How "Big" of an Impact Wrench Do You Need?

[Lunentucker]

While this video only compares Dewalt models against each other, the real value here is one the graphics they use to relate torque to real world applications on vehicles and equipment.
If you don't care for Dewalt, you can easily take the numbers and go shop your favorite brands.

This is also a good place to reiterate a key point about some of the heavier torque specs on our vehicles - the real specs from the service manual.

When you get past the capabilities of the average human to pull a wrench handle, sometimes in a strangely contorted position, and not have the ER involved, Jeep gives us the much less strenuous option of applying a base torque plus additional degrees of rotation.
That means you can use a lower rated torque wrench, AND you can do the final torques with a breaker bar and more leverage or an impact wrench.
I prefer the impact wrench, letting gearing and cordless power do the heavy lifting. You just have to have a basic understanding of degrees, and develop whatever method suits you for marking your start and finish points.

As always, all of your torque specs are found stickied at the top of this section.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/?-2020-2023-jt-gladiator-torque-values-all-of-them-in-one-place.67915/

If you want to compare brands and abilities, this channel does that stuff all the time, so browse their content.
They also do some mad scientist stuff that's fun to watch.

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[Jefe1018]

Too much science here, not enough ugga dugga. ???

 

[HooliganActual]

Interesting.

You know...I started my adult working career in the Nuclear Power sector as a mechanic and the value/importance of torque wrenches was beat into my head at an early age. I have avoided impact drivers for 40 years as there is a risk of over-torquing applications.

For years, I have been carrying/using a Dewalt DCD740C1 Drill/Driver:

It only has about 24Ft-lbs of torque because it is really a drill but it has enough torque to spin on/off a broke free lug nut which saves my arms from the workout of doing the same with a ratchet/socket.

I guess it really depends on what you are doing with your driver. It's my opinion that technicians at Jeep dealerships MUST have the most powerful drivers available because they LOVE destroying Jeep lug nuts!! LOL

 

[Lunentucker]

Interesting.

You know...I started my adult working career in the Nuclear Power sector as a mechanic and the value/importance of torque wrenches was beat into my head at an early age. I have avoided impact drivers for 40 years as there is a risk of over-torquing applications.

For years, I have been carrying/using a Dewalt DCD740C1 Drill/Driver:


It only has about 24Ft-lbs of torque because it is really a drill but it has enough torque to spin on/off a broke free lug nut which saves my arms from the workout of doing the same with a ratchet/socket.

I guess it really depends on what you are doing with your driver. It's my opinion that technicians at Jeep dealerships MUST have the most powerful drivers available because they LOVE destroying Jeep lug nuts!! LOL

Ha! I just bought one of those for a very specific project, but haven't used it yet.
My impact wrench collection started with my zero turn blades getting overtightened by stumps and roots in the woods on my trails.
The need for more torque with less hernia came along when the Jeep showed up.

I do like that my DFC899 has three selectable power settings. I need to test those and see where they leave final torques. On my lug nuts I run them on with a 100 lb/ft torque limiting extension and then finish to 130 with the torque wrench.

 

[HooliganActual]

Ha! I just bought one of those for a very specific project, but haven't used it yet.
My impact wrench collection started with my zero turn blades getting overtightened by stumps and roots in the woods on my trails.
The need for more torque with less hernia came along when the Jeep showed up.

You'll be happy with that Dewalt. I carry it under my rear seat delete and have used it dozens of times out in the field. Not unlike you, I bought it for a very specific project: when I installed my rock lights, my normal drill/driver was too long to fit between the frame rail (where I was drilling for my cable hangers) and the pinch weld seam. This tool just fit and I haven't stopped using it since. lol

 

[TheDerb]

Just a friendly FYI:

Impact Wrenches and Impact drivers are different- Impact drivers are small and can often be used as an extra strong drill, and they normally have a hex drive at the end for bits. Impact Wrenches have anvils that are normally 1/2" or greater in size.

That being said, I have a Ryobi PBL1W01k1 for quick tire changes, and I normally just keep a regular drill and a bunch of socket converters on hand so that if I need to loosen something the drill can't get, I can use the Impact wrench to loosen whatever it is with a 1/2">3/8">1/4" socket adapter to break the stuck nut and then use the regular drill to tighten it back up.

 

[Lunentucker]

Just a friendly FYI:

Impact Wrenches and Impact drivers are different- Impact drivers are small and can often be used as an extra strong drill, and they normally have a hex drive at the end for bits. Impact Wrenches have anvils that are normally 1/2" or greater in size.

That being said, I have a Ryobi PBL1W01k1 for quick tire changes, and I normally just keep a regular drill and a bunch of socket converters on hand so that if I need to loosen something the drill can't get, I can use the Impact wrench to loosen whatever it is with a 1/2">3/8">1/4" socket adapter to break the stuck nut and then use the regular drill to tighten it back up.

Noted and edited! Thanks!

 

[kevman65]

More power......

 

[Lunentucker]

More power......

That's why I like their little mad science projects.

 

[Redleg37]

I watched a bunch of torque test channel on youtube before getting my impact wrench at Harbor Freight. I don't generally use it for tightening except in short, controlled bursts (I used to be a machine gunner, same principle) before doing final torque with a wrench. I find the real value in it to be in breaking bolts loose on my JK after years of salt, rust and dirt accumulation. It's also great for removing wheels.

 

[Lunentucker]

(I used to be a machine gunner, same principle)

I cannot imagine how difficult adjusting to not having that at your disposal might be. It just seems wrong to not be able to take your hobbies home.

 

[BourbonRunner]

More power......

MAXIMUM UGGA DUGGAS!!!

I have two impact wrenches, a Dewalt 3/8" DCF883 and a 1/2" Dewalt DCF894. Both have hog ring anvils. Bought the 3/8" on sale one year on a Black Friday because I figured it would be a good in the pick-and-pull and general use impact. It is compact but thats what I was after.

However, I found out the hard way that it didn't have enough ugga duggas to pull seized lugs off in the junkyard so I bought the 1/2". No issues there but it is bigger and heavier.

End of the day I made a mistake buying a 3/8" and should have bought the 1/2" at the onset.

 

[Redfour5]

 

[Redleg37]

I cannot imagine how difficult adjusting to not having that at your disposal might be. It just seems wrong to not be able to take your hobbies home.

I do wish I could get a belt fed automatic 308, but I’m not willing to go through the hassle and spend $50k for a 240b

 

[40x40]

That's why I like their little mad science projects.

thanks Lunentucker. after working everyday for 45 years i never truly realized how fully qualified i was to do nothing! i strangely find watching torque videos enjoyable. Vive La Retirement!!!

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