Will a cordless impact wrench remove lug nuts?

Category: automotive auto safety technologies
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Can You Use a Cordless Impact Driver to Remove Lug Nuts? The short answer is yes, but it depends. You can remove lug nuts of your car using an impact driver provided the nuts are tightened at the right amount of torque (80 to 100lb-ft) and your impact driver's output torque is higher than 100lb-ft.



Regarding this, will a 3/8 impact wrench remove lug nuts?

Re: M12 Fuel 3/8" impact on car lug nuts Mine will loosen them up to about 80 foot pounds, but even then not reliably.

Secondly, what size impact wrench do I need to remove lug nuts? I recommend staying near the middle in terms of size. So, go for either a 3/8-inch impact wrench or even better, a 1/2-inch impact wrench. These are the best sizes because they offer enough power to get even very tough lug nuts out, but at the same time, they won't apply too much torque.

Also, when should you not use an impact wrench?

Here are some of the most common mistakes which you can avoid when using an impact wrench.

  1. #1)Over Tightening Fixings.
  2. #2)Damaging Threads.
  3. #3)Using mismatched sockets.
  4. #4)Purchasing the Wrong Wrench Size.
  5. #5)Purchasing the Wrong Wrench Kind.

How much torque do you need for lug nuts?

And when you look at that, and realize that the average torque required on a lug nut, to hold the wheel on, is 80 to 90 ft-lbs, well you can imagine how over-tightened some of these lug nuts are.

29 Related Question Answers Found

How many pounds of torque do I need to remove lug nuts?

Realistically, the answer is no. A quick glance at a lug nut torque chart shows that most lug nuts should be torqued between 80 and 100 ft-lbs. Some require less torque, others more. But for the purpose of this discussion, let's say that a lug nut must be torqued to 100 ft-lbs.

Can you set torque on impact wrench?

Short of manually using a torque wrench like woodchips recommends, you don't. The point of an impact driver is not to apply a consistent torque. It is to apply more torque than can be obtained from a traditional driver. One of the more common uses is to loosen seized up, or over-tightened bolts/screws.

Can I use regular sockets with impact wrench?

The short answer is no, you should not use a standard socket with an impact wrench. A normal socket will crack or break when used on an impact tool due to how brittle the material is. Contrary to common belief, it's not the torque applied to the socket that causes the biggest issue.

What's the difference between impact driver and impact wrench?

In general, impact wrenches are heavier, bulkier, and much more powerful (have more torque) than impact drivers. Also, impact wrenches use a square drive (generally ½”) and are made for loosening/fastening sockets, while most impact drivers use a ¼” hex drive and are used for driving screws.

How much torque do you need for wheels?


Use torque sticks with an air gun or a torque wrench to get the correct torque. If your studs or lug nuts are sized between 12 X 1.25mm to 1.5mm or are 7/16-inch, torque the nuts to 70 to 80 foot-lbs; 14 X 1.25mm to 1.5mm, to 85 or 90; 1/2=inch 75 to 85; and 9/16-inch 135 to 145.

How much torque does an air impact wrench have?

For the impact pneumatic wrenches, the torque ranges from 300 to 2200 Nm. If the tool is needed for tightening of the large-sized fasteners, then you should choose an impact wrench with a high level of the generated torque. For the installation and removing of the rims, a suitable working torque should be about 100 Nm.

What size impact wrench do I need?

Impact wrenches that are ½ inch in size are a standard tool found in auto shops. This size wrench is the correct size for auto repairs, such as suspension and tire jobs. For construction sites, the ½ inch impact wrench is the perfect size for small to medium assemblies and disassemblies.

Can I use impact driver to remove lug nuts?

The short answer is yes, but it depends. You can remove lug nuts of your car using an impact driver provided the nuts are tightened at the right amount of torque (80 to 100lb-ft) and your impact driver's output torque is higher than 100lb-ft.

What is the easiest way to remove lug nuts?


Place the lug wrench on a lug nut and turn it counter-clockwise. Turn the wrench after you've secured it onto one of the nuts, pulling hard until you feel the lug nut begin to loosen. You don't need to remove the lug nut entirely, just use the wrench to loosen it until it's loose enough to remove with your fingers.

Are impact wrenches worth it?

Getting Impact wrench IS worth it.
An impact wrench and the needed compressor would be expensive ONLY until you used it. They make things a lot easier. Even though right now you think you would only use it for limited jobs but once you have it, you will probably discover other jobs.

Will impact wrench break bolts?

A pneumatic or electric impact gun should be the tool of last resort because it often simply breaks the bolt. Use the proper impact socket, wear gloves and safety glasses. Since these tools can be quite powerful, save them for larger nuts. If possible, use the impact on the nut side and hold the bolt with a wrench.

Can you use an impact wrench to drive screws?

Well, an impact driver is what you use to drive screws and fasteners into the material. You can reverse the switch and it is a very good tool for getting out screws or fasteners. Furthermore, they can also be used for drilling holes in tough materials. An impact driver is far more powerful than any cordless drill.

What is the best impact wrench for auto repair?

The Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive Use
  • Ingersoll Rand W7150 Impact Wrench.
  • Milwaukee 2753-22 M18 Fuel Impact Wrench.
  • Bosch IWBH182B Cordless Impact Wrench.
  • DEWALT DCF883M2 20Volt Wrench Kit.
  • Makita XWT11Z Cordless Impact Wrench.
  • Ryobi P261 18 Volt One+ Impact Wrench.
  • Impact Wrench Torque.

Do I need an impact driver?


The answer is, when you're using softer woods, you need the lighter touch and finesse of a traditional cordless drill/driver. For harder woods, concrete, masonry, and especially long fasteners being worked into heavy materials, you want an impact driver.

Why do I need an impact wrench?

They're commonly used for loosening lug nuts from cars and trucks, but they can also be used in any high-torque situation. When loosening a lug nut you'll notice the socket attached to the impact wrench moving slowly as the lug nut is loosened and then quickly when it's loose.

What size socket do I need for lug nuts?

Lug Nut Socket Sizes
17mm. 19mm (3/4″ also fits) 21mm (13/16″ also fits) 22mm (7/8″ also fits)