Craftsman Pnuematic Impact Wrench

[Jon Udden]

Just got a Half inch craftsman pnuematic impact wrench and i havnt used it. Im just curious about some cautions that i might heed towhen using it on my car. Like using that for a 10 millimeter fastener that is stuck, would this be a bad idea?
Things similiar to that.

Just looking for som basic/in depth cautions when using this on my 03 acura tl.

Thanks,

Topic

[Jon Udden]

BTW its 400lbs/ft

[Lorrin Barth]

Probably a little overkill for a stuck 10mm fastener unless you know the fastener is going to come out and not break. Also, if it really has the advertised power make sure the gun is set to turn the correct way before applying it. Otherwise you will break fasterners or parts by over tightening. A big gun like this is in its element on axle nuts and crank bolts.

[Jon Udden]

Well i didnt get it for the 10mm specifically i just got it for overall use and didnt want to run into a problem where the 3/8ths wouldnt get the job done.

Would you say a 3/8ths is more prctical for use on an Acura?

[Lorrin Barth]

[quote=”03acuratl” post=93271]Well i didnt get it for the 10mm specifically i just got it for overall use and didnt want to run into a problem where the 3/8ths wouldnt get the job done.

Would you say a 3/8ths is more prctical for use on an Acura?[/quote]

That is an interesting question. Yes, a 3/8ths would be more appropriate for most of the fasteners on the vehicle. On the other hand, about everything a 3/8 drive air wrench will do you can do with a ratchet. A 3/8th drive is for speed.

A massive half inch drive will remove fasteners that can sometimes be near impossible to remove any other way. The replacement for a 1/2 inch drive can end up being a breaker bar with a pipe on it and you jumping up and down on the pipe.

[Jon Udden]

I see..Well i got the 1/2in on sale for $50 from $90 so i guess ill keep it for the moments when i need it. I have a 1/2in breaker bar but sometimes the space does not permit it. Ill pick a 3/8ths for the normall stuff

Is there a difference between a impact wrench and a drive wrench? Both being pnuematic?

Thanks,

[Rick]

I use my impact wrench mostly for taking off the wheels. For most stuff I find that it is unwieldy to use an air powered tool–there are certain places it just doesn’t reach and you have to deal with the hose, etc. So unless I have a large/stuck bolt that is easy to access, I usually just use hand tools. Most of the time you need a little more finesse than muscle.

That said, when you need the impact gun it is a life-saver and would be on my short list to buy if I didn’t have one. Other things I’ve used it for include– removing the flywheel bolt from a couple engines, loosening rusty bolts (though it’s good to start at lower settings and let the “impact” break up the rust) from exhaust flanges, loosening head bolts (after I stripped one of them with a breaker-bar and socket a few days ago), rusty suspension components– ball joints, tie-rod ends, etc.

Honestly, it is really nice to have if only for wheels– you don’t have to worry about loosening the bolts before jacking the car up and it is a lot quicker. After starting them by hand, I also use the gun to run-down wheel nuts when I’m putting the wheels back on– I actually tighten them with a torque wrench as it should be done– but just get them lightly snugged with the impact gun.

I would recommend using hearing protection with the impact gun and, as I said above, take it easy with small or rusted bolts using a lower setting to allow the rust to break up from the impact action.

[Jon Udden]

[quote=”Rick” post=93277]I use my impact wrench mostly for taking off the wheels. For most stuff I find that it is unwieldy to use an air powered tool–there are certain places it just doesn’t reach and you have to deal with the hose, etc. So unless I have a large/stuck bolt that is easy to access, I usually just use hand tools. Most of the time you need a little more finesse than muscle.

That said, when you need the impact gun it is a life-saver and would be on my short list to buy if I didn’t have one. Other things I’ve used it for include– removing the flywheel bolt from a couple engines, loosening rusty bolts (though it’s good to start at lower settings and let the “impact” break up the rust) from exhaust flanges, loosening head bolts (after I stripped one of them with a breaker-bar and socket a few days ago), rusty suspension components– ball joints, tie-rod ends, etc.

Honestly, it is really nice to have if only for wheels– you don’t have to worry about loosening the bolts before jacking the car up and it is a lot quicker. After starting them by hand, I also use the gun to run-down wheel nuts when I’m putting the wheels back on– I actually tighten them with a torque wrench as it should be done– but just get them lightly snugged with the impact gun.

I would recommend using hearing protection with the impact gun and, as I said above, take it easy with small or rusted bolts using a lower setting to allow the rust to break up from the impact action.[/quote]

Good advice, Thanks.
The main things i mess with are suspension so i have a feleling this will do the job in this area. And there is generally enough room for that in there. I wouldnt really use it for engine componets because like you said sometimes they require more finess.

Do you have any idea on whether nor not a craftsman impact wrench has the impact setting capabillity? I havnt even used mine once before. I got it monday and just took it out of the box to look at it. Ill be sure to read the operating insturctions this time lol

[Rick]

Every impact gun I’ve seen has different power settings.

[Author]

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