Looking at getting an impact wrench

[LostWoods]

This thread went a little sideways. Lol

Anyone have an answer to my original question? What's the minimum breakaway torque and driving torque I need to look for to do suspension work and tire swapping?

"It depends"

There are so many factors involved that something in the 600-700 ft-lb range is a good target for a 1/2" but if you have a southwest vehicle without rust I pretty much did all my work with a 3/8" Snap-On with half that torque. There is no universal number and the reality is often that there is no such thing as too much torque as long as you're sizing the tool the job appropriately.

Sponsored

 

[redrider]

My 2c. Impacts are great for disassembly but are often responsible for over torqued/broken fasteners because users run every thing WFO. Snap on and MAC pneumatics here work well for me. Aluminium wheels have some specific do not exceed torque values and I assemble things with a torque wrench. I am not trying to "beat the clock", just correct. Retired and working at home. Cheers.

 

[mike921921]

I have an old DeWalt XRP 1/2", still working great. Also helpful for getting stubborn heating elements out of the hot water heater ?.

 

[Bucephalus]

FWIW. I use a breaker bar then the impact to do the rest of the job. I use the impact to tighten then I use the torque wrench. On the car/reusable components I always use the softest setting. For bolts and hurricane shutters I use the highest setting.

Definitely get an Impact, they are very useful around the house.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

FWIW. I use a breaker bar then the impact to do the rest of the job. I use the impact to tighten then I use the torque wrench. On the car/reusable components I always use the softest setting. For bolts and hurricane shutters I use the highest setting.

Definitely get an Impact, they are very useful around the house.

Even the Milwaukee has multiple modes - you can bust parts, or you can use it to run fasteners up snug. Problem is most of the time impacts in shops are set once and left there.
I torque wheels. I've seen first-hand the problems caused by impact wrenches. When we first got married and I didn't yet even have a garage or place to unpack all my tools we had a tire shop do the front brakes on her Camaro. Terrible wobble or shudder when she hit the brakes. Took it back - warped rotor (they had turned them when doing the front brakes). They turned the rotors, she got the car back, after a few miles she noticed the same thing. This time I took the car in myself and insisted I watch the process - caught them using an impact to put the wheels back on. In the end she got two new rotors and they put the wheels on without an impact and used a torque wrench. The brakes were fine until we traded the car years later. I suspect they had hired a new guy because the shop had a great reputation and I'd not had issues when I bought tires from them for my vehicles. Pneumatic impacts you can also "feather the trigger", besides turning the knob to control the pressure. Cordless has buttons to set torque and mode.

 

[rr11]

I have a old ( 30+) Ingersoll 1/2 & 3/8 that I thought were the best tool ever, around 10 years ago my wife gave me a 1/2 inch Dewalt 18 volt and I was amazed. I'm sure the newer 20 volts are better, but as long as all my 18 volt stuff works I will stick with them.

 

[Choatecav]

eBay has Dewalt 1/4" 20v for $84 right now.

 

[Aonarch]

FWIW. I use a breaker bar then the impact to do the rest of the job. I use the impact to tighten then I use the torque wrench. On the car/reusable components I always use the softest setting. For bolts and hurricane shutters I use the highest setting.

Definitely get an Impact, they are very useful around the house.

This! I always use a breaker bar to break lose the fastener, then use my Ryobi Impact or Ryobi 3/8" cordless Ratchet whenever possible.

I have four different breaker bars. A big beefy boy, a 3' 1/2", a telescoping 1/2", and a one foot 3/8".

 

[Bucephalus]

Even the Milwaukee has multiple modes - you can bust parts, or you can use it to run fasteners up snug. Problem is most of the time impacts in shops are set once and left there.
I torque wheels. I've seen first-hand the problems caused by impact wrenches. When we first got married and I didn't yet even have a garage or place to unpack all my tools we had a tire shop do the front brakes on her Camaro. Terrible wobble or shudder when she hit the brakes. Took it back - warped rotor (they had turned them when doing the front brakes). They turned the rotors, she got the car back, after a few miles she noticed the same thing. This time I took the car in myself and insisted I watch the process - caught them using an impact to put the wheels back on. In the end she got two new rotors and they put the wheels on without an impact and used a torque wrench. The brakes were fine until we traded the car years later. I suspect they had hired a new guy because the shop had a great reputation and I'd not had issues when I bought tires from them for my vehicles. Pneumatic impacts you can also "feather the trigger", besides turning the knob to control the pressure. Cordless has buttons to set torque and mode.

