Looking for a cordless impact recommendations...
- Thread starter Jeff T
- Start date
cashishift
Well-known member
I love my Dewalt DCF899
I swapped the detent pin over to the hog ring and bought a Mac tools "skin" for it.
It's powerful!
I swapped the detent pin over to the hog ring and bought a Mac tools "skin" for it.
It's powerful!
Really can't go wrong with the Milwaukee Fuel impact 1/2 or the DeWalt. Other brands will work too -- Makita and Ryobi (Ryobi is a good value).
Once you get the tool, a charger, couple of batteries -- then you can buy the other tools in the lineup as bare tools (super cheap), ebay, etc..
I am in Makita and Ryobi. I buy secondary tools I won't abuse in the Ryobi brand -- radio, lanterns, flashlight, regular drill. Also I have a 1/4 impact Ryobi -- good to have if you're working on something with a friend and you both need 1/4 impacts like when working on a deck or something.
Once you get the tool, a charger, couple of batteries -- then you can buy the other tools in the lineup as bare tools (super cheap), ebay, etc..
I am in Makita and Ryobi. I buy secondary tools I won't abuse in the Ryobi brand -- radio, lanterns, flashlight, regular drill. Also I have a 1/4 impact Ryobi -- good to have if you're working on something with a friend and you both need 1/4 impacts like when working on a deck or something.
Eric29
Well-known member
I think everyone will just give you their favorite tool. I choose mine based upon the battery my other tools take - Makita. In the end, I really don't think it makes much of a difference. After reading about the recommendations in the many other threads about this, I'm pretty convinced that there aren't big differences between the tools.
So in my opinion, just figure out what other tools you already have or will acquire and choose the type of batteries you want to interchange between tools.
So in my opinion, just figure out what other tools you already have or will acquire and choose the type of batteries you want to interchange between tools.
Alpine4x4
Well-known member
Go with what you already have batteries for. For me it was Makita and this 1/2" gun is a brute. Only downfall is weight.
PhysicsDude
Well-known member
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...18-5-0Ah-Battery-2767-20-48-11-1850/305907274
Milwaukee 1/2 impact with battery and charger for $219 with battery or $279 with battery and charger is a great deal. That's the same price point as Harbor Freight's cordless impact (although to be fair the HF impact is pretty beefy).
Ryobi, Ridgid, and Kobalt have pretty cheap 1/2 impacts also, but they aren't as powerful as the milwaukees, although they're probably lighter and more compact.
I have Makita and I love it, but their impact wrenches are pricey, and probably not any better than Milwaukee or Dewalt.
Milwaukee 1/2 impact with battery and charger for $219 with battery or $279 with battery and charger is a great deal. That's the same price point as Harbor Freight's cordless impact (although to be fair the HF impact is pretty beefy).
Ryobi, Ridgid, and Kobalt have pretty cheap 1/2 impacts also, but they aren't as powerful as the milwaukees, although they're probably lighter and more compact.
I have Makita and I love it, but their impact wrenches are pricey, and probably not any better than Milwaukee or Dewalt.
NVM, I found it. I got worried there!
Where are you seeing the $60 charger on the HD site? I've got the 2767 gun plus battery ordered for $219 but I don't see the charger. I see the one for $149.
Thanks,
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engineer2
Well-known member
For lugnuts my Makita 1/4 hex impact works great. I think it tops out at around 120 ft-lbs. If you have a truck, you may need to step up to a proper 1/2" drive impact.
Yeah an 1/4 impact is kinda too weak for lugs especially after they've been left on the studs for a month or more in between tire rotations.
Voi
Well-known member
Do you live in the rust belt? What type of vehicles and torque specs are you dealing with?
I have the Makita 1/2" compact (not the sub-compact 3/8") and the Ryobi 1/2" that was on sale last winter. Both will break lugs on my Tundra, my side by side and my kayak trailer (which has rusty lug bolts instead of studs and lug nuts). I don't use them extensively for lugs much less frequent wheel rotations so I'm not sure what general size to recommend.
If I had no other cordless tools or didn't need any other tools I'd likely go with the Dewalt or Milwaukee mid-torque type models. My understanding is that both are slightly lighter and more compact than my Ryobi but also more powerful. And they're less expensive than what Makita offers which I don't believe includes a mid torque type model.
If I already had other cordless tools I'd look hard at what those companies had to offer. If I didn't but though I might want some other cordless tools I'd look hard at what battery system offers me the most tools at a price range I'm comfortable with.
