The amount of torque you need for automotive work depends on the specific task you’re trying to accomplish. Generally, the torque needed for everyday automotive work such as changing oil, spark plugs, and wheel lug nuts is around 25-30 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
If you’re working on larger automotive projects such as replacing engine heads and connecting rods, the torque might be closer to 80-85 ft-lbs. For general automotive and equipment maintenance, the numbers may vary significantly.
If you’re performing an engine rebuild, you may need torque values up to 200 ft-lbs. If you’re attempting to fasten certain types of bolts, you may need as much as 350 ft-lbs. In these instances, it’s important to consult the shop manual so you don’t overtorque the bolts and cause damage.
Depending on the automotive job, you may also need additional torque adapters and extensions to complete the job properly.
Can I use impact driver for automotive?
Yes, you can use an impact driver for automotive work. An impact driver is not only perfect for driving screws or bolts into materials, but it can also be used for loosening tight nuts and bolts, removing stuck or rusted screws, and for light body repairs.
You can utilize an impact driver to take apart and put together suspension, replace brakes, and to remove screws and bolts from body panels. While an impact driver is not as powerful as an impact wrench, it can still provide a great deal of torque while cutting down on fatigue.
How big of an impact wrench do I need for lug nuts?
When it comes to lug nut sizes, a typical lug nut size used on cars and light trucks is generally 1/2″ – 20 thread size. Therefore, you will need an impact wrench that is compatible with this size, preferably a 1/2″ square drive.
The size of impact wrench you will need will depend on the size of the lug nuts and the amount of torque you are looking to apply. If the lug nuts are of larger size, such as those found on semi-trucks and other heavy vehicles, you will likely need to use a 3/4″ impact wrench.
A heavy-duty impact wrench of this size should be able to handle virtually any size lug nut.
It is also important to note that this will depend on the type of impact wrench you are using. For example, an air-powered impact wrench may offer more power than an electric-powered wrench. It is best to consult with an expert to determine the best impact wrench size for your needs.
How much power impact wrench do I need?
When choosing a power impact wrench, the size and type of screws and bolts that you are using will determine the correct size of impact wrench. You will also need to consider the size of the work surface and the type of material.
If you are using larger screws and bolts and a softer material like wood, then you will need a more powerful impact wrench. Conversely, if you are working with smaller screws, bolts, and harder materials like metal, then a less powerful impact wrench will be sufficient.
Ultimately, the size and power of the impact wrench you need will be determined by the type of fastening job you are doing and the materials and size of the screws and bolts you are using.
What size torque wrench is needed for cars?
The size of the torque wrench needed for cars depends on the size of the nuts and bolts as well as the specific application. Generally, a ½ inch drive torque wrench is considered a good all-purpose size wrench for any type of basic car repair.
A ¼ inch drive torque wrench is also commonly used for smaller nuts and bolts. For more complicated maintenance, such as suspension repairs, you may need to use a 3/8 inch drive torque wrench to accommodate larger fasteners.
For any application, it is important to make sure that you select a torque wrench size that can correctly measure the range of torque desired for the specific application.
What tool do mechanics use to remove lug nuts?
Mechanics typically use a lug wrench or socket wrench to remove lug nuts. A lug wrench is an L-shaped tool with four pieces attached to either end of the “L”. Each arm of the tool has two or three differently sized sockets that fit around the lug nut.
Some lug wrenches even have a fifth arm that has a smaller socket designed to access the center lug nut on some wheels.
A socket wrench is a bit more versatile and can usually be connected to an air gun, ratchet, or breaker bar. Socket wrenches typically come in either a standard 6-point or 12-point shape with the 6-point being the more common of the two.
They also come in various shapes and sizes depending on the size of the lug nut on the wheel. Depending on the situation, mechanics may use an adapter to properly fit their socket wrench to their tool of choice.
How many pounds of torque do I need to remove lug nuts?
The amount of torque needed to remove lug nuts depends on several factors, including the size of the nuts and the type of material they are made of. Generally speaking, a standard lug nut requires 80-90 foot-pounds (ft-lbs.
