[leejoy]

I need an impact wrench for general auto use in my garage. Don't have lots of money to spend. don't have an air compressor and tank. Want to buy electric impact wrench. Are the 1/2" electric impact wrenches (about 250 lb/ft of torque) worth getting? will they do most jobs on a car? Can I get "homeowners" cheapo model for under $75 that will last me more than a handful of times before it breaks? What about the 3/4" one instead (about 400 ft/lb). Those are found for like $75 to $100 for the cheaper ones.

thanks.

Lee

[tornado-tech]

I use a cheap 1/2" Carquest brand to change tires at bogs. It has worked flawlessly so far.

[russlaferrera]

I own a 1/2 inch Craftsman. It has worked flawless since 1970. When I started in the trade all tools were made in the USA. I still use it to change a tire now and then.....russ

[cab]

I've got a 1/2" Ingersoll Rand Unit good to 450ft lbs I beleive. Came as a set with the 3/8" drive ratchet. I can tell you I would not want anything rated any less than this. I've used it the last couple of weekends to replace the struts on two cars which required removal of some seriously tight suspension bolts (some loctited in place), and the compression of spring compressors. I actually wish I had a 600lbs ft model, as one of the lugnuts on my rear wheels actually required the old breaker bar (with me jumping on the end of it). It also didn't feel like it had much left in it when it got to "max compress" on those spring compressors. It did, however, get the job done. I'm pretty sure a 250 ft lbs model would have been really struggling.

Later,

Chris

[leejoy]

Originally Posted by cab

I've got a 1/2" Ingersoll Rand Unit good to 450ft lbs I beleive. Came as a set with the 3/8" drive ratchet. I can tell you I would not want anything rated any less than this. I've used it the last couple of weekends to replace the struts on two cars which required removal of some seriously tight suspension bolts (some loctited in place), and the compression of spring compressors. I actually wish I had a 600lbs ft model, as one of the lugnuts on my rear wheels actually required the old breaker bar (with me jumping on the end of it). It also didn't feel like it had much left in it when it got to "max compress" on those spring compressors. It did, however, get the job done. I'm pretty sure a 250 ft lbs model would have been really struggling.

Later,

Chris

thanks Chris. Good Information. Here I was thinking that 250 to 300 ft/lbs would have been enough. I guess not.

Lee

[Dave E Shank]

I have a Ryobi and it works fine. It has an adjustment to change torque setting. It was a present so I am not sure where it came from.... DAVE

[leejoy]

Originally Posted by Dave E Shank

I have a Ryobi and it works fine. It has an adjustment to change torque setting. It was a present so I am not sure where it came from.... DAVE

it looks like I'm going to get an electric one for sure. probably a 1/2" drive. looks like they only go to about 250 ft/lbs. Not sure if that's enough torque for all situations on my car. The 3/4 drives go to about 400 ft/lbs but cost twice as much (around $100) whereas I can find generic 1/2" electric impact wrenche for $40-50 or less. I'll decide in the next couple days.

One of those spending decisions where you ask yourself the question:

"I'm only going to use it a half dozen times a year - so do I get the expensive name brand one or the cheap one?"

You don't want to pay a ton of money for something that will see very little usage, but then again when you go to use it you want to make sure it works..............

Lee

[SteveU]

Lee, it will probably do you for occasional jobs like rotating your tires ect, as long as you don't let someone at a garage torque them down with an air impact. A couple years ago I worked on a jeep for a lady changing front pads & rotors, I had to literally jump up & down on a 24" breaker bar to loosen the lugs. In a case like that it won't do much which is why I'm getting a better one (current one does 250-280). In the long run spending a bit more on a tool that will do the job & not frustrate you is cheaper than having to buy twice to replace a tool that won't do what you want it to. I'd try to stick with a known brand in 1/2".

[leejoy]

Originally Posted by SteveU

Lee, it will probably do you for occasional jobs like rotating your tires ect, as long as you don't let someone at a garage torque them down with an air impact. A couple years ago I worked on a jeep for a lady changing front pads & rotors, I had to literally jump up & down on a 24" breaker bar to loosen the lugs. In a case like that it won't do much which is why I'm getting a better one (current one does 250-280). In the long run spending a bit more on a tool that will do the job & not frustrate you is cheaper than having to buy twice to replace a tool that won't do what you want it to. I'd try to stick with a known brand in 1/2".

Ok, will do. I will probably buy a used on on ebay like a Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch, etc from a reputable seller. New name brand ones are like $150 or more. It looks like I can buy a good name brand used one for about $50.

[BonzoHansen]

I don't know how much it costs, but I hear guys raving about rechargable Snap On impact guns.