Power ratchet

[bdirts]

Anyone used the Milwaukee or the Dewalt Atomic? I'm looking at one to help remove/install lug nuts. I have multiple Dewalt tools but I'm not against trying Milwaukee.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-A...513B/318631244


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...7-21/202957709

[brettcp]

I use a Milwaukee M18 mid-torque 1/2" impact and it works great for removing lug nuts (and brake/suspension components).

[nah dude]

Originally Posted by bdirts

Anyone used the Milwaukee or the Dewalt Atomic? I'm looking at one to help remove/install lug nuts. I have multiple Dewalt tools but I'm not against trying Milwaukee.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-A...513B/318631244


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...7-21/202957709

do not use an electric ratchet to remove lug nuts. neither of those have the torque for it. Get an impact wrench for removal, then use a torque wrench to put them back on

[bdirts]

Right. I was going to loosen them with a breaker bar before using the ratchet. And tighten them with the ratchet and finish it off with a torque wrench. With two cars I do this with a power ratchet would speed things up.

[tdott]

Wrong tool.

You need a high torque impact to remove lug nuts.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by bdirts

Right. I was going to loosen them with a breaker bar before using the ratchet. And tighten them with the ratchet and finish it off with a torque wrench. With two cars I do this with a power ratchet would speed things up.

Why the double work? Just get an impact for that start to finish.

[DukeofAlexandria]

I'm (somewhat unfortunately) a Milwaukee fan/fanatic and have about 60+ tools for the M12 and M18 lineup.

You should use a Milwaukee M18 1/2 impact gun for removal; either the 2855-20 gen3 model (stubby) with about 250ftlb of torq or the big boy 2853-20 model with 1000ftlb of torq. I usually use the big boy for most applications but keep the stubby model when I have to pack light. Make sure you get the Fuel model (both numbers I gave are Fuels with brushless motors)

Either one will work fine in a pinch and often use them to tighten slightly and then finish off with a torq wrench. It's key to use 1/2" regardless if you go dewalt or Milwaukee, etc. and they should be in the M18/20V(dewalt) lineup.

Any of the 3/8 ratchets or 1/4 ratchets are super handy when taking off multiple bolts either in the engine bay or underneath and I'd highly recommend any of the M12 versions (either fast drive or slow drive), short or long extensions power ratchets in Milwaukee!

-Duke

[tbuck]

Those are the wrong tools for the job. You need a actual impact. Not sure why you would want to turn a single-step process into a 3-step process. I use an impact to remove, then an impact to install again, just not running it in hard, and finishing the last 1/2 turn or so with a torque wrench.

Ratchets are designed for light work (regardless of the specs they through out) and for work in tight places. You wouldn't use a hammer to drive in a screw, or a screw driver to put in a nail, would you?

[bdirts]

Originally Posted by DukeofAlexandria

I'm (somewhat unfortunately) a Milwaukee fan/fanatic and have about 60+ tools for the M12 and M18 lineup.

You should use a Milwaukee M18 1/2 impact gun for removal; either the 2855-20 gen3 model (stubby) with about 250ftlb of torq or the big boy 2853-20 model with 1000ftlb of torq. I usually use the big boy for most applications but keep the stubby model when I have to pack light. Make sure you get the Fuel model (both numbers I gave are Fuels with brushless motors)

Either one will work fine in a pinch and often use them to tighten slightly and then finish off with a torq wrench. It's key to use 1/2" regardless if you go dewalt or Milwaukee, etc. and they should be in the M18/20V(dewalt) lineup.

Any of the 3/8 ratchets or 1/4 ratchets are super handy when taking off multiple bolts either in the engine bay or underneath and I'd highly recommend any of the M12 versions (either fast drive or slow drive), short or long extensions power ratchets in Milwaukee!

-Duke

Originally Posted by DukeofAlexandria

I'm (somewhat unfortunately) a Milwaukee fan/fanatic and have about 60+ tools for the M12 and M18 lineup.

You should use a Milwaukee M18 1/2 impact gun for removal; either the 2855-20 gen3 model (stubby) with about 250ftlb of torq or the big boy 2853-20 model with 1000ftlb of torq. I usually use the big boy for most applications but keep the stubby model when I have to pack light. Make sure you get the Fuel model (both numbers I gave are Fuels with brushless motors)

Either one will work fine in a pinch and often use them to tighten slightly and then finish off with a torq wrench. It's key to use 1/2" regardless if you go dewalt or Milwaukee, etc. and they should be in the M18/20V(dewalt) lineup.

