Air impact

Rust/corrosion on the studs play a big part in breakout torque. I've got a 1/2" air impact that'll take off most wheels. Its rated at 1,200 ft-lbs. My 3/4" will put out around 1,800 ft-lbs. Haven't had a wheel it wouldn't take off.

Advantage of the bigger drive sizes is they hit harder. The smaller guns hit faster but that's no replacement for the heavy initial hit to get it moving.

 

Putting them back on just snug it up with the impact then use the torque wrench. The bigger guns will stretch the threads

 

Milwaukee battery gun

 

I keep one of this in my truck, no need for air impact.

 

Used my 1/2 inch Milwaukee last time I fixed a tire. Loosened no problem.

 

If they're only tightened to 500 then you could easily get away with a heavy duty 1/2" impact but 90 percent of the time they are put on way too tight. Also, if they've been on there a while the rust makes them incredibly difficult to remove. You'll have to add heat or a good 1" impact...sometimes both!

 

Forget air. 33 mm socket and pulls em off faster than the air wrenches the tire crews carry.

1250 backing, 780 forward

Tested this weekend on my sitting truck, took about 2 seconds hitting before pulling hardest one off

Cost 300 tool only, have a ton of batteries already


My 1/2 inch is rated to 750 backing but wont pull off a truck lug.

 

No need for air impact. 3/4 M18 Milwaukee will do what you need.

 

That thing is sweet! No issues with the short anvil getting past the hub on drive wheels?