) of torque to be removed. However, if the lug nuts are made of a soft material, such as aluminum, then the torque setting should be reduced to 70-80 ft-lbs. If the lug nuts are made of a hard material, such as steel, then the torque setting should be increased to 110-120 ft-lbs.
It is also important to ensure that you are using the correct sized socket and ratchet for the lug nuts before attempting to remove them. Additionally, if your vehicle is equipped with anti-theft locking lug nuts, the torque needed to remove them can be significantly higher and may require special tools and adapters to remove them properly.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult the vehicle manufacturer for the appropriate torque setting for all of the lug nuts on your particular vehicle.
Is 170 Nm torque good for impact driver?
Yes, 170 Nm of torque is good for an impact driver. Impact drivers provide high torque output and are designed for heavy-duty projects, so 170 Nm is definitely more than enough to get the job done. Additionally, impact drivers usually have higher RPMs than regular drivers, which helps to increase torque output.
This means that you will likely be able to tackle larger, heavier tasks with a 170 Nm impact driver than with a traditional driver.
What nm is a good impact wrench?
When looking for a good impact wrench, the most important factor is to determine what size wrench you need. For most general uses, a ¼” Drive Impact Wrench is best suited as it works with most standard fastener sizes and its small size and light weight makes it more user-friendly.
For larger, more demanding applications, a ½” Drive Impact Wrench is more beneficial as it has the power and torque to handle more demanding tasks. Additionally, the size of the hammering mechanism is a factor to consider when selecting the size of your impact wrench, as it affects the level of energy delivered and the rate at which it can be accomplished.
Generally, larger impact wrenches deliver more energy and can perform more quickly. Lastly, the size and weight of the wrench should be considered as it affects the ease of use for the operator. A light-weight, compact design can make it easier to use in tight areas, while a heavier and more powerful units are best for applications with more torque and in larger spaces.
Are impact drivers good for mechanics?
Yes, impact drivers are great tools for mechanics. Impact drivers take the hard work out of driving screws in, as they use an impact force to do the job quickly and efficiently. They are ideal for taking apart car engines and other automotive projects, as the intense torque of an impact driver can easily unscrew stubborn bolts and nuts.
An impact driver also makes it easier to drive screws into hard or thick materials, which most electric drills struggle with. Overall, they are an essential tool for any mechanic who needs a reliable, powerful way to make quick work of fastening, drilling and loosening tasks.
Why do mechanics use impact drivers?
Mechanics use impact drivers because they are heavy-duty tools that deliver a high amount of torque and power to loosen and tighten fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. Impact drivers are designed to work quickly, and they generate a substantial amount of force.
An impact driver looks like a drill, but instead of a direct rotation motion, it employs a hammering action to ensure vigorous fastening. This enables mechanics to quickly secure larger and broader types of fasteners.
Impact drivers are also usually fitted with a quick release chuck for speedy bit changes. This is beneficial when working with various types of nuts, bolts, and screws that require different types of bits.
When used correctly, and with the appropriate bit, impact drivers can apply sufficient torque without damaging the fastener.
When should you not use an impact driver?
An impact driver should not be used for drilling, since it will often cause damage to the drill bit, as well as the material being drilled. An impact driver should also not be used to drive delicate fasteners, as it may be too powerful and over-torque the fastener, leading to damage or breakage.
Additionally, an impact driver shouldn’t be used in tight or confined spaces, as its vibrations can be stronger than traditional cordless drills, which could lead to difficulty in maintaining control or accuracy.
Finally, an impact driver shouldn’t be used with bits and accessories that require torsional motion, such as screw extractors and other specialized bits, as the torque produced by the impact driver can prevent these bits and accessories from doing their job properly.
Does impact wrench damage lug nuts?
Impact wrenches are incredibly powerful tools that can quickly make short work of tightening lug nuts. In general, impact wrenches should not damage lug nuts unless they are misused. If lug nuts are too tight, an impact wrench can cause damage by spinning them too fast.
