Which homeowner brands are you referring to? I have the Ridgid 1/2in impact and it has never failed me. I've used it to loosen 80ft/lb lug nuts and my 90ft/lb brake caliper bolts. Those are some of the tightest bolts on the car, I have no doubt it would do anything I needed to. I don't even charge my compressor anymore. I've never tried it on anything like a crank pulley bolt but for that I'd likely use a 3 foot breaker bar
I do mostly work around the house or at friends houses. Nothing major. Have had 18v Porter cable nicad for years never did me wrong.
I see all the 20v stuff but I'm thinking about switching over to Ridgid. Just picked up the 18v 1/2 impact and really like it. Also grabbed all the clearance Ridgid items 1/4 impact, circ. saw, hammer drill and regular drill. Got a total of 5 batteries. All for minimal costs because all were at clearance. 1/2" impact set (4amp bat, charger &bag $170 on Hd.com)
But what I like the best is the life time warranty on the tools and batteries
Even if you get a makita at a good price in couple of years a blown battery will cost you money.
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