Using a new impact wrench
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 458
Likes: 2
From: The Great Northwest
St. Jude Donor '13
Using a new impact wrench
Hello all, I have used impact wrenches when installing and/or removing wheels before, but I have never had my own. I am now going to buy one and have a question. How do you know the torque that is being applied? Is it simply trial and error? I know, after the wheels are on you check torque with a torque wrench, but I am more concerned with breaking a stud by twisting it too tight before the impact wrench is "set" for use. In other words, I get my new impact wrench home, hook it up to the compressor and go to work. Getting the wheels off, no problem, but when I go to re-install how do I know I am not overdoing it the first time? Do I simply crank down the air pressure like I do with my nail guns? If so, what is a good pressure to start at so as not to cause damage the first time? Thanks! -Glenn
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 110
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I only use impact if I am using torque limiting extensions. Otherwise I only install by hand and tighten with a torque wrench. There may be some more options out there but I have not looked or used any.
Chris
Chris
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
There are only two ways to properly use an impact to install lug nuts.
The first is to use a "Torque Stick". This is a torsion limiting device that only allows X lbs of torque to be applied regardless of wrench power. Torque sticks can be inaccurate when new - I have had brand new ones be 10% out of spec. Check them before you use. They are made in a bunch of different values depending on application. Great for high volume work.
The second way is to stop installation of the nut as soon as you hear the first "klick" or two on the impact. This will be less than desired total and you have to finish up with a real torque wrench. Again make sure your wrench is within spec.
Raising or lowering air pressure to the gun will not provide consistent torque readings.
The first is to use a "Torque Stick". This is a torsion limiting device that only allows X lbs of torque to be applied regardless of wrench power. Torque sticks can be inaccurate when new - I have had brand new ones be 10% out of spec. Check them before you use. They are made in a bunch of different values depending on application. Great for high volume work.
The second way is to stop installation of the nut as soon as you hear the first "klick" or two on the impact. This will be less than desired total and you have to finish up with a real torque wrench. Again make sure your wrench is within spec.
Raising or lowering air pressure to the gun will not provide consistent torque readings.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 3
From: West Bend Wisconsin
When tightening lugnuts, I set the impact wrench at the lowest setting. This turns them in quickly and just snugs them up, not much more than finger tight. I then use a torque wrench to finish the job.
Some advice I have learned the hard way: Do not buy a cheap impact wrench. Despite what the box might say about maximum torque (they will typically claim 300+ lb-ft or torque) they will not be able to generate anywhere near the claim. They will not be able to loosen tight bolts.
Choose a namebrand and expect to spend at least $100. I have tried two different $50 el cheapo models, and neither one was worth the box it was packaged in. I now own a Craftsman that cost about $120, and it works well.
Some advice I have learned the hard way: Do not buy a cheap impact wrench. Despite what the box might say about maximum torque (they will typically claim 300+ lb-ft or torque) they will not be able to generate anywhere near the claim. They will not be able to loosen tight bolts.
Choose a namebrand and expect to spend at least $100. I have tried two different $50 el cheapo models, and neither one was worth the box it was packaged in. I now own a Craftsman that cost about $120, and it works well.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I have a decent impact with a 2-level trigger. The first level is enough to just snug the lug-nuts and then I lower the car and hand tighten the rest of the way. Even if using a torque stick I would want to hand check them so I've never bothered with one.
FYI, my torque wrench at full trigger can over-tighten a lug nut as soon as it hammers a couple of times so you have to even be careful with that approach.
FYI, my torque wrench at full trigger can over-tighten a lug nut as soon as it hammers a couple of times so you have to even be careful with that approach.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 28
From: Vancouver Washington
When tightening lugnuts, I set the impact wrench at the lowest setting. This turns them in quickly and just snugs them up, not much more than finger tight. I then use a torque wrench to finish the job.
Choose a namebrand and expect to spend at least $100. I have tried two different $50 el cheapo models, and neither one was worth the box it was packaged in. I now own a Craftsman that cost about $120, and it works well.
Choose a namebrand and expect to spend at least $100. I have tried two different $50 el cheapo models, and neither one was worth the box it was packaged in. I now own a Craftsman that cost about $120, and it works well.
I use an Ingersaul Rand with 4 settings and using the lowest setting takes the lugs to about 80 lbs and from there I use the torque wrench.
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