Tool recommendations; impact wrench for our 4-runners

[kolelt]

Of topic. What's a good decent torque wrench. Not expensive

 

[Bumbo]

Of topic. What's a good decent torque wrench. Not expensive

I started with (3) Harbor freight torque wrenches at about $20 each (1/4 inch/lb, 3/8, and 1/2) ... but my 1/2 just broke. Really for the money and for less critical things like tires... they worked fine, in fact ive probably been using them for about 3-4 years in a home mechanic capacity. I dont really trust the accuracy anymore but its probably close enough. My 1/2" started to slip so I stopped using it.

The middle ground would be something from Craftsman, Gearwrench, Kobalt, Husky from any of your brick and mortar stores... but for not much more you can just get something from PI or CDI.

If you want to "buy once cry once"... without spending Snap-On / MAC tool truck money... buy CDI or Precision Instruments. Both those companies make torque wrenches for Snap-On as they dont make their own, just re-brand stuff.

I still have my HF stuff, there in the trail tool kit now, I recently upgraded to these for the garage:

1/4" Precision Instruments 30-200 inch/lb PREM1R200HX
3/8" Precision Instruments 20-100 Ft./Lbs PREC2FR100F
1/2" Precision Instruments 40 - 250 Ft./Lbs REC3FR250F

The 3/8 and 1/2" are both split beam flex head design, really awesome tools, and they dont need to be turned down like a traditional wrench. Very accurate quality tools. American made. Search around on the net for good prices... I got some decent deals on mine.

The flex head split bean design is really a pleasure to work with. Ya, im bragging a little but i'm pretty happy and excited that I finally got some decent stuff after so many years, and after so many broken bolts haha.

Looks a bit too familiar doesn't it?
https://store.snapon.com/US-Reading...-20-100-ft-lb-Flex-Torque-Wrench-P651007.aspx

 

[sakoluvr]

Yes, the versatility of being mobile with a battery driven wrench really cant be beat. Thanks for the torque wrench suggestions.

 

[poleclimber63]

up here in Canada

Some years ago I bought an electric corded impact driver from Canadian Tire with a set of sockets for $79 on Sale. I've used this driver for years, suspension, crank bolts etc. I recently received a Dewalt 20v driver and love it as it fits in smaller spots. Brushless is best.

 

[TheDurk]

I don't get the love for electric. I couldn't live with out 24/7 air in the garage. My 5hp 60 gal compressor sits in the basement out of the way and the hose runs 20 feet through a crawl space and out the side wall of the garage onto a garden hose storage hanger. Been that way since 2002--never saw the need to hard plumb it.

I find the electric tools are very heavy in the hand and I don't work on anything other than at my garage. Yeah, I have a cordless drill, but a lightweight 12V DeWalt for small jobs. I use my corded hammer drill when I have anything major (metal not sheet) to drill. Never saw a cordless jack either; I love my 12 ton air jack. I used it a lot on this frame swap. I hate pumping jacks by hand.

Air tools are a delight. Plus nobody makes a cordless air nozzle and there is no better way to inflate tires. Once you have the compressor, the individual tools are cheaper and last forever if not used continuously. Those batteries don't and they are very expensive.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have a number of IR pneumatic tools but my 1/2" impact is the HF Earthquake. I have had it for 4 years and run it a ~130psig - it has plenty of torque. You have to make sure you keep them well oiled which is the problem buying used pneumatic tools

Buckaroo

I have the 3/8" of the HF Earthquake version since all my impact sockets are 3/8". A few times I've forgone the quick connects and just put the hose straight into the gun. Says it's up to 300 ft lbs of torque which is a little inflated, but it takes lugs off with a breeze and that stupid pulley bolt on my supercharger that WOULD NOT COME OFF.

Did I mention it was only $70 new? Sale + coupon.

 

[Scramble]

I'm using this.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW292...958014&sr=8-1&keywords=dewalt+electric+impact

No garage but I have external power outlets in front & back of my house & use a 100ft outdoor extension cord. All of my power tools are corded.

