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Old 06-25-2006, 02:07 PM   #1
joeyb7
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Default Electric Impact Wrench

Does anyone know of an affordable electric impact wrench ($100. or under)? I'd like to not have to bring my car to a garage to swap tires/rims, and it's a hell of a lot easier than using a tire iron. No access to a compressor for a standard impact wrench.

Thanks everyone.
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Old 06-25-2006, 03:07 PM   #2
slingshot
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Pep Boys has one for $100, but I don't that it's strong enough to break lugnuts loose.
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Old 06-25-2006, 03:12 PM   #3
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harbor freight chicago tools electric impact is fine for lug nuts... keep in mind you need impact sockets as well.
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Old 06-25-2006, 04:43 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by InfamousDX
harbor freight chicago tools electric impact is fine for lug nuts... keep in mind you need impact sockets as well.
+1 A friend of mine has one and it's worked quite well for him.
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Old 06-25-2006, 04:56 PM   #5
joeyb7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by omaha03wrx
+1 A friend of mine has one and it's worked quite well for him.
wow... for only $20?? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...108&pricetype=

also... what is the standard socket size to fit WRX lugs? This wrench comes with 11/16'', 3/4'', 13/16'', 7/8'' sockets.

Thanks guys... expected to pay a bit more to get something that will take lugnuts off
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Old 06-25-2006, 05:18 PM   #6
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Actually his is this one. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45252

Stock lug nuts are either 19mm or 3/4''.
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Old 06-25-2006, 05:21 PM   #7
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Remember, you get what you pay for. I bought a "cheap" cordless impact wrench and it lasted about one year (six or seven uses). I've now replaced it with a moderately priced one that I'm much happier with.

Another thing to remember - A cordless tool is only as good as the charge in the battery. Recently, a local performance rally team lost a wheel, which put them out of the event. The reason? They had torqued on the wheel with a low-charged cordless impact wrench and in the rush to get out of service they forgot to hand torque the lugs.
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Old 06-25-2006, 05:41 PM   #8
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I have a air impact but my compressor was down for a few days so I bought the elc. impact from Harbor Freight for 39.00 dollars. I dont think the Chicago tools that Harbor Freight sells are that good but I sure like it so far, you dont even have to reset button to change directions just move your finger up and down on trigger.
Quote:
Originally Posted by joeyb7
wow... for only $20?? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...108&pricetype=

also... what is the standard socket size to fit WRX lugs? This wrench comes with 11/16'', 3/4'', 13/16'', 7/8'' sockets.

Thanks guys... expected to pay a bit more to get something that will take lugnuts off
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Old 06-25-2006, 06:20 PM   #9
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Thanks for all the info. everyone. I'm just debating whether I go for the $20. one as I'll only use it 2-3 per year max.
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Old 06-25-2006, 06:58 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Howl
Remember, you get what you pay for. I bought a "cheap" cordless impact wrench and it lasted about one year (six or seven uses). I've now replaced it with a moderately priced one that I'm much happier with.

Another thing to remember - A cordless tool is only as good as the charge in the battery. Recently, a local performance rally team lost a wheel, which put them out of the event. The reason? They had torqued on the wheel with a low-charged cordless impact wrench and in the rush to get out of service they forgot to hand torque the lugs.
well first, you should never use an impact wrench alone to tighten lugs. and second, don't think this guy is doing a "pit stop" type tire changover in his driveway.

i use the $20 one, it works fine for my 3x or 4x wheel changeover a year. i just tighten enough with it it then bring out the tq wrench. it comes with a nice little case so it sits in the car pretty.
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Old 06-25-2006, 07:12 PM   #11
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I'm aware you don't use it to tighten the lugs, I just thought that for the $$ this wouldn't be a bad tool to add to the collection. By the way express_wagon - right on congress st, boston - floor 37.
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Old 06-25-2006, 07:58 PM   #12
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Have you ever thought of breaking the lugs loose then using a cordless electric drill to remove and tighten the lug nuts? You would still use a torque wrench to do the final tightening. It works pretty good.
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Old 06-25-2006, 08:38 PM   #13
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My wife bought me an electric impact wrench from walmart for about $60. It is rated for 150 ft/lbs, and I've used it a lot with no problems. Can definately crank lug nuts off.
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Old 07-12-2006, 06:40 PM   #14
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so, got the harbor freight wrench in the other day, tried it, have some questions:

It sounds as if it's working properly, but if I pull the trigger and grab the socket it simply stops spinning... is it broken?

I'm not sure how it works.... I placed it on the lugnut, and it just spun freely, not spinning the socket whatsoever... perhaps a gear is broken inside, or does it spin for a moment and then deliver a blow?

Not sure if it's broken or what... can anyone help? I've never used an electric impact wrench before and I'm not sure if this is normal... I'll be pretty mad if it came to me already broken.

Help!
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Old 07-13-2006, 02:14 PM   #15
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They sell one that spins up for a while and delivers one gigantic whack. Perchance that is that is the one you have. It it is very sensitive to voltage, and might not have enough energy to whack off a nut.
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Old 07-13-2006, 06:43 PM   #16
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How much more convenient would the electric impact wrench be? I mean its not that difficult to crack the nuts loose before you jack the car up. On the other hand, 20 bucks, why not. Would it be able to do anything else other than breaking lug nuts? Say strut top bolts?
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Old 07-13-2006, 06:47 PM   #17
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I think it could break strut top bolts, etc.... I just don't know if it's functioning properly. I think it could be one that spins then delivers a blow... but I'm not sure. The "directions" don't indicate whatsoever how the wrench should work!
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Old 07-14-2006, 05:27 PM   #18
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I used the wrench today - it is the $20 Harbor Freight wrench - you get what you pay for. My lugs were (supposedly) tightened to subaru spec by the dealership, yet the wrench would have to deliver several blows to loosen them up..... then, it broke after removing the lugs from my third wheel and I ended up having to get out the tire iron/pipe extension anyway.

Overall, I don't think this wrench really saved me anytime over the tire iron, it just saved me the labor really. If you have to buy one, go with the more expensive harbor freight, or better off, just go with a milwaukee, ingersoll rand or snap on. live and learn!
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Old 07-14-2006, 09:56 PM   #19
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I would go back to harbor freight and use the $20 towards their $100 cordless impact, which I've seen on sale for $69 at times! Mine has worked flawlessly for over 4 years and it laughs at lug nuts (it's rated @ 240 ft/lbs).

On the current Mac flyer, I've seen a strikingly similar impact (wrench, charger, 19.2V battery, and case) for $350! Made me feel smug about my decision.
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