3/8" impact questions

[crewchief888]

heres my current "problem"

i work on const equipment, one of most frequently used tool is a cordless 3/8" drive impact for removing 3/8" (9/16's head) access cover bolts.

my trusty blue point 14.4v 3/8" dr impact crapped out on me friday morning

i've abused it for approx 5 years, it's beat all to hell, 2 of my 4 batteries dont hold a charge for long, worn anvil, ect, ect.

it's time to retire it.

a replacment bluepoint is $300 w/2 batteries
snapon is out of my price range @ $500

almost convinced myself to get the milwaukee fuel 12v for $199,
then i saw the milwaukee fuel 18v for $329

both li-ion, and brushless

now i cant decide

claimed torque 130 ft/lb for the 12v
200 ft/lb for the 18v


nobody has one IN STOCK that i can see / feel / fondle.
from what i can tell by pics and specs, they seem to be about the same size/weight as the compatable 1/4" hex impact drivers...

any GJ member using one or the other?
an honest review?

thanks guys

 

[firebox40dash5]

I have the M18, it's a bad sumbitch. Just used it today on the rusty 1/2" bolts holding my trailer coupler on and was surprised it got them loose as rusted up as they were. Before I upgraded air lines and couplers in the shop it would just about go head to head with my 2115.

 

[volvo92906]

Another guy on here swears by the 1/2'' counterpart to this... So I wonder if the 3/8 is just as powerful and reliable?

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.co...iqv20-series-cordless-tools/w5131p_high_cycle

 

[reptilezs]

i have the fuel 12v 3/8 impact and it will rip off m10(15mm socket) fine thread bolt/nuts easy. i love the size/weight. i have used it on m14(19mm socket) fine thread too and it works sometimes and sometimes not. that is about the limit

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I don't have any personal experience with it yet but I'm saving up for the new IR 5130. I've handled the 1/2'' version and it was impressive. So hoping the same is true for the 5130.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Check out the Bosch impactor.

 

[Rezeppa]

I didn't find the IR 3/8" nearly as impressive as the 1/2" equivalent. I personally would go with the M18 if I was in your shoes Crewcheif. Just my opinion. I find the smaller impacts to leave more desired and will leave you wanting more from it. The length is very similar and I don't find the weight and footprint as much if an improvement as the added torque of the size larger unit.

 

[GSteg]

The IR W5130 is a good gun. It's not the most powerful 3/8" impact but if you already have the W7150, or plan to get it, then the W5130 makes sense. It's still a powerful gun (will remove most lug nuts that's properly torqued), but if you plan on using it for anything other than 3/8" duty, you'll be disappointed. That's what the 1/2" is for.

 

[shockwave]

For all around basis you should go with the mulwalkee m18 fuel hands down best warranty price. I bought the new snap on ct8810 but you cannot beat the warranty on the batteries on the milwalkee

 

[crewchief888]

i read quite a few reviews, and the power of the 18v is impressive
my biggest concern with the 18v is the overall size, most of what i use it for is in a "tight spot"
tires, cylinders, exhaust pipes, mufflers are typically in the way, so i'm looking at something that is smaller sized.

not looking for something the size of a 1/2" dr cordless gun.


thnaks guys

 

[jfcasey]

The 3/8 18v milwaukee is pretty compact, I'm not familiar with the size of the bluepoint you had but i know my milwaukee is tiny compared to the snap on equivilent.

If you want to fondle one, usually home depot has a bunch out on display, they usually won't have any square drive 3/8's ones but you can atleast play with it to see the size/ergonomics of it.

 

[crewchief888]

The 3/8 18v milwaukee is pretty compact, I'm not familiar with the size of the bluepoint you had but i know my milwaukee is tiny compared to the snap on equivilent.

If you want to fondle one, usually home depot has a bunch out on display, they usually won't have any square drive 3/8's ones but you can atleast play with it to see the size/ergonomics of it.

yea i went there this afternoon to look around.

the 12v drill is really compact, similar in size to ridgid 12 volt drill i have, (and really like)
18v 1/4" hex driver is actually smaller & lighter than i expected, i'm hoping the 3/8" dr impact will be similar in size.

what the hell, i might just order them both, and return the one i dont like

 

[GSteg]

The 3/8" should be the same size as the 1/4" hex driver.

 

[malibutwins]

Your going to get a lot of different opinions here. So...... here's mine. Snap On 14.4volt3/8 is the baddest when you put an 18 volt battery on it. I do it all the time so with that being said. The Snap On 3/8 is the best choice, just get the Snap On 1/2" with the NiCad and the 3/8 Snap On 14.4 NiCad You'll be set for years.

