Posted: 5/3/2026 11:07:27 AM EDT
| I'm looking to get a cheap (like harbor freight/ Amazon cheap) wrench for changing flats etc. It probably won't be used more than 1 or twice a year. Will 1/4 inch do, or do I need a 1/2 inch? |
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You’ll want a 20v 1/2” for a general purpose impact wrench. There are smaller units that can handle lug nuts, but if you a want just one, go full size. I’m not saying the HF/Amazon stuff is bad, or cheap for a reason, but look from the perspective of investing in the battery system. HF is probably a solid choice for a cheaper unit, with support down the road. |
| For changing tires on a passenger car or light truck you need a 1/2. 1/4 will never do it. 3/8 might be it’ll be a stretch. Go with 1/2. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally Posted By ske714: For lug nuts one or twice a year, I would just get one of these. I have one in my truck that folds up. https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/Torin-14-4-Way-Cross-Lug-Wrench-Professional-Universal-for-Repair_60c981a4-8b1d-4e41-89c2-bd62a5226a71.7d453840ca5e17e3c5dfa2ea27b3e1a7.jpeg?odnHeight=768&odnWidth=768&odnBg=FFFFFF I have a folding version of that and it works quite well. |
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
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| I just carried an appropriately sized socket and kept a long 1/2 inch wrench in the back for my Jeep. Took up less space than the lug wrench. If you’re dead set on getting an impact wrench, I’d keep the above with you as well just in case. I’m sure you know, but periodically check and charge the batteries. And as others have said, I would get something I already have batteries and chargers for. |
World's okayist yeller
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https://www.ryobitools.com/products/33287213719 I carry one of these in my F250 in an apache case with impact sockets in an Apache case along with an air hose for this... https://www.ryobitools.com/products/33287175796 I have 4 batteries and a charger under the back seat plugged in to the rear AC110. |
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Originally Posted By ColtRifle: I have a folding version of that and it works quite well. Originally Posted By ColtRifle: Originally Posted By ske714: For lug nuts one or twice a year, I would just get one of these. I have one in my truck that folds up. https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/Torin-14-4-Way-Cross-Lug-Wrench-Professional-Universal-for-Repair_60c981a4-8b1d-4e41-89c2-bd62a5226a71.7d453840ca5e17e3c5dfa2ea27b3e1a7.jpeg?odnHeight=768&odnWidth=768&odnBg=FFFFFF I have a folding version of that and it works quite well. Yeah, that's what I have. $16 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1JQVB0 |
9 lives - 9 pellets... Coincidence?
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I'd recommend staying on top of batteries if you're going with an off brand for emergency use and don't have a wrench available. I trust my Milwaukee batteries after laying unused for a year+ because of the experience I have with them but I don't carry them with me in case I have a flat. I have no idea if the HF or other brands would be as dependable. An emergency would not be a good time to put them to the test without an alternative method. Now when I pull a trailer, I always carry an impact & two spare tires. I can almost guarantee a flat when I tow.  |
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Originally Posted By housewolf: I'd recommend staying on top of batteries if you're going with an off brand for emergency use and don't have a wrench available. I trust my Milwaukee batteries after laying unused for a year+ because of the experience I have with them but I don't carry them with me in case I have a flat. I have no idea if the HF or other brands would be as dependable. An emergency would not be a good time to put them to the test without an alternative method. Now when I pull a trailer, I always carry an impact & two spare tires. I can almost guarantee a flat when I tow. Only a silly person would have an impact, but no lug wrench, for emergencies. 
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9 lives - 9 pellets... Coincidence?
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Walmart Hyper Tough 20V Max Brushless 1/2-inch High-Torque Cordless Impact Wrench with 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger. I bought one a couple years ago when they were $99.00 w/ battery & charger and then bought one of the angle grinders that use the same battery for $79.00. Decent warranty & great Star (manufacturer) CS was good when I requested a replacement for a defective outer flange nut on the angle grinder. Now Walmart's CS kinda sucks because the first angle grinder failed in just a couple months and they credit you and then you buy another one instead of swapping out the defective unit. The suck part is because the price had increased a bit. |
