Campbell Hausfeld Impact Wrench TL1002

Pros: Awesome price, very good tool.
Cons: You need the power for the TL1002 to really sing.

With many people wading into air compressor and air tool applications for home, DIY and hobby use, many people will end up with a Campbell Hausfeld TL1002 half-inch impact wrench in their toolbox, either by default or by choice. The TL1002 is one of the ...

Pros: Inexpensive; easy to use
Cons: Heavy and noisy, but they all are

If you have an air compressor that's big enough (at least 3 hp and 10 gallons) and like to work on cars, a pneumatic impact wrench is a real back saver. I bought a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor (5 hp and 13 gallons) at Wal-mart a couple of years ago ...

Pros: Low cost for homeowner shops
Cons: This is a throw away tool. Don't marry it and think it would last forever.

Looking for an impact wrench that will not break the bank, or get the stupid looks from the spouse on another expensive tool. Well, look no further. The CH TL1002 is the impact wrench for your home that does not require a large air compressor to power it ...

Pros: Cheap
Cons: Doesn't last long

I have this tool, and use it to change from winter to summer tires each spring and fall. Works well for the 1st tire change, ok for the 2nd tire change, but not very well after that.

I've had 2 since I bought my 4hp 13gal compressor back in 2000, and am ready to junk the 2nd. one now (Nov 2005).

I will try a different brand next. I only have 40 lug nuts to loosen off with each wheel change (Currently own a CRV and Jetta, 5 lug pattern), and the last wheel change, I had to use a breaker bar to remove all the lugs. The impact wrench didn't loosen any after the 2nd lug. The gun doesn't sound right anymore either. I usually put 5-6 drops of oil in at the beginning, but haven't changed the oil in the 2nd hole recently (could be my fault)

I wonder if there are any other sub-$100CDN, impact wrenches that are more durable/ reliable for the occasional user.

Sept 2007 - update.

I found out that my wrench was overoilled by me, causing it to loose power. It seems to be working better since I removed the excess oil.