Quality impact wrench is worth its weight in gold

[Monkey Wrench]

After wrenching on Toyota’s for almost 20 years I finally broke down and bought a powerful impact wrench. Holy $hit- I had no idea how much time it would really save. First job was a front wheel bearing replacement on both sides. That impact wrench saved me a few hours. Wish I would have bought one years ago.

 

[Breadman03]

Good tools are priceless. While I don't have an impact yet, I got an air compressor about two years ago and have been getting air tools as needed.

PS: A torque wrench is just as vital.

 

[gookies]

I currently use a Ryobi one and it takes care of most jobs. I'm planning on buying that 21 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight and their new compact impact wrench for those tight spaces that normal impacts can't be used in.

 

[fourwd1]

Moving to Off Topic.

 

[amalik]

After wrenching on Toyota’s for almost 20 years I finally broke down and bought a powerful impact wrench. Holy $hit- I had no idea how much time it would really save. First job was a front wheel bearing replacement on both sides. That impact wrench saved me a few hours. Wish I would have bought one years ago.

Watcha get?

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Its the Dewalt DCF899M1 battery powered 1/2" impact wrench. It has 1200 foot pounds of breakaway strength, so hopefully plenty for stubborn bolts! Plus its portable so it will be coming along on trail runs.

 

[ThatSickRip]

I hear ya. I used my Milwaukee Mid Torque to tear down and rebuild my front end and rear suspension

 

[supersaiyan96]

If you need a little extra chooch out of your air impact, put a bunch of air tool oil in it right before you give her a go. Makes a little bit of a mess out the exhaust, but it'll twist the thing out your hand.

For me, the real game changer was picking up one of those little 12v Milwaukee hex impacts. I use that thing on EVERYTHING.

 

[Bumbo]

OP, you have no idea how many times I've said your words verbatim...

I've spent so much time around cheap tools, or the wrong tools, that its not until I started to consider them an investment I really woke up and realized that its well worth the asking price. Cheap torque wrenches beat me up pretty good... cost me more in time and money than just buying good stuff out of the gate.

Speaking of impacts... here is a little story and rebuild of my 10+ year old impact that is still going strong. Its been one of my most valuable tools in the shop, junk yard for parts, on road, and off-road.

Its like my VISA, never leave home without it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-topic/240786-when-good-tools-go-bad-lithium-upgrade.html

 

[LittleCaesar]

If one needs to see good tools, [MENTION=144483]Bumbo[/MENTION] has it going on. His soldering station is the cat's meow.

There are two ways I look at owning tools: they are an extension of my mind to form, create, and mold as well as to fix, and to fix well when the s#%t hits the fan. In twenty five years of shade tree wrenching, the quality and access of the speed completion of tools for all repair jobs is paramount IMHO.

 

[Slowgoat]

I got an M18 Milwaukee impact and it changed my life. So easy to wrench on stuff now! I definitely understand!!

 

[mtbtim]

The right tools for the job make all the difference in the world. I've come a long way since my Taiwan tool kit I bought a Costco 30 years ago. It's not just for auto mechanics either. I use to use a lot of manual tools for yard maintenance and now I'm all about the power. It's much quicker and it's easier on your body.