Should You Use an Impact Wrench to Tighten Lug Nuts?

Do you want to get your job done safely, effectively, and quickly? Well, here is where the impact wrench comes into play. This multi-functional tool can deal with almost any type of bolt and screw. But should you use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts?

Well, I’ve seen many people asking this question on different forums. Because some people got advantages by using the impact wrench to tighten lug nuts, while others faced some inconveniences. So, to help you wave your worries, I’d like to share the most authentic info regarding it. Go on!

Should You Really Use an Impact Wrench to Tighten Lug Nuts?

You can surely use your impact wrench to both tighten and remove lug nuts. But how efficiently you can tighten the lug nuts depends on the torque level produced by your impact wrench.

For instance, a standard impact wrench is likely to generate a maximum torque of 450 ft-lbs, where you can tighten lug nuts within 100 ft-lbs. So, because of the high and constant torque production, an impact wrench gives you the assurity to tighten lug nuts successfully!

What Size Impact Wrench Should You Use for Lug Nuts?

Either ½” or 3/8” impact wrench that produces 250 ft-lbs torque is the ideal choice for lug nuts. These two sizes are standard options for both tightening and removing jobs. When it comes down to tightening car lug nuts, your impact wrench should have the ability to generate 75-115 ft-lbs.

Talking about the SUVs, this will require up to 140 ft-lbs with your existing impact wrench. Semi-trucks often need extensive torque compared to the others.

Torque Size Chart to Tighten Lug Nuts

Note that every lug nut requires a specific torque level for it so that you can tighten or remove it safely. So let’s get to see the given chart, where I disclosed the approximate torque level, considering the size of the wheel stud:

Size of the Wheel Stud	Usual Range of Torque
12 x 1.25 mm	70-80 ft-lbs
12 x 1.5 mm	70-80 ft-lbs
7/16”	70-80 ft-lbs
½”	75-85 ft-lbs
14 x 1.5 mm	85-90 ft-lbs
9/16”	135-145 ft-lbs

Which Type of Impact Wrench is Ideal for Tightening Lug Nuts?

If you are the owner of several cars, chances are you will have to perform maintenance on a weekly basis. In this case, a corded impact wrench can be your ultimate go-to, thanks to its greater torque and overall efficiency.

Being electric-powered, you don’t have to pay extra attention to tracking the charge of the battery. All you need is to plug it into the closest wall socket and get ready to either tighten or remove nuts! But before doing this, make sure your impact wrench’s torque matches the lug nuts’ torque to tighten them.

Is There Any Potential Drawback to Using an Impact Wrench to Tighten Lug Nuts?

Even though a standard impact wrench is an ideal option to tighten lug nuts, still it has some restrictions. For instance, sometimes, if you mishandle the nuts, chances are they will be broken while unscrewing or tightening. On top of that, if the level of torque is higher, it can be more stressful, especially for beginners. 

So you must be familiar with the required torque level for both the wrench and lug nuts. Feel free to take experts’ suggestions before you get into tightening nuts or removing them.

Conclusion

Now that you know whether should you use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts, think twice before utilizing the power tool! After all, torque level is a vital point that you can’t overlook to tighten nuts. 

Because if you fail to choose the right one, the lug nut will get cracked or drastically damaged!

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):

What should be the required torque level for a standard 1/2 impact wrench?

Almost every 1/2 impact wrench tends to produce a maximum of 300 ft-lbs torque to help you tighten or remove lug nuts efficiently.

What can be an alternative to the impact wrench in order to tighten lug nuts?

Instead of relying on your existing impact wrench, you can go with the standard torque wrench to deal with lug nuts. Not only nuts but it can also be efficient for applying required torque to bolts, lag screws, and stuff like that.

What about using a 3/8 impact wrench to remove lug nuts?

Just like the 1/2 impact wrench, a 3/8 impact wrench equally plays a crucial role in removing bolts, screws, and lug nuts. But as I said, you should be careful in terms of the selection because the torque must match for both the nuts and wrenches.