Air Tool - Impact Wrench Advice.
 

Attachment 25284

Hey guys,
I want to purchase an Impact Wrench to take off my lug nuts. First thing is that I don't have an air compressor and the second thing I have no clue what size the impact wrench needs to be. Do I get 3/8" or 1/2" drive.
Do any of you use an battery wrench? Also what would be the smallest air compressor I could get to drive this tool?

Last thing what size socket do I need for my X5 lugs?

Thanks!! :)

If I remember correctly, the lugs are 19mm. As for the impact gun, I've been thinking about getting a cordless one, but I have no experience with them and not sure if they're up to the task. I do have a compressor but the idea of cordless really appeals to me. You'll also want to get impact sockets as regular sockets can break using an impact gun...

Go with a 1/2 drive. But your lugs don't require an impact guy, buy a torque wrench :)

:iagree: ...unless you have a need for an impact wrench for other stuff,
or are doing a few wheel swaps per year, I don't see the need for the
tool and the 'pressor, unless you just want one.

My lugs come off clean and easy with an std spin lug wrench and go
back on in a breeze with a torque wrench...post above is correct:
19 mm lug size and correct torque is 101 ft lbs.
GL,mD

dunno what I need.
 

Thanks for all the replies.

I plan on changing out all four wheels with the new set I bought. I do know that a torque wrench is needed to set the torque.
Just figure the cost wouldn't be that great and saving my back would be worth it. I did a swap out with my F150, from 18" to 20"'s and I had to stand on the 4 way to get several lugs going. I may later down the road and replace brake pads with the almost dustless type. So the impact wrench maybe a good choice.

Anyone use a cordless? I have the DeWalt 18V cordless system but not the impact wrench they sell. Not sure if this is use for lug nuts.

I am guessing a small compressor will do the job? As no one had stop by with this info.

Go the compressor road :thumbup: I have a air setup and it is great.

You should only be tq'ng the lug nuts to ~80ftlb. That should be easy enough to remove with one of those 4-way lug nut tools. If not, use the tq wrench to break the tq.

If you still feel you need to buy an impact get a cordless (battery) one if all you're going to do is put lug nuts on/off. Those cheapo Harbor Freight ones will do just fine for installing wheels. Otherwise, get a Craftsman, Dewalt, Snap-on, etc one.

Edit my equipment choice

The cheap route would be this:
Kobalt®
1/2" Air Impact Wrench
Attachment 25314
$30.00

and

Cambell Hausfeld 2 gallon
Attachment 25315
$95.00



Anyone disagree with this set-up?

I will go for an oil-free air unit.

You're going to buy all this to change wheels? !ouch:

Fyi, you don't need air tools to replace brakes..at all.

Like I told the last guy who asked about air tools: they're a waste unless you're a professional and work on cars everyday.