KCI 12V Impact Wheel Wrench

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:07

ThreadID: 74723 Views:6048 Replies:11 FollowUps:4

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Member - John Baas (WA)

Hi all,

ARB are marketing these Chinese sourced impact wrenches at $105 which looks good value. But they're a little bulky and I really don't want another thing in the kit unless it's good.

Has anyone any feedback on how they perform please?

Cheers.

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Reply By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:12

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:12

Should have inserted link - here 'tis....

KCI Ezy Wrench

AnswerID: 396813

Reply By: Isuzumu - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:14

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:14

I got one when I got a subscription to 4WD Action works great.

AnswerID: 396814

Reply By: Falco80 - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:31

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:31

I picked one up about a 18 months ago, for $99 i think, and it's real handy. It makes changing over sets of tyres a bit easier! I don't usually carry it in the back because the case takes up a bit of space. I don't think i would depend on it every day, but the times i've needed it to work it has. I just use it at home because i don't have air tools at my disposal...yet.

AnswerID: 396818

Reply By: RobertHL. Pine Creek. NT. - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:32

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 18:32

Ditto.

AnswerID: 396819

Reply By: Member - Ed. C. (QLD) - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 20:18

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 20:18

I've had one (Shentai) for a few years now, handy bit of kit for 'cracking' the odd stubborn nut/bolt :)

It doesn't go anywhere near my wheel studs, not ever..... (YMMV)

:)

Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

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AnswerID: 396834

Reply By: Atta Boy Luther - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 20:54

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 20:54

Got one for christmas and it works fine . When putting the wheel nuts on i put them on by hand to start with then give it a whirl with the KCI but only to the first klank . I tighten them up the last bit with the wheel brace . Makes changing wheels sooooo much easier .

AnswerID: 396844

Follow Up By: mikehzz - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 10:45

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 10:45

is that cause it might strip the thread?

FollowupID: 665647

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 13:03

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 13:03

Hi Mike. I think it has more to do with stretching the studs, and thus stopping the normal tensioning of the nuts. Lost wheels are often said to be caused by excessive torque from air gun rattlers

FollowupID: 665659

Reply By: Member - Wamuranman - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 20:58

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 20:58

I got a similar looking one at Aldi some months ago for $49 (on special). I was amazed at how good it is - got off some old stubbon nuts off my tractor that had not been off for over 10 years probably. Quite powerful .

Cheers

AnswerID: 396848

Reply By: Member - Rob S (NSW) - Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 21:25

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 at 21:25

Hi JB

I have the Shentai version same thing always use it very handy.
Expecilaly when it's time to rotate the tyres.

Rob.

I only ever made one mistake
and that's when I thought I was wrong!

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AnswerID: 396856

Reply By: Member - Howard (ACT) - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 10:12

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 10:12

purchased one fromARB 4 years ago at Queanbeyan 4wd show.($59)
have used a few times to undo wheel nuts(never use to do up) and a diff plug in the bush . i have air rattler gun in workshop and this tool removed a plug inside hilux gearbox which we were unable to get off with rattler gun or ext bar on 3/4 socket set and hammer.
I carry it in the vehicle all the time even though a bit bulky.
regards
Howard

Resigned to Retirement

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AnswerID: 396919

Reply By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 12:32

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 12:32

Thanks all; EO comes thru again!

Very positive resonses - I'll pick one up this arvo.

Cheers.

AnswerID: 396940

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 12:48

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 12:48

Hi there. Just a caution: I have found that the tool needs more than static voltage to work properly, so I have learned to have the engine running when I use the tool. I suspect this is because the tool has a long cable, and so at, say, 12.5 volt static charge at the battery, the voltage at the crocodile clips is too low to supply enough torque to the tool. The hint is, if the tool spins but doesn't engage the ratchet action, then the voltage may be too low.
But a brilliant tool. One hydraulic trolley jack plus one of these wrenches, and a wheel is changed in minutes. I am prepared to use the tool for wheel changes: great to undo, and then tighten to the second clack, finish with a manual brace.

FollowupID: 665656

Follow Up By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 02:58

Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 02:58

Hi Chris, I've just purchased a 2nd hand from George - see below. It worked exie when, as you suggest, the engine's running.

It's another toy I suppose, but I guage that i will be using it over the years coming. I've certainly had enuff punctures ever since I've had the 200 and started getting serious about destinations.

Cheers

FollowupID: 665769