I got a cordless impact driver. Where have I been?

[stovebolt6]

Just got the Ridgid 18v lith-ion impact driver today and good god, what a handy tool for automotive work. Upon getting it, I zipped off a strut tower brace, took off some crusty mud flaps, re-aligned a hood, and replaced a couple headlamp assemblies with it literally in just a few minutes.

Needless to say, I think this thing has replaced at least 50% of ratchet duty for me. Anyone else use a cordless impact driver as a little mini impact wrench/screw gun?

This guy here:

 

[1950mercury]

I love my dewalt huge time saver.


Love these sk extensions


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BC4TB08/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rice rocket]

I went even smaller and went to a 12v Milwaukee Fuel impact driver, it does 100 ft-lbs though, so it's not a slouch (in the impact driver category at least). For automotive work, it does okay, I use it mostly for rough assembly before final torquing.

For disassembly, it does most of the 8-10mm stuff off fine, most of the 12mm stuff except when rusty. I hate having to stop to break out another tool when it gets held up though, so I end up using the impact wrench. The wrench is actually shorter since it doesn't need the hex adapter too.

 

[Malczewski]

When they **** out.........call me.
Bring your own air hoses.

 

[SASORacing]

Yeah my first battery impact was like a AH ha moment, an epiphany.
It literally makes a ratchet obselete. I use my new milwaukke m12 in so many spots because its so compact and lightweight. No adapters either because of the 3/8ths anvil on the end.

 

[rice rocket]

Makita needs to release their new brushless impact driver with a square anvil.

130 ft-lbs in it's current form, probably a little more in a square?

 

[uart]

Anyone else use a cordless impact driver as a little mini impact wrench/screw gun?

Most people using them for wrenching prefer the square anvil drive type. More torque and slightly better access in most cases.

I've got a hex impact driver type similar to yours. I use it mostly for driving screws, especially harder ones like lag screws. Sometimes though I use it for wrenching on smaller stuff. For this usage I usually use nut drivers, as I think they transfers the torque slightly better than using an adaptor and socket.

The only problem with this is that my nut drivers are fairly shallow, so sometimes I still need to use the adaptor and a deeper socket to get the job done. Just wondering if you're using a hex to square adaptor with yours or if you're using nut drivers?

 

[uart]

Makita needs to release their new brushless impact driver with a square anvil.

130 ft-lbs in it's current form, probably a little more in a square?

I wish more manufacturers would offer the dual drive type like Bosch does. It's a 1/2" square anvil with a 1/4" hex drive in the center.

 

[SMKS]

OP,

Make sure to properly register your new tool and the batteries so you're eligible for the Lifetime Service Agreement.

If you forget, you'll only get the 3-year warranty.

 

[CNGsaves]

I wish more manufacturers would offer the dual drive type like Bosch does. It's a 1/2" square anvil with a 1/4" hex drive in the center.

Holy sheepshit . . . . $500 for that baby !!! It ought to have all the bells and whistles.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181174451025?lpid=82&chn=ps

 

[LB-1911]

Just got the Ridgid 18v lith-ion impact driver today and good god, what a handy tool for automotive work. Upon getting it, I zipped off a strut tower brace, took off some crusty mud flaps, re-aligned a hood, and replaced a couple headlamp assemblies with it literally in just a few minutes.

Needless to say, I think this thing has replaced at least 50% of ratchet duty for me. Anyone else use a cordless impact driver as a little mini impact wrench/screw gun?

OP,

Make sure to properly register your new tool and the batteries so you're eligible for the Lifetime Service Agreement.

If you forget, you'll only get the 3-year warranty.

 

[kornjulio]

I've got the same impact & use it very little for home automotive work, which I do alot of. Notice most of the tasks you completed in your original post were on the exterior of the vehicle where access wasn't an issue? That's the main issue for me - it's too big when access is restricted.

I do grab it for small items like trim screws & stuff...but it'll never replace my ratchets.

 

[steed andersen]

I use the craftsman/nextec 12v li ion 1/4" impact driver at work all day long on small engine repair. Wherever it doesn't fit I use my Snap On 3/8" 14.4v li ion ratchet. Seldom pull out my ratchets anymore and my wrists, shoulders, back and neck are not getting as stiff by the end of the day.

