CT Impact Wrench – Torque for changing tires

[xcel]

CT has a Mastercraft ½-in. 7.5A Impact Wrench on sale for $50. This Mastercraft wrench is single speed with 228 lb/ft. of torque.

I wanted to use it for changing winter/summer wheels. Owners manual says tighten wheel nuts to 80 lbf.ft . I do not want to overtighten the wheels. Customer help rep at CT was not much of a help. Shall I buy this wrench or which one should I buy ?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444189 5979&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077&bmUID=1205092275972

[tugzy]

ONLY use this tool to remove wheel nuts, NEVER use this tool to tighten wheel nuts. Buy a 1/2inch torque wrench to tighten the nuts to the manufacturer's specification

[kumo]

CT has a Mastercraft ½-in. 7.5A Impact Wrench on sale for $50. This Mastercraft wrench is single speed with 228 lb/ft. of torque.

I wanted to use it for changing winter/summer wheels. Owners manual says tighten wheel nuts to 80 lbf.ft . I do not want to overtighten the wheels. Customer help rep at CT was not much of a help. Shall I buy this wrench or which one should I buy ?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444189 5979&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077&bmUID=1205092275972

I just bought the same impact wrench for changing my winter tires. As mentioned by other RFD members, use this one to unload the lug nuts and use torgue wrench to tighten them to your car's spec, so you would not damage them. They have the torgue wrench on sale like once a month.

On a different note, do I need a impact socket with the impact wrench to take the rims off the car? Can I use regular one just for taking them off? Can someone suggest a good set? i will mostly use for changing the rims only.

[mr_raider]

To remove the rims, I suggest a big rubber mallet.

[mtl4]

I just bought the same impact wrench for changing my winter tires. As mentioned by other RFD members, use this one to unload the lug nuts and use torgue wrench to tighten them to your car's spec, so you would not damage them. They have the torgue wrench on sale like once a month.

On a different note, do I need a impact socket with the impact wrench to take the rims off the car? Can I use regular one just for taking them off? Can someone suggest a good set? i will mostly use for changing the rims only.

X2

I've had the same one too as a backup to my air powered ones for quite some time now. It works fine for taking tires on and off. Technically you are supposed to torque the tires with a torque wrench, but if you have alloys I wouldn't worry too much about it (I've been doing it for years without issue......but you always want to snug them up by hand regardless). Stamped steel wheels can deform alot more (often feels like warped rotors, but it's not) so it often does pay to torque those carefully. Tire shops are supposed to use a torque stick (so you can't overtorque the wheels). The gun is electric so it may have trouble mustering enough torque on rusty or difficult lugs but for most vehicles you shouldn't have a problem.

To answer the second question, yes, you should absoultely be using an impact socket. I used to work in the mechanic trade and I have seen chrome sockets explode in people's faces when used on an impact gun (obviously very bad) so don't do it! You don't need a fancy set to get the job done, just make sure they are for impact tool use (usually black instead of chrome). Names like Campbell Hausfeld, Ingersoll Rand, Husky and even the CT house brand will be fine.

[Spray]

please use a torque wrench.

I almost roundhouse kicked a mechanic who used an impact wrench to tighten and didnt check the torque.

[beerbaron105]

please use a torque wrench.

I almost roundhouse kicked a mechanic who used an impact wrench to tighten and didnt check the torque.

you better roundhouse kick all of them, because i have never seen a mechanic (save for a performance mech. or custom hot-rod mech) use a torque wrench to tighten the wheels, just impact the hell out of them lol

[Spray]

It happened at a wheel shop, they should know better.

Other than that noone touches my tires :P

you better roundhouse kick all of them, because i have never seen a mechanic (save for a performance mech. or custom hot-rod mech) use a torque wrench to tighten the wheels, just impact the hell out of them lol

[GoiNGPoSTaL]

For those only using a torque wrench to tighten tires Canadian Tire has a cheap beam type for $20.

[l69norm]

... This Mastercraft wrench is single speed with 228 lb/ft. of torque.

I hate to break it to you, but this gun will not remove most lug nuts.

You will find that you will need to loosen the nuts first before this gun will remove them. That defeats the whole purpose of this gun. If you use an x-wrench to break and remove the nuts, you'll find it as fast if not faster than using this gun.

A real air impact gun that will blast off lug nuts like those used in a shop will have 375 to 450 ft-lbs.

I suggest you save your $50 and put it towards a small air compressor ($99) and a good air impact gun ($99)

[B0000rt]

I hate to break it to you, but this gun will not remove most lug nuts.

You will find that you will need to loosen the nuts first before this gun will remove them. That defeats the whole purpose of this gun. If you use an x-wrench to break and remove the nuts, you'll find it as fast if not faster than using this gun.

A real air impact gun that will blast off lug nuts like those used in a shop will have 375 to 450 ft-lbs.

