There seems to be two basic ranges of 1/2" electric impact wrenches: those ranging from 230-240 ft. lbs. and those 300+ ft. lbs.

The price differential in name brand wrenches is substantial in some cases.

If I plan to use the wrench for mundane tasks such as removing lug nuts, installing shocks, and general removal of bolts, will the 230-240 ft. lbs. do the job if I get a name brand like, say, Makita or Milwaukee?

 

Snap on has an awesome 18 volt that is the newest 1 out its makin like 350 ft lbs. its 450.00 off the truck tho

 

The corded 1/2" DeWalt is pretty powerful for its 250 pounds of torque. Very popular on construction sites for driving lags.

> do the job if I get a name brand like, say, Makita or Milwaukee?

Yes, for 1/2 ton trucks. The electrics might bog down a bit on the 1 ton 2-piece lug nuts or axle nuts that are torqued on at 200 pounds.

They are good for removing nuts, not for installing them unless they are going on at the max. rating because the ones I have used have no torque setting like the air powered ones do.

The cordless impacts have torque settings though.

 

I have had a Sears model electric impact for about 15 years. It has never failed. I used it when I had my monster truck and would go to shows, it has changed alot of tires and suspension pieces. I think it has a torque setting of about 275# (guessing).

I don't think I could ever do without it, even though it weighs about 20#.

Toyman