Which M18 impact wrench for on-road tire changes?

[LopezBart]

Hi folks -

I've got lots of M18 tools & batteries... but no cordless/hoseless impact wrench. I'd like to get a 1/2" M18 impact wrench to facilitate trailer/truck tire changes on the road (and away from the shop) for both me and my wife.

Any recommendations?

Thanks -

- Bart

 

[finn]

Start by doing a search of the site using the little magnifying glass icon at the top of the page.

Lots of information already presented, and lots of opinions already expressed.

Unless it’s for a semi, go with whatever the current mid torque is.

Milwaukee changes model numbers more often than I change underwear.

 

[Cooter Brown]

I don't know if it's a regional thing but a couple of weeks ago I got an M18 mid torque, two 6 volt XC batteries and charger for $299. Internet only deal, free delivery to my house. From Home Depot.

The same deal still shows up on this link for me, but it might be regional. If it isn't it's a heck of a deal. It's essentially a free tool with a battery purchase. I think the bare tool is almost that much.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Gen-2 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Mid Torque 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with (2) 6.0Ah Batteries and Charger 2962-20-48-59-1862S - The Home Depot

Complete all your fixing jobs by choosing this Milwaukee M18 FUEL Gen-2 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Mid Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring.

www.homedepot.com

 

[richfinn]

I use the mid-torque out on the road everyday (mostly cars/vans/SUVs) and it's sufficient for that, we don't have the really big pick up trucks over here though. so consider that, how often they are serviced and what the actual torque of your lug nuts is going to be.

Mine will quite easily remove Ford Transit Custom lug nuts torqued correctly to 200nm (or whatever that is in the old money )

 

[Bad Habit]

This is GJ - 1" Milwaukee impact without a doubt

M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful cordless impact wrench. Gives up to 1,800 ft-lbs torque, up to 7lbs lighter than corded impact wrenches

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[theoldwizard1]

Happy with my M18 Mid Torque. Its primary job is tire rotation.

 

[honcho]

Torque Test Channel tested a Hart Impact Tool that posted some big torque numbers. If I recall, it is $89 at Walmart. You'd need to find a M18 to Hart battery adapter but I suspect there's one out there. I'll try to find the model number for you.

 

[gleman]

If it's going to live out in the truck, I'd get the smallest and cheapest I could find.



Throw it in a bag with the right lugnut sockets and you should be alright.

 

[Firebrick43]

I use a high torque fuel. I do 19.5” occasionally and you can always turn down a fuel by pushing the power level button.

You can’t make a mid torque put out more.

It nice having a high torque to remove mower/bushing blades, tractor tires, and rusted ****

 

[finn]

Torque Test Channel tested a Hart Impact Tool that posted some big torque numbers. If I recall, it is $89 at Walmart. You'd need to find a M18 to Hart battery adapter but I suspect there's one out there. I'll try to find the model number for you.

Sounds like a solid proposal. Why blow money on a Milwaukee that will never be used if you can get something inexpensive and still rotate your Milwaukee batteries into it.

Personally, I wouldn’t even bother worrying about using the Milwaukee batteries at that price, considering it’s a “might need it someday “ tool.

 

[Gangly]

M18 Mid Torque Impact. I've done quite a few wheel removal/installation with it.

 

[Chipm]

Mid-torque for properly maintained wheels. If you have no idea who installed them last or when that was, remove and retorque them.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd get the m18 compact or mid torque.

The Hart with an adapter is a silly suggestion being a 12v tool. On its own, it would probably be enough although I'd hate to be on the side of the road and not have it be sufficient.

 

[pbon]

I have the M12 stubby that supposedly does 550 lbs with a 5AH battery, the M18 mid that supposedly does 650 lbs and the version of the M18 high torque that supposedly does 1400 lbs. I reach for the small one first, but occasionally here in the Northeast, I have to move on to the mid torque and sometimes from there to the high torque to remove lug nuts. This is on cars and SUVs where nothing should be over 140 lbs, but corrosion can change the removal torque dramatically.

Will you have a breaker bar as a back up for when it is needed? Smaller and lighter is more arm friendly, but if no breaker bar then I would take the high torque.

 

[JimH74]

M18 mid torque for me as well.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

to facilitate trailer/truck tire changes on the road (and away from the shop) for both me and my wife.

I'm curious as to in what scenarios you do this. Other than very occasional punctures.

