Impact wrenches are perhaps one of the most productive tools to keep in your arsenal. These tools help in projects and make the work, including construction, scaffolding, trucks, cars, mowers, and almost everything that comes to mind, easier. Nonetheless, it is important to ensure that you are using the right impact wrench suitable for your job. This is because impact wrenches are available in a variety of sizes.
Usually, every after 6 years you need to change your car tires. If you want to DIY safely, you need to have the right tools and a right size impact wrench is the first tool you must have. So, what size impact wrench to change tires? Although a 1/2-inch impact wrench is great for such a job, there are other sizes too. Therefore, if you are now wondering what size you must choose to change tires, here is your ultimate guide.
What is an Impact Wrench?
Impact wrenches are often called rattle guns that are widely available in the chest of tools. This pneumatic-powered equipment is quite identical to the ones employed on pit roads for auto racing. It has a loud buzzing sound and is mainly used as a professional garage tool.
These tools are most commonly used for unfastening lug nuts from trucks and cars. Plus, they are also helpful to use in high-torque situations.
However, do not get impact wrenches confused with an impact driver. An impact driver comes with a ¼” hex opening, while a regular automotive impact wrench is ideal for accommodating ½” sockets in diverse sizes.
Impact wrenches receive their great torque from the hammering means in the tool. This delivers powerful, conclusive blows (impact force) at a rapid pace. When unfastening a lug nut, the socket attached to the tool moves at a slower pace but quicker when it is loose. Note that you must be careful while fastening the lug nuts using the impact wrench as it can over torque them and stretch or strip threads.
For changing tires, a standard lug wrench is a good product. However, when you are looking for a professional tool that can conveniently loosen and fasten tires in no time, an impact wrench is the ideal garage tool.
What size impact wrench to change tires: Various Sizes of An Impact Wrench and their Use
Impact wrenches are available in different sizes, which, along with the sockets, have a huge impact on the tasks. Their sizes are the distance between the flat edges of the driving anvil.
The common sizes of an impact wrench are full 1-inch, 1/2-inch, 1/4-inch, 3/4-inch, and 3/8-inch. Now let us see what each of these impact wrench sizes is commonly used for and easier to tackle jobs.
· 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch
1/4-inch and 3/8-inch are probably the smallest impact wrenches available in the hardware market. These two small wrenches are typically available in a compact size that makes them extremely easy to use in even tighter spaces. In addition, they are also ideal for use in projects where precision and accuracy are needed.
Both of these impact wrenches are best suitable for 10mm diameter bolts or even below. But, they have different styles, including inline and pistol grip styles.
· 1/2-inch
1/2-inch is one of the most common sizes of this type of tool.
This is because of its middle position in the size chart, which helps to provide a good balance between power and accuracy.
Moreover, it is perfect to use this size of an impact wrench to remove bolts and nuts safely. With this tool, there is no need to worry about extreme torque application and causing damage. Not only that, this size comes with enough power to perform a wide variety of tasks, including those that are impossible to do with a compact and less powerful size of an impact wrench.
· 3/4-inch and 1-inch
Last but not least, here are the two biggest and least common sizes of impact wrenches, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch, available on the size chart. This is mainly because of the extreme power that makes them unproductive for common home projects. Nevertheless, they are more in use in construction sites and other professional settings.
Use of Different Sizes of Impact Wrenches
The primary jobs of an impact wrench are to fasten and remove lug nuts, auto repair, discard, and installation of lawn mower blades. Obviously, there are several other jobs that you can perform using an impact wrench
· Size of Impact Wrench for Lug Nuts
Removal and installation of lug nuts are common tasks for vehicle owners or people who maintain vehicles. Or, you may need an impact wrench to replace the flat tire.
In order to complete any of these tasks, a 1/2-inch impact wrench is the best. A 3/8-inch impact wrench can also do the job better. These two are the best sizes as they are powerful enough to loosen the toughest lug nuts without applying excessive torque.
· The Right Size Impact Wrench For Changing Tires
A 1-inch or a 3/4-inch impact wrench can be a considerable option if you are operating on a big truck, professional sites, commercial setting, etc. Otherwise, these two sizes of impact wrenches could be an overload option. So, you can choose a 3/8-inch impact wrench for changing tires. The best size for loosening and fastening car tires is the 1/2-inch impact wrench.
Now, depending upon which transportation tire to change, you need to select the right size of the impact wrench and execute the work.
· Size of Impact Wrench for Automotive Work
For working on a regular-sized vehicle, a 1/2-inch impact wrench is ideal. However, for big vehicles, a 3/4-inch impact wrench is a better option.
· Size of Impact Wrench for Changing Lawn Mower Blades
For changing lawn mower blades, you need either a 1/4-inch impact wrench or a 3/8-inch impact wrench to get precision.
Final Thought
What size impact wrench to change tires? Although there are quite a few sizes of impact wrenches, we recommend you to choose either 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch impact wrenches. Both these sizes of the tool have sufficient power to carry out most of the do-it-yourself tasks as well as a wide variety of professional projects.
Nevertheless, whatever size of the impact wrench you choose, do not forget to get the correct size of the impact socket along with it. Avoid using a usual chrome socket on the impact wrench.
