Makita Impact Driver

[tck4x4]

I am looking for cordless impact driver for removing lugnuts.
Has anyone found one that can be used for tire rotation, remove and replace 24 lugnuts on a small truck, on a single charge. I hate the noise from the air compressor, and I pretty much only use it for this purpose. I'm thinking I can ditch the compressor, if I had one of these.

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/...40.htm?L+coastest+hsns6121ff0cc20c+1160970209

Or am I dreaming, and this just doesn't have enough power.

 

[vjquan]

Don't bother with using a cordless impact driver for removing lug nuts. Though the torque specs say that it's capable, the problem lies with the adapter. I have the Makita 14.4 impact driver and tried it just to see if it could. I put in a 1/4 hex to 3/8 adapter. All it did was twist the adapter.

A better solution, also a little cheaper, is to get a cordless impact wrench.

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/...22.htm?L+coastest+hsns6121ff0cc20c+1160891527

I had this unit. The problem is 1) it's slow compared to a pneumatic impact wrench. It takes a lot of hammering before the bolts will break loose. A couple of short bursts with an air impact and it's all spun off. 2) The batteries need to be fully charged before use. One time I pulled it out and couldn't even get the first lug nut off, and this was on a Honda that's torqued to 80 ft/lbs. Sure there may have been some discharge, but I didn't expect it to be so bad where it was rendered useless. I don't know if this will remove 24 lug nuts on a single charge, but this unit comes with 2 batteries, so you may be okay. If the above inconveniences don't bother you, then this may be the ticket for you.

You could also just break the bolts loose first with a breaker bar and then spin them off with cordess drill, but air is by far the best way to go.

 

[chevy302dz]

If your compressor is that loud and/or has to run constantly, then you may want to look into a better compressor. If it's the noise from the impact then take a look at AirCat's series of impact guns, they are very quiet.

 

[l_bilyk]

These work OK

 

[wilbilt]

These wok OK

I have one of those, as well as one of it's B&D brethren...excellent tools to have when cornered into brake jobs for relatives without decent air compressors....

 

[SteveL]

I've got the DeWalt tailed version shown above and it works great. A buddy of mine has the DeWalt cordless impact driver so he can take it to the track and loves it too.

 

[TNToy]

Unfortunately, the only cordless impact I've ever used that was sufficiently powerful enough to rotate a set of tires with was an 18V unit that had "Snap-On" on the side. You can buy yourself a nice compressor for what it costs.

What the heck, here, enjoy the heart attack.

 

[strizzy]

Theres a three of those 18v snap-on 1/2 drives at the shop, old style battery though. You cant beat those things.

 

[nosrac]

I recently bought the dewalt 14.4v with the 1/2 drive. Have been very happy with it, but it is mainly used on a race atv, where the max torque spec is around 120 ft/lbs. Would probalby have gone with the snap on if I was working on larger stuff.. they work great, but couldnt justify the additional money.

If you are going to use it for mostly "wrenching" skip the quick connect 1/4" drive and get the 1/2" version - as mentioned above, you lose a lot in adaptors.

It is rated up to about 125 ft/lbs I believe. It will knock the lugnuts off of my truck with no problem - but they are only torqued down to about 85-90 ft/lbs.

Mine is a real time saver - very happy with it!

 

[MarkH]

Impact Drivers are a great tool for wood and house building. Want to build a monster deck use the impact driver. You will never use a drill for the screws again.

For lugs and similar machine work use the impact wrench. Air, Corded, or cordless according to budget and amount of use you will give it.

 

[jordantii]

I have the cordless Milwaukee impact gun and it is all I use. It will break lugs torqued past 96lbs/ft without breaking a sweat. I take it to the track with me with 2 bateries and all of my friends change their tires as well. Only problem was the original batteries died. I replaced both about a year ago and the gun has never failed since.

I consider it my best tool on the box.

Best,

Jordan