M12 Fuel 3/8" impact on car lug nuts

theoldwizard1 · Mar 20, 2017

So I got an M12 Fuel 3/8" impact a few months ago. Primary use will be on outdoor power equipment and small fasteners on cars. For fun, I bought a 3/8"F to 1/2"M adapter so I could use it with my Sunex flip lug nut sockets.

Well, it did not work on my 6 month old Ford Edge. Loosening and then re-torquing to 110 lb-ft, did not help. I thought about it and realized that the adapter, the 3" extension for the flip sockets were stalling some torque from the little guy so I went out and bought a 21mm deep impact. Still no joy.

I am using a 3.0 Ah compact battery. I would not think that the larger battery packs would make a difference.

What is your experience with the M12 Fuel 3/8" impact on lug nuts ? If you are successful, are you using the bigger battery pack ?

MrGiggles · Mar 20, 2017

Mine will loosen them up to about 80 foot pounds, but even then not reliably. I have 1.5 ah batteries.

I don't really see the significance of it, since that's far more than this tool was designed for.

bcradio · Mar 20, 2017

Hit or miss for me, so I stopped trying. Upgraded to M18 mid torque and now have no problems. It would be awesome to have an M12 that could reliably to lugs though.

fordnut85 · Mar 20, 2017

Mine will do some small car lug nuts. Not really what it was designed to do.

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scissorman · Mar 20, 2017

You need to use the right tool for the job and a 3/8" impact was never meant to use on lug nuts.

firworks · Mar 20, 2017

I think you're getting sapped by the adapters or the flip sockets. Here's my M12 FUEL impact on both lug nuts and an axle nut:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yTsu97oWgpI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w2ogFHAC-1I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The lug nuts were done with Sunex 3/8" impact sockets. I did use an adapter for the axle nut and it still was able to do it, albeit very slowly. You would not use it like that normally but I just wanted to see if it could do it. She was not happy but she did the job!

BK13 · Mar 20, 2017

Though I'm admittedly neurotic about keeping my wheels (and by extension, my lug nuts) clean, I never had any problems getting the lug nuts off an F150, Expedition, a Volvo S40 or V70.

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TK-421 · Mar 20, 2017

scissorman said:
You need to use the right tool for the job and a 3/8" impact was never meant to use on lug nuts.

Especially the M12 3/8 impact.

OP, if you have to use a 3/8 impact, upgrade to the M18 line, but I would recommend using the M18 1/2 impact over the M18 3/8.

DFB · Mar 20, 2017

This is like the second time I've heard Wiz mention this somewhat surprised myself especially after removing and re torqueing.

I have an M12 3/8" its not my tool of choice for most of my wheel lug removal but its been pretty impressive for what I have done with it.

So I just went out my storage trailer snow was halfway up wheel had the 3/8 2454 fuel with a 3/8" 13/16 deep socket and took my 1/2" drive Craftsman torque wrench with a 1/2" drive deep well 13/16 on that...

I just tightened to 90
no problem

then 100
still easy

went to 110

again came right off

then I bumped it up to 120

Still came back off with almost no effort at all :dunno:

And I did do this several different lugs and not just one
I had 2.0 compact battery too.
I have agree that the coupling adapters are a big part of your problem.

diggerrick · Mar 20, 2017

Mine will knock them off my Taurus SHO, but not my truck. I only tried as an experiment. I use my 1/2" to take them off, and the 3/8" to run them back on before torquing.

DFB · Mar 20, 2017

Yes that little 3/8 struggles like heck on my old pickup

Sticks McGee · Mar 20, 2017

Just an FYI on the battery impacts. I use my MAC 1/2" rated at 725 ft lb all the time at work for lug nuts. I use it on my ford E250 vans (7/8 socket) and my sprinters (19 mm socket) the fords I torque at 150 and the sprinters at 175. If you get some wear on the socket it makes a difference. Mostly what I use is the 19mm socket. It's either a Mac or snap on but it's got some wear on it now. I've been running into intermittent problems removing lugs. When I checked the fit I noticed some slop. Went to my box and got a fairly fresh craftsman 3/4" socket and they came right off. I ran into this problem in the past and went and got my long ratchet. The impact didn't want to take them off but the ratchet did without much effort. I realize now the fit of the socket can make a big difference. With the air guns this seems to make no difference.

This isn't a brand comparison but simply a socket to lug fit.

theoldwizard1 · Mar 20, 2017

firworks said:
I think you're getting sapped by the adapters or the flip sockets.

theoldwizard1 said:
... so I went out and bought a 21mm deep impact. Still no joy.

Note I said 21mm socket, so the nuts may have been tighter (110 lb-ft) than yours.

theoldwizard1 · Mar 20, 2017

DFB said:
...then I bumped it up to 120

Still came back off with almost no effort at all

And I did do this several different lugs and not just one
I had 2.0 compact battery too.
I have agree that the coupling adapters are a big part of your problem.

