Impact Guns

DaveDreads · Apr 26, 2017

Working on the driveway fills me with dread as I usually end up swearing at parts that won't unbolt, bleeding from my hands and generally feeling less than useless and not a real man when I inevitably give up and sulk, so rather than struggling away with hand tools or making @HMS Derv Destroyer work for free on his days off, I think an impact gun will make everything easier.

So then, what have you got, what are the specs, where did you get it and how much was it?

Jaff. · Apr 26, 2017

What's your budget?

As in the other thread there are guns ranging from £50 to £550 and as usual quality comes into it.

Jaff. · Apr 26, 2017

Also how heavy are you going?

My battery Clarke has never failed me on general day to day stuff and that cost like £80.
My mates de Walt cost £350 but will slug off anything in sight, but for my needs is overkill

DaveDreads · Apr 26, 2017

I'm not a skin flint, but obviously i'd like to spend as little as possible for a good all round gun, it need to be able to do up wheels bolts so they don't come lose on track days, (using a torque wrench at CSF last year had them coming lose after 5 laps) and it needs to be able to get suborn dirt covered nuts and bolts undone, I won't be doing big jobs on the driveway, but stuff like changing shocks and general maintenance definitely, i'm thinking £300 max but the cheaper the better tbh as i'm trying to save for a new car, although if I have to spend money I will as I don't want something sh*t.

Ryan (@HMS Derv Destroyer) has a really nice Millwaukee but I know that cost him a few quid, plus he needs it being a professional mechanic.

Louis · Apr 26, 2017

Can't help on the impact gun front, but if you need sockets these are really good quality for the price.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0035FHSO8/?tag=cliospnet01-21

Knuckles · Apr 26, 2017

While we're on the subject, what is the difference between the impact gun Dave is after with the 1/2" drive built in, and something like this

Does the above have hex adapters or something? I take it they're not as powerful/don't transfer the same torque as a proper 1/2" driver?

Jaff. · Apr 26, 2017

Iirc Milwaukee, de Walt and Ryobi are the same company just differing models (bit like Renault and Dacia, Renault get all the good stuff and Dacia get last years stuff on the car) so maybe a new ryobi will be as good as Ryan's x year old Milwaukee.

Honestly though for general car bits and bobs and apart from being heavy for what it can do my Clarke 20v battery gun does everything

Jaff. · Apr 26, 2017

Knuckles said:
While we're on the subject, what is the difference between the impact gun Dave is after with the 1/2" drive built in, and something like this

View attachment 185225

Does the above have hex adapters or something? I take it they're not as powerful/don't transfer the same torque as a proper 1/2" driver?

No where near the same starting torque I'd imagine

Daz... · Apr 26, 2017

I thought Impact drivers were for screws.

Knuckles · Apr 26, 2017

Jaff. said:
No where near the same starting torque I'd imagine

I imagine if they do take hex adaptors the torque would shear straight through them in no time

Jaff. · Apr 26, 2017

Knuckles said:
I imagine if they do take hex adaptors the torque would shear straight through them in no time

You can get hex adapters but the weakest point on them is the collar for locating it into the chuck. They are what...? 4-5mm in diameter?

Even 120nm wheel bolts would give that a good run for its money. The gun no doubt is capable but the head is just completely not fit for purpose

Mr R. · Apr 26, 2017

DaveDreads said:
I'm not a skin flint, but obviously i'd like to spend as little as possible for a good all round gun, it need to be able to do up wheels bolts so they don't come lose on track days, (using a torque wrench at CSF last year had them coming lose after 5 laps) and it needs to be able to get suborn dirt covered nuts and bolts undone, I won't be doing big jobs on the driveway, but stuff like changing shocks and general maintenance definitely, i'm thinking £300 max but the cheaper the better tbh as i'm trying to save for a new car, although if I have to spend money I will as I don't want something sh*t.

Ryan (@HMS Derv Destroyer) has a really nice Millwaukee but I know that cost him a few quid, plus he needs it being a professional mechanic.

This should be perfect for your needs mate.

Knuckles · Apr 26, 2017

Jaff. said:
You can get hex adapters but the weakest point on them is the collar for locating it into the chuck. They are what...? 4-5mm in diameter?

