Do I need to protect my ears when using an impact wrench?

I have a question about using my air impact wrench in my auto shop. Is the noise load enough from my air tools to cause any kind of damage to my hearing? I use them all the time and I am not sure if the noise level is enough to warrant wearing ear plugs.

Impact wrenches are louder than you think. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states that if the noise level is above 85 decibels, damage to your hearing can occur. Especially with prolonged exposure. An air impact wrench can generate noise levels in excess of 114 decibels. I would definitely recommend using hearing protection. Disposable ear plugs or folding ear muffs both provide adequate protection. You might also consider an "quieter" impact wrench as well. Ingersoll Rand produces an air impact wrench with "quiet technology". This will reduce the sound level down to about 95 decibels. You will still need to wear some protection but they are easier on the ears.

Cordless Screwdriver or Cordless Drill

What is the big difference between a cordless screwdriver and a cordless drill?

Thats a good question and there are several main differences between the two tools. First of all they are designed for different applications. A cordless screwdriver is lighter and less powerful than a cordless drill. New models are not much thicker and heavier than a conventional screwdriver. This makes them far easier to carry than a bulky 18 volt cordless drill. You can slide one right into your tool belt and hardly know its there. Cordless screwdrivers are also less powerful. This is actually an advantage. They better for delicate plastics and wood. There is less of a chance of fastening a screw right through a plastic wall plate and is much better for delicate electrical work.

Need to remove factory hubcab locks

Help! I have lost the "key" that fits the hubcaps on my GM car and I can't remove the locks to get the wheel off. If I get a flat tire, I will be in real trouble. I have looked everywhere and can't seem to figure out what to do. Is there a tool that will remove this locked lug nut?


You are in luck, Sunex produces a wheel lock removal kit for a 1/2" impact wrench that will remove the locks on most vehicles without the factory key. All you need is either air impact wrench or a cordless impact wrench and these sockets. 9 of them come in this kit and one of them should do the trick.

The Advantages of LED Flashlights

LED lights are all the rage these days and seem to be popping up everywhere. Its easy to dismiss them as "gimmicky" and of no real value, but there is more to the story. There are several reasons LED lights are catching on so rapidly. Originally, LED lights only came in a few colors. (For example, red or green) and they were pretty much condemned to a life in the world of electronic equipment. LED lights were great for computers and other electronics because they used very little power and gave off very little heat. But the real breakthrough came in the early 90s when they were able to produce white light. Now, you could use them for all sorts of things. Thus the LED flashlight was born. The small LED white lights are perfect match for a flashlight. They use far less power than conventional light bulbs and will greatly extend flashlight battery life. They are very durable and can withstand a lot more shock than the fragile filament in a light bulb. So if you drop your new LED flashlight on concrete, it have a far greater chance of survival than the old style.