bs46488

So I live in an apartment complex. We are allowed to work on vehicles in the parking lot.

I frequently run into problems with not having an air compressor and impact gun to remove bolts. I've been using a huge breaker bar, and pipe extensions for stuborn bolts.

Getting a compressor is an option, but it would be a PITA! To haul up and down the stairs, plus the noise, and also storing it in my small place, etc.

So I was thinking that maybe I would buy an electric impact gun. I just have no experience with one of these.

I was looking at a Dewalt for about $150. It has 345ft/lbs, 2,400bpm. It seems on par with an air operated gun.

My main issue right now is taking off the top nut on the front struts. I think an impact is the only way to go. If I go to a shop, they are going to charge me that much in labor, so the $$ is no big deal.

Would it be worth it? Would it do the job.

chemoman

Just a heads up. Home Depot has a deal on Ryobi +1 18v system right now. Buy any combo pack and get any attachment free. I bought the $109 combo and got the $70 impack free. I know Ryobi isn't as sturdy as Dewalt, but for infrequent use it's fine for me.
Check it out!

TheTim37

the best electric i have used is a cordless Mac But i haven't ever used any eletric that is as good as a midgrade air impact

FoxGT

A good electric impact will tackle that job. I personally love them, I wouldn't trust them for tightening suspension parts... I guess a better way to word it would be I'd double check after tightening, but they work wonderfully for removing bolts.

Without the tool for removing the strut or an impact (pneumatic or electric) you'll have to take the strut & plate off, grind a part of the rod where you can get some vice grips on it, but in doing so you destroy the strut. I would only resort to that if you're replacing & throwing the old away.

chemoman

[QUOTE=FoxGT;5673077]A good electric impact will tackle that job. I personally love them, I wouldn't trust them for tightening suspension parts... I guess a better way to word it would be I'd double check after tightening, but they work wonderfully for removing bolts.

+1 on the double checking.
I used the Ryobi 18v yesterday to put shocks and brakes on my F250 and it had major trouble breaking loose the nuts. In fact it wouldn't break them loose at all, I had to use a ratchet. Once they were loose it was quite speedy though.

yooper

Good grade cordless work great, cheaper ones are not worth it. Spend the cash and be happy, Ingersol is a good one.

Mickey6th

dont compromise. if your going cordless snapon or mac. you will pay, but you will be paying for two of the most trusted name in tools and their is a reason for that.

hard to beat air

btw took those nuts of with box end hand wrenches

mustangman02232

snap on

/thread

bs46488

I bought a Dewalt corded impact. It showed up on Thursday.

This morning I threw an extension cord out the window, down by my car, plugged in my electric impact. Within 3 seconds, I was holding the removed strut top bolt. This impact didn't even flinch taking the bolt off.

Thanks for all the help. I couldn't have been happier with my purchase.