Electric Impact Torque – How Much Do I Need?

[Nolan Gunn]

I’m considering purchasing a more heavy duty (relatively) impact wrench to add to my tools.

I currently own a Ridgid X4 Impact that only gets around 80 ft. lbs. of torque. It works well after loosening smaller things with a breaker bar, but i want something with more torque.

I worked at a school shop where they had the Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact rated at 1,100 ft- lbs. breakaway torque. That thing was awesome!

As someone who’s a DIY’er (i do almost everything on my vehicle), Im looking for an electric impact that will have enough torque for what i need.

There’s a Ridgid x4 impact wrench that’s rated at 325 ft-lbs. My question is would this work for rusty suspension bolts, axle nuts, etc. or would i have to spend a few hundred more and get the Milwaukee or Dewalt. I already have the ridgid batteries and charger so i would save a lot by going with the ridgid. But would 325lb-feet be enough?

Here are the links,

$139 Ridgid – http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-X4-18-Volt-1-2-in-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-R86010B/203930523

$430 Milwaukee – http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-Fuel-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-2-in-High-Torque-Impact-Wrench-with-Friction-Ring-Kit-2763-22/204410433

$450 Dewalt – http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-XR-Lithium-Ion-1-2-in-Cordless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-with-Hog-Ring-Anvil-DCF899HP2/206159769?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-206159739-_-206159769-_-N

Topic

[Justin]

Grab the milwaukee. Plus it has a 5yr warranty to boot

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[Josh]

I second his recommendation-except I’d suggest to grab it from eBay. I got a corded Milwaukee for about $60 with shipping from eBay only lightly used.

[Author]

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