How to Use an Impact Wrench on Lug Nuts
A car mechanic or an owner knows that changing a tire is the utmost troublesome task. Sometimes, the bolts and nuts are positioned at a very awkward angle, and fitting a wrench in there for fastening or loosening becomes just impossible.
Finally, you become tired and frustrated after a few bumps, cut, and bruises on the knuckles.
Types of Impact Wrench?
Impact wrenches are mainly of four kinds:
- Electric(Corded or Cordless mechanism of electricity),
- Pneumatic(mechanism of compressed air),
- Hydraulic (mechanism of fluid), and
- Hybrid (mechanism of impact-wrench conversion).
What size air compressor does need with an impact wrench for lug nuts?
The average needed size for an air compressor is a 4-5 CFM @90 PSI for a 1/2-inch impact wrench. If the impact wrench has a 1-inch drive, it will need a 10 CFM @90 PSI. For a 1/2-inch drive, 4 CFM @90 PSI, while 3/8-inch requires a 3CFM @90 PSI.
Will a Cordless Impact Wrench Remove Lug Nuts?
A cordless 18V impact wrench can loosen lug nuts. Technically, you would require a hex shaft to square drive adapter to help attach the tool to the lug nut socket. However, impact drivers may not be helpful if the nut is rusted or over-tightened.
5 Steps on how to use an impact wrench on lug nuts to change tires
First, make sure that your car is parked on solid ground and not close to electric cables or gas lines. Restrict motion by pulling the handbrake back and engaging the gear. If you are on the highway or on a busy road, put up signs to alert motorists and other road users that your car is stationary.
The following are simple steps for using your wrench.
Step 1- Mind Your Safety
The first rule of ensuring your safety tips is to read the user’s manual and understand the stated warnings and requirements.
You may also want to wear safety accessories, such as safety glasses. Additionally, tie your hair back if you have long tresses, remove hanging jewelry pieces, and pull back your sleeves. Clear your workspace of any clutter that can cause slips, trips, or falls.
Step 2- Use the Right Attachment
You need to fit the right accessory for your application on the socket. Beware that using an attachment that is not compatible with the nuts at hand can cause unwarranted wrench damage or bodily harm.
Step 3- Choose the Drive Settings
For lug nuts and tires, you need to select 1/2-inch on the drive settings. You can easily do this by adjusting the power control to dial in the recommended torque rate.
For getting buying decision we reviewed top-rated 1/2-inch air impact wrenches and 1/2-inch cordless impact wrenches.
Step 4- Remove the Deflated Tire
Loosen the nuts on the tire you need to change, and then prop up the car using a jack before removing the deflated tire. Install the spare tire and fasten the nuts by hand before lowering the jack. Use the impact wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the recommended torque and re-torque using a manual lug nut wrench.
Read our reviews intently to learn how the air/pneumatic, battery-powered cordless, and corded-electric impact wrench can benefit you for changing vehicles’ tires.
Step 5- Store Your Device
Like most tools, cordless impact wrenches are vulnerable to damage if exposed to weather elements like sun and rain. It is vital to store them in a dry place and uphold proper maintenance practices to enhance their longevity.
You only need to grease the moving parts regularly and ensure that all the screws and nuts are tight. Get cracked, worn out, or damaged parts replaced urgently.
