Impact wrenches (what do you use)?

[SpatiallyAware]

If this is only for lugnuts I'd just get an electric corded one from HF that you linked to. A quality air impact wrench is waaay overkill to just do occasional tire changes and is more for breaking loose large fasteners (good for wheel bearings, stuck suspension components).

A home mechanic might deal with that once a year or so, thus $400 in a good impact wrench and compressor isn't worth it.

If you live in an area that doesn't have a lot of salt/corrosion then I would definitely not bother with it and spend money on something else


That compressor you linked to looks identical to the one I got. The tank and pump are ok quality, the regulator is crap - I had to replace mine after a few years. But for the money it's hard to beat. You can also use it for nailguns and it won't cycle all the time like a smaller pancake style. Note that these aren't great for painting unless you install an oil separator

 

[mvbighead]

If this is only for lugnuts I'd just get an electric corded one from HF that you linked to. A quality air impact wrench is waaay overkill to just do occasional tire changes and is more for breaking loose large fasteners (good for wheel bearings, stuck suspension components).

A home mechanic might deal with that once a year or so, thus $400 in a good impact wrench and compressor isn't worth it.

If you live in an area that doesn't have a lot of salt/corrosion then I would definitely not bother with it and spend money on something else


That compressor you linked to looks identical to the one I got. The tank and pump are ok quality, the regulator is crap - I had to replace mine after a few years. But for the money it's hard to beat. You can also use it for nailguns and it won't cycle all the time like a smaller pancake style. Note that these aren't great for painting unless you install an oil separator

Well, that's just it. I do live in the midwest and suffer the frequent salty slushy mess after snow. I imagine over time I'll have other stuff crop up, and I am looking for a fairly long term solution.

I guess if I can get a $50 gun, a $20 hose, and a $170 compressor that'll do most jobs, I'd have a useful tool for a number of projects. Granted, if $50 on the electric gets me by, I'd probably be better off with that.

 

[NutBucket]

I have this one:

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/fastening-impact-wrenches-dw292k.aspx

Hasn't failed me yet with suspension work, engine work, axle nuts, etc. Certainly not as good as pneumatic but certainly not crap either. Luckily I don't have to deal with rust so it makes life much easier.

 

[helpme]

I have a hf impact (94803) that works great. I also have an electric impact, but it's too big to fit into some places where I need to use it. Air ratchets are another great reason for an air compressor, don't forget about them!!

 

[3chordcharlie]

Air is really nice, but honestly that electric gun will do the job for you, for 1/4 the price of even an underpowered decent air setup.

 

[Doppel]

I used a 10 gallon harbor freight compressor ($120 or so), oiled one, works well and I use a $70 or so harbor freight impact wrench. Never any issues, but I've only used it to take off lugs (which it does without issue). Having a compressor around is a pain in the ass unless you think you'll use it for other things and i will say I've used the air (by itself) when I've needed a blast of it from time to time.

 

[jlee]

I used a 10 gallon harbor freight compressor ($120 or so), oiled one, works well and I use a $70 or so harbor freight impact wrench. Never any issues, but I've only used it to take off lugs (which it does without issue). Having a compressor around is a pain in the ass unless you think you'll use it for other things and i will say I've used the air (by itself) when I've needed a blast of it from time to time.

Air ratchet, impact, and just compressed air (tires, blowing stuff, etc) make it handy enough to justify, IMO.

 

[NutBucket]

Funny part is it definitely takes getting used to. My wife's uncle always makes fun of me because I will reach for the socket wrench 95% of the time when there's an air ratchet sitting right next to it.

Its not my fault I'm not used to having air tools available!

 

[alkemyst]

Air Tools are great when you have tons of jobs to get done in a day, but in my opinion really over rated for a home mechanic. I had an air compressor (prior to my home being burglarized)...I didn't use it that much. Once for a crankshaft pulley and other times for just blowing stuff off. I think the best use of them is for nailing or if you do paint work.

I have seen a lot of people get into trouble crossthreading and over-torquing.

 

[soccerballtux]

So what size air tanks do you guys have for your air impact wrench?

50 I think
...you can save a lot of time and money by doing stuff you wouldn't otherwise be able to do...that said I wouldn't buy it if it were my own money...I think...definitely overkill, except that I couldn't have gotten my suspension nuts off without it...so it's not overkill...

 

[soccerballtux]

Check the flow rate @ ~90psi on whatever air tool you want to use and what your compressor can flow @90psi. Divide them. That will give you a rough estimate as to your "duty cycle" i.e. how many minutes you'll wait for recharge after using the tool for a minute.

who uses it for a minute? You usually need full power for 2 seconds max (usually less than a quarter of that) to loosen the nut and then as long as you have any airflow at all it'll keep spinning the bolt off
edit: my mistake I forgot about the tire changing races me and my buddy have.

 

[jlee]

who uses it for a minute? You usually need full power for 2 seconds max (usually less than a quarter of that) to loosen the nut and then as long as you have any airflow at all it'll keep spinning the bolt off
edit: my mistake I forgot about the tire changing races me and my buddy have.

Same theory applies to other tools, though - good to have an idea of how much your compressor can handle if you're running air ratchets, air drills, cutoff tools, etc.

 

[JCH13]

who uses it for a minute? You usually need full power for 2 seconds max (usually less than a quarter of that) to loosen the nut and then as long as you have any airflow at all it'll keep spinning the bolt off
edit: my mistake I forgot about the tire changing races me and my buddy have.

Same theory applies to other tools, though - good to have an idea of how much your compressor can handle if you're running air ratchets, air drills, cutoff tools, etc.

^^ That. Also, you clearly don't live in New England, home of the rusty bolt that takes 30s+ of impact wrench to break loose. Not a fun time. Also, things like exhaust v-bands, some suspension studs, etc, have long threading on them that takes a while to drive a nut across with an air ratchet. Not that everyone has these sorts of things on their car though.

