12 Volt Impact Wrench?

[ExplorGM]

I tried this in the tire section, but here goes...
Anybody have any experience with the 12 Volt Impact wrenches? I bought one from Summitt Racing and it does not act like a normal air driven one. It seems to need to spool up to max rpm before it "catches" and ratchets. The anvil does not even turn before max rpm.
I sent the first one back thinking it was defective!

Is this normal?
Rick

 

[PLRBEAR]

Bought one just like yours. Sucked so bad i had to return within 5mins of trying it out.

 

[jimbo74]

it may be wierd... but did it get the job done?

 

[coltman]

Impact

I use an electric one at work all the time and it works great!! I will find out the brand tomorrow and tell you.

 

[ExplorGM]

12 volt impact wrench

PLRBEAR,
Did yours do the same thing? Spin fast and then catch?

Coltman,
Does the electric one do the same thing? I'm assuming the electric/air wrenches have enough power and torque to begin the impact process right at the beginning, and 12 volt needs to spin up to get the impact power?
I bought the 12 volt to use on the road/trail if necessary.
An electric one that works well would be great for the garage since I don't have a compressor yet...

Jimabena74,
It gets the job done, but if this is not normal for the type I want to send it back because it will be damaged eventually. If it is normal for a 12 volt, then all is well!
Thanks
Rick

 

[GJarrett]

Hi Rick,
Yes that is how the 12v ones work. They spool up and then hit. Remember it's 12 volts out of a cigarette lighter- you're not getting an airtool here.

They are great for on the trail and occasional use and are very handy. But as you surmised they are not made for daily continuous work. I have burned one up already. But they are so great for emergencies I'm getting another one. I would never consider one for a primary daily use tool, however.

 

[PLRBEAR]

Yeah, i'm still considering a compressor and tools. The compressors here go for about CDN$400.

 

[ExplorGM]

Impact

Thanks Gerald!
That's what I needed to know. As long as it works on the trail its a keeper!
Rick

 

[Maniak]

We have several 12v impact wrenches (all made by chicago electirc). Some are more sensitive than others but they do spool up before they hit. There are 2 springs that the spinning must overcome. If it hits too early (not enough power to take off lug nuts) the springs are weak. If it doesn't hit (after spooling up) either there is dirt in the wrench which is keeping it from spinning fast enough OR there isn't enough power to spin it fast enough. I gave up using them through the lighter. I have a set of aligator(sp?) clicps that I use to connect to the battery (I also use it for my 12v compressor). This gets me more power to the wrench and it works much better this way.

~Mark

 

[ExplorGM]

Impact

Good idea! I'll give the gator clips a try. It does seem to take a while to spool up enough to "impact". The wrench is brand new so it can't be dirt. Anything that will help my 12volt compressor work better is a plus! Thanks Mark! When are we going to hit the trails again?
The Sajuaro Coves run was fun.
Rick

 

[Brian1]

If any one is interested while we are on the subject, I do have a brand new Chicago electric (like Maniak has) 12v impact wrench for sale. Now that I have onboard air, I dont need it. I never used it. E-mail me.