am looking to buy an impact wrench that will be sufficient enough to remove lug nuts. �Is there anything that I should be aware of before buying one? �I understand that removing lug nuts is the ultimate test of an impact wrench and that some just won't do the job. �Is there a minimum amount of torque that I need? �Any guidance would be appreciated. Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy. Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Ok guys..I restore cars ..its been a hobby of mine for close to 40 years (and yes I should have kept a lot of the ones I played with 40 years ago... Anyway...My impact wrench (AND sockets) are Snap on.. But I have owned many in my lifetime and almost any name brand will work in the home garage. Just get a wrench rated at least 100 pounds.. Now having said that.... I use the wrench to rotate tires ALOT...no big deal as I have 2 lifts in the garage also.. BUT I ALWAYS SET THE AIR @ 60 pounds when installing lugs..THEN I finish up with a good old fashion Torque Wrench...BY HAND... When I need tires I haul the wheels into the tire store then haul them back home (in the Truck) and I do the installation... AND for gosh sake...OIL THE WRENCH after each use...or use an inline oiler !! Bob Griffiths

Earlier this year, I bought an impact wrench (electric plug in, non compressor model) that does 230 foot pounds. I had an inspection doen at a garage, and didn't remember to ask the guy to hand wrench the lugs on. I got home, and they were too tight for my impact wrench. There is a trick to getting any impact wrench to break loose a lug or nut. The socket has to be gripped tightly in one hand and forced in the opposite direction to eleminate any slack during operation. Just slapping a socket on the impact tool and then sticking the tool against the work is how I see most novices use the tool... and that's not how it's done.

done. So, if I am trying to get it to go left, I should turn the socket good and hard to the right before putting it on the lug? I don't think this will work with my wrench, the trigger decides the direction. Anyhow, I'll print th is off, and take it to my new mechanic tomorrow. Chris

good and hard to the right before putting it on the lug? I don't think this will work with my wrench, the trigger decides the direction. Anyhow, I'll print th is off, and take it to my new mechanic tomorrow. Chris Yep. Printed it off. My mechanic says that the socket needs to be loose, to allow the internal hammer some space to swing. I suppose if you yank it hard one way, it gives the hammer more space, and if you twist it the other way, the hammer has no space to swing. � � However, my mechanic didn't seem at all impressed with the advice. Hmm. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -