1/2 or 3/8 Impact Wrench

[6-Speed]

I am considering getting an air impact wrench, an Ingersoll Rand TiMax. Was wondering whether a smaller 3/8" wrench or a 1/2" has more utility. For those who have both, which one do you usually reach for when working on your cars?

[Birdman]

Tough to say I use both equal amount. I have a snap-on 3/8th" air ratchet for most small bolts like under the hood stuff but use the 1/2" drive for all the larger frame bolts etc. Many time I only use the 1/2" for dissambly (removing things) then I use the torque wrenches for final assembly.

[Tommy Gun]

I think I use both just as much, just depends on the job.

[Carnut]

If I could only have one, it would the 1/2 for those bigger fasteners that are tougher to remove. Usually wheels.

I have the 3/8 which I use occassionally for jobs where I have to remove and or install a number of fasteners like on an oil pan.

What I find that I use most is the electric battery powered impact. Great for removing aind installing lots of smaller stuff and no air line to have to fiddle with.

Frankly I used my hand tools 95 percent of time, because it seems most stuff on a car is too hard to get to with and impact. Even air ratchets can be tough in lot of spots.

Good luck on your choice.

[Tommy Gun]

You fiddle? I never heard you talk about that in your stories. :popcorn:


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[Carnut]

You fiddle? I never heard you talk about that in your stories. :popcorn:


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I play the banjo to, I'm multi-talented.

[Tommy Gun]

Dan, photoshop? :waiting:


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[68fastback]

...what? ...you missed that squirrel video? :grin:
...can't remember where it is now


(tech thread here :innocent:)

[6-Speed]

Thanks for the replies. I'll stick with the 1/2" impact since I'm going to be doing some suspension work on the Odyssey soon. I have an electric 1/2" impact that works great on lug nuts but I don't think it will work on larger suspension bolts.

[Alloy Dave]

If I could only have one, it would the 1/2 for those bigger fasteners that are tougher to remove. Usually wheels.

I have the 3/8 which I use occassionally for jobs where I have to remove and or install a number of fasteners like on an oil pan.

What I find that I use most is the electric battery powered impact. Great for removing aind installing lots of smaller stuff and no air line to have to fiddle with.

Frankly I used my hand tools 95 percent of time, because it seems most stuff on a car is too hard to get to with and impact. Even air ratchets can be tough in lot of spots.

Good luck on your choice.+1. I was an auto mechanic for 8 years and rarely used a 3/8" impact gun...rather I used a 3/8" air ratchet. I agree with Mr. Nut, buy the 1/2".

[Iceman]

I have both as well and it could be any number of factors but my 1/2" is far better as for power. I never use the smaller one anymore as I tend to use a hand tool where i would. The 1/2" is great for the lug nuts too and makes taking wheels to the track a lot quicker proposition. Go 1/2 IMO

[6-Speed]

I went with the 1/2". Also acquired an air hammer recently.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh154/Six_Speed/Air_Hammer.jpg

[68fastback]

Nice!! IR makes good stuff!

[Alloy Dave]

I went with the 1/2". Also acquired an air hammer recently.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh154/Six_Speed/Air_Hammer.jpgI have a gazillion attachments for my air hammer...nice. One of my favorites is the ball joint spreader...really made those jobs (springs, struts, steering knuckles, and much more) easy on the '70s cars....getting the steering knuckle loose from the upper and lower ball joints.

[Orf]

One of my favorites is the ball joint spreader...

I'm not one to judge, but leave your personal life out of this...

[Alloy Dave]

I'm not one to judge, but leave your personal life out of this...:ban: technical thread...oh Keeeeeiiiith


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