 

[Nele]

Ha ha congrats

 

[BUILTTOLAST]

I wish more manufacturers would offer the dual drive type like Bosch does. It's a 1/2" square anvil with a 1/4" hex drive in the center.

That's awesome (the dual setup) such a simple idea yet so effective.

 

[uart]

Holy sheepshit . . . . $500 for that baby !!! It ought to have all the bells and whistles.

Holy sheepdip indeed. The bare tool here in Australia is only about $120. I'm not sure why the prices on that model are so high. Normally we pay a whole **** load more for everything down here.

https://sydneytools.com.au/bosch-gd...e=4&fep=5304&gclid=CJPwuJOa4cMCFUpxvAodBp4ACg

Anyway, it looks like this one uses that same dual purpose socket/hex head and is a lot more affordable on the North American market.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOSCH-IDH18...1156416177?pt=Power_Tools&hash=item54169992b1

 

[Palmer812]

I use my Dewalt 12v max impact everyday. I do car stereo so removing door panels, speakers, radios, dash pieces etc. I use my 20v max to rotate tires and take seat bolts and seat belt bolts out. I use Mac (made by GP) magnetic impact sockets and they are awesome.

 

[The Detailer]

Just got the Ridgid 18v lith-ion impact driver today and good god, what a handy tool for automotive work. Upon getting it, I zipped off a strut tower brace, took off some crusty mud flaps, re-aligned a hood, and replaced a couple headlamp assemblies with it literally in just a few minutes.

Needless to say, I think this thing has replaced at least 50% of ratchet duty for me. Anyone else use a cordless impact driver as a little mini impact wrench/screw gun?

This guy here:

Yup, I'm in the exact boat as a detailer. I have the extreme bosch 25618, pulls off wheels with 1/4 drive lol!

 

[The Detailer]

That's awesome (the dual setup) such a simple idea yet so effective.

I know, I may upgrade to that. The half drive an brushless is a deal breaker.

 

[fivespdcat]

Just wait until you start driving long screws or lags. Stripped Phillips heads are a thing of the past. It's truly unbelievable how good impacts are compared to any other driving device.

 

[freudianfloyd]

I recently bit the bullet and bought the Porter Cable 20v impact and drill set, and the impact quickly became my favorite tool. I try to use it on anything I can.

 

[cattoon]

I have the Rigid 12 volt that came as a combo drill with impact and 2 batteries, I use the impact for ATV work and have hex to 1/4 and 3/8 adapters. I have been very pleased with it. I still have and use pneumatic impacts and rachets but it is much handier at times to use the battery one.

 

[GetErDone]

I love my Makita nut driver. I also use it as my primary drill due to the ease in changing hex shank drill bits. It is great for assembling and installing ceiling fans because you can drill a pilot hole in the board supporting the junction box and then quickly change to a nut driver to drive a long screw in it for extra support. The batteries charge so quickly that if the battery is low, I can fully charge it while I am getting the ladder set up and fetching other tools that I need. I find a new use for my impact driver all the time.

 

[Ign]

I went even smaller and went to a 12v Milwaukee Fuel impact driver, it does 100 ft-lbs though, so it's not a slouch (in the impact driver category at least). For automotive work, it does okay, I use it mostly for rough assembly before final torquing.

For disassembly, it does most of the 8-10mm stuff off fine, most of the 12mm stuff except when rusty. I hate having to stop to break out another tool when it gets held up though, so I end up using the impact wrench. The wrench is actually shorter since it doesn't need the hex adapter too.

This. I use my 3/8" square drive 2654. While some people still vehemently deny it, there is a CONSIDERABLE loss of torque in adapters and inherently in 1/4" hex itself.

 

[firebox40dash5]

This. I use my 3/8" square drive 2654. While some people still vehemently deny it, there is a CONSIDERABLE loss of torque in adapters and inherently in 1/4" hex itself.

There's a ton of loss in those flexy little shafts at 100+ lb/ft. I have about the same setup as you and rice rocket... M12 Fuel hex driver, M18 Fuel 3/8 impact. I've all but quit using the hex driver for most disassembly work, unless it's </=12mm heads or screws.

But... mode 1 is awesome for running stuff together quick before hand-tightening, though, as rice rocket alluded to. Especially if you can't get a hand in there to start a bolt/nut and have to start it with the gun, ~13 lb/ft would have a hard time cross threading a hardened bolt in pot metal. It's also just about perfect for almost any diff cover/trans pan/oil pan, gets you real close to right without risk of overtightening.

