One tool I use more than any other is a CORDLESS impact wrench. It fills
the bill for item 2, though not so much for item 1. It produces enough
torque (40 to 50 lbs) to loosen the average bolt and lugnut, though it
won't do a crankshaft bolt or other high-torque item. The time and
effort I save disassembling an engine or swapping wheels around,
especially at the racetrack (we run two cars) is amazing.
For item 1, I tend to us an electric impact wrench I got from Harbor
Freight for about $60. While I also have an air compressor and an
air-driven impact wrench, the hassle of waiting for the thing to fill and
dragging the hose around makes the electric one easier to deal with.
Obviously, using the cordless impact wrench, I don't need the high-torque
one except very occasionally.
The cordless is a 3/8" Craftsman and it is OK. When it gets worn out
I'll probably upgrade to a 1/2" Dewalt or something else. The better
cordless wrenches can push more torque than mine kind.
-- David Littlefield
On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 22:03:01 -0500 "bjshov8" <bjshov8@comcast.net>
writes:
> Those are the best brands.
>
> There are 2 ways that impact wrenches will help you-
> 1) Loosening/tightening things that require more torque than you
> can apply
> by hand. You want a good 1/2" drive for this.
> 2) Loosening/tightening faster than you can do it by hand. A small
> 3/8
> drive might be good for this. Some people even use air ratchets for
> this.
>
> > I'm thinking of either Chicago Pneumatic or Ingersoll-Rand
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