Tip: Quick lug nut work without air tools - Page 3

Project84 · 01-31-2010, 03:30 PM

I have anti-seize on my lugs and use the 4-way "tire iron" tool for removal/installation. Once I crack them loose I just free-spin it and they're off in seconds. By the time someone drags their air hoses out, finds their impact and the right size socket, I have already popped the trunk and got the tire iron, spun at least 2 wheels off and have the car in the air. It helps that I've done it about 500 times.

Ford Man · 01-31-2010, 04:06 PM

About a month ago I found an 18V, 1/2" drive, cordless impact on clearance at Harbor Freight for $30. I used it for the first time about 2-3 weeks ago to remove and reinstall the wheels on my '02 Escort. It wouldn't break the lug nuts loose, but I think they must have been torqued to about 200 ft. lbs, because they were even tight using my old trusty 4 way. I know they were installed at a commericial tire store using their air impact. When I reinstalled them I torqued them down with the cordless then put the 4 way on them just to see how tight they were and I'd say they were torqued to about 100-125 ft lb. I guess I should have got the torque wrench out to see just how much torque they had on them, but I knew without question they were tight enough and just didn't bother. Maybe sometime when the weather warms up I'll check to see how much torque it has.

crpt · 05-01-2012, 08:09 AM

I'm totaly on "theholycow" idea, been doing that for years. Never burned any drill and they are all cheap chinese 14V or 18V. For the really tuff jobs use a very pratical, also cheap, electric impact wrench. So ni need for compressor or anything else. By the way it's a 12V unit. So don't need wall socket also.