Ridgid brushless impact driver: can't even loose lug nuts?

[motorcyclist]

Hi all, I do have air compressor and impact wrench at home, but I thought I could buy the Ridgid brushless impact driver for its convenience (https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/cordless-brushless-impact-driver).

It claimed to have 2250 inch-lb, which translated into 187 ft-lb of torque, that's what I thought.

Last weekend, I tried to use it to remove the lug nuts on my car, which were hand-torqued to 83 ft-lb, the Ridgid could not do anything at all. It was hammering away but the lug nut did not move!

What's your experience or did I get a dud? I bought it brand new from HomeDepot a while ago so it already passed the return period. A rated 187 ft-lb impact driver should be able to remove a 83 ft-lb nut (44% of 187), shouldn't it?

Thanks for any inputs.
mike-

 

[oldschoolcraft]

That's a 1/4" female bit impact driver. I think this is a job for a 1/2" impact wrench.

 

[P0234]

This is what you should have bought:

RIDGID 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) R86215B - The Home Depot

RIDGID introduces the R86215B 18V 3-Speed 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only). This powerful 3-speed impact wrench delivers up to 500 ft./lbs. of breakaway torque and 400 ft./lbs. of max fastening torque

www.homedepot.com

You bought an impact driver, which is a powerful screwdriver that can handle some smaller sockets.

 

[KSJeff]

That's a 1/4" female bit impact driver. I think this is a job for a 1/2" impact wrench.

I would agree. I'm not sure what the breakaway torque is on a impcat driver, but the 1/2" impacts are designed for breakaway torque (at least the air ones are...maybe the cordless are different?) Either way, you need the 1/2" impact. I have the Ryobi version and it will loosen almost anything I've encountered and it's not the strongest cordless impact on the market by far.

 

[Black300zx]

A rated 187 ft-lb impact driver should be able to remove a 83 ft-lb nut (44% of 187), shouldn't it?

Manufacturer ratings on impact drivers and impact wrenches are typically quite a bit inflated. On top of that, you're going to lose quite a bit of performance once you add a hex-to-1/2 adaptor into the mix.

 

[rancherbill]

...What's your experience or did I get a dud?...

There's lies, damn lies and specs.

It probably is that powerful on a tester following a specific ISO standard. I suspect the test procedure is for a specific mass - in this case screws. Logically you would never expect this driver to even move let alone torque those big *** 3" nuts that they use in the ship or oil industry.

 

[motorcyclist]

Thank you all! I appreciate all your inputs. I understand that using a hex-to-1/2-inch adapter introduced loss and also the "claimed" torque is always exagerated but I just didn't expect that a claimed 187-ft-lb can't even move a 83 ft-lb nut Ok, thanks for the suggestion, time to get that Ridgid impact wrench

My air IR impact wrench was rated only for 250 ft-lb and it removed everything I used it on

 

[P0234]

Thank you all! I appreciate all your inputs. I understand that using a hex-to-1/2-inch adapter introduced loss and also the "claimed" torque is always exagerated but I just didn't expect that a claimed 187-ft-lb can't even move a 83 ft-lb nut Ok, thanks for the suggestion, time to get that Ridgid impact wrench

My air IR impact wrench was rated only for 250 ft-lb and it removed everything I used it on

Home Depot has really good customer service (as long as you find the right employee).

If you still have your paperwork and tell them your story, I would be surprised if they didn't take care of you.

 

[KnurledNut]

Are you using a impact rated adaptor with a necked down torsion zone? If so, that acts like a mini torque stick and limits your output.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Make sure you go 1/2" and not 3/8"

 

[Steve_P]

It's not necessarily lies, the issue is that with an impact driver, you're effectively using a torsion bar to drive a socket. Saying that, my DeWalt will remove wheel nuts tightened to 90 lb-ft, even though I was shocked that it would, for the above reason; and I don't use it for that but was curious.