I suggest you save your $50 and put it towards a small air compressor ($99) and a good air impact gun ($99)
These are plenty fine at removing wheel lug nuts. I've used this exact impact gun for 3 years swapping winters on and off on my car and my familys' 2 other cars.

You can even use these to save time screwing the nuts (or bolts if you drive a German vehicle) back on. If you remove the machine right after the first few impacts, you'll notice it's on tight, but still not torqued properly (it'll give about 1/8th to quarter turn until it's torqued)

[v33k]

It's a decent gun if you want to use it for changing seasonal tires. Save you some sweat and time.

But don't count on it to break lose seized bolts or nuts.

[spf1971]

you better roundhouse kick all of them, because i have never seen a mechanic (save for a performance mech. or custom hot-rod mech) use a torque wrench to tighten the wheels, just impact the hell out of them lol

You can set your impact gun to the proper torque or use torque limiting extensions for the proper torque. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=2219&store=snapon-store

I still double check with a torque wrench but that's a personal choice.

[xcel]

I just bought the same impact wrench for changing my winter tires. As mentioned by other RFD members, use this one to unload the lug nuts and use torgue wrench to tighten them to your car's spec, so you would not damage them. They have the torgue wrench on sale like once a month.


Do you remember approx how much $ when these are on sales at CT ?

or Where I can get a more reasonably priced one?

[kumo]

Do you remember approx how much $ when these are on sales at CT ?

or Where I can get a more reasonably priced one?

I got mine on sale for $64.99, save $45 about 40% off last October. I think they have this on sale about 3 weeks ago, not 100% sure. The product # is 58-8562-8 WRCH TORQ 1/2D.

[Clvn]

Grab a torque limiter from Princess Auto, I think its <$10... works pretty good, it comes close the specified lb/ft. Then just use a torque wrench to tighten.

[Fraser River Rat]

Yeah, you can use the impact gun to over tighten the wheel nuts, but if you get a flat tire out on the road, you'll have a tough time loosening them off with the wheel nut wrench that is in the trunk of your car. Don't believe me, give it a try in your driveway.

[kleptodathief]

say my lugz r currently 120ft lbs torqued ( im estimating), will that impact wrench in the OPs post take off the lugz? i guess it all dpends how TITE the mechanic jacked it with his shop's impact gun? i agree i HAVE never seen a mechanic torque spec the lugz manually with a torque wrench:confused:

[Skyline-GTR-]

I myself am i mechanic. I work for Volvo so precision is a must! This is how i tighten wheels. As for torque wrench...i use a $400 Snap-On. CT ones just dont do for long run.

Always tighten wheels in star pattern or risk having warp rims/rotors/wheel not straight

Example-100ft lbs spec

1. I will use torque stick of 80ft lbs and use air gun
2. Final torque with torque wrench to 100ft lbs

That way you know the wheels are tight...tight enough not to fall off because the weight of the car will add to torque too. THEN final torque with wrench. All set to go!

[joegrecoant]

Is there a reason why you don't use a 100ft/lb torque stick instead of 80ft/lb? Isn't that easier?

I understand that the torque stick MIGHT have an error margin, but doesn't torque wrench has that issue too if it's not calibrated everyday or something?




I myself am i mechanic. I work for Volvo so precision is a must! This is how i tighten wheels. As for torque wrench...i use a $400 Snap-On. CT ones just dont do for long run.

Always tighten wheels in star pattern or risk having warp rims/rotors/wheel not straight

Example-100ft lbs spec

1. I will use torque stick of 80ft lbs and use air gun
2. Final torque with torque wrench to 100ft lbs

That way you know the wheels are tight...tight enough not to fall off because the weight of the car will add to torque too. THEN final torque with wrench. All set to go!

[ES_Revenge]

you better roundhouse kick all of them, because i have never seen a mechanic (save for a performance mech. or custom hot-rod mech) use a torque wrench to tighten the wheels, just impact the hell out of them lol

It happened at a wheel shop, they should know better.

Other than that noone touches my tires :P

I was actually going to say that yeah most mechanics never use a torque wrench as beerbaron said, but that most wheel shop mechanics do. Of course then you could go to the wheel shop Spray went to and they're just like any other mechanic, lol.

Is there a reason why you don't use a 100ft/lb torque stick instead of 80ft/lb? Isn't that easier?

I understand that the torque stick MIGHT have an error margin, but doesn't torque wrench has that issue too if it's not calibrated everyday or something?
Torque sticks are generally not as reliable as torque wrenches. I've heard cases where the sticks are allegedly only a few percent off, but I've also heard stories where the sticks are off wildly perhaps do to QC issues (let's face it most of these things these days are made in China :( ). I would use a torque wrench instead of a stick, unless you really don't have time for a torque wrench as may be the case at a track or auto-x event.

