Best 1/2" inpact gun - battery or Air for tire lugs

[powerscol]

Was searching through numerous threads, but the information I need is brand and model impact guns folks are using. Common element is 1/2" and proper impact sockets. What I am not seeing is torque needed (size of unit) I have a 2.5 gallon air tank at 145psi available if that makes an air unit possible, but I also have 18V Mikita batterys and charger available too.

Any information would be great.

 

[FT4NOW]

I keep a 1/2" Milwaukee 18V cordless impact in the truck. 1400lbs of breaking torque and it automatically applies less once the nut breaks free. I also keep a set of Capri impact flip sockets in the truck with it and an impact rated extension.

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[Jerryr]

I don’t know if this is the best but it works for me.
https://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet...-lxt-lit-ion-cordless-impact-wrench-bare-tool

Plus I have these impact sockets for assorted lug nuts. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N17CK76/

Plus to prevent over tightening I use a torque stick similar to this one https://www.amazon.com/AFF-Torque-Limiting-Extension-40091/dp/B08S5TSD6B/

And for final torquing I have a 1/2” drive torque wrench that I use also to torque my Andersen hitch

I keep all of these under the back seat of my F350.

I have several 18 volt batteries always charged because I also keep a Makita 18 volt portable vacuum, led light and cordless blower in the trailer.

 

[Buckskin]

I use 1/2 inch 18 v Milwaukee Impact and keep it under back seat of truck. Don't think there is lug nut it will not remove. Also keep 1/2 inch torque wrench. You don't want to over torque lug nuts and you want to torque to mfg required torque.

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[jneubig]

I use the DeWalt 1/2" impact, model number DCF889. Went with that as it uses the same batteries as all my other tools. Works great. Have used it on several occasions including one blowout and when I caught a couple nails in Gulf Shores last year after the hurricane..

 

[Ynot4me2]

Milwaukee for me also, pretty impressive. Plus NEIKO 02281B 1/2" Drive Impact Flip Socket Set | 4 Piece | SAE and MM and the torque bars.

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[Hoopy Frood]

I'm partial to DeWalt 20V tools myself. Which is why I also have the DeWalt inflater.

 

[Wicked ace]

I keep a 1/2" Milwaukee 18V cordless impact in the truck. 1400lbs of breaking torque and it automatically applies less once the nut breaks free. I also keep a set of Capri impact flip sockets in the truck with it and an impact rated extension.

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with an across the board upgrade of my power tools I recently got a 3/8" drive Milwaukee Fuel 18V impact gun. With a 3/8" x 1/2" adapter it is completely capable and totally awesome at doing wheel lugs. I really don't know why I waited so long as this is far better than the 1/2" air impact gun I have.

 

[FT4NOW]

with an across the board upgrade of my power tools I recently got a 3/8" drive Milwaukee Fuel 18V impact gun. With a 3/8" x 1/2" adapter it is completely capable and totally awesome at doing wheel lugs. I really don't know why I waited so long as this is far better than the 1/2" air impact gun I have.

I agree. I also have the 3/8" version and a matching 3/8" impact set, very impressed overall with both impacts. I prefer the 1/2" for the road though, it does have multiple settings to limit the torque and the auto function. I have ran into some situations where the 3/8" wasnt enough and had use the 1/2" (wasnt on my lug nuts though). Like most responses here, I also carry a torque wrench for installation of lug nuts.

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[powerscol]

I don’t know if this is the best but it works for me.
https://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet...-lxt-lit-ion-cordless-impact-wrench-bare-tool

Plus I have these impact sockets for assorted lug nuts. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N17CK76/

Plus to prevent over tightening I use a torque stick similar to this one https://www.amazon.com/AFF-Torque-Limiting-Extension-40091/dp/B08S5TSD6B/

And for final torquing I have a 1/2” drive torque wrench that I use also to torque my Andersen hitch

I keep all of these under the back seat of my F350.

I have several 18 volt batteries always charged because I also keep a Makita 18 volt portable vacuum, led light and cordless blower in the trailer.

Thanks Jerry How does the Torque Limiting Extension work. Never used one.

 

[powerscol]

Wow Thanks folks. A lot to review and read up on.

Is this the Milwaukee that folks have. They show various models on thier web page.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2863-22

Thanks again

 

[FT4NOW]

Wow Thanks folks. A lot to review and read up on.

Is this the Milwaukee that folks have. They show various models on thier web page.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2863-22

Thanks again

That's the one....money well spent if you ask me. I keep the charger in the truck and can use the truck's 110v plug to charge the battery if necessary, if I have the RV with me, I just plug it into the RV to charge the battery or charge it at home.

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[geotex1]

Your air supply is too small for anything that would be a quality impact. Cordless is the way to go. I actually have a couple of evolutions of cordless tools. Beaters being a 18V Craftsman (Dewalt built) set, and that impact wrench has been hard to beat! Almost to the point I cannot recall the last time I had to pull out the big IR air gun I have! That said, I also have Makita XLR tools and recently was in a pinch and needed a stubby impact gun so I bought their compact 1/2". The thing IS A BEAST! I'm quite certain they're conservative of their ratings because I broke lignuts off a tractor when the torque spec is 340 ft-lbs! Nice, compact form factor and it pairs well with their cordless ratchet I also have.

There are some great reviews on YouTube, including some by RVers that are also mechanics doing comparisons you could search out. I think any mainstream cordless tool maker has you covered at the point.

 

[Jerryr]

Thanks Jerry How does the Torque Limiting Extension work. Never used one.

Here’s a video that might be of interest. https://youtu.be/6ccxHCwnQPY

 

[powerscol]

Here’s a video that might be of interest. https://youtu.be/6ccxHCwnQPY

Thanks - looks like something useful.

 

[Wicked ace]

Wow Thanks folks. A lot to review and read up on.

Is this the Milwaukee that folks have. They show various models on thier web page.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2863-22

Thanks again

https://www.redtoolstore.com/produc...on-ring-cp2-0-kit?_pos=1&_sid=98792206e&_ss=r
I got this one and found it is an amazing tool. If you read up on you'll see it has four settings for removal and installation torque. Mode #4 will handle all lug nut applications from breaking loose to installing them @ 35 ft/lb then torque wrench to final.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I really don't know why I waited so long as this is far better than the 1/2" air impact gun I have.

What makes you say the 3/8 is better than the 1/2? Weight?

 

[Wicked ace]

What makes you say the 3/8 is better than the 1/2? Weight?

The air impact is about 30 years old now so maybe not rated what modern impact guns would be. It certainly doesn't have the force of the Milwaukee. The handheld battery gets the job done quicker and I needn't drag out the air compressor each time. I believe the Milwaukee impact guns share internals whether 3/8" or 1/2" drive.

 

[Ynot4me2]

What makes you say the 3/8 is better than the 1/2? Weight?

The 3/8 is smaller and lighter but with less power then the 1/2.

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[powerscol]

I just ran across this deal - what do folks think
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200786985_200786985