The Detailer
Well-known member
I don't have access to air so my options are either corded or lithium. I saw a couple videos on a very nice Bosch 26618 doing lug nut removals no problem. Have any of you guys ever used an 18v or higher on wheels?
18v impact on lug nuts?
- Thread starter The Detailer
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geojag
Well-known member
I use a Dewalt DW059B 18v on lugnuts all the time, well to take them off, and spin the lugnut down, but tighten with a torque wrench. That impact is supposed to do 375 ft/lb, I have never tested that but I haven't ever had it fail to get a bolt lose.
Cordless 18v impacts (full-size) are very common on this forum. There is not a day that goes by where someone talks about cordless impact guns.
By the way, even though the Bosch 26618 is 18v, it's not going to do well if your primary goal is to remove lug nuts. It's a 1/4" hex driver and at best, it'll remove lug nuts that's freshly torqued to 60 ft-lbs. I have one and tried it on lug nuts before. You need to step up to a larger impact wrench.
By the way, even though the Bosch 26618 is 18v, it's not going to do well if your primary goal is to remove lug nuts. It's a 1/4" hex driver and at best, it'll remove lug nuts that's freshly torqued to 60 ft-lbs. I have one and tried it on lug nuts before. You need to step up to a larger impact wrench.
GCncsuHD
Well-known member
From what I see that model appears to be a 1/4" hex impact with a max torque of 1500in*lbs (125ft*lbs).
It would probably do the job on some smaller cars, but I'd step up to a 1/2" impact with higher torque on anything larger.
I have a Craftsman 19.2v 1/2" impact that does my lug nuts and suspension parts with ease, even on my F250, but I haven't tried my 1/4" impacts on anything other than smaller bolts, though it is a 12v Bosch.
It would probably do the job on some smaller cars, but I'd step up to a 1/2" impact with higher torque on anything larger.
I have a Craftsman 19.2v 1/2" impact that does my lug nuts and suspension parts with ease, even on my F250, but I haven't tried my 1/4" impacts on anything other than smaller bolts, though it is a 12v Bosch.
OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
Being used for small cars, sports an exotics really. I just don't want to kill anything with it either.
I have heard of the Milwaukee's being powerful. How's the reliability?
I have heard of the Milwaukee's being powerful. How's the reliability?
Moose364
Well-known member
I've seen the 18v Dewalt take lug nut's off the front of a Backhoe with no problem, and the spec's on the 18v Milwaukee show it is stronger than the Dewalt, but these are 1/2 drive I don't think 1/4 hex will get you there no matter what brand, I have the 3/8 M12 Milwaukee but have never tried it on lug nut's
CobraChevelle
Banned
I would get the milwauke fuel.
last week we ran into a shop that did a tire rotation on are f150 and they over did it with the air gun.. my dad broke his 1/2 HF breaker bar and his dewalt 18v would not move it. I brought over my new 2235timax just in case but my milwauke fuel took it off with no probs. My dad was speachless. first time the dewalt failed for him.
last week we ran into a shop that did a tire rotation on are f150 and they over did it with the air gun.. my dad broke his 1/2 HF breaker bar and his dewalt 18v would not move it. I brought over my new 2235timax just in case but my milwauke fuel took it off with no probs. My dad was speachless. first time the dewalt failed for him.
OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
Wow, the Milwaukee is badass but definitely out of my price range. I already ordered the Bosch but I can return it. I wasn't sure about the 1/4 drive but for the price I got it for plus a nice Bosch dds181, I definitely can't complain.
FMC1959
Well-known member
I have used my 1/4 drive and it can do the job...in a pinch, like fall/spring tire changes and the odd brake job. If you plan on using it for lugs daily, I am pretty sure it would last maybe a month.
Any of the 1/2" impact wrenches that are rated at 300 ft/lb and higher would do this with ease. I don't have experience with the really big bears that do 600 ft/lb and higher, probably needed if you are doing a lot of trucks/tractors or any large bolts on a regular basis.
Milwaukee and IR are the favorites on this site but if you are already invested in Dewalt, Makita or other name brand that offers a 1/2" wrench, it will work as well and cheaper for you if you can get the tool only.
Any of the 1/2" impact wrenches that are rated at 300 ft/lb and higher would do this with ease. I don't have experience with the really big bears that do 600 ft/lb and higher, probably needed if you are doing a lot of trucks/tractors or any large bolts on a regular basis.
