Impact Driver Suggestions?

[mugshot]

Whats up everybody. I'm looking to buy a cordless (battery) impact driver/drill. I'm tired of firing up my compressor and handling my hoes, I mean hose for only a quick job :naughty:

There's so many diff brands and was wondering if you guys have any suggestions, experiences (good or bad), and if you have one, how's it working for you.

[slowvia]

I have a Craftsman 19.2V impact driver that I like quite a bit. Only advice I have is this; don't get anything from Harbor Freight, Craftsman really is the bottom of what I would consider the "adequate barrel." Also, shoot for something like 18V and higher, and lithium ion batteries.
I've also had good luck with Ryobi's 18+ tools.

[solo_ryder]

Go for 1/2" as well more torque that way.

I use milwaukee tools, great tools at fair prices.

I also use dewalt at work (drill, 1/4" impact) and they are good as well

[BoredEE]

I have a dewalt 18V 1/4 hex driver and I'm happy with it. Bought it for home improvement.

I used a 1/4 hex to 1/2 square and it was able to take off lug nuts. With a 1in extender and a deepwell socket.

The battery are the 27Wh version and they last for 2-3x longer than it takes to charge them.

Don't splurge for the larger capacity batteries, just get another battery and swap them out while charging one.

The big battery versions are only for people that aren't around an outlet.

However, I'd recommend the 20V dewalt since the battery style is newer, and they have a smaller high torque version vs. the 18V stuff.

Lithium batteries really made cordless tools practical

[solo_ryder]

However, I'd recommend the 20V dewalt since the battery style is newer, and they have a smaller high torque version vs. the 18V stuff.


The 20v is 20v peak, aka when the driver is off. Under load its the same as any 18v drill, its all marketing.

If your seriously looking for a heavy impact look at this:

http://www.milwaukeetool.ca/power-tools/cordless/2762-22

If you want something lighter duty look at this:

http://www.milwaukeetool.ca/power-tools/cordless/2655-22

And if your on a budget look at getting a brushed motor version like this:

http://www.milwaukeetool.ca/power-tools/cordless/2652-20


I would recommend getting the detent style over the friction ring.. I have a 3/8ths with a friction ring and its somewhat difficult to get the sockets on and off

[BoredEE]

The 20v is 20v peak, aka when the driver is off. Under load its the same as any 18v drill, its all marketing.

If your seriously looking for a heavy impact look at this:

http://www.milwaukeetool.ca/power-tools/cordless/2762-22

If you want something lighter duty look at this:

http://www.milwaukeetool.ca/power-tools/cordless/2655-22

And if your on a budget look at getting a brushed motor version like this:

http://www.milwaukeetool.ca/power-tools/cordless/2652-20


I would recommend getting the detent style over the friction ring.. I have a 3/8ths with a friction ring and its somewhat difficult to get the sockets on and off

You missed the forest from the trees.
:picardfp:

The 18V and 20V dewalt batteries are physically incompatible batteries.

The actual voltages are the same, but since there is no other easier way to distinguish the two, its best to use the marketing terms.

[vanish1]

really depends on what youre trying to accomplish

because if you crack out a bentley manual check torque requirements 99% of the torque figures for small cars are under 100 ft/lbs.

so....are you looking for something that has max portability and travels well or is this a tool thats staying in the garage. One tool to meet all needs or would consider having different size impacts. If the latter then go for something that is small to handle stuff up to 100 ft/lbs and then something serious that stays in the garage that goes up to 400 ft/lbs. If you are looking for one tool then go for something really toward the higher end that can handle big torque values.

personally I just purchased the milwaukee m12 fuel 3/8 impact driver which will be my traveling/tight spaces impact and is rated for 117 ft/lbs then in the future I plan to invest in a 1/2" or 3/4" impact for axle nuts and stuff over 300 ft/lbs.

[deciplesteve]

I professionally use Craftsman's C3 battery impacts in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" and I also have several other tools from that series. They are about as good as most will ever need. For impact sockets, I have a mix of Northern Tool's "Klutch" brand and Harbour Freight's "Pittsburgh". I also recently acquired Snap-On Universal (flex) Impact sockets in all three sizes and I adore them. I plan on eventually upgrading to Snap-On guns and sockets all around and bringing the Craftsman stuff home, but until then, Craftsman is definitely performing admirably.

