apex26

I bought an electric impact wrench with 300 ft lbs advertised torque to speed up changing wheels, etc. It was an 18v Dewalt, but it wouldn't take off 80-100 ft lb lug nuts, so I returned it. What brand do you have that takes off lug nuts torqued at about 100 ft lbs? thanks, couldn't find a thread.

SouthernSon

Milwaukee. Bought it on sale for $360 ?? Anyway, it will loosen at 1000 lbs and tighten at 700. Seriously, it is not even that 'wrenching' in the hand. It simply does its job. It has two different settings; 100 and 700, IIRC. The rechargeable batteries hold a charge for a long, long time. I like it. I did have a $100 Goodrich or something another but it was a POC. Spend the money and smile at the time and effort saved.

here you go:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/system/M18

this is the one, fantastic tool. It ain't the run of the mill sorry excuse for a tool stuff found at most counters.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2763-20

SunnydayDILYSI

I know a couple guys that use the Dewalt without issue... Any chance you are over tightening? Note, if you torque the lugs to spec while the wheels are hot it will over tighten them. Torque wrenches will also need to be re-calibrated over time.

fleming23

I have a Dewalt but it is the 20v. Definitely takes off 100-110 torqued lugs with no issue.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.dewalt.com/en-us/products...l-bare/dcf899b

Olitho

I completely agree with this. I also only torque to 90 ft lbs and I have done so for years with no ill effects. It helps save the threads on the studs and the lug nuts. I also throw out the lug nuts each year and replace them with new ones before they can start to peel off threads while tightening or loosening.

I also use the 949 racing long aluminum lug nuts as that preserves the ARP studs as well.

Doing this I never have an issue with a broken stud or stripped/jammed lug nut to hold me up between qualifying and racing, etc.

phipp85

I have the one you are talking about. When the battery starts to die down it won't do much but it will "sound" the same as when it's fully charged. I can bust axle nuts loose no problem with it(150 ft-lbs). Or you just had a bad battery.

I recently bought the same one fleming23 posted a link to. It's basically the same thing. Has a little higher torque rating and a brake which is nice. I really just wanted all my battery packs to be the same style as my other tools.

phipp85

700 ft-lbs, that's a serious tool! How many studs have you wrung off with it.

spearfish25

I have the older version of the Milwaukee and it's great. It's not dual mode but it works just fine for lugs.

Dan H.

I bought a Craftsman 18v Impact about 15 years ago. This has worked well for a long time. Like someone said above, when the battery begins to lose charge it will sound the same, but not apply the same torque. It can remove a 100 ft-lbs lug nut without issue.

apex26

I bought the Dewalt without batteries, for simplicity and I already have two batteries---which are in good shape. Even with a full charge, no go. This is checked with a couple newer torque wrenches. In the world of torque advertising claims, too much seems just right, I'll go with Southern Son's monster. Even with that, I'm betting it won't bust the damper bolt loose (if it fits in there), which is about 275 ft lbs, or the rear hub bolt--would be pleasantly surprised if it does. That would be consistent with my air gun, which claims like 500 or more but that must be at a compressor pressure well above the ability of either of my compressors, which would be typical for the average guy--if it hits 500 at all.

RDnomorecobra

Same here. I haven't had a problem.

SouthernSon

Put it on low setting and rat-a-tat-tat about 4 strokes for around 80 or so. Drop the car off the jack stands and torque wrench to 100. To loosen simply push the selector on the battery to 700 and spin off the lugs in a flash. However, if someone uses aluminum lugs or SS as mentioned above you must be careful not to spin too fast or they might gall on the threads. There is no doubt in my mind that this little jewel will spin off the axle nut with my 1/2 to 3/4 drive adapter when needed.

3on8

I use an IR.

c4cruiser

I have this one too. It will easily remove the lug nuts on my '08 Silverado which are torqued to 140 ft-lbs.

ZedO6

Be aware that the effective torque at the wheel stud is reduced with an extension between the gun and socket. Loose fitting sockets (at the drive) also seem to reduce the effectiveness of the impact wrench.

Captain Buddha

I've got the same 18v Dewalt. This is our 2nd season using it, works great! I use a 1" ultra-deep socket that it integrated into the torque stick (meaning that it is 1 piece versus a torque stick and the socket)....easy on, easy off. No issues. I keep a battery or two on charge for the impact (as well as the drill and driver). I know other folks who use the same gun and give it rave reviews as well.

I have not used the Milwaukee that is mentioned above but I have also heard/read rave reviews of it.

Bill Dearborn

I have this Sears Impact Wrench. I got it earlier this year when they had a special and was able to get it for less than $100. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-18...000P?rrec=true

All I can say this thing is a work horse. I stopped using the air compressor and air impact wrench because this was so quick to use. It takes off everything my air impact wrench does and I don't have to wait for the compressor to get pressure or have a hose dangling behind me.

Bill

Captain Buddha

Yes - dragging an air hose around brings the suck! LOL I ditched the compressor in the trailer in favor of a Nitrogen tank - just use that for filling tires...life is much better, the compressor was a PITA. The tank takes up much less space too.

Joshboody

Anyone have the Ryobi? This is the brand I'm committed to with batteries. Been thinking to get the 300lb/ft impact... I have the lightweight 1/4 driver which works great so far, along with the drill, and blower. All never let me down yet.

r0nd3L

Another vote for Milwaukee M18. I had mine for over 4 years now and it's still holding charge for a long time and takes off lug nuts and other random bolts I need with no issues. One of the best purchases no doubt.