Milwaukee and IR are the favorites on this site but if you are already invested in Dewalt, Makita or other name brand that offers a 1/2" wrench, it will work as well and cheaper for you if you can get the tool only.
I have an IR W7150 I'm a heavy truck tech and I've used it to remove lug nuts off of these trucks before. We have a few guys that swear by the Milwaukee and it will do the job too, no issues at all. But these are all half inch. I can't even get my car lug nuts off easily with my 3/8 IR cordless 20v, I'm pretty sure a 1/4" won't budge lug nuts
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firebox40dash5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2012
- Messages
- 4,185
Anything "high torque" like a W7150 or similar should get the job done just fine.
I used to do them with my brushless 18v hex driver and an adapter... it would get small car lug nuts off, if they weren't overtorqued, or rusty. That's about it. These days I have a brushless (MW Fuel) 3/8 square drive gun, it's good for probably 3 out of 4. Again, overtorqued or screwed up threads, probably not gonna happen.
I'd look for somewhere around 400 ft/lb to do wheels reliably.
I used to do them with my brushless 18v hex driver and an adapter... it would get small car lug nuts off, if they weren't overtorqued, or rusty. That's about it. These days I have a brushless (MW Fuel) 3/8 square drive gun, it's good for probably 3 out of 4. Again, overtorqued or screwed up threads, probably not gonna happen.
I'd look for somewhere around 400 ft/lb to do wheels reliably.
Voi
Well-known member
I really like my Hitachi 1/4" hex impact but if lug nuts are a primary concern I'd get an 18V impact wrench for a few key reasons.
1) Many here suggest the impact wrenches have more of their torque geared towards loosening, unlike an impact driver's which is geared towards tightening.
2) Less or no torque loss compared to what you will see with the 1/4" hex to square adapter (some disagreement on this topic, but certainly nobody is arguing that you'll get more torque with the 1/4" hex to square adapter).
3) You can run a square to hex adapter on a wrench and still use it for most of your driving needs.
In regards to point three, I find that most of the time that I use my impact driver as a driver I'm not all that worried about clearance in tight spaces. In fact most of the time I use it as a driver I have some sort of magnetic bit holder on it like this:
I rarely find myself popping off the magnetic bit hold to get more clearance when using it as a driver. On the other hand, when I use my driver with a hex to square adapter for socket use I'm often in tight spaces and want the tool and socket to take up the least space possible.
The upshot is that I think I'd prefer to use a wrench with a 1/4" driver adapter than my current setup. To be fair I haven't tried much less owned this setup so it's an educated guess at best.
Lastly, if you're sold on the Bosch 18V tool system they do make a 1/2" impact wrench/driver hybrid. 1/2" impact wrench combined with a 1/4" hex female drive.
It doesn't have bad reviews per se but it tests it doesn't seem to keep up with some of the other impact drivers and wrenches it is meant to replace.
If my Hitachi died today I'd go out and get a Milwaukee 18V Fuel compact 3/8" wrench. I'd justify the cost by getting a few 3/8" square to 1/4" hex adapters for my various tool boxes and then only having to own one tool.
If your case you might more power than the 3/8" Fuel, but same logic would apply.
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OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
Basically, my needs are simple. I'm not removing constantly, about once or twice a month (wheels). I'm removing misc stuff for cleaning such as throttle bodies etc. again this is more of a finishing touch rather than a full tear down.
For anything rusted, I definitely figure it wouldn't get it off. I do have a breaker bar for the heavy duty stuff. This is more or less to just make the removal faster and stay away from cords obviously.
OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
I really like my Hitachi 1/4" hex impact but if lug nuts are a primary concern I'd get an 18V impact wrench for a few key reasons.
1) Many here suggest the impact wrenches have more of their torque geared towards loosening, unlike an impact driver's which is geared towards tightening.
2) Less or no torque loss compared to what you will see with the 1/4" hex to square adapter (some disagreement on this topic, but certainly nobody is arguing that you'll get more torque with the 1/4" hex to square adapter).
3) You can run a square to hex adapter on a wrench and still use it for most of your driving needs.
In regards to point three, I find that most of the time that I use my impact driver as a driver I'm not all that worried about clearance in tight spaces. In fact most of the time I use it as a driver I have some sort of magnetic bit holder on it like this:
I rarely find myself popping off the magnetic bit hold to get more clearance when using it as a driver. On the other hand, when I use my driver with a hex to square adapter for socket use I'm often in tight spaces and want the tool and socket to take up the least space possible.