 

[whateg01]

Make sure you go 1/2" and not 3/8"

The DeWalt 3/8" impact has the same specs as the 1/4" hex driver, or at least did, when I bought my 1/2". I think the newer 3/8" is a little more powerful. The 1/4" will loosen lug nuts if I help it by twisting the socket by hand, but it clearly doesn't like to. 1/2" mid torque is what's really needed.

 

[slowtwitch73]

For lug nuts you gotta buy the biggest cordless you can get.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

That's a 1/4" female bit impact driver. I think this is a job for a 1/2" impact wrench.

FWIW I had a $100 Milwaukee hex that would take off PROPERLY torqued 100ft/lb wheel bolts. wouldn't touch a shop overkill job.

was great until it snapped off the hex flush with the tool.

now i've got a proper 1/2" Milwaukee impact.

 

[motorcyclist]

Are you using a impact rated adaptor with a necked down torsion zone? If so, that acts like a mini torque stick and limits your output.

This is what I use. It isn't "necked down", is it?

 

[35k0]

you have already been give the best advice, but I want to add that I have the ridgid 1/2 impact wrench and it is a beast.

 

[AJHD]

It claimed to have 2250 inch-lb, which translated into 187 ft-lb of torque, that's what I thought.

A rated 187 ft-lb impact driver should be able to remove a 83 ft-lb nut (44% of 187), shouldn't it?

As others have alluded to, the answer is maybe, but only if you were actually getting those numbers... which unfortunately you're not.
A general rule of thumb is to take a given torque spec from the manufacture and cut it in half.

For example, the Milwaukee 2767 claims 1,400 ft-lbs. Watch a video TorqueTest videos and you'll see it consistently in the 700ish ft-lbs range.

But not only that, anytime you add an adapter, swivel, universal and/or extension onto any "impact", you're losing even more torque.

Another factor is it doesn't really matter what the torque spec of a given nut/bolt is. It's always going to be tighter. Especially if not torqued properly or given environmental conditions like rust, etc...

 

[ChevyEFI]

Bosch GDX18V-1800 and Bosch GDX18V-1860 will take off lugs torqued to 130lb-ft with a good 4AH batt. and on the right settings.

I learned a few things: the Milwaukee M18 Surge is for running wood screws. It will not act as a mini-impact gun. Others report the non-Surge has no problem with light duty lug nuts.

Torque Test Channel results are like specs. They may be relevant but real world results matter.

The impacting speed of the light impact drivers seems to make it difficult to predict whether they are going to do well acting as a light impact or not.

My instinct is to think your Ridgid isn't on the right settings, given the rated power.

 

[motorcyclist]

you have already been give the best advice, but I want to add that I have the ridgid 1/2 impact wrench and it is a beast.

Which one do you have? I saw there are 2: brushed with claimed 500 ft-lb and brushless with 600 ft-lb. For my home use only once in a while, I'll probably get the brushed (cheaper @$130 + 4A batt and charger)

 

[35k0]

Which one do you have? I saw there are 2: brushed with claimed 500 ft-lb and brushless with 600 ft-lb. For my home use only once in a while, I'll probably get the brushed (cheaper @$130 + 4A batt and charger)

I have this one, bought in December 2021

18V BL OCTANE 1/2 IN. IMP WRENCH BT​

Model Name: R86011B
​

 

[mslim]

I have a nice Makita LXT 3/8" impact. It'll do most any fastener on a motorcycle.

I was doing a brake job on my 4Runner and had a stubborn caliper bolt. The Makita wouldn't break it. I knew I was expecting too much out the small battery impact but I was curious what it would do.

I got my 1/2" Snappy breaker bar on it and got the caliper bolt off. I wouldn't even have tried the Makita on lug nuts. It's really designed for driving lag bolts into wood.

I've got a nice little compact 1/2" Aircat air impact I use for driveline and general automotive.

 

[bobg03]

Make sure you go 1/2" and not 3/8"

I have had the older 3/8 Ridgid for over 10 years, it's pulled any lugnuts I've thrown at it from cars to 1 ton pickups.