 

[crewchief888]

if money were no object,
i'd probably go with the snapon 3/8"

i have ZERO use for a 1/2" dr cordless impact

but....

ive had a couple older SO 3/8" dr impacts, and wasnt impressed with the power to weight ratio of either of them, nor the fact that it seems SO changes battery designs every few years, old batteries are NLA, and batteries & chargers cost a fortune to replace.

this impact will see some severe use, mud, rain, oil, and diesel fuel, along with extremes of temperatures.

i may try trading in the bluepoint, and both my old SO guns, i'll have to wait and see, but i'm not expecting much on trade, i'd have to the get the price on the SO down close to the milwaukee 18v to even consider it.

i'm also considering replacement of a couple otehr brands of cordless tools, that i'm not really satisfied with. at least milwaukee ( and others) have "tool only" available for a reasonable price.
most of my cordless stuff is on it's last leg, if not already dead, and all different brands.

i guess i'm still gonna be thinking on this for a while..

 

[firebox40dash5]

The 3/8" should be the same size as the 1/4" hex driver.

This, IIRC the anvil can even be swapped between the square and hex drives, and I think HD usually carries the M18 Fuel hex impact.

 

[jfcasey]

Yea, the 1/4 hex is the same size as the 3/8 square, just a different anvil. Mine hasn't seen a lot of diesel or mud but it has seen a lot of slush/water this past winter and I've accidentally had it covered in brake fluid twice now. It still functions great but the rubber bumper/skid pads on the top are all mushy and pancaked out. I've also knocked it off a lift arm at face level a few times and had zero problems with it working after hitting the cement floor in the shop.

What can I say I just love my damn Milwaukee

 

[dudutzu905]

Yea, the 1/4 hex is the same size as the 3/8 square, just a different anvil.
What can I say I just love my damn Milwaukee

the only difference is that you get more power(less power/torque loss) when using the 3/8 anvil, if you look up the specs for it with 1/4 hex and 3/8 square you'll see what I mean. You can actually put in a 1/2 anvil and gain another 20 or so lbs/ft

 

[crewchief888]

Yea, the 1/4 hex is the same size as the 3/8 square, just a different anvil. Mine hasn't seen a lot of diesel or mud but it has seen a lot of slush/water this past winter and I've accidentally had it covered in brake fluid twice now. It still functions great but the rubber bumper/skid pads on the top are all mushy and pancaked out. I've also knocked it off a lift arm at face level a few times and had zero problems with it working after hitting the cement floor in the shop.

What can I say I just love my damn Milwaukee

12v or 18v ?

 

[jfcasey]

I have the 18v

 

[bobcatdan]

Seeing how I know what you be taking off, I don't know about the m12. 80% if not better of those cover bolts require a u joint socket and those **** a lot of power. If I had to replace my 14.4 SO, I would look at the m18. Then again my last set of Milwaukee's left a sour taste in my mouth so I'd buy another SO.

 

[Rezeppa]

I second Bobcatdan I feel the exact same way. I wouldn't trade my 8810 for anything and prior to I had the Makita version but, I bought into the V18 Milwaukee and I just have a hard time buying anything from them now. The compact stuff always leaves me wanting more. I have a CT661 and two of my coworkers have the M12 3/8 I just don't find it as useful as the larger versions. I would think of the compact units as more of an air ratchet than an impact. Not really enough torque to truly be a 3/8 impact.

 

[crewchief888]

Seeing how I know what you be taking off, I don't know about the m12. 80% if not better of those cover bolts require a u joint socket and those **** a lot of power. If I had to replace my 14.4 SO, I would look at the m18. Then again my last set of Milwaukee's left a sour taste in my mouth so I'd buy another SO.

yep, i'm sure ya do

my 2 most used sockets are both impact swivels, 9/16" $ 3/4"


what were your issues/problems with the milwaukee?

 

[bobcatdan]

Their batteries soured me on Lin ion. Didnt work when cold, lasted 3 years, and so expensive, cheaper to buy new tools. I went back to ni cads and will be the last one earth to give them up.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Being an ingersoll fan and all, I'd say go with the 20v 3/8 that just came out. I have the w7150 right now so it would make sense for me. BUT, the snap on 14.4v is a beast. I've used it to take tires off in the shop. The light isn't the most useful, but it's also not useless. I would pony up the extra money for the snap on gun. I've bought one thing off the snap on truck and its because I needed it at the time, so I'm no snap on fanboy. Just very impressed from the use I've had with it and the stuff I've seen it do.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

For 3/8" drive, go with the M18. I LOVE my 12v stuff, but my old DeWalt 18v 1/4" hex will handle way more than my M12 1/4" hex impact. In the future I'll be picking up a dedicated 3/8" anvil 18v Fuel, and the DeWalt will stay with me for home projects.

