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Hi:

I want to get a cordless impact wrench as a gift for someone, who'll probably use it twice a year switching between snow/summer tires. Do you guys think the models from Harbor Freight would serve this purpose well? I was hoping to spend no more than $150 or so...

Thanks!

docwyte

I have their 3/8" drive cordless impact. Cost me $19.95 I think. It's not strong enough to break free the lugs, but does a great job spinning them off and on. You need a gun capable of at least 400 ft lbs to break loose the lugs. Harbor Freight stuff tends to be pretty cheap and the quality reflects that. I only buy certain things from there and since there's a local store near me, I can return them if I need to.

If I was really going to get a cordless impact that I needed to have long term and be durable, I suck it up and get the Snap On.

Jfrahm

I have the 'Earthquake' from HF. $80 on sale, great tool. It's a copy of the IR 'Thundergun.' It works very well even connected to my little 6gal compressor.

-Joel.

Fishey

I use the "Earthquake" as well have had no problems. Its not as nice as some IR guns but it gets the job done and its "Handle exhauted" so its not extremely loud.

docwyte

Guys, he's asking about cordless impacts, not air driven ones. That said, I have the earthquake air impact from HF as well and it works fine.

Renn 951

I bought the cordless HF impact wrench a couple years ago but it wouldn't break loose the lugs. Thinking it was defective, I returned it and they sent me another . It wouldn't break the lugs loose either. I sent it back and got my money back.

Jakerx

Cordless ones just aren't powerful enough to get the job done. Pretty much the only thing it'll be good for (as someone mentioned above) is that it'll make twisting them off easier after loosening them by hand. Good luck with the decision.

Matt Marks

Never had in an issue breaking the lugs loose (from 96 lb/ft) with my HF cordless. Love it. Typically can get 20 tires changed per charge - basically as many changes as you can jam into a track weekend.

jlturpin

I bought the 19.2 V 1/2 inch drive impact for track use, and now use it at home instead of getting out the air hose (for wheel changes). Battery life is good, at an event 5-6 people may use it to chage out wheels. Got it for $129 then an additional 20% off with coupon received thru email. It will easily break 100ftlb lugs free and torque as much.

Lemming

I agree with Matt and Jon, my HP cordless has worked well over the last year. If you can't break your lugs loose, you're not using a torque wrench to set them. Oh yea, don't use an extension when breaking them free, that robs a bunch of breaking force.

docwyte

I use a torque wrench. Hafta use an extension, can't reach the lugs otherwise, although I doubt it would make a difference. However, I didn't pony up for the big boy 1/2" drive cordless impact...

tomrc

I had one that I won as a door prize, not sure of the brand but it disintegrated after a few uses. I have a friend though who has a DeWalt and loves it. I guess it depends on the quality.

Jfrahm

Why cordless if it's only used twice a year? Might be hard to keep the battery alive and charged with that sort of infrequent use. Try a 120V electric torque wrench or give them the Earthquake and a small compressor which is always useful for tire filling, blow gun, etc.

-Joel.