I need an impact wrench, but don't have the space/money to get an pneumatic setup.

Never used an electric one before, do they work ok?

What is the minimum torque rating I should go?

 

My father has one. When he got it, I didn't have very high expectations, I thought it wouldn't be very useful, and wouldn't compare to an air impact wrench. I quickly found out that it is amazing. I borrow it all the time. It's so handy to have around. I'm not sure what the torque rating is, it's just an inexpensive 1/2" drive one from Northern Tool.

 

I've got one, rated at 228 ft lbs according to the ad for it. So far it has worked on everything I've tried to undo with it.

 

Worth every penny....Buy the highest torque rating you can find

 

We have a makita in our shop and like Blacksr5 said, worth every penny.

 

definately a topic I was interested in too. so could 228ft pounds of torque compress coils granted it was use with the proper set-up?? cus' you could do it with a ratchet set-up. Any brands in peticular or just amount of torque?thanks, james.

 

Okay that sounds good.

Also, what about speed with the electrics? Are they as fast (RPMs) as air?

 

I carry a Sears 110v model in my toolbox for lugnuts. It's plenty strong for U-bolts or lugnuts and even the occasional tow hook bolt, but an air powered unit will spin it backward and will run circles around it for speed.

 

The best to buy is the lithium ION 18V impact guns, Hitachi sold by lowes or dewalt, if you really got the cash milwaukee is as good as snap ons.

However more worth it is a good 300 dollar or so compressor than can run all kinds of tools.

On the trail a cordless impact gun would be really handy though!

 

I've used my neighbour's corded Electric Impact a few times and I can't complain. It works but I don't think it could do that really hard and stubborn bolts.

 

^ Gotta find a good one, the hitachi one I was talking about can deliver 1300ft-lbs of torque..

 

My buddy has one and it is amazing.... i am saving for one myself

 

Speed-wise...why wouldn't they be as fast?

 

Electric motors are only so efficient. So, to get the torque up within a given amperage and cost, manufacturers trade off some speed.

If you must have more speed, it will cost you more money, more torque or more amperage...

 

You haven't priced these yet have you.

 

Hitachi one I was talking about is only about $250.. A good air setup (just the tank and motor) is about $300. You need 5CFM at least at 40psi...

 

Go price a REAL one like a Milwaukee or a DeWalt.

 

I've been using mine for the past 2 years and it works well for what I need. If I need more than 220 ft lbs of torque, it's breaker bar time.

Troy

 

$300 CND will get you a 20gal compressor with gun and assy kit.

 

I have a dewalt electric impact rated at 300 ft lbs., best purchase of all of my tools. It definitely has the torque to get nuts off. I thought they wouldn't be as comparable as an air impact gun, but it has proven me wrong everytime I use it. I would recommend one!

You can find'em on ebay at a pretty decent price.