There's also two different types of torque sticks, there's the more popular ones that are simply like extensions (they are made of metal that flexes at a certain torque causing the impact gun to be ineffective at that point) and there are other ones that seem a lot more rare where they actually have springs inside them that move outwards when the rated torque is reached therefore causing the socket to spin without turning the nut. I've never really seen these for sale anywhere though, and I'm sure they are much more expensive (?).

[BobyYoo]

This impact gun is only good if you're only changing the wheel yourself and use a torque wrench to tight your wheel.

like the others have said, I myself never seen a mechanic use a torque wrench to tight the wheel. Even at the dealer.
they all use their impact gun. I do believe that an experience mechanic would know how to use impact gun to tight the nuts, they know when to stop. If they hear like a clic, they would stop. In the other case, an un-experience mechanic would just press the impact gun forever until it stop turning. Then for sure it is overtight.

So if you go to a shop to change your winter tire, I can betcha that you won't be able to remove your nuts with this CT gun, because those shop use like 400lbs/torque impact gun.

[CARLiTO_]

If you do end up using a gun to tighten wheels, make sure you get a torque stick. They sell them at Princess Auto for $19.99 in different torque ratings (80 ft/lbs, 90ft/lbs)

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/WTK4500L.jpg

[command78]

They have a set on sale at Princess auto

http://www.princessauto.com/_osn.cfm?CTRY=CAN&output=OSN&SRCH=1&SRCHAREA=OSN&T1=3%20PC%201/2

[mtl4]

If you do end up using a gun to tighten wheels, make sure you get a torque stick. They sell them at Princess Auto for $19.99 in different torque ratings (80 ft/lbs, 90ft/lbs)



X2

$20 for a torque stick is well worth the piece of mind that the wheels are not overtorqued.

Most tire shops should be using a setup like this to install your wheels:
http://www.dionsautomotive.com/photos/repair_11a.jpg

[hightech]

I have a BRAND new torque wrench with adapters for sale if anyone is interested. Just look at my signature.

Cheers.

[Notorious_T]

^ adapters? think you mean sockets... but yea I work at a chevy dealer and we also use the torque stick same as the one in the pic only its blue.

[cheapmeister]

CT had another brand of torque wrench on sale about 2 weeks ago. It was a Jobmate brand electric torque wrench. Regular $60, on sale for $30. 250lbs of torque, and it plugs into your cigarette lighter for power. I believe its a cheaper brand than the one discussed here but has anyone ever used it before? Is it any good for changing snow/summer tires?

[mtl4]

CT had another brand of torque wrench on sale about 2 weeks ago. It was a Jobmate brand electric torque wrench. Regular $60, on sale for $30. 250lbs of torque, and it plugs into your cigarette lighter for power. I believe its a cheaper brand than the one discussed here but has anyone ever used it before? Is it any good for changing snow/summer tires?

It's cheaper for a reason.....no way it puts out a full 250 ft-lbs.
The AC version is only $20 more and well worth it.

[RiceKing]

I hate to break it to you, but this gun will not remove most lug nuts.


I've had this gun for 2 seasons on 3 vehicles with no problems removing lug nuts except sometimes the lug nut gets stuck in the impact socket. I find spraying WD40 on the lugs helps.

I've used it once to lower a scissor jack. Very dangerous as I found out! The jack folded down super fast! :D

I bought my impact socket set from Princess Auto for $30-40? Sometimes they have cheaper sets going on sale...

[kevin_]

damn... totally forgot the sale ended today... i wonder if they'll still give me the price or a raincheck tomorrow morning...

[mtl4]

damn... totally forgot the sale ended today... i wonder if they'll still give me the price or a raincheck tomorrow morning...

The sale is good through the COB today.
The new flyer prices don't take effect until tomorrow.

[kevin_]

thanks - realized it after i saw the physical flyer... online flyer says march 13...

[abstract808]

I suggest you save your $50 and put it towards a small air compressor ($99) and a good air impact gun ($99)A small air compressor will be absolutely unable to provide the air needed to drive a good impact gun.

[Ironballz]

A small air compressor will be absolutely unable to provide the air needed to drive a good impact gun.

not true...I have a small air compressor and it works fine with my impact gun. I can use it to remove about 4-5 lug nuts then have to wait for it to re-pressurize :lol:

[mtl4]

not true...I have a small air compressor and it works fine with my impact gun. I can use it to remove about 4-5 lug nuts then have to wait for it to re-pressurize :lol:

I have seen people do this but I really don't suggest it unless your time isn't worth much.
Either get a properly sized compressor $300-400 or get an electric impact gun (much cheaper)

[ES_Revenge]

A small air compressor will be absolutely unable to provide the air needed to drive a good impact gun.

I agree, you need a 10 gal tank at minimum, IMO.

[tikus]

with a small air compressor you can fill up your tire pressure or with air gun you can clean your engine compartment beside changing wheels.