Lug nuts

[montecarlo31]

My vote is for a Milwaukee M18 1/2" impact (2763). I was very skeptical that this would do anything over 3/4/1 ton truck lugs. I lent it our shop guys for a few days to get their impression and see if we could get them more battery powered tools to cut down on air lines and trip hazards. The guys were as skeptical as I was however after running one everyone in the shop now has one. Fast forward a few years and guys still love them, we have yet to replace any that haven't been run over or lost. They work very well, so well they are either going to take it off or break it off. We are running these with the 5.0A batteries however we are starting to switch over to the 9.0s for more power and longevity. They even have a 12.0 out however that is probably overkill for what you are looking to do.

On a side note if you do go air remember you have a huge compressor with you at all times so take that into consideration, I'd bet that they even have a air fitting already attached on the air tanks or somewhere in the compartments. All of our low boys are equipped with air chucks from the factory.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...enches/2763-20

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by montecarlo31

My vote is for a Milwaukee M18 1/2" impact (2763). I was very skeptical that this would do anything over 3/4/1 ton truck lugs. I lent it our shop guys for a few days to get their impression and see if we could get them more battery powered tools to cut down on air lines and trip hazards. The guys were as skeptical as I was however after running one everyone in the shop now has one. Fast forward a few years and guys still love them, we have yet to replace any that haven't been run over or lost. They work very well, so well they are either going to take it off or break it off. We are running these with the 5.0A batteries however we are starting to switch over to the 9.0s for more power and longevity. They even have a 12.0 out however that is probably overkill for what you are looking to do.

On a side note if you do go air remember you have a huge compressor with you at all times so take that into consideration, I'd bet that they even have a air fitting already attached on the air tanks or somewhere in the compartments. All of our low boys are equipped with air chucks from the factory.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...enches/2763-20

Well Sir,
I too am quite skeptical about a battery powered impact, of any make, being able to brake loose and remove, all 10, 33mm, 450 ft. lb. lug nuts on our coach. I'm just one of those that would have to see it or experience it for myself in order to believe it. As for air in the coaches being able to do it. Well, as you say, you need a HUGE AIR COMPRESSOR to handle that and, a massive amount of volume at a considerably higher air pressure than you're gonna get from just about any diesel coach air system.

I have the aforementioned air fitting in the front of our coach. The airline that came with the coach is a 1/4 x 50' air line. That's barely large enough to run a small die grinder much less any form of a stronger, even 1/2" impact. And the tanks on the coach a couple of 10 gallon tanks, not enough to do any damage on even breaking loose one lug nut.

Not to mention, when trying to use a coaches air system for this kind of thing, as soon as the governor sees 90 psi, it cycles the system. You'd be cycling that system constantly. And that means running that engine for quite a while. So, I think I'll keep my torque multiplier handy, if and when I MIGHT need it. I really don't plan on doing any tire work while out on the road. But, the tool doesn't take up much room so, I'll keep it on board for "whatever".
Scott

[Dennis_K]

I have a good IR 1/2 drive impact (600lbft) and it will not budge the MH lug nuts. a few years ago I got a Harbor Freight 1 in. Pistol Grip Air Impact Wrench on sale for less that $100 just for the lug nuts. It is connected via a 1/2" hose to my 3 1/2 HP air compressor. It works great and I can remove 10 nuts without running out of air.

[n2cycles]

Get an electric rechargeable lithium wrench. They are so good that mechanics use them now. If your lug nuts are that tight you got problems

[Bobthegod]

I HAVE the Dewalt 899 It will remove lug nuts off a semi truck with ease. Its a 20 volt CORDLESS model. Get this and you wont have any issues......its fast and easy. They are pricey but its worth it.

[BUGNUT]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Back when I was young, strong and dumb I used to change farm tractor rear tires that weighed over 400# when full of calcium chloride solution. It required a hyd jack so the tractor could be raised just enough to remove weight from the lug studs; then the tire could be wiggled off the studs. replacing the wheel was just the reverse.The wheel never needed to be lifted__ unless I allowed it to tip over, then I sought help to lift it upright.

I sure remember those days. Strong as an ox and almost as smart. However I'm paying the price today.

[manwithtools]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Well Sir,
I too am quite skeptical about a battery powered impact, of any make, being able to brake loose and remove, all 10, 33mm, 450 ft. lb. lug nuts on our coach. I'm just one of those that would have to see it or experience it for myself in order to believe it. As for air in the coaches being able to do it. Well, as you say, you need a HUGE AIR COMPRESSOR to handle that and, a massive amount of volume at a considerably higher air pressure than you're gonna get from just about any diesel coach air system.

