How much torque do I need in impact wrench?

So I’m taking over oil changes/ tire rotations for my Tundra and wife’s Rav4.

Looking to get a cordless impact wrench to take tires off. I’ve seen advertised specs for “breakaway” torque from 200-1200 ft/lbs depending on how much $$$ you want to shell out.

Looks like both vehicles should be torqued to under 100 ft/lbs so realistically how much oomph should I need to get them off. I’ll be using torque wrench at house when I put them back on.

I have a couple Dewalt tools now, so I’m leaning that way since I can buy a tool only, but if there is another brand that’s compelling I’ll consider it.

thanks

 

I’ve got a dewalt cordless impact that takes the lug nuts off easily. I also have a corded impact (kobalt I think), haven’t touched it since I got the cordless.

 

I use the Milwaukee m18 1/2”. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08WH4HXNW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Breakaway torque can be a lot more than tightening torque. For example, the one I linked above has 650ftlbs and can do nearly everything I want but I’ve run into plenty of stubborn bolts that required me to break out the air impact. But for lug nuts, the Milwaukee can do it all day long.

 

In the past I always used a cheap ryobi 1/2” impact rated at 300 ft/lbs and it always worked. Recently upgraded to a mid torque Milwaukee that’s good for 650 ft/lbs and it’s definitely overkill for the lug nuts anyway.

 

I have the high torque dewalt impact and its fantastic. I'm sure the mid range one would work as well, I don't think there's much of a price difference so I opted for the large one just in case I would need a little more torque down the road for something.

 

So something like this ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...-Lithium-Ion-Battery-Charger-P262K1/317701837

 

Or would the Ridgid do better/ last longer

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...-4-0-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-R86012K/319962264

 

That ryobi one is newer and more powerful than mine. I guess it depends if you already have invested money into other tools and batteries for one of the brands. I’m now a Milwaukee snob, and that’s what I’m switching everything over to. If spending $250 id sooner buy the Milwaukee mid torque impact like I bought.

 

I’m looking for $250 or under. I have a couple dewalt 20V tools so I could go tool only on one of them. But anything else I need tool and battery for $250

 

Corded 450 ft/lbs is enough to deal with decades old 30 mm crankshaft nut in my non-Toyota vehicle. The rest of bolts/nuts are much smaller.

 

I’d go that route in that case, if you like your dewalt stuff.

 

Plenty of torque to tighten down those oil drain bolts lol



don’t do that I’m joking lol

 

If you’re on DeWalt platform, I’d probably go with this..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3544385565...GLwMz1sTdm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Just keep in mind if you’re pushing the max limit of the tool, you’re gonna want to run a high AH battery (4,5, or 6). A small 2ah isn’t gonna cut it, even if that 2ah is fully charged.

 

Once you have broken everything free the first time and it is in your hands, just dab the lug studs and threads with a little anti seize and you will be fine even without the impact wrench. Buying a good torque wrench would be higher on the priority list to ensure proper tightening, and practically eliminate the need of a HD "breaker impact". I have a Milwaukee and I barely use use it's power to release the lugs.... BUT it is nice never having to struggle with them again. I was replacing the rear bumper on my 06' Taco and boy did the impact wrench earn it's salt when removing those rusted monster bolts. All you have to do is put some ear protection on and pull the trigger!!! Still took a while for them to release, but every one of them did eventually break free. Regardless of intended use, it's a great tool.

 

The little guy for lugs, big one for the really stubborn stuff.

 

How much torque can your arms do without wimpering?

 

Yeah I think I have 2 AH batteries for them. Its a drill/impact driver i've had for years. So I guess I need to get something with 4AH minimum. Not overly attached to Dewalt, and if i have to get larger batteries anyway I might as well look else where. I've kinda got it narrowed down to Ryobi P262K1 that comes with 4AH battery for $169 or the Ridgid R86012K with a 4AH battery and a brushless 3/8 Ratchet / or an additional 6AH battery for $249.

They look almost identical spec wise, and If I remember right they are made by same company.

 

Yeah I have a torque wrench I'll use to set them once i run them down lightly. But I'm 47 years old now and if I don't have to break them loose and run them off by hand everytime I'm going to go that route LOL

 

a compact "mid" torque (350-450 lbs/ft) and a good 1/2" (+600 lbs/ft) will likely be more than enough for anything you can do to your truck, unless you're doing axle nuts, then you need north of 900 lbs/ft.
Team yellow has impact wrenches in those ranges, I'm pretty happy with mine.

 

More than enough but I’ve paid my dues to use power tools.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. I ordered the Ridgid I linked with the extra 6AH battery