I thought a couple of you guys had said the M12 Fuel 3/8" impact would do lug nuts !

For those of you who did NOT completely read the first post, this is a brand new M12 impact, with a new 3.0 Ah M12 compact battery and I am using a 21mm Sunex impact socket. The lugs and nut are only 6 months old so no rust.

I also said this is not a big deal ! I have an old CP 1/2 and worst case I have a brand new Pittsburgh Pro 25" 1/2" breaker bar !

firworks · Mar 20, 2017

theoldwizard1 said:
Note I said 21mm socket, so the nuts may have been tighter (110 lb-ft) than yours.

Ah yeah I missed that little bit there. They certainly could have been tighter than my lugnuts. In both of my examples I was using a... I want to say 3.0 XC but it might have been the 4.0 XC. I have both and they're hard to tell apart. I would think doing the axle nut would be harder than the lugnuts on a Ford Edge but obviously I don't know for sure. In that case I was using a 3/8" -> 1/2" adapter into a 34mm socket. It moved real slow but you can see that it is capable of doing it.

I guess it's possible that yours is just underpowered too or maybe has some other issue from the factory? I feel like there've been quite a few threads of people saying their M12 Fuel 3/8" was totally gutless and then a bunch of others chime in saying theirs is a beast.

DFB · Mar 20, 2017

So to be really clear are you using an adapter or is the 21mm a 3/8 drive now?

21MM is good size same as my tractor front wheel lug bolts

T45 · Mar 20, 2017

I realize now the fit of the socket can make a big difference.

There is no such thing as loss of torque from sloppy fit...obviously you haven't been following the latest GJ threads on sockets... :wtf:

(sorry, couldn't resist....)

wasabiboys · Mar 20, 2017

probably get hate mail but i prefer to do it by hand on my camry. just me thou

Gila Monster · Mar 20, 2017

I'm not nearly the fan of the battery powered impacts as some here are, but granted I don't have the latest and greatest, but just an 18v Dewalt impact gun.

It just seems like if you really need power, the air impact has it and is lighter and more compact as well.

I usually use my battery impact on smaller stuff.

dnschmidt · Mar 20, 2017

Why M12 when the M18 is only slightly bigger and way more powerful. M12 is for 1/4" drive in my world view.

Hendricks433 · Mar 20, 2017

Gila Monster said:
I'm not nearly the fan of the battery powered impacts as some here are, but granted I don't have the latest and greatest, but just an 18v Dewalt impact gun.

It just seems like if you really need power, the air impact has it and is lighter and more compact as well.

I usually use my battery impact on smaller stuff.

Because having an air compressor isn't as feasible for most of us and then you still have an air hose to haul around. Having a good 1/2 Impact and a 3/8 Impact will get about 99% of things off.

Sticks McGee · Mar 20, 2017

T45 said:
There is no such thing as loss of torque from sloppy fit...obviously you haven't been following the latest GJ threads on sockets...

(sorry, couldn't resist....)

Gila Monster · Mar 20, 2017

Hendricks433 said:
Because having an air compressor isn't as feasible for most of us and then you still have an air hose to haul around. Having a good 1/2 Impact and a 3/8 Impact will get about 99% of things off.

For remote off site things I get it, but if you have a garage you can fit an air compressor. Plus its just handy for everything else around the house like putting air in your tires.

My % is WAY less than 99% of things I can zip off with an electric impact, but again, I don't have the latest and greatest.

theoldwizard1 · Mar 20, 2017

DFB said:
So to be really clear are you using an adapter or is the 21mm a 3/8 drive now?

Sunex 3/8-Inch Drive 21mm Deep Impact Socket

They go up to 22mm (no 20mm).

WhiffySpark · Mar 20, 2017

My m18 3/8 won't even take them all off. Anything more than a Honda or vw @ at 80 ft lbs I won't even try.

Even then it usually doesn't

DFB · Mar 20, 2017

theoldwizard1 said:
Sunex 3/8-Inch Drive 21mm Deep Impact Socket

They go up to 22mm (no 20mm).

Ya I've seen them, Thanks for clarifying that

Don't know what more to say about it then not much difference between 21mm and 13/16"

theoldwizard1 · Mar 20, 2017

DFB said:
Don't know what more to say about it then not much difference between 21mm and 13/16"

21mm = 0.82677 inches
13/16 = 0.81250 inches

I would be surprised if a 13/16 socket would fit on a 21mm hex.

WhiffySpark · Mar 20, 2017

Doesn't usually fit. Unless the 13/16 is worn. It'll work once in a while

DFB · Mar 20, 2017

theoldwizard1 said:
21mm = 0.82677 inches
13/16 = 0.81250 inches

I would be surprised if a 13/16 socket would fit on a 21mm hex.