It is important to check the lug nuts to make sure they are not already overly tight before using an impact wrench. Additionally, an impact wrench should not be used to loosen severely over-tightened lug nuts.
Doing so may cause the nut to spin off the threads, resulting in damage to the lug nut. If lug nuts are properly tightened or loosened using an impact wrench there will be no damage. It is important to also take caution not to over-tighten the lug nut with an impact wrench, as this can lead to warping or deformation.
How do you get a lug nut off without a wrench?
If you do not have a wrench and need to remove a lug nut, there are a few options that you can try to loosen it. First, you can use a pair of pliers. Make sure to put the jaws of the pliers around the head of the nut and secure it firmly.
Then turn in a counter-clockwise direction, applying as much pressure as you can without damaging the nut. If that doesn’t work, you can try hitting the nut with a hammer to loosen it. Make sure you are aiming the flat face of the hammer onto the head of the nut and place a piece of soft leather, a towel, or something else that can act as a cushion between the hammer and the nut to prevent it from being dented.
Another option is to use a screwdriver as a lever to try to turn the nut. To do this, wedge the screwdriver into the head of the nut, with the handle away from it, and lift the handle up. The screwdriver should act as a lever to help you apply more force to the nut to help turn it.
Lastly, if none of these options work, you can try using a pair of vice grips, securing the jaws tightly around the head of the nut and turning as hard as you can without damaging the nut.
Can you remove lug nuts with a cordless drill?
Yes, you can remove lug nuts with a cordless drill. To do so, you must use a socket adapter. With a socket adapter, you can place a socket on the end of the drill bit. Then, fit the socket onto the lug nuts.
Set the drill to low speed, and press the trigger. This will slowly loosen the lug nuts, allowing you to easily remove them by hand. When removing lug nuts with a cordless drill, be careful not to strip the lug nuts since they can be easily damaged.
Also, it is best to wear protective glasses and gloves.
What is a lug nuts tool called?
A lug nuts tool is also referred to as a socket or a lug wrench. A lug wrench is usually used to remove and tighten lug nuts, which hold the wheel onto the vehicle’s hub. This tool is typically four-sided and shaped like a teardrop, with each side having a different size to accommodate the variety of lug nuts found on different vehicles.
The most common type of lug wrench is a socket wrench, which consists of a handle attached to a metal socket. The handle provides torque and the socket fits over the lug nut. Other types of lug wrenches include cross-shaped wrenches, also known as four-way wrenches, and ratchet-style wrenches.
Socket wrench sets usually come with various size sockets, and they are the most versatile type of lug nut tool available.
What is difference between impact driver and impact wrench?
An impact driver and an impact wrench are two separate tools used for driving and loosening fasteners such as screws and bolts. The major difference between them lies in the manner in which they produce the rotational force needed to drive or remove fasteners.
An impact driver uses brief and repetitive rotational force, which makes it suitable for small to medium fasteners like drywall screws and deck screws. An impact wrench on the other hand, uses high-torque rotational force that is capable of loosening or tightening large fasteners like lug nuts or pipe fittings.
An impact driver generally has a smaller head than an impact wrench, and it is primarily designed to help drive screws as it is powered by a hammer and anvil system, which moves forward and backward to deliver the rotational force.
On the other hand, an impact wrench is typically considered a heavier-duty tool and is powered by an electric or pneumatic motor. It uses a built-in hammer and anvil system to deliver tremendous torque which can loosen or tighten fasteners with relative ease.
The size and shape of the bit and tip openings vary accordingly between an impact driver and an impact wrench. Impact drivers often feature a standard hex bit, while an impact wrench requires a large and shallow socket tip.
Also, impact wrenches are more expensive than impact drivers compared to their size and power.
To summarize, the difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench is primarily in the method of force delivery and the size/shape of the bit and sockets that can be used. An impact driver is typically used for small to medium fasteners, while an impact wrench is used for larger and more stubborn fasteners.