Even 120nm wheel bolts would give that a good run for its money. The gun no doubt is capable but the head is just completely not fit for purpose

Yeah that's what I thought, but like I say I have no idea about them so thought I'd ask.

Although, off to watch Scott's vid on one

DaveDreads · Apr 26, 2017

Phase1sr said:
This should be perfect for your needs mate.

Nice one mate, that looks ideal and it's not too pricey either.

guysy · Apr 26, 2017

If you've got any up to date makita drills or dewalt etc with the battery's you can buy the bodies for a fair price.

Im getting a makita drill / impact kit for work soon, I might buy the body for car work, 190nm, should be ok for general bolts, there are some bigger bodies with much higher tightening / loosening torque but higher priced.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EJBJY66/?tag=cliospnet01-21

JamesBryan · Apr 26, 2017

An impact driver is nothing like an impact gun @Knuckles.

They take hex screwdriver bits for screwing things in hard wood without pilot holes.

If you want one to last and with a decent warranty. Milwaukee, DeWalt are the ones to look at. They're near identical across the 2 brands. Can't go wrong with either, plus if you have any other tools in their range you can chop and change batteries.

Snap-on and Ingersol Rand are others too, but you're just paying for the name with them. They offer no more torque performance than the top level Milwaukee and DeWalts.

Niall · Apr 26, 2017

I can vouch for the Milwaukee one that James had, we've mended my car many times with that gun. Quality bit of kit!

James Hawkins · Apr 26, 2017

I bought one of these myself (https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/kielder-kwt-002-1-2-drive-18v-brushless/)

Paid £90 second hand, came with 2 batteries and they have a few other things such and drills and an angle grinder you can use the batteries in. Whips wheel nuts off with no problems that are 110nm. Pretty sure it would struggle with the 430nm that is quoted but should do 200nm. Few people have said they need 'bedding in' before they reach max torque maybe that has something to do with it. Its also nice and light!

Louis · Apr 26, 2017

Niall said:
I can vouch for the Milwaukee one that James had, we've mended my car many times with that gun. Quality bit of kit!

Too many ugga duggas on that slider nut though

Niall · Apr 26, 2017

Louis' said:
Too many ugga duggas on that slider nut though :wink:

At least it sheared off quickly:tearsofjoy:

Ads29 · Apr 26, 2017

Snap on ct8850, rediculoulsy expensive but bloody good bit of kit. But then I was in the trade, so kind of justifiable

Dr HMS Derv Destroyer · Apr 26, 2017

Milwaukee gun srt me back 500 notes but that was for The dogs Bolocks version ( 18v fuel with 3 batteries )

Jack at work has the dewalt 3/8 gun and he's managed to take wheel bolts off with it before.

And don't be tempted by the snap on guns as I've lost count how many times my bosses has been back to be fixed and he's only had it 6 months. Pile of s**t. CNt even do half the stuff my Milwaukee does.

There's the Mac tools kit ( 3/8s and 1/2 inch ) Basicly dewalt.

And lastly can't remember which version it is but machine mart do a bloody good cheap one

STEVE.M · Apr 26, 2017

DaveDreads said:
Nice one mate, that looks ideal and it's not too pricey either.

I`d suggest this if you are working at home with a mains supply.
Gives you much more flexibility as a multitude of inexpensive attachments are available to allow you to do anything from undoing front shaft nuts to a full paint job.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-Litre...251443?hash=item2a3c79f2f3:g:QdYAAOSw8-tWYCY4

Dr HMS Derv Destroyer · Apr 26, 2017

@Knuckles that one you've posted at the start is a drill driver. You can get the adapters for 1/4,3/8,1/2 sockets. I had one for light work , ie stripping engines or gearboxes. But it's not got enough guts to do what a proper anvil type gun has

Dr HMS Derv Destroyer · Apr 26, 2017

STEVE.M said:
I`d suggest this if you are working at home with a mains supply.
Gives you much more flexibility as a multitude of inexpensive attachments are available to allow you to do anything from undoing front shaft nuts to a full paint job.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-Litre...251443?hash=item2a3c79f2f3:g:QdYAAOSw8-tWYCY4

That would be ideal for him with his future plans of projects but he needs more felixabilty if he's out on track days. Can't be lugging that around in a car

DaveDreads · Apr 26, 2017

Yeah track days are about to become the dog kennels reason for being, so portability is a must.

