Ducati Monster Forum

Hello everyone -

Looking to get an impact wrench for working on the bikes.  I'm not sure if I quite have the room for an air compressor (right now ...) so I was debating getting an electric impact wrench.

Anyone have any experience with these?  Are they any good or should I just hold off until I have the space for a compressor and a proper impact wrench?

Thanks!

Adam

If you  an swing the insane amount of $$$ the snap on battery powered impact guns work very well. I want to say the 3/8 gun would be all you would need .
It is almost $400 [roll]

I have used this one at work recently and it suprised the hell out of me how strong it was. 
(http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImage/07529c29-f43d-42d8-a0da-f005849deb1e_300.jpg)

I its about $220, which isnt that bad.  It has a torque controll but I wouldnt trust it for putting things onto the bike, only for taking things off. 

man, for half the $$$ get one that wont run the battery down on you....;)

http://www.toolbarn.com/category/milwaukee/electricimpact/

i have this... gets the job done

DeWalt 1/2" cord model.

Works great.  [thumbsup]

I've used the makita, great tool.

not sure I would need one for bike stuff tho...

what do you need it for?

Q

Taking things off without the tomfoolery of a breaker bar... Retaining nuts, etc.  Wheel lug nuts on the VFR  [laugh]

Adam

+1   I've had a couple of these, great tool.

http://www.tylertool.com/matw1drimwr1.html

I got an electric impact wrench at Harbor Freight a few years ago, and its been fantastic.  Best $9.99 I ever spent.

You'll never take a counter-shaft sprocket off any other way, once you've done it with an impact wrench.  To a lesser degree, axle bolts as well.

Before you pull the trigger on an electric, I'd give serious thought to where your home garage is headed.  IF, in the future you plan to expand, I'd go with pneumatic.  For home use, you don't need a compressor with a huge output to take off, say, a CS sprocket. (and that goes for other pneumatic tools as well.  In a shop situation, you need a ton of air to run ratchets, die grinders, etc.  But at home you just don't have the constant draw.) And in the future when you can expand, you won't have ONE electric tool. 
IMO, a cordless makes more sense, but as you know you pay a huge price.

Yeah - I need to replace the chain and sprockets on the SV I just picked up, hence wanting to get an impact wrench.  I won't have a dedicated shop for quite some time, so it's more for light duty occasional use (CS Sprockets, axle nuts, lug bolts on my VFR, etc.) 

Adam

I used a small, ~$100, compressor for 3 years for everything from impact wrench (my ONE pneumatic tool) to raising my pneumatic lift.  It was just slower.  It had the added benefit that I could use it to inflate my tires.   ;D

 I have to agree with Q on this. No need for an impact on a bike. 

I loved the Snap On that I borrowed from one of my friends.  Too expensive for me though....

For the S*R bikes, an impact gun makes it a *lot* easier to get the rear wheel nut and rear sprocket hub nut off.
It *can* be done by yourself using a breaker bar, but it ain't easy.

All Monsters, the flywheel nut is very very difficult by hand, I've done it.
Few folks will need to do it, but if you have to get the primary gear off the crank, I don't think you can do it with hand tools.
I've never tried to do the gear puller by hand, as I've had an impact gun available.

3/4" drive breaker bar isn't cheap, and it's far less versatile than an impact gun.

There's no need for offset box wrenches, T-Handle drivers, cam wheel holders, flexible socket extensions, or any of the other tools people own.  I want one because it makes jobs easier, like removing the rear wheel, flywheel, etc.  The one time I use it (ie, when I replace my chain and sprockets) it's paid for itself vs. going to the dealer.

I buy tools because they make life easier, not because they're an absolute necessity.  And FYI, it's not just for my bike. 

My question wasn't "hey, what does Tom think about me owning one??" it was "what's a good one to get"  [cheeky]

-Adam

ever replace your clutch basket?

