I need to get a good electric impact wrench for max $150. I want to install my struts, do the daizen bushings, and othe things and just generally start learning how to do a lot of my own work. I picked up an impact wrench from crafstman that was rated at 900 inlb (75 ftlb?) and it wasn't enough to take off the wheels. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

75 - 80 ft.lb should be enough to take off wheels that were properly torqued down. Any much more than that is not recommended. If they are over torqued you can brake em loose manually and use a Goodyear branded impact available from PepBoys. Cost less than $100 and comes with impact sockets for most size wheel bolts. I probably have been able to brake loose torqued down bolts that were up to about 90ft/lbs.

I was able to remove install about 10 sets of 4 rims without a re-charge.

Since it is electric, it really doesn't have the power to over torque. I use the impact to remove and loosly install my rims, but use a torque wrench for the final tightening.

On a stock wheel, I would just use the impact by itself. On my aftermarket rims I would still use a torque wrench. I did that on my stock truck rims and found out when I then used a torque wrench that I could get them about 75 ft/lbs using the impact wrench alone, so long as I didn't hold down the impact too long after fully tightening.

 

Thanks for chiming in Glen..

I guess the wheels are slightly over torqued. Do you suggest i stick with the craftsman wrench I have right now, rated at 75 ftlb? Its a cordless and a nice model (has a built in LED light). I think the stock lug nuts are supposed be torqued to 76ftlb so that wrench seems just right. That impact wrench from pep boys sounds like a good deal if it inclues impact sockets. Going back to return all the Craftsman stuff will be pretty annoying though. 90 ftlb sounds a little better however.

 

Craftsman has a good rep. and a very good warranty. You might actually be better off holding on to it. The Sears impact should be able to do about the same as the Goodyear. If the torque is really high or corroded/rusted on there, the impact would need to be an air type where you could bump up the pressure.

The electrics are great portability wise, especial when you are not near access to an air compressor.

How many volts is the Craftsman battery?

 

It has a 19.2 volt diehard battery. Thats one of the higher rated ones I've seen. I've seen some other with 24v batteries but those are much more expensive.

Maybe I'll just get a tire iron, and loosen the bolts, then use the impact wrench. But then when putting on the wheels again, will the impact wrench be enough? Numerically, it should. 75-ftlb is close enough to the recommended 76 ftlb so. I'll double check with a torque wrench I guess.

 

Are these cordless impact wrenchs worth the money??? I'm a DIY'er and I always have bolts or whatever that I wish I had an impact wrench for. For example: Can this get the bolts off of the calipers when doing a brake job???

 

They are best at wheel removal and some basic impact needs.

You won't be able to get it into tight spaces like air tools and it is quite heavy to handle whenever you need to reach an area with one hand holding it.

The electrics are basically big heavy drills. You won't have the clearance to do the back side of caliper retaining bolts, atleast without turning the wheel lock to lock.

Air tools still have advantages, but as far as changing tires, the electric impact makes the job about twice as easy as a socket wrench or tire iron.

 

I never use mine. Not worth my time to take it out to make an attempt. In fact I will probably toss it once we get to moving out. I don't think I have taken it out in over 2 years and it was used about 10 times or so. As stated above, they are heavy, big, and simply lack the power of air tools. They serve their purpose for those that do not have room for a compressor and want a low level impact, but if you have a garage-get the real thing.
Lee

 

Ah I really need to get a better impact wrench. I'm trying to install my front struts. Have the car up on stands but cant get the bolt out that holds the strut at the bottom. I tried using a TW + socket + extender, and I broke 2 extenders! A powerful impact wrench would really be helpful here. Going to return this cordless one back at Sears.