The upshot is that I think I'd prefer to use a wrench with a 1/4" driver adapter than my current setup. To be fair I haven't tried much less owned this setup so it's an educated guess at best.
Lastly, if you're sold on the Bosch 18V tool system they do make a 1/2" impact wrench/driver hybrid. 1/2" impact wrench combined with a 1/4" hex female drive.
It doesn't have bad reviews per se but it tests it doesn't seem to keep up with some of the other impact drivers and wrenches it is meant to replace.
If my Hitachi died today I'd go out and get a Milwaukee 18V Fuel compact 3/8" wrench. I'd justify the cost by getting a few 3/8" square to 1/4" hex adapters for my various tool boxes and then only having to own one tool.
If your case you might more power than the 3/8" Fuel, but same logic would apply.
Thank you, I have ordered the magnetic adapter. I know I'll be using it a lot. Especially with those finicky license plates an the dealer brackets
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
Snap On CT7850 is one of the best guns. I use it all the time and love it. Lots of folks like the IR and Milwaukee too.
In regards to the bit holder; they make an impact version and a regular version for non impact. Make sure you get the impact. The non impact ones self destruct on the impact driver.
In regards to the bit holder; they make an impact version and a regular version for non impact. Make sure you get the impact. The non impact ones self destruct on the impact driver.
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ajchien
Well-known member
I just bought a Ryobi 1/2" electric impact rated at 200ftlbs. Does the lugnut thing without any sweat. 3 taps and off it spins. 1/2" drive extensions and wobble extensions on, it takes naybe 6-10 taps before spinning off.
I also have a Porter cable 1/4" hex rated at some 140ft lbs. With an adapter, it can hammer all day and not do a thing to my lugnuts.
In my limited experience, I'd get the 1/2" for use with sockets. The 1/4" hex will be to do what it's intended. Drive screws.
I also have a Porter cable 1/4" hex rated at some 140ft lbs. With an adapter, it can hammer all day and not do a thing to my lugnuts.
In my limited experience, I'd get the 1/2" for use with sockets. The 1/4" hex will be to do what it's intended. Drive screws.
Farmall450
Well-known member
You'll heed a 1/2 drive one...
With the amount of time it takes to hammer each lug nut off (if it can at all), you're better off using the breaker bar first then the Bosch to spin them off.
My 18v DeWalt 1/2" will do most lug nuts, as long as they're not over torqued or rusted. I've run into a few at salvage yards that it wouldn't move, but those were usually tough even with a breaker bar. I know the Snap On and IR cordless impact are much stronger, though, and are certainly worth the extra money.
MikeF2316
Well-known member
I have one of these, and it's really strong. It's big, it's heavy and as the OP noted, it's expensive. But it sure works!
dnschmidt
Well-known member
An impact driver is not an impact wrench. Even with identical platforms the impact driver will not have nearly the capability of the impact wrench due to the flimsy 1/4" hex noodle behind the square drive. These act like torque sticks and limit the ability of the impact drivers. Exactly the same tool bodies with 3/8" or 1/2" square drives will vastly outperform an impact driver version of the same tool.
kctyphoon
Banned
I don't know about "needing" a 1/2" drive impact to take lugs off.. My m18 fuel 1/4" hex drive impact driver takes the ******* 37mm axle nuts off my Honda.. Lemme say that again - 1/4" HEX removing a 37mm axle nut.. I use a 1/4"hex to 1/2 square adapter.. But it's far from a "high torque" model impact gun.. It spins the lug nuts off without even breaking a sweat..
Jesus there's videos all over youtube with m12 fuels removing lugs.. You shouldn't have a problem with any 18v platform..
In case anyone is wonder what adapters I use, I have the milwaukee shockwave hex to square adapters in every drive size, and the makita 3/8 and 1/2 square wobble adapters. They have all worked fine so far..
Jesus there's videos all over youtube with m12 fuels removing lugs.. You shouldn't have a problem with any 18v platform..
In case anyone is wonder what adapters I use, I have the milwaukee shockwave hex to square adapters in every drive size, and the makita 3/8 and 1/2 square wobble adapters. They have all worked fine so far..
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OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
Thanks guys
We will see. Worst case like I said, I'll use the breaker bar for the extreme stuff.