I wasn't suggesting that (and I wouldn't even know what your correct stock size should be) but still I cant tell you why I can get it done with a 13/16 but 21mm isn't cutting it for you :dunno:

Others suggested too loose a socket could also rob power but those two tolerances are close not like a 7/8" or something

Just curious how long did let it hammer for?

shockwave · Mar 20, 2017

For general removal okay on the m12 fuel even thou it can
Look into breaker bar first and then impact or go to m18 line because you will kill the m12 easily pushing to its limits constantly

And power is decreasing easily within abuse on these cordless tools more so than low batteries

PoorOwner · Mar 20, 2017

It actually wears out the lug nut because of the number of unsuccessful impacts before it loosen the lug. If it loosens it at all. Mine is the type with an metal cap over the lug. So once the cap is compromised the impact just shakes the cap back and forth and needs to be replaced. So now I just take the biggest one and zip it off (m18 fuel hi torque)

vettex2 · Mar 20, 2017

scissorman said:
You need to use the right tool for the job and a 3/8" impact was never meant to use on lug nuts.

^^^^THis

Barrymaxx · Mar 21, 2017

I drift cars and change many many wheels in a weekend. I got tired of lugging my 18v fuel around all the time.

Now I use the m12 fuel 3/8 with a 4ah battery. My lugs are 88ftlbs and it works fantastic. This thing is so light and quick I only bring my big gun as backup. Ill do about 14 wheels a weekend without charge (140 lugs) and some other various repairs.

KMdef9 · Mar 21, 2017

Barrymaxx said:
I drift cars and change many many wheels in a weekend. I got tired of lugging my 18v fuel around all the time.

Now I use the m12 fuel 3/8 with a 4ah battery. My lugs are 88ftlbs and it works fantastic. This thing is so light and quick I only bring my big gun as backup. Ill do about 14 wheels a weekend without charge (140 lugs) and some other various repairs.

But that's 88. He's at 110 and in the rust belt. Let alone changing your's all the time means the break-away torque is significantly less.

My 1/4" 18v Makita can takelugs off, but why use it? I have the right too for the job with not much weight or bulkiness added. Using a tool at its limits will shorten it's life. Lugs aren't in a hard to reach spot and 1/2" tools aren't too heavy for doing 20 fasteners.

Bighead38 · Mar 21, 2017

Got a flat tire recently and had my m18 1/4" hex impact in the car. Put in the adapter and was shocked that it removed the lug nuts on a rusted old explorer.

DFB · Mar 21, 2017

So just for giggles today I went at it once again with my 2454 3/8" impact 13/16 deep socket combo against my storage trailer lug nuts and for a variable I used a different torque wrench than the Craftsman I used yesterday to set the capacity. A HF 1/2" I bought for work. Set it also to 120 ft lbs

Not a problem removing them again And even on one I actually hammered the wrong way a bit first forgetting to switch the direction. :lol_hitti

Still cant figure it

If I was in this situation as the OP I would at least be curious to know where that stop limit might be. And to make sure the tool is performing satisfactorily.

I'd start outwith the torque wrench tightening up to around 75-80 ft lbs see if would do that and if it did go up 10lbs or so at time from there aiming for 110 ftlbs or until it wouldn't release. :dunno:

Spec on paper says rated at 117ft lbs or 1400 in lbs...

Obviously nothing is a given with these scenarios but I've seen you tube sh*t where a 1500 in.lb. M18 brushed impact driver with the shank adapter and a deep socket could do a truck that was claimed to be at 129ft lb and I would figure there would be some torque loss with that set up too. And according to RTR tests there is a measurable reduction in torque coupling up sockets and adapters

I have tried that same setup and I can say the 3/8 Fuel with a deep socket directly on the tool does it easier than that 18v concoction and don't have to be concerned about breaking at that adapter either.

On the other hand in this same video stuff a Ridgid 18v rated over 2000 in lbs couldn't do it at least not at first but subsequently did only after a high capacity 4.0 amp hr battery was used ...go figure that one.

MikeF2316 · Mar 24, 2017

Using either a 2.0 or 4.0 battery, mine will loosen 80 ft-lb lug nuts, as long as I limit adapters/extensions to 1.

thatguysb · Mar 24, 2017

Really need to invest in a 3/8 impact, already have a few m12 devices. I currently used the 1/4 hex with some adapters for small work, i usually break wheel nuts before jacking up and use these to run them out quickly.

bubinga · Mar 24, 2017

I think higher Mah has more to do with how long the battery will last than torque.

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bubinga · Mar 25, 2017

diggerrick said:
Mine will knock them off my Taurus SHO, but not my truck. I only tried as an experiment. I use my 1/2" to take them off, and the 3/8" to run them back on before torquing.

Lots of times the compressor is not handy, I'll break loose and tighten with a breaker bar, and spin off, and snug down with my 3/8"drrive 18 volt De Walt. It's a decent 3/8 " impact.
I tightened the shock bolts on my motorcycle, and tested with a 16 or 18 in breaker bar, they were tight!

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M12 Fuel 3/8" impact on car lug nuts

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