Can I use a 1/4" impact driver to remove lug nuts?

Always use my 1/4 impact to remove lugs. Zero issues.

 

Actually, when I bought my Pittsburgh 3-ton floor jack, the low profile one had a higher lift than the standard jack, so that's the one I got.

So it works for most cars and trucks, actually.

 

1/4 is underpowered. 3/8 will mostly work except if it’s really stuck. 1/2 will definitely get it done. I use 1/2, I swap tires between winter and summer and it makes my life easy.

 

I still have my Craftsman speed wrench from about 1985. I used it a fair bit for 10-12 years, when I was nursing unreliable cars, but hardly at all since then. Maybe it's a candidate for tire change duty, combined with the breaker bar and torque wrench.

 

Yes. The speed wrench has gone the way of the egg beater drill.

 

I sometimes wish I still had one of those. They can do a lot of jobs more quickly with less fuss than a cordless drill.

 

No point when an impact can be set to low torque mode, or even a torque-sensing bottom-out mode on the fancier models.

I no longer carry my speed wrench on the trail. If I'm pressed for time, I'll even run down spark plugs with my Milwaukee M12 impact on torque-sensing mode.

 

There's a difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench. People get them confused a lot. An impact driver might work, but it's not designed for the kind of torque needed on lug nuts. You'll end up burning it out if used regularly for that type of work. Impact drivers are meant for screws. Impact wrenches are meant for bolts and lug nuts.

 

And that speed wrench was great for taking off oil or transmission pan bolts.

 

I see your impact is the correct color.

 

Glad to hear the low profile worked out for you. Harbor Freight has that exact one on sale tomorrow for $99 so I'm going to pick it up.
And yes, it lifts about an inch higher than the standard one so sounds like a pretty versatile jack.

 

I always had an x-type lug wrench:



Just found this on Amazon:

$17 EPAuto Telescoping Lug Wrench, Wheel Wrench with CR-V Sockets (17/19, 21/22mm)

Amazon.com: EPAuto Telescoping Lug Wrench, Wheel Wrench with CR-V Sockets (17/19, 21/22mm) : Automotive

I did also order some 1/2" deep sockets to go with it. The 21/22mm just didn't seem right=too "sloppy"?

CRAFTSMAN Deep Impact Socket, Metric, 1/2" Drive, 21mm (CMMT16081)

CRAFTSMAN Deep Impact Socket, Metric, 1/2-Inch Drive, 21mm (CMMT16081) - Amazon.com

 

I wondered why they list 4 size sockets, but only show 2...I guess you're supposed to use the 19 on a 17 lug, and the 22 on a 21?

I've had this in my 'saved for later' on Amazon for a while:

$13 Titan 21093 1/2" Drive x 21mm Non-marring Impact Deep Lug Nut Socket

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XMDSJC?smid=A2Q1LRYTXHYQ2K&th=1

 

That's the one I have. It works like a charm.

 

3/8s is better. Should only be 80-90 lbs anyway. Most 1/4 are 35 lbs torque so they don't break little bolts. I would do by hand tightening before using 1/4 . You might see your wheel passing you at a stop sign. Been there done that. Someone tightened with impact and I broke the studs trying to get lug nuts off. I was really young and really strong then. I use half inch impact, snug wheel onto register and 2 second count on each nut and your done. 80-90 lbs each. Biggest impact isn't best if they have no control