Adam,

 I could see if you did ALL your own wrenching on your bikes but clearly thats not that case. I can't ever see you removing the flywheel, clutch basket, etc. The problem with an impact is that too many people don't really know how to use it. It sounds simple enough and it is for removing stuff but I've seen way to many people break off bolt heads or stripping threads when reinstalling. And we all know just how tough the factory Ducati bolts are so thet'll never happen right?  [roll]

 The kind of general maintenance you'll most likely be doing really doesn't require one. The only time an impact is needed is on the heavy duty jobs which unless your going to lend it to Seacoast, you'll never need it.  [laugh]

From the service end of things I can tell you that some customers equate impact guns with poor service. I have no idea where this came from but the former owner of the shop I worked at was talking about banning the use of impact guns for wheel changes due to negative customer reactions. In the end it comes down to educating people that when used Properly an impact tool can be a much better choice, It is all in the application.


Now back to the subject at hand, I would look for a gun that will have about 250ftlbs  in reverse to get the rear wheel nuts and loctited flywheel,clutch,primary,front sprocket nuts off.
I almost never install with an impact gun due to the fact I prefer to torque things.

In some applications the torque wrench is all about speed which = money to a mechanic/shop.
Others it is because the impacting action will help to break a fastener loose and reduce the chance of damage to the parts.

Tom,

Thanks for your concern.  Seacoast did the Dyno tune on my Ape because - shockingly - I don't have one in my garage.   And the Swingarm recall because - again - shockingly, i'm not an Aprilia dealer so I can't get one sent to me directly.

A few things:

1.) I'm not using it to reinstall things.  I have several torque wrenches of different sizes and ranges for that.

2.) If I was reinstalling things, I'd use torque sticks like I do when working on my Volvo ... But then again, I only use Torque sticks and an impact gun when reinstalling lug nuts, nothing else.  I'm not using it to install bodywork or clutch retaining bolts here  :P

3.) I am, actually, planning on doing my own wrenching on my bike save for valve services, which I may or may not tackle over the winter.

4.) I am, actually, looking at putting a lighter flywheel on my bike.

5.) I'm looking at getting a tire changer, too.  Feel free to give me some uninvited smart-ass comment about why I don't need that, too.

6.) Thanks for assuming I'm an idiot.  I appreciate that, Tom.

Adam

You shouldn't ever "need" an easy-out either... you shouldn't ever "need" to drill out a bolt that you stripped... you shouldn't ever "need" an impact gun to take rotor bolts off (like the ones on DesmoTull's SP that have clearly never, ever been removed from the bike, and snapped TWO 5mm allen 3/8" bits... while being *very careful with a breaker bar and applying slow and steady torque, mind you.)....

Oh and god forbid you swap your own wheels on your car or do maintenance on things other than your bike(s)....

I agree, you don't *need* anything but some good sockets, allens, wrenches, etc... that said, we used an electric impact (cordless) at the track for years, which made tire changes on 748/996's a breeze when the weather decided to act up last minute.

An impact gun is something that when used properly (as has been stated previously) will make your life easier, jobs go quicker, and... could very well *prevent* damage to other tools, or bolts, as they are specifically designed to remove high-torque applications or bolts that have seized... the "impact" jars the seized or torqued bolt while applying torque, something you simply cannot do with hand tools.

I'm sure none of us on the board have ever dealt with a bolt that wouldn't come undone on our Ducati's before...  [bang]

 Dude,

 You need to chill. Notice the emoticon at the end of the statement? You know this one >>>>>> [laugh]

 I find it funny. I agree with Q and you jump down my throat. I notice you didn't say anything in response to him. Whats up with that?

 I just suggested that an impact wrench was a bad idea. I certainly understand the need for some tools that you rarely use but thats one tool I will never own. As I mentioned before I have seen way too many bolts stripped because of an impact gun. I'm not saying it was the users fault although most times it is. The torque settings are not the greatest on those things and sometimes, well, things happen.

If you plan on using it on your car, why are you posting it in tech on the DMF??

And Scottie,

 As you make this statement I will agree that the uses you listed are acceptable on a certain level. Having on at the track for quick tire and wheel changes could be invaluable. Also the rotor bolts can be a real pain in the ass. When I did Jewcati's last year on his one year old bike I broke an allen socket as well, forget trying to do it on an older bike that have never been removed before.  [bang]  That being said, I was using a cheap tool. When I grabbed my Snap-on 5mm allen socket I had no problems at all.

