Hi , I am thinking of buying the Clarke impact wrench which I know ;lots on the forum recommend. I am currently using a scaffolding pole at the end of a 55mm socket to remove the rear axle nut. The socket is chrome vanadium and has never slipped. Would I need to buy an impact socket (black type) or has anyone used the Clarke on a chrome socket with success ?
I've recently gone this route after making enquiries on here. In the end I went with an Impact Socket. Also went for the much more expensive De Walt Impact wrench, but that's just personal preference. I'm sure the Clark will be good enough.
If your going to buy a Impact wrench, spend more money and buy a decent one, i have a clarke one and it utter crap. There is no torque in the thing at all. Took it back and was told it was fine.
Disagree with the above - the Clarke CEW1000 does the job on all my tightest nuts. I use normal chrome vanadium sockets too.
Agree with Ricky, normal sockets are more then up to the job. Impact sockets only necessary for continual use. You’ll probably find that the square drive on the impact gun will snap before the socket does if under 3/4” anyway.
I try to buy the best I can afford, Milwaukee impact gun with decent socket, I know it works then. Rule of thumb, you only get what you pay for, and pay once.
Milwaukee, now you’re talking. I’ve got a couple that I use for work. I need to tighten, release then tighten 8 M20 nuts down to 200+ N twice during a work shift. Been using the same nut runner for the last two years which has never happened before. 3/4” drive. Perfect.
Personally it's a case of experience and what you can afford etc but every tool is made for a purpose and you can get tools for all jobs at a reasonable price, the sockets and tools i use aren't high end and they do a good job!! Draper do good tools in there expert range at a fair price, i wouldn't go near there power tools. I use the ryobi ONE+ power tools, drill, grinder, impact driver and the beauty of it one battery fits all, there not tools to use in a professional application but for own use when needed, spot on!!
I bought one of these relatively cheapo ones but mine is badged Imdifa and all the instructions are in French. I had no trouble loosening the rear wheel nut with it. It's impressively powerful (300Nm claimed) and I'm constantly on the lookout for tight nuts to undo. It's my second favourite tool. I only use impact sockets.
Buying the best is relevant if you use the tool frequently, especially if it's professional use. Or you must have the best no matter the cost. However, the likes of the Clarke impact wrench are adaquate and importantly affordable, for occasional amateur use. Have used mine on the MV and now my Multistrada for about 6-7 tyre changes thus far (removal only), can see it lasting longer than me at this rate.
This bloke is rocking a medium-power Ryobi and a beefy DeWalt ( 1000 Nm ) , both of them cordless . It's a walk-through video of his "must have" tools ( the rattle guns are around 6 minutes in ) - I sometimes wonder about people who work on agricultural equipment and heavy plant ... ..... what do they take with them to the job ?
Just got this, Germanic clone, rated 1100W and 550NM, used once to check ability to remove 55mm nuts and worked flawless. Only cost me 40 knicker had a voucher from e of the bay.
