I'm curious if the M12 1/4 stubby impact driver is a safe and effective tool for removing lug nuts. I know it likely can do the job, but I want to hear from others about their experience and if it's a reliable choice.
3 Answers
It won't damage the tool if you decide to use it for lug nuts, but be prepared to fight with it a bit. It's not going to be the quickest way to get the job done, so weigh your options. Honestly, a new 3/8" stubby impact or any M18 impact would be a much better choice for lug nuts—just more reliable overall!
Using an M12 1/4 stubby impact driver for lug nuts isn't really the best idea. The driver has less than 100 ft-lbs of torque, so it might struggle with tighter lug nuts. I suggest checking the torque specs of your lug nuts compared to what the driver can handle for a clearer picture. Generally, it's better to stick to a more powerful impact wrench for this kind of work.
You can try it out! I’ve used a 1/4 inch impact driver in a pinch before. Just keep in mind you'll need to break the lug nuts loose with a manual wrench first. And don’t use too many adapters to avoid losing power. If you're working on a smaller car and the lug nuts aren't rusted, it might actually work okay, but it's definitely not guaranteed.