Impact driver vs impact wrench
02-26-2009, 12:09 AM
#1
4th Gear Member
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Impact driver vs impact wrench
I have a Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless impact driver, and I was wondering if I can use that as a impact wrench, or do I need to purchase a wrench specifically?
The specs are as follows:
Capacity Hex Shank 1/4
No Load RPM 0-2,300
Impacts/Min.(IPM) 0-3,200
Torque (in.-lbs.) 1,330
Watt Hours 54.0
Battery (Ah) 3.0 (Li-Ion)
Length 5-3/4"
Net Weight (lbs. w/battery) 3.4
Please let me know.
The specs are as follows:
Capacity Hex Shank 1/4
No Load RPM 0-2,300
Impacts/Min.(IPM) 0-3,200
Torque (in.-lbs.) 1,330
Watt Hours 54.0
Battery (Ah) 3.0 (Li-Ion)
Length 5-3/4"
Net Weight (lbs. w/battery) 3.4
Please let me know.
02-26-2009, 01:06 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: texas
Posts: 199
Well thats a tough one, It sounds like it can power off most bolts. But if you plan on doing any serious suspension or rear end work, you may need an air impact or at least an electric. Generaly speaking, those bolts require a large amount of torque to get on and off. At least more than a 18 volt can supply.
02-26-2009, 07:38 AM
#3
6th Gear Member
I have a Craftsman electric impact wrench and still feel that it doesn't quite have the torque to handle some really bad bolts.
In your case, I'd get my hands on a good manual impact wrench and mallet in the event you run into a problem unless you can afford an air impact wrench and the required accessories.
In your case, I'd get my hands on a good manual impact wrench and mallet in the event you run into a problem unless you can afford an air impact wrench and the required accessories.
02-26-2009, 08:31 AM
#5
6th Gear Member
Yours is 1300 is in-lbs. Air impact wrenchs are rated in foot-lbs with many in the 1,000 ft lb range. Most corded electrics are in the 150-350 ft-lb range. Yours is lower.
Besides, there's no such thing as "too much torque"... (just not enough traction!).
Besides, there's no such thing as "too much torque"... (just not enough traction!).
Last edited by Nuke; 02-26-2009 at 08:34 AM.
02-26-2009, 08:43 AM
#6
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I think I am best just getting a air compressor and air impact. What PSI is recommended?
02-26-2009, 09:33 AM
#8
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: ATL
Posts: 2,955
Electric impacts just don't enough power.
OP, your impact driver is really just a screw driver meant for large screws and deck bolts. I have this Ryobi impact driver which has 1200 in/lb of torque and its weak as hell.
Last edited by Bmr4life; 02-26-2009 at 09:36 AM.
02-26-2009, 10:20 AM
#9
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Even those aren't enough sometimes. You need a good 9 cfm at 90psi for lug nuts.
Electric impacts just don't enough power.
OP, your impact driver is really just a screw driver meant for large screws and deck bolts. I have this Ryobi impact driver which has 1200 in/lb of torque and its weak as hell.
Electric impacts just don't enough power.
OP, your impact driver is really just a screw driver meant for large screws and deck bolts. I have this Ryobi impact driver which has 1200 in/lb of torque and its weak as hell.
How much power is needed to unscrew a lug nut from a tire (approx)?
02-26-2009, 06:25 PM
#10
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Posts: 103
Smooth J, it's only a 1/4" drive drive. If you are going to use one to take wheels off or suspension work you need a 1/2" drive. You need a impact wrench, not driver. Air is the way to go plus you can get many other air powered tools. Just make sure you get an air compressor with enough capacity. I would get atleast a 30 gallon tank and 125-150 PSI. To take a lug nut off - a guestament is around 100 ft.-lbs.
A 1/2" drive impact wrench will put out atleast 300 ft.-lbs. for a cheaper one.
A 1/2" drive impact wrench will put out atleast 300 ft.-lbs. for a cheaper one.