 

[M635_Guy]

The M18 Mid Torque Gen2 isn't massively bigger than a Stubby, so that's my recommendation if you're sticking to M18.

But given M18 chargers do M12, the Stubby Gen2 is pretty fantastic. (I have both in 1/2")

 

[Rusted Nut]

1/2” mid-torque works quickly on my 165 ft-lb F350 lugs.

 

[LopezBart]

I'm curious as to in what scenarios you do this. Other than very occasional punctures.

I've had flats in trailers and on the truck... and we're often in the boonies where cell service is spotty or non-existent.

This tool would be added to the truck for trips along w/ the M18 inflator jic. When we're home, it will be in the shop. When one has a 4x4 crew cab, carrying some extra tools isn't a big deal. The high torque will also handle the blades on the brush hog, and lug nuts on RVs when I run the tow truck at Burning Man.

The hi-torque plus another 5 Ah battery is $299 right now at Home Depot, not much more than the mid-torque deals.

Orderd the high torque; thanks for the input everyone.

 

[mike93lx]

I've had flats in trailers and on the truck... and we're often in the boonies where cell service is spotty or non-existent.

This tool would be added to the truck for trips along w/ the M18 inflator jic. When we're home, it will be in the shop. When one has a 4x4 crew cab, carrying some extra tools isn't a big deal. The high torque will also handle the blades on the brush hog, and lug nuts on RVs when I run the tow truck at Burning Man.

The hi-torque plus another 5 Ah battery is $299 right now at Home Depot, not much more than the mid-torque deals.

Orderd the high torque; thanks for the input everyone.

The high torque impacts are very heavy and bulky. Not a good general use tool. I only grab mine when a smaller impact won't get the job done

 

[LopezBart]

The high torque impacts are very heavy and bulky. Not a good general use tool. I only grab mine when a smaller impact won't get the job done

Well, in true GJ form, I may need both.

 

[onetonbb74]

I bring the Hi torque in a apache case with 2 batteries, texton impact flip socket kit, and the mini sized wd40 can. Perfect for road trips/ hauling the boat/ trailer...etc.

 

[mike93lx]

Well, in true GJ form, I may need both.

Don't forget the M12 stubby.

 

[dnschmidt]

The high torque is VERY HEAVY but a one time may have been necessary. The original Mid-Torque often would not have the guts to take off some pick up truck lug nuts. With the introduction of the Mid-Torque 2.0, several years ago now, this problem was overcome.

 

[Hakeem]

The high torque impacts are very heavy and bulky. Not a good general use tool. I only grab mine when a smaller impact won't get the job done

I agree, especially if the wife will be using it.

 

[pbon]

The high torque is VERY HEAVY but a one time may have been necessary. The original Mid-Torque often would not have the guts to take off some pick up truck lug nuts. With the introduction of the Mid-Torque 2.0, several years ago now, this problem was overcome.

The mid torque 2.0 does not always work for me in the Northeast. Yes, the high torque is heavy, but it never fails. The stubby is so close to the mid torque that the smart play might be the stubby and the high torque. I have all 3 and sometimes have to try them all to remove a stubborn lug nut. The heavy high torque is the one I reach for last, due to the weight. Any you could always just use a breaker bar occasionally instead.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

What torque are the lug nuts tightened to on your truck?

 

[pbon]

What torque are the lug nuts tightened to on your truck?

It is not that simple unless you have recently removed and installed the wheel or live in an area with no corrosion. None of the cars, vans and SUVs that I work on are over 150 lbs, but at least a few times a year, I find the M12 stubby with 5AH battery won’t do it and the M18 mid torque Gen2 won’t do it and I have to use the high torque. It is possible someone else gunned them on, but I have experienced this problem even on cars that only I work on. I live in the Nortneast.

 

[zimman]

This is GJ - 1" Milwaukee impact without a doubt

M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful cordless impact wrench. Gives up to 1,800 ft-lbs torque, up to 7lbs lighter than corded impact wrenches

www.milwaukeetool.com

Rotate the earth. Snappin necks and chashin checks. LOL
Zim

 

[zimman]

It is not that simple unless you have recently removed and installed the wheel or live in an area with no corrosion. None of the cars, vans and SUVs that I work on are over 150 lbs, but at least a few times a year, I find the M12 stubby with 5AH battery won’t do it and the M18 mid torque Gen2 won’t do it and I have to use the high torque. It is possible someone else gunned them on, but I have experienced this problem even on cars that only I work on. I live in the Nortneast.

That's because the guy in the bay beside you has the newest SnapNeck T1500WB (Torquemaster 1500 Wrist Breaker) pounding 1850 pounds of melting lug nut power. Before lunch. LMAO
Zim

 

[pbon]

I am just a DIYer who has some vehicles and helps family and friends. Again, this has happened even on vehicles only I have worked on and I torque with a torque wrench. I understand the theory that only a little more torque is needed to remove than to install, but I have also experienced the reality of winter driven cars in New England.

 

[dnschmidt]

What torque are the lug nuts tightened to on your truck?

Actually not a bad question. For reasons unknown to me, especially since I live in Phoenix, people that live in the Rust Belt often find that they have to use tools three or four times more powerful than the torque spec for tightening is required for removal. This is not the natural order of things because if you tighten something to 100 ft-lb it normally takes less than that for removal so the answer must be rust and corrosion which thankfully I don't need to worry about.

 

[Snapped-off]

Probably be nothing more frustrating in the moment than parked on the side of the road and the mid torque can't get the lugs off the dually (unlikely, but still).

If it's going to be an emergency tool, you made a good choice with the high torque.

 

[Snapped-off]

Actually not a bad question. For reasons unknown to me, especially since I live in Phoenix, people that live in the Rust Belt often find that they have to use tools three or four times more powerful than the torque spec for tightening is required for removal. This is not the natural order of things because if you tighten something to 100 ft-lb it normally takes less then that for removal so the answer must be rust and corrosion which thankfully I don't need to worry about.

My personal experience is the previous generation Milwaukee high torque can't budge an 1 ⅛" fastener torqued to 500ft-lbs. Maybe the new one could?

I don't trust any manufactures rated numbers.

 

[Firebrick43]

The high torque is VERY HEAVY but a one time may have been necessary. The original Mid-Torque often would not have the guts to take off some pick up truck lug nuts. With the introduction of the Mid-Torque 2.0, several years ago now, this problem was overcome.

Really? 7.5 lbs is Very heavy?

I get it if you are working with it all day upside down or something. But for a tire or even all four in a standard operating position, moving/lifting the tire and wheel must be a Herculean task if the high torque is “very heavy.”

My 10 and skinny 12 year old sons use it often without issue, well except checking which way it’s turning before use

 

[Shiftless]

This is GJ - 1" Milwaukee impact without a doubt

M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ is the most powerful cordless impact wrench. Gives up to 1,800 ft-lbs torque, up to 7lbs lighter than corded impact wrenches

www.milwaukeetool.com

Incredible specs!

Our M18 FUEL™ 1" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ is the world’s first cordless 1” High Torque Impact Wrench. The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers up to 1,800 ft-lbs of Nut-Busting Torque and 1,500 ft-lbs of fastening torque, making this the most powerful cordless impact torque wrench and enabling you to complete the most demanding applications. At only 13 lbs with battery

 

[Hannahranga]

None of the cars, vans and SUVs that I work on are over 150 lbs, but at least a few times a year, I find the M12 stubby with 5AH battery won’t do it and the M18 mid torque Gen2 won’t do it and I have to use the high torque.

Honestly surprised that if you need to crack out the high torque that the studs aren't snapping (on anything smaller than a half ton)

 

[LopezBart]

We'll see how it turns out. Our truck (and boat trailers) are used in close proximity or in salt water, so corrosion is a fact of life; I'd rather have a tool that can do the job and is heavy that one that is light and and fails in extremis. HD claims the new tool will be here this week, so we'll see. I've had plenty of cases when my ancient air impact (700 ft-lbs, supposedly) just wouldn't bust something loose.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to offer their experience and opinions.

- Bart

 

[mike93lx]

We'll see how it turns out. Our truck (and boat trailers) are used in close proximity or in salt water, so corrosion is a fact of life; I'd rather have a tool that can do the job and is heavy that one that is light and and fails in extremis. HD claims the new tool will be here this week, so we'll see. I've had plenty of cases when my ancient air impact (700 ft-lbs, supposedly) just wouldn't bust something loose.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to offer their experience and opinions.

- Bart

I dare say that you won't ever encounter a bolt that the high torque can't either remove or shear off.

 

[Callelle]

A lot of people whining about the weight of the high torque. I know it may in small part be because I'm a 6'9" giant, but I've never really thought the high torque to be that heavy.