SC4life

I want to get an impact wrench to change out the seasonal wheels/tires, however there were some mentions of the impact wrench scraping area around the lugs.
Anyone else using an impact wrench without any problems?

DmanG281

iTrader: (3)

I just use a regular socket instead of an impact socket. It does mar a little ifyou aren't careful.

Chris@DTD

iTrader: (1)

What kind of wheels are they?

Alot of times, you will need a "Thin-wall" socket to avoid marring the wheel. Another alternative would be to go to a "Spline-drive" style lug.

How many times a year are you changing tires?

Chris

mpowers

iTrader: (7)

There are impact sockets that have a plastic sheathing overthem to protect the wheel as well.

SC4life

Thanks for the info guys.
I'll be swapping out the factory 18" (05 Touring) with 17" winter cheapos.
I just plan on changing out the wheels for the winter and spring/summer seasons, so twice a year. But who knows what will happen in between.
Trying to decide between a good torque wrench or an impact wrench, both cost about the same.

lowrider

iTrader: (3)

Maybe it's me. But Nobody, I repeat, Nobody touches any wheel lugs on my car with an impact wrench. A socket, breaker bar, ratchet, and torque wrench are all that touches my wheel lug nuts.

No power of any kind except the are human arm muscle.

Lou

njsho

iTrader: (2)

A good torque wrench is a better investment. I know on my other car if you over torque the wheels, you will warp rotors easily. Plus its usually good to have a torque wrench around when you are putting things back together on any car. A breaker bar will usually do the job of an impact.

CreativeAutoworks

iTrader: (1)

I would suggest a good torque wrench, I always give precision tools a nod over power tools, however an impact wrench is very useful when wrenching.

Use a thin wall socket like chris said, and go get some tuner nuts, which are reverse lug nuts, this way you use a key to remove them, and no worries of damaging your wheels.