Which 18V+ Cordless Impact Gun Should I Purchase?

[omg35s]

I'm a young DIY'er and I think it's time to plunge in for a Impact Driver. I only wish I had a lift... That will hopefully come in the future when I have my own house with a nice garage..

I'm basically looking for an impact driver that can do the following:

- Wheel Lugs
- Suspension parts
- Rusted Exhaust/Cat bolts
- Anything else Auto-Related

I'm a Student so Best Bang for your Buck is definitely the main priority. I live in an apartment so space is limited. (Portable compressors don't seem to provide the power for a decent air impact gun) I thought about corded but it seems to be a small hassle to always find an outlet. It also seems as though the cordless are just as strong.

Any feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

I'll be also looking for suggestions on impact sockets and accessories. I currently own a nice large set of Craftsman Mechanic Sockets and Tools.

I'll most likely be using the impact gun about 2-4 times a month.

Help me out!


What about this one? I know they're discountinued but the price is reasonable.... I did a quick search and it seems as though a lot of people had issues with the batteries going out in less than a month... ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Craftsman-Pro-2...7-/140529442640?pt=Drills&hash=item20b8351f50

 

[regguy1]

This one is very good: http://www.tooltopia.com/ingersoll-rand-w360.aspx

Tooltopia has it in kit form with case, charger and battery do a search on site.

Northern tool here:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200338787_200338787

 

[honcho]

I vote DeWalt DW059 18v

Pros:
Decent Build Quality
Lithium Ion or NiCad compatibility
Widely available batteries and chargers
Lots of other DeWalt 18v tools

Cons:
Not the most powerful in it's class
Not made in USA (Mine is Mexico, don't know about newest models but Mexico IS DEFINITELY BETTER THAN CHINA!)
Yellow gets dirty fast (but it is easy to see)

 

[t100]

I'm a Student

hmmmmmmmm, Snap On?

 

[american lockpicker]

Bosch.

 

[omg35s]

hmmmmmmmm, Snap On?

Student = I don't work full time nor do I want to spend $500 on something I will only use a few times a year..

Unless there is some sort of great discounts offered?... lol

 

[omg35s]

Bosch.

I would love to get the new 18v bosch! If only it were cheaper...

 

[t100]

Student = I don't work full time nor do I want to spend $500 on something I will only use a few times a year..

Unless there is some sort of great discounts offered?... lol

SEP: http://www1.snapon.com/sep

even you are not a full time student, it doesn't hurt to get a hold of the industrial rep see if you can sign up.

 

[american lockpicker]

I would love to get the new 18v bosch! If only it were cheaper...

There might be a $100 rebate for it.

 

[Aklass]

SEP: http://www1.snapon.com/sep

even you are not a full time student, it doesn't hurt to get a hold of the industrial rep see if you can sign up.

As long as you go to a school that offers a automotive program, I'm a part time student at the local CC for business classes, and work at a shop part time and was able to get a discount

 

[Hip2u77]

Just ran across this earlier.

Impact-Wrench Comparison: Seven Electric Models Tested - Gearbox

 

[wheats71]

depends on if you want a tool or a toy
if you want a tool buy the snap on gun
i asked the same question about 3 months ago
i know the 6850 is expensive but i am glad i spent the extra

 

[Windjamer]

We have a small installation co. A couple of years ago we has a big job that required quite a number of cordless tools. We tried every thing on the market at that time. DeWalt was the best hands down.
This year we had a same type job, we used the Dewalts had no problems. for what it is worth.

 

[TheGrooveking]

My vote is Hitachi. I bought them via ebay Hardware Sales, which also has their own website. I bougth each impact wrench for $119, then later bought two batteries and charge for $190. I then later added the reciprocating saw for $89.

TheGrooveking

 

[binder man]

SEP price is $333. my 14v snappy will get bolts to 100 ft. lbs. This thing is a monster.

