Impact Wrench

[Menchhofer]

Hello

Today I received in the the mail with my grinder teeth a brochure showing a 12 volt 1/2" impact wrench deisgned to be used when changing teeth on the Stump grinder.

It says it can be used from cig lighter or with battery clips and the amount of torque applied 130 150 ft pounds. $80.00

I cannot see how this tool could begin to tighten bolts powered by a car battery, but then perhaps I am wrong. If it would be powerful enough, it could be a nice addition to my tools.

Has anyone operated such a device, and if so, what are your thoughts on the tool?

I thought this tool was too small to post in the Large Equipment forum and it did not apply to the used equip.........soooooooooooo...I put it here...

 

[Drummer]

Try asking here:

http://www.ytmag.com/toolt/wwwboard1.html

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

I have a 12 volt Makita and an 18 volt Milwaukee impact wrench, I don't think either one would do the job.

 

[Stumper]

I don't know about that impact wrench - good or not -but if your battery can power a starter motor which turns your V8 engine with all the weight of pistons and connecting rods developing 130 psi per cylinder why couldn't it power a well designed torque wrench to generate 150ft lbs of torque on one bolt or nut?

 

[Crofter]

If that tool will indeed run off the cigarette lighter, its current draw is much,much less than a starter motor. Even the 120 volt impacts are pretty wimpy compared to an air impact. I'd say try it before you buy it.

Frank

 

[treeclimber165]

God forbid, you actually use a regular torque wrench that you have to turn by hand! I think I would prefer a high quality wrench that the accuracy can be easily checked. I'd hate to have a stumper tooth fly off because some wimpy POS battery powered torque wrench didn't work right.

 

[lync]

speed handle

Save your money,12 volt impact guns are crap. If it plugs into a lighter, there is no way its carrying the same ampereage as a starter. For $10 bucks by a 1/2" drive speed handle to run up the bolts, then finish them off with a torque wrench, that has a ratchet head.

Corey

 

[NeTree]

Ahhhh, yet another benefit of trucks with AIR BRAKES. I can run all the air tools I'll ever need anywhere I am.

I have heard of guys modifying old AC compressor pumps to make on-board air systems. Here't the link to one article:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/delanty/air.htm

Haven't needed to try it, but I can bet it'd come in handy for a few things.

 

[My2cents]

That impact wrench will most likley handle loosening nuts and bolts up to 9/16".
You will be unpleased when you try to remove a wheel nut or any other larger sized bolt or nut.

 

[Menchhofer]

Guess you guys talked me out of it. Makes sense

 

[TREEGODFATHER]

Originally posted by treeclimber165
God forbid, you actually use a regular torque wrench that you have to turn by hand! I think I would prefer a high quality wrench that the accuracy can be easily checked. I'd hate to have a stumper tooth fly off because some wimpy POS battery powered torque wrench didn't work right.

To tighten I suggest doing the final torque with a torque wrench,

But....these little hady 12v jobs can do a very good job.

Keyword you have missed is "impact". It works off hudres of small but powerfull impacts per a mintue. These are set up very similar to air driven models and can do the job, but like any tool being use to tighten someting should always be check with the "right" tool for the job, a torque wrench.

Some of them are 200 ft/lbs, some are 400 ft/lbs, but for $80 it's not a 400 ft/lbs wrench. If you're not carefull it will break off wheel lugs.

And so will this 12v model.

My 400 ft/lbs air impact wrench was $600.

 

[NeTree]

I keep a Northern Tool cheapo on board simply because it can speed up those on-site repairs (like chipper blades) to get the job done.

GOOD point with the torque wrench though; you SHOULD double-check to make sure they aren't wound too tight (or loose).