For people wonder how much torque an impact wrench needs, I just used the Ridgid subcompact impact wrench to pull the wheels of the minivan, saltwater boat trailer, and one lug off my truck. The truck’s are torqued to 160lb/ft and the Ridgid had no trouble with any of them despite being rated for only 250lb/ft of break away torque.

Did the passenger side axle on the minivan today and the subcompact met its match on the exhaust bolts, so I broke out the high torque impact wrench. I also used each of the 5 different length extensions and the swivel joint to get at some of the nuts we removed today.

Bottom line, those who said you need both are correct.