/searc...=impact+wrench

Danase · 08-22-06, 12:50

I got a Chicago Eletric from Harbor Freight. It is electric and works great for what you are looking to do with it. I have had mine for about 8 years or just under with no troubles.

ShineyWhiteRex · 08-22-06, 12:50

Most tool manufacturers make Electric (some say Cordless) Impact Guns. I would check with Harbor Frieght for a deal.....it all depends on who's quailty you like warrenty etc that will determine the price. Harbor Frieght usually has no name cheap ones or you can go with something like Snap-On or Matco. Just be aware that they are not as powerful and you should definetly get more then one battery so you can charge one and use the other..... and mike has a good point, definetly tighten with a torque wrench to the proper specs, dont use an impact!

JM19 · 08-22-06, 12:55

I have a torque wrench on hand. I'm buying an impact to correct the mistake of the technician the last time I had my tires rotated. In addition, I'd like an impact wrench in my arsenal just in case I have trouble getting them off again.

reldridge · 08-22-06, 12:56

Sears makes and sells impact wrenches, just like drills. Cordless or corded.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

Ryan

the other pc · 08-22-06, 01:19

Since you don't have a compressor I'd recommend a plug-in electric. They provide way more torque than the cordless models and you never have to worry about charging batteries or replacing dead ones.

PC.

BigJimZ28 · 08-22-06, 03:43

I also have a Chicago Eletric from Harbor Freight
and use it all the time

it is cheap and works well
and it is on sale like every other week!

I see you are in philly
I am in Levittown if you want to take a ride up 95
you could check out mine if you want

or stop by the Harbor Freight store near Franklin Mills Mall