 IMO it's better to use hand tools whenever possible. They give you more control, and although my not be easier, they definately are safer for both you and the bike.

 A few have mentioned removing the rear wheel bolt and the countershaft sprocket. I have done both of those two operations many times without the use of an impact gun. Is it a little harder? Yes, but it's not that hard.

Oh, I'm perfectly chilled right now my friend - that being said, you have no idea what you're talking about in this instance, and your "unless you lend it to Seacoast" comment is what provoked me to respond.  Sorry if I called you out on making uninformed statements about what I do - or don't do - with my bike.


Q Asked a question - you left a paragraph about how unnecessary they are, Implied I don't do any work on my bike, etc.  And you still don't get why I want one, not that it matters a lick.


Huh?  I'm using it for a few different things:

- Flywheel replacement when I put a Nichols on
- Rear wheel removal
- When I upgrade my clutch basket
- When I replace my chain & sprockets on the SV

If you'd like to continue this conversation through a PM or phone call, please do.  This thread really isn't the place for it.

-Adam

Q -

- Tightening bodywork fasteners on the VFR
- Reinstalling those tiny little allens in the inside of the gas cap on the S4R
- Working on watches and fine jewelry
- Tightening down my bar end mirrors on the S4R
- Tightening any bolt that has a well nut on the other side
- Installing hard drives in my desktop computer
- Tightening those little bolts that hold your clutch springs in, at max torque setting
- Belt tensioners on the 996
- Back massager

 [laugh]

Adam

To each his own


Had you used a heat gun (another power tool) to loosen the red locktite the factory uses when installing the rotor, chances are you would have been fine with the cheapie.  IMO, it's more important to know what you're doing than what tool you use to do it.  I would NEVER use an impact wrench to INSTALL anything, other than the lug nuts on my cars and even then, I only hand start the nuts, give a quick "blat" to snug them down, then torque them with a torque wrench.



Once again, to each his own.  If you want to spend 30 minutes getting a stubborn counter-shaft sprocket off with a collection of sockets, cheater bars, heat and wedges, have at it. It takes about 3 seconds with an impact wrench.  IMO, taking my forks OFF with a pneumatic ratchet takes at least 10 minutes off the job.  Time I can save for the important stuff, like ripping my fork seal, spilling fork oil all over my MC lift, and pinching my friggin finger getting my disc back into the caliper.   [thumbsup]

Spoken like a true tool whore.  Bravo Sir.  [thumbsup]

Hey! I resemble that remark  [laugh]

Adam

Tool. Whore.

Hmmmmmm... You resemble both at times!!!   [thumbsup]

Hahahahaha I couldn't resist.

You are amassing quite a garage-ma-jal however, good work :D

Oh yeah? Well i'm rubba and you're GLUE ...  [laugh]

Adam

 Again, >>>>> [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

 Pay attention to the emoticon. My Seacost comment was just sarcasm. But like alot of other people on forums, I guess you missed it. Twice.

Wow I didn't know you could use and impact wrench for all of that. I am going to get one too now!  [cheeky]

Listen PAL - you've missed my points about 11ty BILLION TIMES throughout this thread, so I guess we're in the same boat!  [beer]  [laugh]

- Adam

(http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mfl/lowres/mfln130l.jpg)

its a good thing some of his awesome friends got him a sweet tool box!!!

btw, you think this would be "necessary" to remove my seat cowl?
(http://www.gamleys.co.uk/images/klein_jackhammer.jpg)

Maybe not, but it would make a damn fine bead breaker to go along with that tire changer.   [laugh]

 Only if your Adam!  [laugh]

Milwaukee 9070.   [thumbsup]

A little late chiming in here, but I do a lot of work on cars as well, I have the Dewalt Impact wrench. I have the one with a 1/2 drive and use a 3/8 adapter on it. I use it the most when taking things apart. You dont have to worry about over torqing when unbolting things. It is also very controlable so you can watch and not over torque when tightening also. Its a great tool to have.

+1

in addition.... i bought a dewalt electric impact wrench 10 years ago (for over 150.00). thought it was the greatest invention since sliced bread.
i have used it 3 times.
call it $50.00 each use :P