1crazy canuck

Doing the standard winter / summer tire swaps last week got me thinking. ISn't there an easier (lazier) way for me to do this ?

I've always uses a standard lug wrench, and then switched to a "plus sign" style lug wrench to both break the lug loose first and then make spinning off the lugs a bit easier, but in the absence of this ideal set up, my question is this:

Does anyone use a standard electric drill , or cordless impact drill / driver to do the above ? If so, what brand and model would you recommend ?

Thanks

jsalah

Following...

Dennis C

I've used a Milwaukee cordless drill for this purpose for several years. It works well. I still use a long-handled socket wrench to break the lug bolts loose, and I use a torque wrench to do the final tightening. The cordless drill makes the job much faster.

Bruce In Philly

Porter Cable

Last year or so, I needed all new cordless power tools, drill/jig saw/impact, did a ton of research and according to those I talked to etc. etc. the best brands were Milwaukee, Makita, & DeWalt.. and maybe Bosch. 2nd tier was Porter Cable and others... Porter Cable apparently had some issues in the past so this latest version was upped... so far these new series 20V Lithium, I find them fantastic, super long charge, and fast charge... I usually go top shelf for this kind of stuff but the price difference was large and given my casual hobby use, went Porter Cable and have been very happy.

Amazon direct link
Your need these too: Adapter thingys

Tip: Whenever you use an impact gun, make sure there are chicks around to see you and hear it in action... they dig it.

For the eagle-eyed fashionistas out there, yes, those are Walmart steel toe boots.

BTW, I have since purchased real impact sockets....

Edit: This unit is fine for wheel lugs but lacks the power to remove high-torque suspension bolts. For that, you need to spend more.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

hacker-pschorr

I've done so much research on this it's embarrassing.

Between the DeWalt, Ingersol Rand, or Milwaukee you cannot go wrong. All three have over 1,000ft lbs of break away torque which can come in handy for suspension work.

Just be sure to buy the newest models that are brushless - should last longer.

nwGTS

I have a slew of Dewalt 20V tools and my impact driver for auto work is the DCF 899B.

DEWALT DCF889B Bare Tool 20V Max Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench with Detent Pin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NVSQSC..._kvDtyb64TT8T4

Spins lugs like they were bottle caps.

cosm3os

I've had my Craftsman for more than a decade.

Tom Feldmann

+1 for Dewalt. Like nwGTS says..spins like bottle caps.

My setup:
DEWALT DCF899HB (amazon)

Enegitech Batteries (amazon)

Bob Rouleau

Mine is a Dewalt 20 volt impact. Of course now I have ^%$%# centerlock wheels.

Dennis C

+1

I'm still working through the best way to deal with this.

Spinout

Went through the same this past year and after oodles of research, wound up with the Milwaukee M18 1/2" impact driver and Tekton 4950 lug socket set to cover all my vehicles. I bought both through Amazon. I wish I bought this years ago...

EMC2

I've used this Craftsman Electric Impact wrench for several years. It will loosen almost anything (used it extensively when changing coilovers and other suspension parts on the Cayenne)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-amp...&blockType=G1#

I use it to loosen & remove wheel bolts but never to install/tighten as it could over torque the bolts.
When reinstalling wheel bolts - just use a normal wrench and then finish with torque wrench.




Also - one of these is a must to protect your wheels:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

hacker-pschorr

What is the torque specifications on those, something like 450ft-lbs? The newest impacts have over 1,000ft-lbs of breakaway torque.

This guy has a bunch of videos on YT testing these tools. Even though the "nut busting" torque rating may be a bit exaggerated, the force necessary for centerlocks shouldn't be an issue:

1crazy canuck

very interesting video.

It makes me think... How would I make sure that I don't over-torque or cross thread when putting the bolts back on ? particularly with such powerful tools?

Of course I would hand torque with a torque wrench at the end, but I'd want to be able to use the drill/driver to screw on the bolt to get it to say 85 lbs/ft and do the last few pounds by hand / torque wrench.

Is there a driver that has a torque setting built in to avoid over tightening for this purpose ?

3Series

There was a corded version sold on Amazon before where you dial in the torque you want and go to town. I bought it, it sort of worked then it got stolen.


For the past 6-7 years I've been using the C3 1/2in cordless impact Craftsman. It's rated at 300ft lbs and it has been an absolute work horse for me. I've probably done 60-70 wheel changes with it and it keeps on ticking. I invested in C3 batteries a couple years ago and have some other tools that use them. I use it to spin on the lug bolts and I think it has pretty good control although I don't have any experience with other manufacturers. Best of all, I think I paid $100 with Li battery on some sale.