Good air wrench?

MSOsr · 06-17-04, 06:00

Any opinions as to a good (inexpensive?) air wrench just for removing and putting back on wheels? (maybe 80 lb.ft. of torque)

Preferrably one that will work well with 4.2 CFM @ 90psi or 5.6 CFM @ 40psi.

Thanks.

wifehatescar · 06-17-04, 06:09

I run this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=2623
off my small 3hp compressor, it works great! You need a powerful one to take off wheels (especially if the tire place put the wheels on too tight, etc)

I have a smaller Campbell Hausfeld (whatever) I can sell you for $20 (bought it for $40 I think, haven't used it much). It supposidly makes 250ftlb but it was too weak for my taste.

MSOsr · 06-17-04, 08:01

How do you use it to put the wheels back on if they only require 80 ft.lbs. and the wrench is 175, 200, 225 or 250 ft.lbs.? Isn't there a danger of overtightening and/or wrenching the lugs off?

wifehatescar · 06-17-04, 10:04

Never tighten lugs with the gun! It's only used for removal of lugs, bolts, etc.
PS - the HF gun has a 5 position power switch to vary the power. I usually LIGHTLY spin the lugs back on with the gun at the lowest power, then finish with a torque wrench at 90ftlb.

MSOsr · 06-18-04, 05:03

Thanks, guys!

wifehatescar · 06-18-04, 12:57

I didn't know I counted as more than 1 person

kentd98 · 06-21-04, 01:27

The earthquake seems to be a decent gun. i have used it for wheels/tires and also for suspension work (loosening bolts/nuts).

About $100 cheaper than an equivalent 'brand name' gun.

I got mine on sale for $72.99.

Kent

kentd98 · 06-21-04, 01:35

The earthquake seems to be a decent gun. i have used it for wheels/tires and also for suspension work (loosening bolts/nuts).

About $100 cheaper than an equivalent 'brand name' gun.

I got mine on sale for $72.99.

Kent

GearHead_1 · 06-21-04, 01:43

Quote:

Originally posted by MSOsr
How do you use it to put the wheels back on if they only require 80 ft.lbs. and the wrench is 175, 200, 225 or 250 ft.lbs.? Isn't there a danger of overtightening and/or wrenching the lugs off?

Great question and all too often over looked. The simple answer is that you shouldn't torque your lug nuts with an air gun. You may choose to run the nuts to the wheel with the gun but use a torque wrench for tightening the nuts. An air wrench is great for taking lug nuts off but not the the correct tool for putting them back on. Torque the nuts in sequence or at least in a star pattern. Over tightening can cause several problems (stripped studs, damaged wheels, warped rotors), not many fingers can guage the extent of an air wrenches tightening abilites. By the way their are a lot of vehicles on the road that require significantly more than say 80 ft./lbs. of torque.

Spotty-Dog · 06-21-04, 08:29

Quote:

Originally posted by GearHead_1
Great question and all too often over looked. The simple answer is that you shouldn't torque your lug nuts with an air gun.

I agree all the way

Quote:

By the way their are a lot of vehicles on the road that require significantly more than say 80 ft./lbs. of torque.

As they say, Check your Owners Manual. My old X5 wanted 94 ft/lbs.

Andrew ACR 2 · 07-03-04, 10:34

This is what I do for lug nut removal and torque. I use a sears torque wrench and a Dewalt 14.4 volt cordless impact wrench that has around 100 lbs of torque. This is the best tool I have ever brought. I have a 2002 ACR Neon ,in which i autocross and drag race. I am always removing the wheels. I torque to 90 lbs.

higB_0x02 · 07-27-04, 09:15

Quote:

Originally posted by kentd98
The earthquake seems to be a decent gun. i have used it for wheels/tires and also for suspension work (loosening bolts/nuts).

About $100 cheaper than an equivalent 'brand name' gun.

I got mine on sale for $72.99.

Kent

I just got mine in the mail yesterday. I was a bit surprised by the weight of it. (wow its heavy)

I didnt have time to really take a look at it.. but the tip didnt seem to have the little ball bearing bee-bee to hold on the socket. Do I need something extra?