I have the aforementioned air fitting in the front of our coach. The airline that came with the coach is a 1/4 x 50' air line. That's barely large enough to run a small die grinder much less any form of a stronger, even 1/2" impact. And the tanks on the coach a couple of 10 gallon tanks, not enough to do any damage on even breaking loose one lug nut.

Not to mention, when trying to use a coaches air system for this kind of thing, as soon as the governor sees 90 psi, it cycles the system. You'd be cycling that system constantly. And that means running that engine for quite a while. So, I think I'll keep my torque multiplier handy, if and when I MIGHT need it. I really don't plan on doing any tire work while out on the road. But, the tool doesn't take up much room so, I'll keep it on board for "whatever".
Scott

Hey Scott,
You need to check out today's generation of Lithium Ion Brushless motor cordless tools. Their power and battery life is nothing short of amazing. Have you seen or used a Milwaukee 1/2" cordless Fuel 18 impact? I've got over 20 of the Milwaukee M18 tools, everything from a 10" compound miter saw to a mag drill. Last week we drilled 32 - 10.25mm holes in 1/2" steel plate with the mag drill on the same 5 amp hour battery with no pilot hole, just a 10.25mm (7/16") twist bit.

I've not done it, but I'd wager 40 lug nuts on a DP motor home would be no sweat for that impact. Most mechanics are changing to the cordless tools for a variety of reasons. Almost all skilled trades are moving that way too.

Picture of most of my collection attached, I'm a believer.

I wont pick up a corded or air powered tool unless I'm absolutely forced to. I will go out of my way to get the cordless tool over the corded one every time. My whole production electrical shop with 13 full time folks has almost no corded tools these days - including lights, knock-out sets and vacuum cleaners - just not worth the hassle / danger of dragging cords around. We are even getting ready to try battery powered heat guns.

Edit: Did you happen to notice my username?

[1doodadd]

Use what the PROS use, a 1 inch impact with a 3/4 inch fed air line. After 40 years of driving rigs NEVER had one come loose. Would not trust a 1/2 inch cordless for nothing regarding my coach lug nuts. NERVE seen one come out from a PROFESSIONAL TIRE facility because they will NOT torque the lugs to specified 450 ft lb. Not to mention INSURANCE reasons for the tire shops

[manwithtools]

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

Use what the PROS use, a 1 inch impact with a 3/4 inch fed air line. After 40 years of driving rigs NEVER had one come loose. Would not trust a 1/2 inch cordless for nothing regarding my coach lug nuts. NERVE seen one come out from a PROFESSIONAL TIRE facility because they will NOT torque the lugs to specified 450 ft lb. Not to mention INSURANCE reasons for the tire shops

Never said to use it to torque. No one should use an impact to torque anything, no impact of any sort. Anyone that does is a fool. (Sorry for my passion about this, I've had to replace my share of stripped lugs and lug nuts due to some ham-fisted impact operator)

There is a lot of misinformation in this thread. Insurance is only one of the reasons why they should never use any kind of impact to install. Good shops have an approved torque and check tag team policy. Watch for it the next time you are in a good repair facility. Your tech does the torque, then he/she has a co-worker check it and they sign off on it.

Guess you missed my post from last week how the Goodyear Commercial Truck and Tire Service Center used an 1/2" air impact to remove my wheels. BTW, the 1" drive impact laid on the floor next to it and he never touched it.

They by the way, he used a break-over torque wrench to install the wheels, just like they should. No impact to install, ever. Any vehicle, ever.....

[manwithtools]

To emphasize the fact about never using an impact to install a wheel, just try finding someone that will calibrate an impact. Sure they make torque sticks, but how often do they get checked/ changed and how skilled is the operator at reading it when it stops moving the socket.

[Zigzag03]

94 posts in tbis topic. Anyone remember what the op asked?

[manwithtools]

Originally Posted by Zigzag03

94 posts in tbis topic. Anyone remember what the op asked?

I do and that's why my answers are centered around that question. What size impact does he need? I think the right 1/2" will remove his lug nuts - no need for a 3/4" or 1". Others think differently - to each their own.

[Zigzag03]

I think i put forth the same theory back in the firzt 10 posts

[Zigzag03]

After a while your hair begins to hurt