Looking at getting a nice impact/torque wrench for lug nuts

[SlippyFist]

As i wait for my ITS to arrive, i already have plans on getting a couple extra set of wheels/tires so i can swap them out as needed myself. I'd previously been using a tire iron to manually change wheels and my back can't handle that anymore LOL.

just wondering if you guys have a favorite impact wrench for this. do you use a impact wrench and then check torque with a torque wrench? do they make cordless impact wrenches that also function as torque wrenches? i'm not sure if that makes sense or not, i'm still pretty new to this.

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[submitaweasel]

Basically any name brand 1/2 inch drive cordless impact would be plenty enough to pull lug nuts. Don't hammer too many ugga duggas when tightening lug nuts

You should always torque by hand with a torque wrench. The safest option is to only run the impact until the lug nuts are snug then use the torque wrench for the rest.

A decade ago, I swore by my IR 231C in the shop. Nowadays, I have a set of Kobalt cordless tools I got on black Friday including a 1/2" impact. I believe it's rated at 650lb-ft and is plenty enough for any wheel. I actually have even used the 3/8" dr version rated at 150lb-ft to press out ball joints.

 

[SlippyFist]

i was looking at a nice 1/2" drive makita impact wrench, not really sure what brands make good torque wrenches. does that even matter? i don't think i've ever even seen someone change a wheel and then check the torque with a torque wrench, they usually hit them with the wrench until they hit resistance and keep rolling

 

[JC-RH]

I have a 3/8 cordless impact M12 Milwaukee stubby. Love that thing. I also have a 3/8 breaker bar from Harbor Freight. So much better than using a tire iron.

Like Submitaweasel said:
You should always torque by hand with a torque wrench. The safest option is to only run the impact until the lug nuts are snug then use the torque wrench for the rest.

 

[submitaweasel]

i don't think i've ever even seen someone change a wheel and then check the torque with a torque wrench, they usually hit them with the wrench until they hit resistance and keep rolling

While this can be done (with plenty of experience) it is not the safe method. You are at risk of under or over torquing the lugs. Under torqued? They fall off. Over torqued? The silent killer: metal becomes fatigued, stretches, threads break, stud breaks, etc.

Have I ever used a half inch impact to tighten lugs then sent it? Of course I have. Now that I am no longer a mid 20s sh*thead that thinks he knows everything, I would rather be safe than sorry and do it the right way. Especially with my kids riding in the car. And I would also rather you be safe for you and your family and all of those on the road around you by torquing correctly and to spec.

 

[submitaweasel]

https://www.youtube.com/@TorqueTestChannel/featured

If you want, all your questions on impact brands and models answered, this is a great resource.

 

[Integra23]

Milwaukee 1/2" is phenomenal. Used mine alot in the past few years.

 

[submitaweasel]

Milwaukee 1/2" is phenomenal. Used mine alot in the past few years.

It is the gold standard of 1/2" cordless...but so expensive...

 

[Integra23]

It is the gold standard of 1/2" cordless...but so expensive...

I bought mine on CL . I'm sure you can find a deal on the used market.

 

[SlippyFist]

Milwaukee 1/2" is phenomenal. Used mine alot in the past few years.

you thinking something like this with these sockets?

thanks for the responses everyone, i really appreciate it

 

[Integra23]

you thinking something like this with these sockets?

thanks for the responses everyone, i really appreciate it

That's the gun. Sockets I would get a metric set if your working on cars. I have a sunex set that been pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-2569-Master-Impact-43Piece/dp/B00MPQ88RY/ref=mp_s_a_1_17_maf_2

Also if your not in a hurry look for home Depot deals. They usually have a free battery with tool purchase special.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...One-5-0-Ah-Battery-and-Bag-2767-21B/312012941

 

[SlippyFist]

That's the gun. Sockets I would get a metric set if your working on cars. I have a sunex set that been pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-2569-Master-Impact-43Piece/dp/B00MPQ88RY/ref=mp_s_a_1_17_maf_2

Also if your not in a hurry look for home Depot deals. They usually have a free battery with tool purchase special.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...One-5-0-Ah-Battery-and-Bag-2767-21B/312012941

thanks man you're a real G. do you have a torque wrench suggestion?

 

[Integra23]

thanks man you're a real G. do you have a torque wrench suggestion?

Sure do
Split beam 1/2" from Precision Instruments( Same as Snap-ons)
https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Instruments-PREC3FR250F-Silver-Torque/dp/B002XMSFIM/

 

[ChromaPop]

Can you also just forego the impact wrench altogether? I was planning on just using a hand torque wrench for removal and install.

 

[SlippyFist]

Can you also just forego the impact wrench altogether? I was planning on just using a hand torque wrench for removal and install.

i don't recommend changing wheels without a power tool if you're in your 30s or older lol. I always change my own wheels out and the last time i put new wheels on my Si with my tire iron my back was fucking aching and i said fuck it, im getting a nice impact wrench and i dont give a fuck how much it costs

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