J_D
New Reader
4/15/24 10:07 a.m.
Hey everyone
New to the power tool game. Been using a ratcheting breaker bar with for last 10 years of wrenching. Recently purchased a Milwaukee M12 Right Angle Impact.
Questions for the shop gurus
- Can I use it to remove all nuts/bolts/fasteners (NOT Spark plugs ofcourse)
- It has an auto tighten mode that stops at 15 ft-lbs. Safe to thread by hand then use this?
- Avoid on rust I assume otherwise it will snap bolts?
Thanks!
wae
UltimaDork
4/15/24 11:21 a.m.
I have snapped more rusty bolts with a breaker bar than with my impact. I have theorized that the hammering will help prevent the bolt from breaking by knocking things loose while just applying eleventy-billion foot pounds of torque with a breaker bar just lets the rust knuckle down and then the force breaks the steel. If the impact won't budge it, I go for the torch if I can.
J_D
New Reader
4/15/24 11:38 a.m.
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback fellas. Picking up my torque wrench from the calibration shop today and I'll be off to the races!
I use my Milwaukee 3/8 stubby impact on everything. Especially the rusty stuff.
In reply to Toyman! :
I use my dewalt 1/2" impact and impact driver for as much as I can. I've been contemplating getting hte 3/8" ratchet. I loved using my air ratchet, just hated the hose in the damn way literally all the time.
Mndsm
MegaDork
4/16/24 8:29 a.m.
I wouldn't suggest using it to remove your pants, but i aintcher mammy.
I had a big DeWalt electric impact wrench which was great but heavy.
I recently picked up a pneumatic impact wrench for cheap at a garage sale. Now its my go-to bolt weapon.
Side note: My brother is a technician at a dealership. He says lots of the mechanics use impact ratchet wrenches on spark plugs.
J_D
New Reader
4/16/24 2:48 p.m.
Ok I use mine for loosening everything and tightening almost everything. Sorry/not sorry.
I actually prefer to use my 3/8" impact to remove old spark plugs from aluminum heads. I just give it quick, short trigger pulls. I think that you're far less likely to pull out the threads along with the plug with the hammering of the impact than with a breaker bar, especially if the plugs have been in there for more than 50k miles.