2006-11-23 00:40:29 · 14 answers · asked by bstorage 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
for tires i wouldnt even think about using a 3/8 gun or ratchet. the 1/2 inch will give better torque, which equals more stregnth. if you have to use a breaker bar to loosen or tighten your lug nuts, you have the wrong tool
2006-11-23 03:37:55 · answer #1 · answered by bela k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually there are several sizes of impacts.
The 3/8 impact has a square drive that measures 3/8". This can be used for most things under the hood and for working on brakes.
The 1/2 impact has a 1/2" square drive on the end. This works best for wheel nuts and can be used with 3/8 sockets with the use of an adaptor. This gun produces more torque than a 3/8 and is a much larger built gun.
3/4 and 1 inch impacts are for use on large trucks to remove lug nuts and other stubborn fasteners. Hardly any one else uses these due to the air requirements to operate the guns. They are much larger than the other guns due to the torque they need to produce.
2006-11-23 03:57:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The difference between the two is the size on the end off the inpact and most of the time the 1/2 inch is stronger than the 3/8 but not always. You can use either for removing tires you just need to buy sockets that are either 1/2 drive or 3/8 drive to attach to the inpact.
2006-11-23 00:45:54 · answer #3 · answered by ensracing 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What is the difference between a 1/2" impact air wrench and 3/8"? Which one is better-basic car stuff(tires)?
2015-08-14 10:32:25 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The size and weight of the half inch is greater. There will be many times and places where you cannot us the 1/2". The 3/8" will work on *most* things. When it won't, break it loose with a breaker bar, then use the impact to run it off.
Be fore warned; it will take its toll on your sockets over time.
I have a 1/2" electric impact that I use in my garage for the big jobs.
2006-11-23 01:09:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mikel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 1/2" impact if for 1/2 " sockets....like wise the 3/8" impact is for 3/8" sockets.... both have their place..I personally use my 1/2 " impact more... as for changing tires, its fine to loosen your lug nuts with an impact and you can run them back on (no more than finger tight) but use a torque wrench for final tightening..over torquing the lug nuts can distort your rotors, also an improperly tightened lug nut can come lose.......
2006-11-23 01:05:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ya know the square thing on the end of the gun or rachet is in 3 diffrent sizes 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 of course they dont make a 1/4" inpact for a reason the 1/2" one would be stronger for larger bolts or ones that could be rusted ie. tire lugnuts a 3/8" inpact would be used for lighter work or even just to dissasmeble someting faster
2006-11-23 00:51:56 · answer #7 · answered by Gabe 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1/2 in is more robust (stronger), but for most car repairs, execpt tire lug nuts, the 3/8 would probably work better, as most smaller sockets used in this work are 3/8" drive.
2006-11-23 00:44:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Better go with the 1/2 inch if you are not buying a name brand. Ingersol Rand titanium is about the very best and is what I use every day. Chicago Pneumatic 634 is very strong about twice the weight. Weight is something to consider when you use the tool up to ten sets of wheels a day. Oh My aching Back!
2006-11-23 00:56:10 · answer #9 · answered by John Paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is the measurement of the size lug bit you are using. For the wheels on a car I would use a 3/8".
2006-11-23 00:43:54 · answer #10 · answered by golden rider 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