Most of the shops down here are run by savages. I've seen them use the impact/air ratchet on every bolt--torque wrench..what's that? (this from a shop who exclusively works on european cars]). I've even seen them sit on the trigger when working on C/A and bolts for engine gaskets/manifolds. I learned long ago to wrench on my own cars. I don't get over my head and use the right tools. If there's a job too big then i'll just research for the right shop/specialist to do the job WITH ME--Or at least LET ME WATCH!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

This! I always use a breaker bar to break lose the fastener, then use my Ryobi Impact or Ryobi 3/8" cordless Ratchet whenever possible.

I have four different breaker bars. A big beefy boy, a 3' 1/2", a telescoping 1/2", and a one foot 3/8".

I have a 3/4" set with a breaker bar I've put a 5' pipe on to tighten duals on my tractor years ago. I have literally hung on the end of the pipe and bounced to get things either tight or loose. I'd hate to calculate the pound/feet there.

 

[GEETCH]

To op, impacts are great for removal a decent size impact will get most of what you need, as others said be careful when tightening, I don’t go to tight with the impact, I get it snug then whip out with a inch lb of ft lb torque wrench and follow the specs even on wheel lugs. Which everything from everyone here I think your getting the best answers your gonna get unless you do some serious digging and research for break away torques and such, good luck with your projects and Jeep on.

 

[Blade1668]

Well the quick answer is DeWalt since you have already started down the road with that brand... One battery type and charger top named tools used by pro's.

Now with your actual question what ft lbs do you need "buy once cry once" or best for your needs. A good starting point is toque wrench that is at least 250 ft lbs, I think is minimal range to work on a JT suspension.
I've bought 4 different cordless type of tools and air tools the first 2 cordless are orphans no replacement tools or battery's. #3 is Porter Cable then about everyone dropped that line of tools but at the time it met my needs and budget requirements. If I used them daily or for work it would have been DeWalt. Air tools have there place but most cordless have them beat now.... IMHO

 

[cleatus]

milwaukee. crushes anything i throw at it.

 

[SPED1]

I have this Ingersoll job:

Back to the product list1/2" 20V Cordless Impact Wrench
W7150
New version available:
W7152 1/2" High Torque 20V Cordless Impact Wrench
With 780 ft-lbs of torque, the W7150 offers users the convenience of cordless and the power of air. Optimized for the vehicle repair industry, the high-torque impact wrench is flexible and durable enough to withstand the harshest industrial environments. Whether you need a socket retaining ring, pin anvil, or extended anvil, the high-torque impact wrench can be used for any job.
Contact Us
Request a QuoteFind a Distributor
Share

• Features
• Model Specifications
• Documents
• Related Products

Power
With a high torque output and great power-to-weight ratio, you’ll be able to work quickly and efficiently with the W7150 cordless impact gun without having to over-exert yourself.
Versatile
With multiple retention methods and ergonomic design, this impact gun will work like a dream for any and all markets you’re working in. From tire changing to maintenance repair operations, general automotive to heavy industrial bolting.
Reliability
Built to last and tested thoroughly, this tool will perform the same way whenever you need it.
Other Features

• Finely tuned impact mechanism and motor deliver more torque, durability, and efficiency
• 780 ft-lb max torque and 1,000 ft-lb nut-busting torque
• A lightweight, balanced, high-torque impact wrench that weighs just 6.8-lb tool/battery combo
• All-metal drive train is robust, durable and optimized for maximum power and efficiency
• Steel-lined aluminum hammer case is designed to be strong and lightweight, while protecting interior components of this cordless impact wrench
• Impact- and chemical-resistant housing protects against repeated drops and exposure to shop fluids
• Patented soft-mount system reduces vibration for extended motor and switch life
• Ergonomically designed small-handle grip helps reduce operator fatigue during extended use of this cordless impact wrench
• Variable-speed switch with electronic brake provides maximum control of cordless impact wrench and increases safety-depress trigger, drive stops spinning
• Optimized for the vehicle repair industry, heavy trucks, tire lanes, fleet maintenance, body shops, general industrial use, MRO, rail, heavy machinery, oil and gas, shipbuilding, and construction
• High-power rare earth magnet (neodymium) motor offers a long life and high power
• 3-year warranty

never had an issue. Did a complete suspension lift and engine on my 99 TJ with it!

 

[BLK HOLE]

I have all dewalt and wouldn't change it. I used my Dewalt Impact (1/4 and 3/8 interchangeable) and 1/2" for 90% of my lift. I am going to drop all my air tools.

Sponsored