Impact wrench

[dunk 1]

Hello - not sure if this is the right place for this but if not I'm sure someone will tell me - it's time to change the cam belt again - I've done it quite a few times now but always struggle to some extent with the nut and am never quite happy the methods I need to employ to remove it especially as I do it on my own- I do have holding tool and a long wrench but it's still a pain.

Cordless impact wrenches look like they make the job a lot easier but I would like to ask a few questions
1- Do they make it a lot easier?
2- If you have one how much do you use it - its a lot for a tool that will only get used for one job and seems a bit overkill for the rest of the bike although I do also have an ageing VW t4 van as well
3- There are a lot of them out there with varying specs and I have gone choice blind - are there any features that would be especially useful and what undoing torque is realistically needed ?
4- What's the potential for doing damage with one?

Not looking for specific tool recommendations just a little advice
Thanks - Duncan

[Morini Jen]

...
1- Do they make it a lot easier?
2- If you have one how much do you use it
...

Hi dunk.

Yes, I use a cordless impact driver on the generator nut.

Q.1. Yes, it makes it a lot easier.

Q.2. Very rarely if I'm honest. I think I used it more regularly on my Honda race bikes, in fact that was why I bought it, but that was some time ago. 

The tool I use is a DeWalt DC827 Type 10 18v. It has a 1/4" hex holder rather than a square drive, but with the correct adaptor and impact socket it works fine. I went for the DeWalt as I already had DeWalt tools with batteries and chargers so I bought the Impact Driver as a 'bare' tool.

If you already have cordless tools it would be cheaper to buy a 'bare' tool from the same range if there is one. Ones like mine can be found second hand for around £30 (without battery) and should be fine for occasional use.

In answer to your fourth question, I've never worried about doing any damage. I tend to view it as a glorified torque wrench and I trust it.

[MickeyMoto]

Do you intend to tighten the nut with the tool? How do you know the torque setting and can you trust it? Ok for undoing but i would prefer a proper torque wrench for tightening, but then mine has never been calibrated!

[dunk 1]

Thanks Jen that's what I thought and kind of puts me off as I am unsure if I would use it otherwise - I already have Makita 18v tools so probably be looking at one if them if I dud decide
And to Mickey - I have always tightened with a torque wrench (which also needs calibrating) would continue to do so but interested to hear if anyone just uses the driver. it was getting the nut off I was looking at making easier - putting it back on isn't such of an issue.
Increasingly arthritic thumbs also add the mix which are only going to get worse.
Just seeing how people found them as for that one job it does look to make life a lot easier.
Duncan

[RobinSF1]

I own a Clark mains one, a lot cheaper than battery and whilst less convenient I use it so infrequently that the inconvenience isn't a big deal (for me). I've not had the need to use this when changing the cam belt though.

[Tinker]

I agree with the others impact gun to remove stuff and torque wrench to replace. Look for second hand mains unit cheap as chips. I have an ancient Norbar torque wrench 1/2” a Chinese 1/4” for light stuff and a 3/4” Chinese digital one for massive loads.