I'm looking into getting something cordless (instead of my current star-wrench) to bring to the track to change wheels. Greg recently posted something about a impact gun, but I was thinking more along the lines of a Craftsman or Dewalt 14V drill. Extended studs are a pain. What is everyone using? Where to get, and what's the price?

There's currently a 3/8" Craftsman 19V drill on sale at Sears for $79. Two batteries, case and charger.

 

John,

That is a pretty good deal. If you are just going to be using it for changing wheels I think it would be a good deal. I know pawn shops sell cordless drills pretty cheap also.

 

My advise would be to make sure it has a clutch.

Nash

 

I'd recommend for you to stay away from DeWalt...I've had a TON of experience with cordless drills, and I'd recommend Milwaukee or Bosch. The Bosch 15.6V drills are especially awesome.

 

John,
I use a 12 volt DeWalt drill. I had it from my days as an installer at Circuit $hitty. Tough drill, dropped it several times from the bench and all abuse in general it still works fine. The battery is still good also after 6 years. Not much torque in the drill but it is very handy in spinning the lug nuts. It does great duty for all of the home jobs also.

Greg

 

John,
Just get a cordless impact. Otherwise, you need to break it loose & then use the drill. Milwaukee 18V has the most torque. I have had my for about 6 months. Works great.

 

Yeah, for wheels, nothing beats a good 18V cordless impact. No need for breaker bars.

 

Drill won't have the torque to break it free, so you'll have to do that by hand. If you're doing that much by hand, why not just spin the lug off too. Spend $300 at Harbor Freight and just get the Milwaukee 18v Impace Wrench. It's bitchin'.

[edit: Spelling is Hard]




[Modified by Shmeek, 6:06 PM 3/13/2003]

 

I have that 19V Craftsman, it does just fine for changing wheels. Have to break the lugs loose first, but it's still a lot less work with the drill.

 

I agree, I would stay away from DeWalt. My family has had a few and the batteries do not seem to last. They are fine when konw providing a good charge, but after a while, you can barley change one wheel.

I currently use a Makita and its awesome!!!

 

Been using the Cordless (14.4v) Snap-On Impact for a little over a year now, no complaints and it removes the axle nuts with the car in the air.

 

The Milwaukee 18V cordless impact gun is the way to go.

The only one better is Snap-On because it's lighter. But it costs $350 for just the gun, then you have to buy a battery ($60), then a charger ($120).

You can get the Milwaukee gun, two batteries, carrying case, and a set of impact sockets from Harbor Frieght for just $279.99.

I have had it for about 6 months and it's great for taking off and tightening lugnuts.

I have timed myself at changing all four tires on my car. I have done it in 4 minutes flat using this gun and my race jack from Harbor Freight. Great combination.

 

Damn, we are a diseased bunch....

 

Must... Refrain... from... giving... Sales pitch......

Dan

 

Thanks a lot everyone. I just don't have the money in my budget for a impact, but they doo look appealing.

What sales pitch?

 

my snap on ct30 served me faithfully last year for taking off lugnuts. it only has a max 50 ft-lbs, so you have to break the lugs first, then of course tighten them with a torque wrnech after, but thats better that its lower than 80 since i wouldnt want to torque it more than that with my cordless. anyway, you can get them in good condition used on ebayfor about $100 with the charger and battery.

 

Well...Lt. Dan drives a Snap-On truck.

Any impact guns on promo, Dan?

aj

 

snap on all the way, my dad picked one up and its great breaks lugs lose like nothing at all we have the 14.4 volt, also we have a dwalt cordless 12v drill and i have to say its been good over the years never realy diapointed but the best drill i own is a right angle snap on corded drill sooooo usefull