What do you guys use for tire wrench? I live in the snow country and have extra tires and wheels for snow. Have set of studded that I'd like to be able to rapidly change to when icy and want a good electric wrench to make the change quickly. Any suggestions?

 

I bought one from Sears but seldom use it. It takes only a little more time to use a breaker bar that it stays in the box. Plus, you still need to use a torque wrench to tighten them, so in effect they are only good for taking off the bolts.

 

If your going to get an Electric Impact get a Milwaukee

 

That Milwaukee is probably overkill in price and power for changing tires several times a year. I typically change mine 6-8 times a month for autocrossing, and have two cordless impacts, a corded electric impact, and two air impacts.

For the OP's needs the basic electric impact from Harbor Freight (not the cordless one) would do just fine, and costs $40-60 depending on whether or not it is on sale. I have one and use it frequently. It is nearly identical to the ones from Sears and Dewalt for 1/2 to 1/3 of the price. If you don't like the HF one, get the Sears version for $100 more. If a cordless is preferred, a lot of people use the HF version for around $120 and it is ok. I have a Dewalt cordless that I like, but it may overkill as well.

A torque wrench is also a must as has been mentioned, you can spend $10-20 for a cheap one or $200-300 for an expensive one, but the expensive ones aren't as critical for swapping wheels IMHO (never had a problem with my $10 HF torque wrench not torqueing lug nuts adequately with hundreds of wheel changes done using it on different cars).

-Keith

 

Is it a bad idea to rig my regular cordless drill to hold a 17mm socket and use that to zip the lugs on and off? I realize that they would still need to be torqued to spec in the end but it could still make the whole process a bit quicker.

Thoughts?

 

I did that for about a year at autocrosses before I got my Dewalt cordless impact. It helps if your cordless drill puts out a healthy amount of torque, and you need to be careful not to cross-thread your wheel bolts or nuts. I've changed mine hundreds of times and never had a problem cross-threading anything, but it does happen.

-Keith

 

A cordless impact is just as useful putting lug bolts in as loosening and removing. If you use a torque limited extension http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog to install the wheel lug bolt enough torque to secure the wheel will be applied without risking over torque, then use a torque wrench to apply the correct value. Another option is a torque socket http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog . I use the extension and it doesn’t complicate the process.

I used to use a breaker bar, T-handle wrench, and torque wrench but the wheel had to be secured in order to break the bolt anyway always requiring an extra step for the front wheel. Sure the job can be done without a machine, but after half a lifetime making do, I can’t believe I resisted this convenience for so long.

Here’s my recommendation http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog , I know I’ll be admonished for suggesting a high priced quality product option. BTW, it’s useful for more than only lug bolts.

 

I've got the Harbor Freight 250ft pound corded impact wrench and it works well. I tried a neighbors sears one and found them to be about identical---that is neither could remove a stubborn nut that I was trying to remove.

But it's great for spinning on lub bolts as well as taking off very quickly. I prefer to loosen by hand, then use it to spin the bolts off quickly and painlessly.

It's also great when removing things like the rear struts or the exhaust hangers--just use an extension and you can access some pretty difficult to reach areas without too much effort. Of course, laying on your back and holding the wrench does take some strength!

 

I used to have one of those cheap-o 12v ones from Harbor Freight. Great for removing lug bolts, but I re-install by hand with my torque wrench.

 

After 3 years of manually installing wheels a few times every month for track, autocross, and driving school events I bought myself an impact wrench for birthday/christmas.

If you only change wheels a few times a year it isn't really worth it to have an impact wrench but if you do your own mechanical work or change wheels alot I've found the impact wrench to be better than any other hand tool I've owned.

I tried to shop at Sears locally but the impact wrench I wanted was out of stock in early December. They didn't know when it might come back into stock.

I ended up ordering from Tyler Tool Company and had it shipped Fedex ground to me ($32). Took a week. It was ground over the Pacific.

Got a Dewalt DW055K-2 Kit (2 batteries, charger, wrench in case) for $209.95 and a rebate (till 1/31/07) for a free DC935 Drill/Driver (tool only- $190 value).


DeWalt DW055K-2 Features:
*Compact size & weight allow access into tighter areas and reduces user fatigue
*1,550 in-lbs of max torque to perform a wide range of fastening applications
*0-2,400 rpm/0-3,000 bpm for faster application speed
*Textured ant-slip comfort grip provides maximum comfort
*Durable magnesium gear case and all metal transmission for extended durability
*Heavy-duty impacting mechanism directs torque to fastener without kickback

DW055K-2 1/2" 14.4V cordless impact wrench kit
Voltage 14.4 V
Drive 1/2" square with detent pin retention
No Load Speed 0-2,400 rpm
Impacts/Min 0-3,000 bpm
Max. Torque 1,550 in-lbs
Max. Torque 129 ft-lbs
Tool Weight 4.1 lbs
Tool Length 6-1/2 "
Shipping Weight 10.68 lbs

and for free (didn't pay shipping either and came in 3 weeks)

DeWalt Model DC935KA Features:
*DEWALT built high power, high efficiency motor delivers maximum performance in all drilling and fastening applications
*XRP™ extended run-time batteries provide long run-time & battery life
*Patented 3-speed all-metal transmission matches the speed to the application for optimal performance
*Heavy-Duty 1/2" self-tightening chuck tightens throughout operation providing superior bit gripping torque
*Superior ergonomics optimize balance, size, and weight

DeWalt DC935KA Specifications
Voltage 14.4 V
Max Power 335 UWO
# of Speed Settings 3
Max RPM 0-450/0-1,450/0-1,800
Max BPM 0-7,650/0-24,650/0-30,600
Clutch Settings 22
Chuck Size 1/2" "
Chuck Type metal, self tightening
Tool Weight 5.4 lbs

 

I got to thinking about good tools and cars. Why a MINI and not a Hyundai? We drive MINI's because we like fine things. I could buy a cheaper impact but that would be like driving a Hyundai.

Now the Milwaukee might be overkill, Oh well, See the attached video.

 

 

I second your motion for the Milwaukee. It's a little heavy but has more torque than most.