Posted: 7/31/2017 12:21:51 PM EDT
| After applying some penetrating oil and an couple of busted knucles, I was still unable to manually break the nut free on my Cub Cadet tractor blades. I need an impact wrench but this will probably be the only use for it-I'm not a DIY mechanic. Looking for the least expensive tool that will get the job done. I prefer a battery version but can go electric. Air is not an option at this time. |
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I believe that Harbor Freight has a new 1/2 impact. Looks pretty promising for a HF tool. I have snap on impacts and infant the harbor freight just to have one to keep in the truck. |
Harbor Freight "Earthquake" 1/2" impact is a good tool. It easily breaks loose the axle nuts on the front of my Ram 4x4. You will need a decent air volume to run an air tool to get the full torque rating out of it. They also make a 3/4". These tools have very good ratings. The first time I used my 1/2" Earthquake, the torque surprised me and it got away, almost broke my finger. 
I had been using a 3/4" generic torque driver that instantly went into my 'garage sale' bin. |
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If you own Ryobi cordless, Ryobi has a new cordless impact out that is not too bad.
I received a bunch of cordless Ryobi stuff as gifts so I just added the extra pieces as I go. Lots of folks say the Ryobi stuff sucks but I don't make a living with them. A breaker bar with long cheater won't get them loose op? Like a 6' cheater pipe? My dear ol dad gave me his 3/4" socket set and while it may be cheap stuff, a cheater pipe on a 3/4" breaker bar works. 
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You likely will not get that off with an electric impact. If you had a good air compressor then a 1/2 in impact might get it off. Block the blades and use a breaker bar and if necessary a cheater pipe on it. That will be far more torque than a 1/2in impact. 
I use this one for my mower... OP probably doesn't want to spend that much though. Shit if i know why its sideways in the pic. |
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Several years ago I joined the club at Sportsmansguide. They sent a free gift for joining which turned out to be a generic brand impact wrench that plugs into a cigarette lighter. When you use it, something inside has to spin up and then it makes one impact. I laughed at it at first, but I've used that thing for years and it just gets the job done. I used it just yesterday to change a lawnmower blade.
Looks like Harbor Freight sells one as an "12v emergency impact wrench" for $25. Its probably all you need. |
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Buying an impact gun strong enough to do this is dumb if you're not going to use it for anything else.
A 1/2" drive, 25" breaker bar is $12 at harbor freight. I used one of them last night with a 60" piece of 1" iron pipe on it. That's probably a $8 piece of pipe. So figure $20 and you have way more torque available than any electric impact gun you're going to readily find. |
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http://i66.tinypic.com/2v2wcbo.jpg I use this one for my mower... OP probably doesn't want to spend that much though. Shit if i know why its sideways in the pic. Quoted:
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You likely will not get that off with an electric impact. If you had a good air compressor then a 1/2 in impact might get it off. Block the blades and use a breaker bar and if necessary a cheater pipe on it. That will be far more torque than a 1/2in impact. I use this one for my mower... OP probably doesn't want to spend that much though. Shit if i know why its sideways in the pic.
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Yes I have some Ryobi. |
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An impact works great, but only because it's difficult to hold the blade still in order to wrench on it. The bolts are otherwise not difficult to remove. I use an electric impact, but only because that's what's handy. ANY impact should work fine.
I'd suggest putting anti-seize lubricant on the bolt threads once you get it out. |
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is that an impact driver? i was always concerned about using a drill and snapping my wrist Quoted:
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You likely will not get that off with an electric impact. If you had a good air compressor then a 1/2 in impact might get it off. Block the blades and use a breaker bar and if necessary a cheater pipe on it. That will be far more torque than a 1/2in impact. I use this one for my mower... OP probably doesn't want to spend that much though. Shit if i know why its sideways in the pic. |
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1/2-inch drive breaker bar with a decent six-point socket and a four-foot piece of black iron pipe. Oh, and verify that the fastener you are attempting to remove isn't left-hand threaded.  |
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You likely will not get that off with an electric impact. If you had a good air compressor then a 1/2 in impact might get it off. Block the blades and use a breaker bar and if necessary a cheater pipe on it. That will be far more torque than a 1/2in impact. I use this one for my mower... OP probably doesn't want to spend that much though. Shit if i know why its sideways in the pic. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CA04RH4?tag=vglnk-c102-20 |
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Thats pretty nice for an battery operated driver, over 300 ftlb. But Plenty of times I have had bolts/nuts that my air impact would not budge and it has over double that torque. Usually rust involved when that hapoens.
A breaker, preferably 3/4, with a cheater will get any bolt off less than 3/4. It will shear them if nothing else. |
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I believe that Harbor Freight has a new 1/2 impact. Looks pretty promising for a HF tool. I have snap on impacts and infant the harbor freight just to have one to keep in the truck. |