impact wrench question

[toad]

this one is for all the mechanics/do-it-yourselfers out there! i've been looking at cordless impact wrenches online for christmas and i need to know realistically how much 'break-away' torque do i need for swapping out wheels, changing springs(i understand the front strut tops don't REQUIRE them, but it makes it MUCH easier), and even the pulley swap(which i've read takes A LOT of torque). i've seen them anywhere from 117lbs to 650lbs(for real -snap-on makes one they call 'the mother') online. i know people will say 'just get an air compressor and a cheap impact wrench', but i really like the cordless option(and yes, i know it's more money). thanks for any advice.

[mikenacarato]

well for reagular stuff i use my makita and for wheels and higher torque stuff i have a snap-on cordless impact. i have used a goodyear one and its great too. i really recommend the snap-on cordless impact though.

[seth_man]

i have an ingersoll rand w360 cordless 1/2" impact and i use it all the time. i have many air powered tools also but at work most of the time for quick tire rotations and such i use the cordless. and its easy to take with you. i use it at the track for tire changes. and take it with me when im doing work outside the shop.

[TLyttle]

Doesn't matter what impact you use, I suggest that you double-check the torque with a torque wrench. More than once I have had impacts make the wheels impossible to remove with a standard wheel wrench, and at one point they stretched the studs!

[Red Horse]

The digi impact wrench is also good, it's $79 and hard to find.