 

[BombShelter]

One of the few times I shy away from Makita (and they might be fine) is with the big 1/2" DeWalt Impact Driver. I started with the corded and picked up the cordless last year. These are beasts but sometimes I still need a breaker bar. With rust and corrosion on the threads, there might be a lot more friction involved. The little impacts will never break a lug nut, if they do I'd be concerned if the tire was properly mounted.

The DeWalts tend to go on sale at least once a year for about $175 which is a bargain for this type of work. Don't throw your little impact away, while I use Makita, they are my Swiss Army Tool, they are so useful on drilling, driving, mixing (with a paddle) and much much more. I'd go nuts and probably have corpal tunnel without one.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Hi all, I do have air compressor and impact wrench at home, but I thought I could buy the Ridgid brushless impact driver for its convenience (https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/cordless-brushless-impact-driver).

It claimed to have 2250 inch-lb, which translated into 187 ft-lb of torque, that's what I thought.

Last weekend, I tried to use it to remove the lug nuts on my car, which were hand-torqued to 83 ft-lb, the Ridgid could not do anything at all. It was hammering away but the lug nut did not move!

What's your experience or did I get a dud? I bought it brand new from HomeDepot a while ago so it already passed the return period. A rated 187 ft-lb impact driver should be able to remove a 83 ft-lb nut (44% of 187), shouldn't it?

Thanks for any inputs.
mike-

You bought the wrong tool. You should not expect a 1/4" hex drive to transfer a serious amount of torque. That tool is for very light duty only. I buy only Milwaukee, Our shops have had Milwaukee since the mid 1950s.
I have a 1/4" drive Milwaukee because it was a gift. I seldom look at it. I do not remember who gifted this tool, but, thanks for nothing, anyway.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I usually use impact wrench for lug nuts and and impact driver to drive screws for DIY home improvement projects.

 

[david3921]

Hi all, I do have air compressor and impact wrench at home, but I thought I could buy the Ridgid brushless impact driver for its convenience (https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/cordless-brushless-impact-driver).

It claimed to have 2250 inch-lb, which translated into 187 ft-lb of torque, that's what I thought.

Last weekend, I tried to use it to remove the lug nuts on my car, which were hand-torqued to 83 ft-lb, the Ridgid could not do anything at all. It was hammering away but the lug nut did not move!

What's your experience or did I get a dud? I bought it brand new from HomeDepot a while ago so it already passed the return period. A rated 187 ft-lb impact driver should be able to remove a 83 ft-lb nut (44% of 187), shouldn't it?

Thanks for any inputs.
mike-

The specs may very well be correct, but that's in forward as that's the primary use of an impact.

 

[john.k]

You can tell a good cordless impact by the price ...kinda spendy ...........the toys are a lot cheaper.

 

[motorcyclist]

What do you all think about the Ridgid subcompact 1/2" impact wrench? I like its size.

 

[Wamsutta]

you have already been give the best advice, but I want to add that I have the ridgid 1/2 impact wrench and it is a beast.

Have you tried it on harmonic balancer bolts yet?

 

[nadogail]

When you send a Boy to do a Man's job. you can expect to be disappointed. Get the right tool for the job and you wont be disappointed.

I would not expect a Formula One Car to pull a loaded tank trailer, no matter how many horsepower Mr. Ferrari was able to pack into the engine.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Wrong tool for the job

 

[M635_Guy]

Another vote for "wrong tool for the job"

An impact driver is awesome at driving screws. I have the Milwaukee Surge, and it completely changed my opinion on these tools. My old C3 was very loud, buzzy and very easy to over-drive (or strip them trying to take them about). The Surge is (relatively) quiet, gentle to your hand and in Mode 1 is great for driving and removing screws that need a soft touch. It is one of my favorite and most-used power tools and has relegated my drill to occasional sue (the Surge is a decent drill for light/medium stuff).

My point is having a good impact driver is a great thing. I have no idea about the Rigid, but I'd bet it is decent - there aren't many true mistakes these days in mainstream power tools from the major brands.