We will see. Worst case like I said, I'll use the breaker bar for the extreme stuff.
Dick in Wisconsin
Well-known member
I've been using the Sears/Craftsman C3 (19.2 volt) cordless tools since 2006 and LOVE them.
I use the 1/2" impact to bust the lugs nuts off and back on again on my NASCAR stock car all day long at the track.
I think Sears/CM has (or just had) a sale on the 1/2" impact and variable speed drill.
ttp://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-19.2v-c3-mechanics-combo/p-00917229000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11
Includes two batteries and the multi-chemistry charger. $160. Save $90. Great deal!
I use the 1/2" impact to bust the lugs nuts off and back on again on my NASCAR stock car all day long at the track.
I think Sears/CM has (or just had) a sale on the 1/2" impact and variable speed drill.
ttp://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-19.2v-c3-mechanics-combo/p-00917229000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11
Includes two batteries and the multi-chemistry charger. $160. Save $90. Great deal!
OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
Ugh, I wish I would have saw this before hand! I feel bad now, the guy just shipped them this afternoon and the bosch is probably already going back thanks to you guys
I absolutely love my Milwaukee 2655-20 that I bought August of 2013 for lugs and everything else on my Stage Rally car. I use it at least 4 times per corner at each event with several events per month between March to August on my aluminum nuts and ARP wheel studs with a 75 ft/lb Torque*@#$and have never had any issues with it. Rally is in a dusty environment so I've blown it out a few times. It's great for also getting into tight places such as swapping out everything from the engine, transmission or... anything. The battery life is amazing and I've hardly run into issues with it running out of juice. Best and most used toy... sorry, tool I've bought.
I also have a 2663-20 that's great for areas that are tight and need more of a kick, but... it doesn't fit in lots of tight spots of the car.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2655-20
I also have a 2663-20 that's great for areas that are tight and need more of a kick, but... it doesn't fit in lots of tight spots of the car.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2655-20
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hackwelder
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2014
- Messages
- 224
Ugh, I wish I would have saw this before hand! I feel bad now, the guy just shipped them this afternoon and the bosch is probably already going back thanks to you guys
If you are going C3 it might be worth considering the newer HD 1/2" torque wrench, it is 300 ft-lbs vs. 200 for the older model, picked one up on sale for $150 and like it, came with a 4 ah XCP battery and a charger, spins lug nuts off FAST.
A smaller 12V 1/4 hex drive impact driver is well worth having too, the lower weight and size is a big advantage for smaller fasteners and is much less likely to overtorque them, use mine constantly for mechanical work on cars, motorcycles, etc.
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MattPersman
Well-known member
It's amazing the variety of results people have or maybe the guns vary that much in power?you got a guy taking axle nuts off with one and the next will claim it won't even move a low torque lug nut.
OP
The Detailer
Well-known member
Well, we will see. I'm going to test out the bosch as my lugs are at factory spec (107) an very clean. No rust, pitting or chips.
GCncsuHD
Well-known member
Banjorear
Well-known member
This is very timely. I was just about to purchase a Mil. M18 Fuel 1/2. I already have the 3/8th Fuel. I want a 1/2" to do lug nuts and that's about it.
I was baulking at the price for the M18 1/2" (CPO has a special right now) since I already have the 3/8ths.
I've been toying with getting the Craftsman since I'll really only use it once in a while. Not sure I want to start mixing brands, but $146 is a good price.
Thought about getting the bare M18 since my 3/8ths kit has two of the 2.0 Li batteries.
Man, this is a hard choice.
Banjorear
Well-known member
I've used my M18 3/8ths on my Honda Fit lugs. Work fined. Now I think about it, the C3 will be fine for the limited times I need to use a 1/2" wrench.
ajchien
Well-known member
I think we have some variability because we're talking about different manufacturers and 1/4" hex, 3/8" square and 1/2" square drive tools. And on top of that there are various different adapters we're adding into the mix which is likely causing different amounts of torque loss.
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Banjorear
Well-known member
Any other thoughts on the Milwaukee v. the new Craftsman C3 impacts? Sale ends tonight.
motofool33
Well-known member
i have makita, and the 1/2 impact i havent met any normal car fasteners that gave it trouble. but for 99% of the stuff im using the 3/8 impact driver.
i got the 1/2" bare tool off amazon for 140$ and already had batteries from my other tools
i got the 1/2" bare tool off amazon for 140$ and already had batteries from my other tools