Could be looking forward to learning how to use Impact wrench on lug nuts? Well, if you’re like most people, you probably dread having to change a tire. It’s hard work, and it’s dirty and frustrating. But what if there was an easier way? What if you could use an impact wrench to do the job for you? Well, you can.
What Is An Impact Wrench?
This is a power tool or part of a power tool that uses an internal impact mechanism to deliver high torque with minimal input from the user. An example of using an impact wrench would be when taking your tire off to change it. Most are powered using compressed air, but there are also electric impact wrenches on the market.
Impact wrenches differ from your standard wrench, as they deliver high output with little exertion or force on the user’s part. You can think of them as two-handed drills that work in reverse, unthreading screws rather than tightening them.
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How to Use Impact Wrench on Lug Nuts
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1) The first step is to use a socket wrench to loosen all the lug nuts on your tire. You want them loose but not completely removed from the wheel studs.
2) Once your lug nuts have been loosened, place a sturdy bar under the lip of your car’s frame and raise it off the ground.
3) Position a floor jack underneath your car’s axle and raise it until the car’s weight is resting on it. Make sure that you have a block or something sturdy under your axle to support it as well.
4) Place an impact wrench onto one of your lug nuts, placing it firmly against the tire and the wheel stud.
When you drive, tighten it using your socket wrench to prevent your cat from falling off of the jack or frame. 5) Turn on your impact wrench and watch as the lug nut loosens. Once removed, take it off of the bar and place a new one in its place.
6) Repeat this process until all of your lug nuts are off.
7) Now, place the lug nuts back on the wheel studs and tighten them using your socket wrench. This time around, make sure that they’re nice and tight to prevent your car from falling off as you drive away.
If it looks like, there’s way too much play in your tire, then I’d advise you to jack up the car’s body and remove each wheel one at a time. Otherwise, it’s probably best to take it to a pro with quick access and no back-tracking.
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Tips for Using an Impact Wrench on Lug nuts
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for using an impact wrench to remove lug nuts. Different impact wrenches have different torque settings, which allow you to select the setting based on the size of your lug nuts.
Be sure always to wear protective eyewear when using an impact wrench to avoid any debris from getting into your eyes.
Ensure that you use a torque wrench to tighten your lug nuts after using an impact wrench.
Do not over-tighten your lug nuts after using an impact wrench. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for tightening your lugs.
Different Uses for an Impact Wrench
The most common use for an impact wrench is removing lug nuts on tires to change them. With an impact wrench, you can remove lug nuts in a matter of seconds rather than minutes. Other effective wrench uses include loosening or tightening various fasteners, changing power tool bits, etc.
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What to Look For In an Impact Wrench?
There are many great impact wrenches on the market, but there are also many not-so-great impact wrenches. When shopping for an impact wrench, you want to ensure that it has the torque output for the job at hand. You also want to look for features such as speed control, power source, etc.
There’s a wide variety of different cordless impact wrenches on the market, and all come with their own set of features. Some have similar features, yet others might only offer a few features, making them a bit more basic than other models. Here are features to check.
Ease of Use
Some impact wrenches come with different settings, such as speed and torque, which allow you to select the setting depending on the job at hand. They also have a reverse button that allows you to remove fasteners faster and easier. Also, some cordless impact wrenches come with a belt hook which allows you to free up your hands while working on various projects.
Speed
Some impact wrenches are faster than others, while some are slower. The speed at which an impact wrench operates is measured in RPMs (revolutions per minute). As a general rule of thumb, the higher the RPMs, the faster it operates.
Weight of an Impact Wrench
Lug nuts can be extremely heavy, and if your impact wrench is too heavy, it might cause fatigue when using it for extended periods. With that in mind, we recommend selecting an air-powered or cordless impact wrench, which is lighter than a non-cordless impact wrench. Typically, the lighter the impact wrench, the better.
The number Of Power Modes
This feature allows you to change the speed at which it operates. Most cordless impact wrenches come with a high and low-power mode and a reverse function for loosening fasteners.
Variable Torque Control
The variable torque control will allow you to adjust the torque needed for the specific fastener you are using.
Multiple Power Sources
A battery or an air compressor can power cordless impact wrenches. We recommend selecting one powered by both, which will allow you to use it in various situations.
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How To Use Impact Wrench On Lug Nuts
Using an impact wrench is one of the best ways to remove lug nuts because of its speed and overall safety compared to other methods. We recommend performing your research before deciding which impact wrench you want to use for this task. If you are still unsure how to use an impact wrench on lug nuts, please contact us here at the shop, and we will be more than happy to assist you in any way that we can.