Hey everyone! I'm in the market for a 1/2" impact wrench primarily for taking wheels on and off, and I'm torn between two models: the compact 2855-20 and the mid-torque 2962-20. I love the compact gun for its smaller and lighter design, but I worry that it might not have enough power to reliably remove lug nuts. It's rated for 250 ft-lbs, but I've experienced situations where higher torque tools struggled with lug nuts. As long as I keep the battery charged, do you think the compact will be sufficient for all-day wheel changes?
3 Answers
For lug nuts, I think you'll be fine with a mid-torque impact. My old M12 3/8" drive handles lug nuts like a champ unless they’re really rusted. But don’t underestimate the mid-torque; it should be perfect for your needs!
If wheels are your main focus, just grab the mid-torque. Weight shouldn’t be your main concern when tearing off wheels. If you’re planning to use it for other stuff, like suspension work or heavier jobs, it’s definitely worth investing in the impact. If it’s just for lug nuts, consider a breaker bar—it’ll save you some cash!
Honestly, the compact 2855-20 isn't worth it if you plan to take off lug nuts regularly. The weight difference is negligible, but the performance gap is significant—go for the mid-torque 2962-20 instead. The price difference isn't that big either. You'll definitely appreciate the extra power!
Thanks! I do plan to use it for other tasks too, but mainly for lug nuts. I usually stick to air tools for heavier jobs due to their power consistency. I’m just weighing the comfort factor, since the mid-torque will be about the same weight as my air impact.