 

[csp]

I don't get the love for electric. I couldn't live with out 24/7 air in the garage.

Think trail repairs. Your hose at home is probably going to fall short.

It's interesting those mentioning their air impacts not having enough torque. Turn up the air pressure on the regulator or get a compressor that's made for such jobs! 90psi doesn't cut it

 

[diverscale]

Yes, the versatility of being mobile with a battery driven wrench really cant be beat. Thanks for the torque wrench suggestions.

But the point of an impact wrench is not necessarily versatility, but really is to take on harder/rusty bolts and save your ass, and this is where a battery-powered impact will fail. Please don't imagine that the battery powered impact will unscrew those rusty LCA bolts or that 20 years-old axle bolt.

In those situation, a good air impact is always superior to a battery powered one. Lug nuts are easy to loosen and a battery powered impact may suffice if it's all you will be doing with it.

And to add to what Durk says, those batteries failing at the wrong moment are a pain in the ass for electric tools. As for air tools, they last a whole lifetime if you oil them up regularly, and (beside the impact gun) are cheaper than their battery counteparts. (I am 100% equipped in air tools)

 

[theesotericone]

Please don't imagine that the battery powered impact will unscrew those rusty LCA bolts or that 20 years-old axle bolt.)

If you go cordless go DeWalt. I have an old 18V DeWalt 1/2" impact that does everything I need it to do. I just took the axle nut off yesterday to reboot my CV's without any issues.

It's funny, I just mentioned this upthread. ^^^^

In fairness my truck is only 19 years old. Maybe next year will be different.

 

[csp]

But the point of an impact wrench is not necessarily versatility, but really is to take on harder/rusty bolts and save your ass, and this is where a battery-powered impact will fail.

Given that statement I'll go out on a limb and assume you haven't used any of the latest generation battery powered impacts.

Just as a tangent, my 3/4" drive impact drive failed me yesterday trying to remove a 1-1/4" nut (thread size, not the socket) to remove a 2-5/16" trailer ball. This was with the regulator turned up to 150 psi and a 1/2" air hose feeding it. I've never had it fail to break a nut loose before.:crybaby:

 

[Bumbo]

Air vs Electric... what a stupid argument.

Arguing about electric vs air is a waste of time... it literally makes no sense as both system have their place, pros and cons.

What it really comes down to is the quality of the tool... you can buy junk air tools, and junk electric tools too or under size stuff for its intended application.

When having a conversation about air tools, its the entire system that matters... you can buy some insane 3/4" and 1" impact guns, but if you are feeding it with some crappy pancake compressor with long undersized air lines its going to fall short just like an electric with a bad or fatigued battery pack.

I have a pretty legit electric impact too, along with good air stuff... I didn't spend $650 on my electric impact for it to suck at taking off fasteners. Axle nut, no problem. Its the first tool I grab when I head down to the junk yard... kinda hard to bring a $2000 air setup with you. That said, to get a similar quality and performance air impact from a good brand only cost a couple hundred.

And when it comes to air setups, a good one isn't cheap, its an investment with a bigger upfront cost, but the reward is HUGE. Its a lot easier to find better quality air tools, with more power, and for less money than its electric counterpart.

You really need both if you want to have any success at this stuff.

 

[kolelt]

My mechanic friend , he uses almost nothing but the snap-on electric impact. Very rarely does he pull out his snap on air gun or blue point.

 

[thegipper]

My 1/2" milwaukee cordless impact hasn't met a bolt/nut yet that it hasn't blasted off or snapped in half.

I used on several severely rusted bolts on my 300k+ mile ZJ and I couldn't find a bolt/nut that it didn't laugh at.

Both air and electric definitely have their pro's and con's. In a perfect scenario, you would have both. For the casual to moderate home mechanic, it is pretty hard to beat a good cordless electric impact. Plus, being able to bring it with you to the junk yard and trails is another reason why I went that route.

If I didn't buy a Milwaukee (because I already own several other tools) I would go with the Dewault....

