Impact wrench

[srnoyes]

If you already have a brand of battery powered tools, I would recommend going with that brand. I don't want a bunch of different batteries and chargers because of different brands regardless of reviews. I'm not convinced there is enough difference to make me juggle all that. I have Ryobie only because it was my first product purchased.

[jness421]

I'm in the Milwaukee eco system. I don't like the Bluetooth models cause I leave the batteries in the tool and it drains the battery. This is what I use along with a Snap-On torque wrench.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...enches/2962-20

[rpkittle1]

I am of a different mind than others. I wanted an impact driver but did not have the money ($250-$350) for a cordless one. My invertor is large enough so I bought a corded impact driver ($89). Don't use it much.

[BobM]

I also have the Milwaukee 18V 1/2” drive with three torque settings. Got it on sale at Northern Tool plus a $20 off coupon. I love that store. Ditto on using a torque wrench to tighten.

[Karanmatt]

We carry a Ryobi 18v cordless and impact sockets for every lug size on the trailer and plus several others in case we need to lend a hand. It has 3 impact settings. Also carry appropriate torque wrench for final torquing.

[Scottdeb89]

I carry a rigid from home Depot. I bought their electric drills first and they all used the same batteries and rigid batteries if you register them within 90 days of purchase or guaranteed life!!

[Ttman]

We use Dewalt 20V XR. I chose them because I wanted all my RV tools to use the same batteries and chargers. We standardized on the Dewalt 20V XR stuff because of all the different tool options. If you watch Lowes & Home Depot you can get 2 batteries and a charger with a free tool for around $200.00. We have the drill, 1/4 impact, 1/2 impact, small leaf blower, sawzall and portable fan.

[brycesteiner]

Probably doens't matter at this point but I recommend both the Hercules and DeWalt.
I've had the DeWalt since 2017 and have removed many of tires. It says it's rated for 1200 foot pounds on removal - it's relatively heavy. I have had lug nuts that i have not been able to remove, unfortunately - I think they were cross threaded and put on with an air impact wrench.
I am amazed at this tiny Hercules
https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...nly-59427.html
It's no bigger than your impact driver for screws. I've since purchased one for ever vehicle in my company.
It has removed lugnuts on our truck, Montana (at zero degrees F, every one - changed tires), and all of my vehicles. I thought I would be lucky if it worked on my daughters Honda. It was great I then started with bigger vehicles and have yet to find one that it can't do. I wasn't expecting near that much but it seems to do them just as well as the Dewlalt - Best part was I got the batteries and impact wrenches for $79 when it was on sale last month.

[VagabondLove]

Imho the most important thing is DO NOT USE THE IMPACT WRENCH TO TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS. Use it only to loosen. I destroyed 30 lug nuts by using the wrench to tighten them…never usable again. Just my 2 cents and dozens of lug nuts later.

[mlh]

Like brycestiner I have both DeWalt and Hercules. Probably 6 or 8 DeWalt and a few more Hercules from Harbor Freight. If I had to choose one over the other I would close my eyes and the one my hand touched first would be the one. If I had to pay which I always haft to then I’d choose Hercules on price. We’ve had one DeWalt drill go bad in over 10 years and we use them about every working day. We have never had a Hercules go bad. They now come with a 5 year warranty and you don’t need a sales slip. They replaced a generator that had been in a fire with the case melted. It was replaced no questions asked.
Lynwood

[brycesteiner]

Originally Posted by VagabondLove

Imho the most important thing is DO NOT USE THE IMPACT WRENCH TO TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS. Use it only to loosen. I destroyed 30 lug nuts by using the wrench to tighten them…never usable again. Just my 2 cents and dozens of lug nuts later.

I second this. This is one reason why I don't like taking my vehicle to many shops - they will use an impact wrench to tighten them. if you have disk brakes it can warp them and cause uneven braking.

[JDDilly]

I had a many Ryobi 18 volt tools, so I got the Ryobi one. Main reason was it used the same batteries.

[DmaxDually]

My recommendation would be to also buy good torque wrench. The wheel torque on our Montanas is 110-120 Ft pounds. You should also know the wheel torque of your tow vehicle. If you don't put them on with an impact wrench and you tighten your lug nuts to the proper torque you won't need big impact wrench to get them off.

[JDDilly]

I also carry a torque wrench. I would call my auto club, I can no longer change a tire without help.

[DutchmenSport]

When I raised the rear electric jacks on my Montana, I purchased a 1/2 inch breaker bar and the socket that specifically fit those nuts. It made moving the jacks up very easy.

I found out that same size socket was the same size that fit the lugs on my trailer wheels. I carried that breaker bar and socket in the camper ever since. I've used it a couple time to change tires. Impact drills can cause over tightening which can cause the rims to crack and break way to easy. With all of my best effort, unless I use a cheater bar, I cannot overtighten my lug nuts. I'm simply not strong enough.

[richeyb]

Ima DeWalt owner. Quality tool and in our area bought during annual sale at
D and B Supply.

[ErnieSC]

I have been using DeWalt Battery Powered tools probably since they became available.
Started out with 12V, moved to 14.5 when they improved. Went to 18V when they became available and have gone no further since then. Drills, Impact wrenches, Saw Zaws, Circulars Saws, etc. As with any of these battery powered tools, key is to keep two batteries and keep them charged. Never any problems except forgetting to keep batteries charged after I retired and had so many batteries. Available everywhere. If you're on a Budget, Harbor Freight may be OK. I personally have found everything Harbor Freight sells is one step above Junk. But my opinion and about $7.00 will get you a cup of coffee. Hope you never need the impact wrench. BTW, if you're older - like me - be careful of "Kick Back" when using. Practice on something less tight than Lug Nuts. Some of those are torgued to 140 Lbs or more.

[mlh]

I’ve had just the opposite experience with HF. Hercules tools. They all come with a no questions ask 5 year warranty. I’ve never had one go bad and I have at least 10.
They used to be junk but no more.
Lynwood

[DebNJim B]

Originally Posted by JDDilly

I also carry a torque wrench. I would call my auto club, I can no longer change a tire without help.

I agree with this. I also carry in the torque wrench box a breaker bar and 2' length of pipe. Once I break it loose I use my drill driver just for speed purposes. But my first choice is the road service.

[Bruce in DFW]

I use a Ryobi 1/2 impact - makes a quick, easy job of it. $179 at Home Depot with 2x batteries and a charger.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ON...01K2/325012085