Recommended Dewalt Driver for Wheel Changes?

[Wileykid]

I bought an impact (different major brand) several months ago, what amazed me was that it has a switch for hand tightening. Zap the bolt on without worry, and then go to the torque wrench.

 

[obiewan]

an impact (different major brand) several months ago, what amazed me was that it has a switch for hand tightening. Zap the bolt on without worry, and then go to the torq

Awesome feature and one I would definitely use. Thank you! Obie

 

[WhittleBurner]

I like that too.No over tightening.

 

[Tony_in_AZ]

I use a Ryobi 1/2 inch impact cordless kit. Bought 3 yrs ago at Home Depot during holiday sale at $99.00. Impact is Carried in the truck. I use a 4 way lug wrench to break lugs loose as the tire is still on the ground. I use a Tekton brand torque wrench

 

[trailrydr]

I bought an impact (different major brand) several months ago, what amazed me was that it has a switch for hand tightening. Zap the bolt on without worry, and then go to the torque wrench.

My Dewalt has adjustable torq too.. just dont trust the fast on/off capable tools. I want to feel my way thru it for preventive maint purposes.

 

[Wileykid]

My Dewalt has adjustable torq too.. just dont trust the fast on/off capable tools. I want to feel my way thru it for preventive maint purposes.

I agree, I usually put the lug nut on manually, and only use the impact for taking them off. I have replaced several studs on my trailer when other people (dealer) have apparently used an impact to put the lug nuts on. I tried the "hand tight" setting on mine, and it puts it just slightly more than hand tight (only used it once), I can live with that.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I agree, I usually put the lug nut on manually, and only use the impact for taking them off. I have replaced several studs on my trailer when other people (dealer) have apparently used an impact to put the lug nuts on. I tried the "hand tight" setting on mine, and it puts it just slightly more than hand tight (only used it once), I can live with that.

Just curious, don't these impacts have a variable speed trigger? Mine does, and I see no need for a "hand tight" setting.

 

[jleonard]

I use a Ryobi 1/2 inch drive impact driver (all my tools are Ryobi).
And the standard battery holds up fine for 4 tire changes. I use only a 100 ft lb torque stick.
Any major brand should doo just fine as long as it can tighten to the spec you need.

 

[Soundsailor]

Cheap Dobetter 1/2 inch impact driver here, with a 4 Ah battery it just goes and goes. I have torque sticks for tightening the lug nuts, which has worked well for several years.

 

[Wileykid]

Just curious, don't these impacts have a variable speed trigger? Mine does, and I see no need for a "hand tight" setting.

They do, just nice to pull the trigger and know that it isn't that tight. Gimmick?, sure but a nice one. It also has several torque settings on it.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

They do, just nice to pull the trigger and know that it isn't that tight. Gimmick?, sure but a nice one. It also has several torque settings on it.

Thank you, I was wondering. It just seemed odd that the trigger would be just an ON/OFF switch.

 

[obiewan]

Hello all, just to close the loop--

I bought a new DeWalt DCF892 (detent pin vs the 891 which is the hog ring version) from Woot.com for $174 (shipping and taxes inclusive). It is rated at 600/800 ft-lbs and from what I have read will do all that I require of it (including changing the pinbox if ever needed).

I want to thank everyone who chimed in--especially those that found the included "precision mode" useful. It essentially pauses the action when the speed of the driver gets fast or slow (avoiding over tightening or rolling the nut off and losing it). Will be helpful with wheels/tires where I will be finishing with a torque wrench.

So far so good--initial impressions are that it is stout without being so heavy or large it would be too cumbersome to use.

Feeling better about our setup before heading out to fulltime in July.

Obie