That said, get an impact wrench if you want to do lugs. I'd avoid a brushless one at all costs - brushless is better is so many ways - but that's just me. If you're a DIY type, I doubt you'd regret keeping the impact driver to go with the impact wrench.

 

[KnurledNut]

@motorcyclist
I feel ya.
Plenty of modern brushless impact drivers will remove lug nuts.
These arent your grandfathers first gen brushed impact drivers.
The tool doesnt know or care what its removing/installing.
Plenty of construction applications that require full beans and test the limits of these tools.
Is an impact wrench better suited? Of course. Especially for a dedicated application tool.
Should your impact driver do the one-off job according to specs? Yes.
I understand your disappointment.
Not sure there is anything wrong with your tool, but having owned Ridgid, it is midgrade quality at best, so I wouldn't expect much.

Heres a quick video (not mine) showing how different impact drivers fare on 140 ftlb lugnuts. Unfortunately, the Ridgid failed here too:

 

[M635_Guy]

The tool doesnt know or care what its removing/installing.

Many of the latest generation of impacts have modes that at least make the tool smarter about what it's doing. My Surge has a sheet metal screw mode, and in Mode 1 it does a sorta-impact (i.e. gentle) thing that senses when the fastener is free and only spins but impacts when more force is needed. Mode 2 just seems to be straight medium-power impact, Mode 3 is full-grump.

In other words, they don't know what they're removing/installing but in the rights modes/settings they at least can sense the job they're doing and act accordingly.

 

[pbon]

A hex drive impact is best for spinning off lug nuts after you crack them loose by hand. Maybe sometimes you will get lucky and break one free but I would not even try. With a little corrosion, a light tightened to 100 lbs could require 400 lbs to remove. I hand torque all my lug nuts and have a good range of Milwaukee impacts. Sometimes I try the M12 stubby rated at maybe 250 lbs and get a few off and my first gen mid torque often won’t do all the nuts, either. My gen2 midtorque usually gets all of them but sometimes I have to pull out the big high torque which never fails. Battery amperage can make a difference — I have the full range of batteries as well.

Bottom line, I agree with the recommendation to buy a 1/2 drive rated for at least several times your lug nut rating.

 

[motorcyclist]

Just saw this YouTube video. He tested a hex Ridgid impact driver and it could remove a nut that was torqued to 225 ft lb.

Skip to minute 12:15.

 

[American Locomotive]

Impact wrenches are unfortunately not easy to benchmark/compare. When you apply a force with a torque wrench, you are applying an actual torque to the fastener, that can be measured. With a torque wrench (or a regular wrench, whatever), 250 ft-lbs is alwys 250 ft-lbs.

Impact wrenches internally have a hammer that strikes an anvil, and that impulse of energy onto the hammer gets turned into a turning force. The resulting torque from that impulse depends on a ton of different things. The mass of the socket, the hardness of the socket/bolt/nut, the stiffness/rigidity of the bolted connection, the diameter of the bolt/nut, the stiffness of any extension attached, etc..

If you have an ultra-rigid setup, with huge diameter bolts/nuts, an impact can develop a ton of torque. If you have small diameter bolts, with a small diameter extension, soft sockets, etc... it's all going to act like a spring and absorb the impact energy. It will greatly reduced developed torque.

 

[gleman]

I have the subcompact 3/8 wrench and it'll take off lug nuts fairly easy.



My older Hitachi impact driver can but it's not pleasant.

 

[larry_g]

One question keeps running through my mind, If you had to remove a lug nut by hand would you use a 1/4" drive ratchet or breaker bar to do the duty? Then why would you expect a 1/4" drive impact to do the job?

 

[whateg01]

One question keeps running through my mind, If you had to remove a lug nut by hand would you use a 1/4" drive ratchet or breaker bar to do the duty? Then why would you expect a 1/4" drive impact to do the job?

Is the breaker bar also 1/4" drive? And what's the warranty like on the ratchet?

Why is so odd for somebody who doesn't know from past experience to expect a tool with a torque spec greater than the spec for his lugnuts to take them off? Especially when so many of us have used similar tools to do just that?