 

[freeskier]

grooveking, ive been looking at 1/4 inch guns and hitachi seems to be the best deal on ebay. they holding up ok?

 

[TheGrooveking]

grooveking, ive been looking at 1/4 inch guns and hitachi seems to be the best deal on ebay. they holding up ok?

They've been holidng up great, I don't throw them around, but I have dropped them a few times and never an issue. The batteries are unbelievable as to how long they last. Hitachi for many years has flown under the radar in the mainstream power tool industry but a company I worked for back in the late 80's/early 90's bought a bunch of Hitachi back then and those tools, hammer drills, rotary hammers, jig saws, recip saws and circular saws were used by over 20 guys for many years and the only repair we had was when one guy was drilling into a concrete wall with a rotary hammer and he hooked the 1" bit into the rebar and the drill spun/wound the cord around it and tore the cord out of it.

Hitachi and Panasonic power tools are top industrial grade tools IMO. I know Milwaukee is held in high regards and I've been using Milwaukee for 30+ years I the hitachi is equal in durability.

TheGrooveking

 

[freeskier]

i can aso get a hitachi for less than a makita, dewalt or milwaukee. thaks for the help

 

[williaty]

I'm a young DIY'er and I think it's time to plunge in for a Impact Driver. I only wish I had a lift... That will hopefully come in the future when I have my own house with a nice garage..

I'm basically looking for an impact driver that can do the following:

- Wheel Lugs
- Suspension parts
- Rusted Exhaust/Cat bolts
- Anything else Auto-Related

This is basically my use for cordless impacts as well. Doing what you just listed any time I'm not in my shop. I first bought the Milwaukee 2652-22 that you list and, while it was a HUGE help, it didn't have enough balls for rusted suspension parts. Go with the Milwaukee 2662-22 instead. That'll keep you happy for a long time.

 

[jessemac]

SEP price is $333. my 14v snappy will get bolts to 100 ft. lbs. This thing is a monster.

you could get two for $666 further proof that snap-on is a product of the dark one to enslave us.

good luck man i know a hitachi sales rep i didn't know they made those impacts i might have to pick one up

 

[mrpowderkeg]

I just bought a milwaukee 2663-22. I tore a motor down with it, and it had no problems removing any bolts, suppose to have 450ft lbs

 

[RAYJAY]

I would love to get the new 18v bosch! If only it were cheaper...

was looking at that one

 

[bobcatdan]

Two words Snap on.

 

[RAYJAY]

Two words Snap on.

I'll pass on that...................

 

[wafrederick]

Avoid Bosch,their power tools are known for falling apart.Matco did get the award for the best cordless power tool line this year.I have Dewalt power tools,still work to this day with no problems.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have owned Milwaukee and Makita cordless tools. Used Dewalt and Craftsman enough to form an opion. Snap on cordless tools smoked them all. Never have held a Bosch tool in my hand so I can't give an opion on those. SO say assembled in USA, I know it's not made in the USA, but show me a cordless drill or impact that is.

 

[RAYJAY]

I have owned Milwaukee and Makita cordless tools. Used Dewalt and Craftsman enough to form an opion. Snap on cordless tools smoked them all. Never have held a Bosch tool in my hand so I can't give an opion on those. SO say assembled in USA, I know it's not made in the USA, but show me a cordless drill or impact that is.

the problem i have is........ if snap on was the last tool on earth would not buy it............

 

[Aklass]

Avoid Bosch,their power tools are known for falling apart.Matco did get the award for the best cordless power tool line this year.I have Dewalt power tools,still work to this day with no problems.

I have 2 bosch impactors, and a bosch 1/4 driver, they have yet to give me any problems. I also have a SDS hammer by them, still no problems. And even though they aren't German made anymore, at least they aren't made in China. Also their impact wrench is made(Assembled?) in the U.S Also to the OP, Hilti has an impact wrench =) It cost as much as the full price snap-on but will take a beating and last, even if its lacking on some power