I generally find there's 3 kinds of people... those who swear by a little cordless impact, those who haven't tried one and don't know what they're missing, and those who don't know how to fix or build anything.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I still prefer air tools by quite a bit due to the differing amount of tools available but I love my Nextec Right angle impact to death

 

[The Detailer]

This. I use my 3/8" square drive 2654. While some people still vehemently deny it, there is a CONSIDERABLE loss of torque in adapters and inherently in 1/4" hex itself.

I 100% agree, it's just like an automotive drivetrain. The more connections the more loss of power.

 

[indyokie]

Since I'm already way deep into 19.2v Craftsman in other drills and saws, I purchased a 19.2v Lithium-Ion Craftsman when my drill chuck was giving up the ghost. It truly is one tool that I'm mad I had not purchased earlier. If I had tried one - I would have bought one on the spot.
The other brands that are so compact make what I thought was a good tool, well...2nd rate.

 

[Mr.3-5-7]

im 100% cordless at this point. i have a SO screw/bit driver for interior work. a small SO 3/8 impact that is absolutely amazing. on the truck we torqued a bolt down in the vise to 180'lbs. this little guy spun it right off. then i have a SO 3/8 cordless ratchet. a big SO 3/8 impact used for suspension and underbody work. and a 1/2 milwaukee M18 fuel impact. i can turn out work in less than half flat-rate since going cordless.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I rarely use my impact driver for automotive work, but I use it all time for other work. Drilling screws/fasteners in, removing them, assembling things, etc. Really makes a job go fast.

It probably is the best "new" tool invention in several decades.

I still reach for my air impacts though for car stuff, it just seems like I get in situations where my cordless just doesn't have the power so I end up getting out the air impact eventually anyway. I just save myself the aggravation and go with air.

 

[Jack Olsen]

As others have mentioned, it's also game-changer if you drive a lot of screws.

And the Ridgid in the original post also comes with a lifetime warranty on the tool AND the batteries, which is pretty incredible. Make sure you go through the steps to activate it, or you'll only get three years of coverage.

 

[mrvm]

Your wrist will thank you too for more driving less twisting

 

[225]

A few years ago, I bought the Dewalt 18v Max Impact/drill set. And I've used it all the time. I just started using the impact for motorcycle maintenance, and holy ****, I love it.

18v:



Then, last week I bought the new 20v brushless combo. The quality is so much better.

 

[rice rocket]

Be glad you got the new driver, not the stupid flat nosed one.

 

[stage20]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-Impact-Gold-3-8-in-15-Degree-Tilt-Socket-Adapter-B-35075/203696899

can do just about anything with a small impact driver and this adapter. use it for everything. turns any socket into a swivel just about.

milwalkee has some nice standard square versions that are really short and impact rated.

 

[Josey Wales]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-Impact-Gold-3-8-in-15-Degree-Tilt-Socket-Adapter-B-35075/203696899

can do just about anything with a small impact driver and this adapter. use it for everything. turns any socket into a swivel just about.

milwalkee has some nice standard square versions that are really short and impact rated.

Every time I log on here I see something I didn't know I needed, but now have to have. (Bull, ca 2012)
But thank you for keeping it under $10

 

[smokey0810]

Got my Rigid on clearance at local HD for $39. Already had the 18v drill and 2 batteries, which I got on clearance for $79 a few mos earlier. I love the impact. Made easy work of the oil pan bolts on my car. Still use compressor and impact for taking off wheels though.

 

[rice rocket]

Every time I log on here I see something I didn't know I needed, but now have to have. (Bull, ca 2012)
But thank you for keeping it under $10

Yeah, I have the non-wobble version of that, didn't know they made a wobble. Add it to the shopping list...

 

[stovebolt6]

As others have mentioned, it's also game-changer if you drive a lot of screws.

And the Ridgid in the original post also comes with a lifetime warranty on the tool AND the batteries, which is pretty incredible. Make sure you go through the steps to activate it, or you'll only get three years of coverage.

Yep already signed up for it. That was a major reason I got the Ridgid.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I like my Dewalt 18V impact driver so much, I spent the money to buy another one for a spare that still NIB.