Air compressor to remove wheel nuts

If you are looking at continuous use, scfm comes into play. But it's 3 gallons tank should be more sufficient for what you are doing. The Impact gun requiring 5scfm would probably be at higher torque range than you need anyhow.

With your bad shoulder, you still need to be concerned about taking the wheels on and off.

What you can do is also wait for the compressor to catch up IF you need to. My 3 gallon works fine. Just need to wait sometimes.

 

Your best bet is to find out how much gun your need, and then find the appropriate cfm for the compressor, not the other way around. Toyota recommends I think 76 or 78 lb/ft torque on the lug nuts. You will also need a torque limiting extension bar that maxes at 80lb/ft or so so that when you torque the nuts back on, the air gun won't over tighten it.

Having said that, with a bad shoulder, it is wise to do this yourself? It is a lot of gear to haul out, jack the car up, lift the tires, etc........

 

A long pipe would do just fine. I carry a lightweight aluminum Schedule 40 pipe with a cushioned handle in the back storage area.

 

Good point also is you don't rely on Impact Gun to torque it down. So either way, you'll need a torque wrench.

What I suggest is possibly an battery powered one. That's what I use to drive them on and off.. then finish off with torque wrench. It's less hassle, no hose, wait time and light(well mines is 3/8 drive).

Mine is similar to this model. up to 155ft lbs and only weighs 3.4 lbs.


MAKITA Industrial Power Tools - Tool Details - BTW253

 

As little as I use an impact driver I opted for an electric 1/2" impact. I bought it from Harbor Freight for cheap. It works fine for lug nut removal and can not (not capable) over torque the lug nuts. I always use a torque wrench to assure proper tightening.

 

DEWALT Impact Drivers/Wrenches | Find Tools and Accessories

 

I have a 60gal compressor & have no problem removing & replacing lug nuts

I do however still use a torque wrench to tighten them down to spec

 

That's an aquarium not a compressor!

 

Haha

 

You can buy pre-torqued extension to apply proper torque spec. along with your impact gun. Vehicle Maintenance | Air Tools & Compressors | Proto® 5 Piece Wheel Torque Extension Kit | B944559 - GlobalIndustrial.com

 

I've never seen those before. That's cool.

Although I've owned an air compressor and a impact gun for several years, I've never pulled my tire off in the driveway. Don't have the jack stands / ramps or torque wrench. I've become resigned to paying someone else to do it.

The 10degree days in the winter make this decision much more palatable. I may change my mind if I ever get a garage, but for now it's the dealer. (No tireshop in my area I trust)

 

Sweet tank.. must take an forever to pressurize though.

 

HF sells a 10 pc set for $90 minus the 20%, so what's that around $75 after tax. They used to sell the one pictured in that link, but have since updated their line.

 

Thx. It takes ~5mins from empty.

 

Def not a prius of compressors. Mines takes about 2? 3 gallons.

 

That's why I have a lift in my garage. But mostly used for my other drama queens...

 

Any recommendations for an air compressor for putting air in tires? What cubic feet per minute, horsepower, or whatever would be sufficient? Any type that's more suitable?

 

Since I do a lot of TIG welding I have several smaller spare gas tanks laying around all the time so I use them to fill my tires with. I use either argon or nitrogen. The molecules are bigger so the tire holds the air pressure better and sustains a more stable air pressure regardless of temperature.

 

For home use to inflate tire, any will do even the 12v dc model. Problem with 12v pumps are the are very noisy(inherent with oil free) and slow. A 2 or 3 gallon model is more flexible and you can do much more with them. I prefer the quieter models as well.