Doany of you guys carry a cordless impact wrench for lug nut removal? It seems like flats are a constant issue where I live because of a lot of construction and nails, screws etc on the roads. I’m thinking an impact wrench would be helpful, especially when I rotate my tires.
for any of you who use one, what brand and model? I’ve seen a lot of good reviews on Milwaukee but not sure whether to go 1/4”, 3/8 or 1/2 and also 12 or 18v.
Thanks
For me personally I wouldn’t dedicate an expensive tool like that to always ride in my truck but I may not have as many flats as you have. I do occasionally use my dewalt xr 1/4” for lug nuts and it works just fine. It does 1875 in-lb which is far more than the typical 90-100 ft-lb that most lugs are torqued to but keep in mind that 100 on may require more than 100 to remove so the 1/4” models may not have enough every time. The Milwaukee m18 fuel has the highest torque 1/4” model at 2400 in-lb but you will find that you will break A LOT of 1/4” shanks. For dedicated lug nut work you want to go ahead and get a 1/2” model and a nice deep well impact socket. The larger models would be a sure bet I just wouldn’t install them with an impact unless it has dependable adjustable torque or you have excellent trigger control. The models with hundreds of ft-lb of torque will break a wheel stud off. I rotate my truck tires and they are usually at 120 ft-lbs and I always use my 1/2” air impact but put them back by hand and torque wrench.
Thanks for the reply. Although it will live in the truck it will never be out of reach if I need it for another project.
I'm thinking the Milwaukee mid torque 3/8 may be plenty for my needs on the trailer and truck lugs but I'd love to hear from someone who’s tried it. A bit less expensive and easier to fit in tight places if needed for other jobs.
I agree with you, I wouldn’t use it for installing lug nuts. I use my torque wrench for that.
Thanks
If you do the routine maintenance on your trailer as you should, a simple breaker bar should be plenty to remove the lug nuts. Keeping an impact in the truck is a waste of money unless you have health or age issues that require it. Even then, a torque multiplier works as well or even better and doesn’t require charging.
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity,
nothing else matters.
I have the Milwaukee mid torque and it's never not busted one loose for me. It's actually never not busted anything loose that I've asked of it.
I use this...
Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077H7JP1D?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
BULLET 20 XRD/250 Merc Sport XS
www.ncboatguy.com
Just because I keep an expensive tool in my pickup tool box does not mean I can only use it on my boat. I keep several things in my truck that I may use any time any place. No matter where I'm at it's not far to my truck. Would rather have it and not need as to need and not have.
I use an impact in the garage but no sense in carrying a tool like that for an emergency use. A good quality long breaker bar will get the job done.
Some of us do more work in the field than in a garage, so carrying a "tool like that" makes a lot of sense !Originally Posted by Transom
I have a 1/2" Dewalt 18v converted to 20v that i take with me on long trips. The convience of being able to do a quick change on the side of the road is well worth it.
2004 Ranger 521VX with 2019 Evinrude G2 250 H.O.
This is the exact on I have and it's a beast. I use it for more than just lug nuts and it sure is handy!
2013 Phoenix 721 ProXP
I would think the 3/8 model of that Milwaukee would be about perfect and very useful for a lot of things whether you keep it in your truck or not. If it doesn’t remove a lug nut it’s way too tight and will likely snap a stud. Personally I keep a breaker bar with a lug nut socket on it in the back of my truck but I wouldn’t hesitate putting a nice Milwaukee back there instead!
2006 Triton SP-185, 2006 Evinrude Etec 90, PowerTech NRS3, Garmin Echomap Plus 73CV & 93SV
I carry a 20v Dewalt 1/2” drive. Keep it in the truck, but use it wherever. Only takes a flat or two make a believer out of you.
In 40 years I have had 1 flat tire. Just lucky I guess. I check the psi every time before pulling.
I really need to get me a quality breaker bar and put in my tool box of my truck. With a deep socket might I add....thanks for the reminder guys....
Bought a 1/2 " ridgid impact good price plenty of power at home Depot
2005 COUGAR FTD 225 OPTI
Bought the same impact gun. Just ran a trip to NC and had a tire almost fail on me. I pulled over pulled my jack out and used the impact for the first time. Make quick work and was back rolling quicker than if I had my breaker bar only!
Worth every penny I spent!
Egret Moccasin 210 Mercury 225
I carry a Kobalt impact in my tool box. Lithium batteries. Charge them once a year.
I have the Milwaukee M12 Fuel stubby with a 1/2" chuck. Though its rated for 250 lbs. of torque in both directions, in auto mode I don't believe it would ever break a stud. It has 4 modes for the amount of torque output.
A cordless impact is also really good on scissor jacks, bottle jacks that turn to move up/down rather than a pump, and raising the roof of your popup trailer should you have one those.
I have a tool travel bag that rides in the boat with me rather than leaving my expensive tools in the parking lot. I'll use this over a break over bar any day.
I have a weird Campbell hausfeld emergency impact and sockets that works in the cigarette lighter outlet. It spools up and takes off the lug nuts, I was surprised but it works.
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