 

[crewchief888]

Their batteries lasted 3 years,

thats about all i get from a battery anyway..

For 3/8" drive, go with the M18. I LOVE my 12v stuff, but my old DeWalt 18v 1/4" hex will handle way more than my M12 1/4" hex impact.

yea i think i'm gonna go for the 18v...


as much as i'm gonna HATE spending that much money...

 

[bobcatdan]

I guess I was spoiled by my makita batteries that were six years old when I bought the milwaukee's and they out last them another two years after the Milwaukee died.

 

[crewchief888]

i thought about makita, but theres just something to me that dont feel "right" about most of makita's powertools...

 

[bobcatdan]

I think they have fallen behind and have no real interest in them like I once had.

 

[purplezr2]

The m18 batteries don't charge in the cold plain and simple, they will work in the cold though. I love my M18.

 

[jfcasey]

my 2 most used sockets are both impact swivels, 9/16" $ 3/4"

I think the 18v Milwaukee would do just fine with the 9/16 swivel but honestly if you are constantly using the 3/4 swivel on bolts that aren't in near perfect condition you may want to look for something with more juice. I didn't realize quite how large of bolts you need it to work on. Mine will zap out clean bolts with a 19mm swivel but if its rusty or even loctited I end up using a pneumatic 3/8.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I think the critical determination is at what torque/bolt size do you go from using a 3/8" drive and moving up to a 1/2" drive cordless impact wrench. To me when I pushing over 110 to 150 ft lbs. I'm going to use a 1/2" impact, but below its 3/8", so having a few of each size I find that I grab my Milwaukee M12 2451 3/8" impact with the XC battery the most, then a Snap On CT4410 or a Hitachi 18 volt LiIon, which is smaller/same size as the CT4410, but has more torque with 160+ ft.lbs tightening and 350 ft.lbs. loosening.

TheGrooveking

 

[bobcatdan]

I think the 18v Milwaukee would do just fine with the 9/16 swivel but honestly if you are constantly using the 3/4 swivel on bolts that aren't in near perfect condition you may want to look for something with more juice. I didn't realize quite how large of bolts you need it to work on. Mine will zap out clean bolts with a 19mm swivel but if its rusty or even loctited I end up using a pneumatic 3/8.

He is a bobcat tech like myself. The 3/4" nuts are for the cab hold down. My 14.4 SO will take 95% of those off with no problem. The others normally snap off.

 

[TheGrooveking]

He is a bobcat tech like myself. The 3/4" nuts are for the cab hold down. My 14.4 SO will take 95% of those off with no problem. The others normally snap off.

10-4, so you use your Snap On to snap off.

TheGrooveking

 

[92integra]

My vote is deifinatly for milwaukee I dont know if your set on the new fuel 3/8s repping 200ft pounds of torque with 3 adjustible torque settings but if your not I just got a screaming deal on ebay from a seller called buzzardgulch I got the 1/2 in impact (450ftlbs)non fuel 3/8 ( only 160 ftlbs no adjustments) and a fuel hammer drill, 2 batteries and a m12 / m18 charger for 500 shipped

 

[92integra]

O and those are all m18 tools. not that yall didnt know

 

[crewchief888]

just an update

decided on the 18v milwaukee with the 4.0 batteries.

placed an order 2 days ago with a big box store( who shall remain nameless), still today they hadnt processed my order, claiming there was an error in processing, after making 2 phone calls to try to get it straightened out, i cancelled the order.

found another retailer that had the 2.0 battery version $40 cheaper than the previous seller, and the 4.0 kit for only $10 more than the big box store wanted for the 2.0 battery.

should see it sometime next week

 

[Tavy]

You made a good choice. I have an M18 Fuel Brushless 3/8 and 1/4 hex myself that survived a winter in upstate New York, been dropped from 50ft heights, and all in all had the **** kicked out of them.
The worst? Had a trigger replaced after one fell in a coolant catch pan. $15.

 

[crewchief888]

The 3/4" nuts are for the cab hold down. My 14.4 SO will take 95% of those off with no problem. The others normally snap off.

the 14.4 bluepoint i have will take them off, as well as all the access panel bolts most of the time.
we have a lot of older neglected, rusted machines, and a lot that are used for nothing but snow removal and loading salt down here.
sometimes the bolts are gonna snap no matter what you do.

i've had to torch cab bolts because they were so rusted.