Air ratchet FTMFW. Especially in places where you can't get a good throw on a wrench. They make life suck less.

 

[soccerballtux]

haha yes there are uses for 30 gallons but the average user that wants an impact wrench for aiding him in removing tires isn't planning to unthread rusted suspension bolts every weekend. No need for him to drop $500.

This is like the turbo busa club.

 

[jlee]

haha yes there are uses for 30 gallons but the average user that wants an impact wrench for aiding him in removing tires isn't planning to unthread rusted suspension bolts every weekend. No need for him to drop $500.

This is like the turbo busa club.

Oh sure, but I wouldn't recommend a tiny pancake compressor either. There's a happy medium to be found. I have a 33gal myself, but I bought it on sale for $300 and I've had it for..jeez, six or seven years now.

 

[mvbighead]

I am going to hold off at least until after this weekend's family Christmas get together. Since moving into the new house, I have been getting a lot of help from my dad on various tools and accessories. Even helped me buy a tractor (still need to work on getting it delivered though).

Anyhoo, he said he was Christmas shopping yesterday and was going to be leaving from Harbor Freight to meet me out at my house with a snow blower (needed to clear my driveway and still don't have the tractor). If I even get a $50 GC to HF, I'll probably look at buying the stuff needed for an (oil based) air compressor like the 21 gallon I was looking at. I'd like bigger, just can't justify the expense.

Jlee made an excellent point about blowing stuff off and airing things up, which I managed to overlook.

Then I'll just have to start looking for good deals at HF.

 

[franksta]

Ingersoll Rand 2135Ti. I run it with an older 30 gallon compressor with a 5HP motor.

 

[compman25]

Ingersoll Rand 2135Ti. I run it with an older 30 gallon compressor with a 5HP motor.

Nice, IRS and is it an oval window?, assuming you didn't just throw the taillights on a 62 or newer bug. More pics?

 

[sontakke]

If you have a Sears store nearby, give Craftsman C3 1/2inch 19.2volts a try. I was surprised at its power considering its size and price. With the current sales going on, you can pick one up for under or about $100. I just did a tire change on my car and the gun just laughed at the lug nuts. The gun is rated at 200 ft-lb and it should have no trouble taking off lug nuts which are usually at 80-100 ft-lb. Incidentally, I also have HF corded one and it is huge but I found C3 has similar power and is lot more easier to use. Mine came with 2 batteries and intelligent fast charger.

- Vikas

 

[JCH13]

haha yes there are uses for 30 gallons but the average user that wants an impact wrench for aiding him in removing tires isn't planning to unthread rusted suspension bolts every weekend. No need for him to drop $500.

This is like the turbo busa club.

It's funny how once you start collection tools you find yourself doing more and more to your own car, your better half's car, your friend's cars, their friend's cars... :awe:

 

[RKS]

After changing over to winter wheels/tires I just went to HF and bought the electric impact wrench and two set of jack stands for $75.

 

[soccerballtux]

It's funny how once you start collection tools you find yourself doing more and more to your own car, your better half's car, your friend's cars, their friend's cars... :awe:

do you? I have motivation to work on my car and that's about it. Unless they're paying me.

 

[JCH13]

do you? I have motivation to work on my car and that's about it. Unless they're paying me.

I do. Two of each JLee's, Black2NA's, Bonky's, etc. Currently working with Bonky to rebuild and install a lift and build a custom shop air setup from scratch. Hell, two or three of my cars have been to JLee's for varying amount of fixing/wrenching. It's a hobby for us, not a chore.

Back on topic, I trust OP to have half a brain and think through the tools they might use and size the compressor accordingly. This is all I recommended in the first place. It would suck to spend $150 on a compressor that works right now, but then spend $250-350 on a bigger one next year.

Actually, this would be a good buy IMHO.

 

[skyking]

If you have a Sears store nearby, give Craftsman C3 1/2inch 19.2volts a try. I was surprised at its power considering its size and price. With the current sales going on, you can pick one up for under or about $100. I just did a tire change on my car and the gun just laughed at the lug nuts. The gun is rated at 200 ft-lb and it should have no trouble taking off lug nuts which are usually at 80-100 ft-lb. Incidentally, I also have HF corded one and it is huge but I found C3 has similar power and is lot more easier to use. Mine came with 2 batteries and intelligent fast charger.

- Vikas

Nice find!
I would definitely go for that over a compressor and gun for most jobs.
This is coming from a guy with a 6 HP 60 gallon 240V compressor in an outbuilding, with 5 air drops, dryers, and several tools.
Here is why: My auto body friend has an electric DA that just kicks ass. When I work over at his place I use that over my air unit any day. No hoses, no noisy (and expensive to run) compressor needed for sanding.
Now all that is left is the smaller air sanders and cutoff tools, blowing the crap out of things, painting. If the OP is not planning any of that, the cordless Sears gun would simply kick ass. I used the DeWalt model and was quite pleased with the power. If you can remember to charge up both batteries, it would be so handy on the road as well.

 

[mvbighead]

Honestly, I do kinda like that Sears deal. Only thing right now is I need to wait until after my family's Christmas getogether this weekend to see if my dad did wind up doing anything for me at HF. If I have an AC or even a chunk of change to spend at HF, I may wind up going the AC route.

Just depends really. All in all, I think that airing up tires, blowing stuff off, and a few other things would be nice to have the AC around, on top of an impact wrench. Otherwise, the main purpose of this thread is to find a good/useful impact wrench to make car jobs easier. Hell, installing the brake booster with a ratcheting wrench while bent in an awkward position for 30-40 minutes is not my idea of a good time.