[mugshot]

Thanks guys for the replies.

I thought no one replied and ended up buying an 18v 1/2" Rigid Impact gun from HD. One of my contractors recommended it and runs almost their entire line. Anyway, it was a great deal, 3 months "no questions ask return policy" and what surprised me the most was it's lifetime warranty that includes the batteries!

Initial thoughts is really good. Rated @ 300 ft lbs so changing wheels on my daily was super quick. Also ended up installing a new manifold (ebay lol) this past weekend and it helped break those rusted, heat cycled bolts like nothing. Its a little big/heavy, but feels balanced in my hand. Im @ work right now, so here's a pic of it from their website

https://cdn2.ridgid.com/resources/media?key=9f3e2c7c-b2ec-49e0-aa02-47edba7648ee&languageCode=en&countryCode=US&type=image

Thanks again guys for replying.

[Juantwo3]

so it has a life time warranty including batterys??

[mugshot]

so it has a life time warranty including batterys??

Yeah! I know, I had to ask again to make sure.

In order for it to be valid, you need to register it with them through their website. They ask for the serial numbers and info from your receipt. It was pretty quick to fill out and takes about a week for them to email you back, confirming that your lifetime warranty is valid. Cool stuff imo, being that past cordless batteries seem to take a crap after a year or two of hard abuse. Being that home depot is one of their main distributors, the warranty exchange can be done there aswell

[deciplesteve]

Nice purchase, sir. Let us know how it holds up to abuse.

[mugshot]

Nice purchase, sir. Let us know how it holds up to abuse.

For sure man. So far so good, and I've been using it for everything. It charges relatively quick; quicker than my older 18v dewalt drill I bought a couple years ago.

Damn, Im starting to sound like a Rigid salesman lol, but thanks everyone who replied w/ their advice

[deciplesteve]

If you don't mind my asking, what was the price?

[CrimsonRockett]

I personally went with the Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2.

http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-W7150-K2-High-Torque-Impactool-Batteries/dp/B006GFQMAU/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1421007019&sr=8-48&keywords=impact+wrench

A bit pricey, but considering the amount of power it has, it was well worth the money.

[delado]

milwaukee /discussion

[laurentj23]

$18 from harbor freight including battery. Helps me out with small job and get the job done.

[DanielS14]

ive always like my dewalt drills and impacts..
there older batteries didnt last long but all the new stuff is awesome.
my dad has the 20v kit you can buy at home depot and is stoked on them, great battery life and very compact with quick charging.
for home use i have the 12v impact which i use on my car, great for interior stuff and tightening engine stuff before i pull out the torgue wrench.

for wheels and bigger bolts i always have the 20v dewalt 1/2 impact which i love.

[mugshot]

If you don't mind my asking, what was the price?

$119. It was a "opened box" type return @ home depot. It's for the gun (1/2") itself, no battery/charger. I also bought a 18v drill kit ($129) that came with charger/batteries that works with the impact gun as well.

[mugshot]

ive always like my dewalt drills and impacts..
there older batteries didnt last long...

I hear you there about the batteries. The lithium/latest tech batteries vastly imroved from before. Seeing a cordered drill/power tool on site seems so dated at times.

I was a dewalt guy too a few years back. They're/were considered the "best" brand, and was like a sign of a successful contractor (lol) around here. That was before home depot/lowes and we had to go through a sales person. The mark up back then was unreal!

[vanish1]

the new bish finally came in a few days ago along w/ the metric sockets I ordered

Im stoked on the dimensions of the milwaukee m12 fuel, it was one of the reasons that sold me in the first place

pics:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/VanishS14/IMG_20150124_125122511.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/VanishS14/IMG_20150124_125242765_HDR.jpg

[!Zar!]

That thing looks small and weak...?

[vanish1]

That thing looks small and weak...?

small yes thats the sexy part of it

and its a 12v that does 117 ft/lbs of tq tightening and can break loose bolts up to 150 ft/lbs

other than axle and hub nuts for small cars this will cover 99% of the bolts in the car. (checked my bentley just to make sure)

edit: 5 year warranty as well.

[STR8 H8N]

dewalt or bust