 

[bentos1]

I don't get the love for electric. I couldn't live with out 24/7 air in the garage. My 5hp 60 gal compressor sits in the basement out of the way and the hose runs 20 feet through a crawl space and out the side wall of the garage onto a garden hose storage hanger. Been that way since 2002--never saw the need to hard plumb it.

I find the electric tools are very heavy in the hand and I don't work on anything other than at my garage. Yeah, I have a cordless drill, but a lightweight 12V DeWalt for small jobs. I use my corded hammer drill when I have anything major (metal not sheet) to drill. Never saw a cordless jack either; I love my 12 ton air jack. I used it a lot on this frame swap. I hate pumping jacks by hand.

Air tools are a delight. Plus nobody makes a cordless air nozzle and there is no better way to inflate tires. Once you have the compressor, the individual tools are cheaper and last forever if not used continuously. Those batteries don't and they are very expensive.

I would love to have the option of a garage and 24/7 air but it is not an option when you live in an apartment. I have thought about buying a 8GAL compressor along with the air tools but that still is difficult as I don't have anywhere dedicated to work on my junk. Air is bulky and noisy for someone in my position. I have to work in a friends driveway or on the street, not as ideal as a garage by any means.
Ive been able to get by with a basic socket set for years now and did a full rebuild of a 22r and mated up my 22re parts. Recently I bough a 1/2" corded impact and a brushless Milwaukee hammer drill/ 1/4 impact gun. I imagine this combo should work quite well for my needs/working restrictions.

While I would love to have air and a garage, not all of us are as fortunate to have these luxuries

 

[Scramble]

My 1/2" milwaukee cordless impact hasn't met a bolt/nut yet that it hasn't blasted off or snapped in half.

Exactly why I use my 1/2" Sockets / 24" breaker bar more than the impact. With a little WD 40 the night before and sometimes heat so I dont snap anything. A little muscle & finesse I find is better on old rusted nuts & bolts than brute force. And of course 6pt over 12pt as to not round off hardware.

 

[thegipper]

My 97 spent most of its life in the rust belt. Sometimes even with penetrating oil and heat, the bolts can break.

I tried everything I could to save the bolts for the front hook brackets but in the end, they snapped.

Oh well

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[bmodo16]

I have a Blue Point pneumatic 1/2" impact that I love. Works great and only on super heavy duty stuff does it struggle (think tri axle dump trucks).

As for cordless, I have a cheap Craftsman I got cause I needed a quick one one day. Surprisingly it does real well for wheels and things like that. Havnt tried it with anything heavy duty cause if I need something big im around a compressor.

I do however plan on buying the Ridgid 1/2" cordless impact because i've been swapping my tools over to them and love their tools. I even had a Milwaukee rep tell me to buy them for the warranty. Hope this helps.

 

[Bumbo]

Hey guys... since we are on the topic of impacts...

I recently bought some socket sets and wanted to share the find as I found them to be really good quality and really high in value so I thought they were a great deal for the price.

The GP had a better finish, but the Sunex had both laser and stamped markings for size. The finish is a little rougher in comparison, but it was $40 cheaper per set where I was shopping.

I just saw that Amazon had 15% and 20% coupons, plus Sunex is going a gift card rebate, $10 per set.

Sunex Rebate
Sunex® Tools | Guaranteed to Perform

1/4" Drive Impact Set
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MVB9M0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3/8" Drive Impact Set
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MVB9Y8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1/2" Drive Impact (6 point shallow metric)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MW9UW8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With the gift cards get a universal joint for 1/4" and 1/2" as the 3/8" kit comes with one already...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RLJB34/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-2300-2...t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9MQKSA7P2KEHRZ9VAHD5

arty:

 

[soupkitchen]

battery powered def handy. Wife bought me a crasftsman impact 3 years ago...the C3 stuff....no complaints, I use it almost every day without fail. I also have the drill, sawzall, grinder, weedwacker and they all use the same batteries. I do have 3 batteries, one lithium and one giant battery that prob cost more than the tools but all have been more than worth it.

I would recommend these for budget minded and daily use!