Any of the 3/8 ratchets or 1/4 ratchets are super handy when taking off multiple bolts either in the engine bay or underneath and I'd highly recommend any of the M12 versions (either fast drive or slow drive), short or long extensions power ratchets in Milwaukee!

-Duke

Thanks Duke

[Asianoak]

As a DeWalt guy I can say that the 1/2 inch is the way to go for lug nuts and suspension. I got the Dewalt DCF894B 20V MAX XR and it's been great.

At first I was disappointed but after fully charging a battery and using a larger 5ah instead of the 2ah I'd initially used I was quite happy. The newer version is out now and apparently has way more torque.

Check out torque test channel on YouTube. They do great videos comparing different tools.

[dpaul]

If your're worried about over-tightening with an impact wrench, a torque-limiting extension bar is a nice way to go. I find it much simpler and faster than a torque wrench in many situations.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...0aAmKrEALw_wcB

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by dpaul

If your're worried about over-tightening with an impact wrench, a torque-limiting extension bar is a nice way to go. I find it much simpler and faster than a torque wrench in many situations.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...0aAmKrEALw_wcB

Don't be lazy! Use the variable speed on the impact to snug and then USE a torque wrench.

[spammysammich]

Definitely don't use torque sticks in lieu of a proper torque wrench. They should get you under your torque value, basically uniformly snugged, then you finish off with a torque wrench.

[bigjae1976]

I use a smaller M18 impact

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...s&locale=en-US

As long as someone didn't blast the lugs on then it will remove them. It is not THAT high powered where you risk seriously over-torquing the lugs unless you are a completely uncoordinated animal.

I use a torque stick. Never had an issue with it although you have to be aware that they wear out. I occasionally check with a torque wrench. If anything a torque stick is a measure to prevent over-torquing and then you can do the final torque with a torque wrench.

If you buy the Milwaukee ratchet, you want the long neck one. That is significantly more useful.

[nah dude]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Don't be lazy! Use the variable speed on the impact to snug and then USE a torque wrench.

Torque sticks are the most controversial tool of all time

[nrubenstein]

The dewalt ratchets suck. They’re between too big and way too big. The best ratchets short of Snap On are the M12 fuel high speed, or the M12 NON-fuel. They have nice small heads.

That said, using them on wheel lugs is dumb. Get a mid-torque impact of some sort.

[nrubenstein]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

If you buy the Milwaukee ratchet, you want the long neck one. That is significantly more useful.

I’d argue that the long neck one has too big a head to be useful most of the time.

[bmwm3s65]

I would like to know how you can use an impact wrench and not run the risk of damaging your rim over time from the socket spinning and touching the sides of where the lug nut goes. because of that I use a breaker bar to loosen and torque wrench to tighten.

[DukeofAlexandria]

Originally Posted by bmwm3s65

I would like to know how you can use an impact wrench and not run the risk of damaging your rim over time from the socket spinning and touching the sides of where the lug nut goes. because of that I use a breaker bar to loosen and torque wrench to tighten.

You get ECS or Scwhaben protector sockets. Outside is wrapped in a hardened plastic that will mar and scratch against metal but protect your rim.

Something like these or any other type work well.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...kaAuD8EALw_wcB

-Duke

[bmwm3s65]

Originally Posted by DukeofAlexandria

You get ECS or Scwhaben protector sockets. Outside is wrapped in a hardened plastic that will mar and scratch against metal but protect your rim.

Something like these or any other type work well.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...kaAuD8EALw_wcB

-Duke

Awesome. Thanks!

[amrazM]

M18 Fuel 1/2" Impact Gun. No substitute

[nrubenstein]

Originally Posted by bmwm3s65

I would like to know how you can use an impact wrench and not run the risk of damaging your rim over time from the socket spinning and touching the sides of where the lug nut goes. because of that I use a breaker bar to loosen and torque wrench to tighten.

Use a good impact gun with a socket that fits tightly and don’t overdo it. Unless you have an exceptionally tight aftermarket wheel, it should be an issue.