Air tools will become a thing in the future once I get my car port built down the side of the house, but that's a way off yet.

Ben NBR Cup · Apr 26, 2017

I have a Snap on gun and I love mine there's not much that thing won't undo and I use it all the time doing bits and bobs

mitch1503 · May 1, 2017

I got this Dewalt and its done everything iv asked of it

Chambers_RS · May 3, 2017

Milwaukee is the best one I've come across.

I did a wheel bolt up with a Milwaukee gun and my big snap on gun couldn't undo it.
I'll be swapping my snap on gun for a Milwaukee one soon. I did buy Milwaukee battery ratchet, battery screwdriver and a small 3/8s gun which all are so handy.

R3k1355 · May 4, 2017

DaveDreads said:
Yeah track days are about to become the dog kennels reason for being, so portability is a must.

Air tools will become a thing in the future once I get my car port built down the side of the house, but that's a way off yet.

What do you need an impact gun on a trackday for?
Just take a socket set and a knuckle bar.

Then just get all air tools for home.

DaveDreads · May 4, 2017

Because it's easier and quicker, plus the last time I used a torque wrench at the track the wheel nuts kept coming loose even though they were tighter than normal, never had that problem with a gun.

JamesBryan · May 4, 2017

DaveDreads said:
Because it's easier and quicker.

Also because boys toys.

rainbird · May 4, 2017

Torque is torque, so the way you tighten your nuts (ooh hello...) is irrelevant on that front. That said, a good impact wrench is a real asset for quick/easy work.

I've just picked up a new Ryobi R18IW3 and have been nothing but impressed so far. Picked it up for an engine swap to save some time and bloody knuckles, though so far have only used it for odds and sods (including wheels, though always followed with a torque wrench to confirm!). Have seen a few reviews of the Ryobi that don't rate it with the stock 1.5Ah battery, commonly mentioned improvement is to pick up a 4/5Ah battery apparently but from my experience so far it's been fine, and given it's half the price of many other highly rated guns it ticked the boxes for my amateur use just fine.

DaveDreads · May 4, 2017

I thought torque is torque, but even my daily wheels came loose with the torque wrench, gunned them on and they haven't moved, it's possible I have a dodgy torque wrench but I could count on one hand the amount of times i've used it so it's essentially brand new, but as you say guns are far quicker and easier.

A mate recommended the Ryobi you have as the batteries can be used on all their other tools, so grinders and whatnot work out alot cheaper in the long run as you don't have to buy batteries and chargers for them all.

JamesBryan · May 4, 2017

Depending on the torque rating of the gun, you shouldn't really be ramming the bolts on with it.

105-110Nm is enough to hold them on. If they're coming loose then either the wheels or hub threads are knackered.

DaveDreads · May 4, 2017

It happened alot on track last year, I did think maybe the powder coating was expanding when hot and unwinding them but as far as I can tell they're standard Oz F1's that still have the factory finish, but for the same thing to happen on standard 172 wheel after was odd as it had never happened before, i'm using studs this year so hopefully I won't see a repeat.

JamesBryan · May 4, 2017

Check the tapers where the bolts seat against to see if it's painted/coated.

MonkeyKnifeFight · May 4, 2017

I use one of these for scaffolding

http://www.mytoolshed.co.uk/p109634...346&gpla=pla&gclid=CIfxpsmU19MCFSIo0wodftMBUw

You'll need a charger and battery so add £60-100 depending on what battery you go for.

This impact driver offers 280nms of torque which will handle a lot of bolts but will not preform miracles. 15 stone leaning on a braker bar will generate probably twice that figure. With this in mind I usually crack off with a breaker bar then whip it off with the impact!

What ever you buy I'd strongly suggest you make sure it's 1/2 inch drive other wise it'll only be good for removing interior trim.

MonkeyKnifeFight · May 4, 2017

Also which ever you choose hunt around for each part individually it's so much cheaper than buying the sets they sell.

Chambers_RS · May 5, 2017

Impact guns have me torque in reverse as there mainly for undoing things.

I nip up wheel bolts with a gun then use a proper torque wrench to set the torque

Impact Guns

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I Park Like a C**t

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I Park Like a C**t

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