perfectlap

Looking for the best bang for the buck impact wrench. (that means budget)
for use in the garage but may get promoted for autocross use if Santa's shocks ever arrive from the N. Pole.


This is tempting

Craftsman

Mussl Kar

I went the cordless route with a Makita 18 volt lithium impact. I only occaisionally had problems removing the lock bolts. Maybe the extra mass of the adapter? No problems now that I use standard bolts all around. The unit is very light and each battery has enough juice for 3-4 sets of tires. Also not so powerfull as to over tighten the bolts. I always torque after mounting anyway.

Reimu

Didn't get one, but with some christmas cash got a 19.2 battery powered one.

SAM DACOSTA

Well it didn't come for Christmas 2008.

Christmas 2009 came early because yesterday my wife brought home a surprise gift; a Craftsman 1/2" 20V, Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Wrench.

It's a great addition to the garage and was used immediately changing lug nuts on my 18" wheels. Thanks honey...

00r101

Two words - Harbor Freight - cheap and it works.

SAM DACOSTA

I asked many a mechanic friend and they told me to stay away from Harbor Freight tools. They said it was cheap. I have no personal knowledge of their quality, so I must follow their guidance and use what's in my budget, like the Craftsman brand (the majority of these mechanics use Snap On tools.)

Any other comments on tool quality and brands would be appreciated...

00r101

Well, if you use the tools to make a living then you can afford something more expensive. But the OP asked for cheap and HF is cheap. They work fine for the weekend tinkerer like me.

SAM DACOSTA

Good to know that HF works and you have no issue with their quality. I'll check their options when next I'm adding tools to my 'home garage.' Thanks for the comment, as I had no opinion on them.

wellcraft290

Please harbor freight has great stuff. Yes they are cheap.. My father in law has a 1/2 impact gun from them. His buddy was having problems getting a lug off his 18 wheeler with his gun so he said screw it see what happens. Used the 1/2 gun to a 1 inch adapter with a socket from HF and it took that lug right off. His friend was so impressed went out and bought the same impact gun.

I honestly think my Father in law buys the stuff from HF to try and break it and it always comes thru.

Matt Murray

I've used a Makita 24 volt 1/2" drive impact gun (cordless) to swap tires at an autocross. I bought it four or five years ago. I finally bought a new battery this spring. I've been pleased with it.

knfeparty

I use a breaker bar to break all the nuts and then use a DeWalt 18v "Impact driver" with a 1/2" adapter to spin the nuts off. You can get the driver, a cordless drill, 2 batteries, a charger, and a fancy dewalt bag for $200.

You shouldn't bang on aluminum porsche lug nuts with an impact...don't know if the newer cars are still Al but I would never attempt to break loose my 944's nuts with an impact wrench.

IamSMC

+1 on the breaker bar

...a speeder wrench to remove the nuts.

Craftsman quality and no need to worry to recharge and bring extra battery packs...

IMHO, Snap On is the best.

Though I hardly bring it to the track anymore.

Best advice on this thread.

ATL986

I have always used a 1/2 breaker with the right size deep well 6 point socket...it's cheap, it works, no batteries necessary. Autocrossing down here is a very warm activity, so I figure I am going to get sweaty anyway, I might as well KNOW that my lugs are properly torqued.

balpo

For autocross use - there is a 12volt plug in the cig lighter or clamp to battery from Harbor
Freight that got me through 2 autocross seasons - but it did die during the third season. Bought on sale for 29.95 if memory serves correct - a good value, but No comparison to makita.

kwikt

Pepboys chordless impact for me. I think I paid $69.

Kevin