Which M18 impact wrench for on-road tire changes?

[tak1313]

Although the current gen M12 stubby should have no problems with lug nuts/bolts, the caveat is that it's best to use the 5.0 HO battery (previous gens don't gain any advantage with the HO battery).

If you want to avoid that, and stick with M18, go mid-torque. If the objective is tire changes, there is no reason for the additional weight/cost of the high torque.

I have the Gen2 high torque, and have only used it once in I don't know how many years (I got it the first year it came out), but I'm just DIY.

 

[dnschmidt]

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

I'm old and weak. I get a neighbor to help when I have to take tires on on off. It was a precondition for me doing his brake job.

 

[dnschmidt]

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.

And you're likely not 73 years old either.

 

[Cruzan80]

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

While not a truck, and I wasn't using a M18, I know the reason I still have a 3/4" air impact is because of the 2001 Volvo S60 we had in Pittsburgh. Quick search says about 100ft/lb, but repeatedly couldn't be broken loose with a 1/2" (including at tire shops).

I think it was partially due to the Lug Stud/Bolt design, where it bolted thru the rim into the car, vs just a nut that went on a pre-existing stud.

I remember at least once going in to get stuff changed, and watching the guy letting it hammer on it for at least 3 min (timed him), and then a manager walked by and pointed out he needed to use the 3/4 gun. I had told him that to begin with, but apparently I didn't know what I was talking about, since he had a new "heavy duty" gun.

 

[alien]

I have both a mid torque and a high torque fuel impact wrench. I have never used the high torque impact wrench. And I do work on some trucks.

 

[Terra Nova]

I have both M18 mid-torque and high-torque. The mid-torque is more than adequate for any passenger vehicle / light truck out there.

That said, when I go on road trips I generally bring the high torque. It's heavy and unwieldy compared with the mid-torque but if I'm only changing one tire it's not a big deal. Plus if I end up helping someone on the road it's much more capable. Just my thinking.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I like mid torque and breaker bar.

 

[tez929rr]

We started carrying a high torque M18 in our rescue truck and it’s incredibly handy. I ended up buying one for home use and carry it in my truck. The one time I had a flat it made the change so much easier than using hand tools would have been. I also have a lot of Ryobi cordless stuff and found a Ryobi for $120 that works great in my wife’s Escape. And of course like all tools you carry in a vehicle they are more likely to be used to help someone else out.

 

[finn]

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

I have the high torque, among others. I never use it. It’s heavy and awkward to use.

It’s a bad tool in my opinion.

Sometimes it’s all that works, though.

Totally inappropriate for throwing in the truck to have along “just in case”, which will likely never happen.

You’re better off buying a lottery ticket every time you leave the house and think you might possibly need an impact.

A Harbor Freight bar is a more practical tool to drag around. At least it fits better under the seat.

Different situation if you’re going out to fix a known issue, ie a service call.

 

[zimman]

So I travel heavy. LOL Always have my half inch and a ratchet. I just did 4 wheels in the field that were on there for at least 10 years. It did struggle a little but the battery must have been weak. NOT my truck but a friends. I would not have a problem if it was mine. LOL
I think this one is 450lbs. I have a torque stick around here too but I just moved so can't find it yey. Haven't looked.
Zim

 

[jar944]

Pfft just use the right angle impact.