For me that was clearly Makita due to their yard tools. I picked up the Ryobi because it was cheap and I wanted to take it on side by side trail rides. I also want a few Ryobi tools like their inflators and caulking gun.
I have the Makita 1/2" compact (not the sub-compact 3/8") and the Ryobi 1/2" that was on sale last winter. Both will break lugs on my Tundra, my side by side and my kayak trailer (which has rusty lug bolts instead of studs and lug nuts). I don't use them extensively for lugs much less frequent wheel rotations so I'm not sure what general size to recommend.
If I had no other cordless tools or didn't need any other tools I'd likely go with the Dewalt or Milwaukee mid-torque type models. My understanding is that both are slightly lighter and more compact than my Ryobi but also more powerful. And they're less expensive than what Makita offers which I don't believe includes a mid torque type model.
If I already had other cordless tools I'd look hard at what those companies had to offer. If I didn't but though I might want some other cordless tools I'd look hard at what battery system offers me the most tools at a price range I'm comfortable with.
For me that was clearly Makita due to their yard tools. I picked up the Ryobi because it was cheap and I wanted to take it on side by side trail rides. I also want a few Ryobi tools like their inflators and caulking gun.
stickshift
Well-known member
Pretty much any of the modern brushless 1/2" impacts is going to have more than enough torque for lug nuts. If OP wants to remove crank bolts, corroded suspension or exhaust bolts, then the torque differences will matter, but otherwise, I see these differences as lower down the selection criteria.
Agree with suggestions to go with brand you already have batteries for. If you don't already have 18V Li-ion batteries, go with a brand that has the tools you think you'd be interested in (some brands have expansive tool lineups while others have very limited lineups).
OP, any of the modern 1/2" impacts will let you put the breaker bar away. And if you get one with a torque adjustment setting, you can also put your torque wrench away. I used to use a breaker bar for lug nut removal and a torque wrench for final torque. Now that I have a 1/2" impact with adjustable torque (Ridgid Gen5X), I just put the lug nuts on using the lowest torque setting, which I've estimated with my torque wrench to be ~80-85 ft-lbs. So both the breaker bar and 1/2" torque wrench are now retired from lug nut duty.
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Voi
Well-known member
Great, more $$. I also want one of their wet dry vacs so my kids can vacuum water out of our kayaks. Cheap & replaceable & I don't need to run electric or extension cords to where they're parked.
sweet victory
Well-known member
A milwaukee 3/8" impact will be fine and is a lot lighter and costs less.
scubadoober
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2017
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I have the Dewalt 890 and have no complaints. It will zip off lugnuts like they aren't there. With that said for what you are doing you don't need the biggest, baddest, heaviest hitting impact. I would look for the best deal and the battery platform that speaks to you. I wouldn't even get to wrapped up in AH of batteries since you won't be using them for long stints.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Go with the one that fits your hand the best. All those impacts are shaped different and everybody's hand is shaped different too.
westcoastkevin
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 7, 2018
- Messages
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I am sure they are all good.
I got this one after seeing the special here and I use it a lot more than expected.
Ridgid. 18v with battery and charger. Hog ring style. Lifetime warranty. $159
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-GEN5X-18-Volt-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-R86011SB/303037082
Good luck in your choice.
I got this one after seeing the special here and I use it a lot more than expected.
Ridgid. 18v with battery and charger. Hog ring style. Lifetime warranty. $159
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-GEN5X-18-Volt-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-R86011SB/303037082
Good luck in your choice.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I did something different ! Knowing that I was likely going to be "married" to battery platform for a long time, I choose Milwaukee M12. Primary reason was I had a good selection of corded and pneumatic tools already, but also want something lightweight. (This wizard is not getting any younger.)
I got an M12 Fuel 3/8" impact last year because I do a lot of homeowner outdoor equipment repair/maintenance. I added a 3/8" square to 1/4" hex adapter and have bought several screwdriver bits in various length (P1, P2, P3, Robertson and Torx).
Of course, using a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter I tried it on some lug nuts. No go, but if I crack them with a breaker bar, they come right of. Quicker than draging out the air hose and the 1/2" pneumatic impact wrench.
I also need a replacement for my ancient Black and Decker 2 speed battery drill, so I bought the cheapest (i.e. non-Fuel) 3/8" Milwaukee M12 drill. Second good decision. (For those who scoff at 3/8" drills, remember I have a really good corded 1/2" drill and you can find drill bits turned down for 3/8" chucks quite easily and usually for less $$$ !)
txvwnut
Well-known member
I actually bought the Harbor Freight earthquake 1/2” cordless impact. That things got crazy breakaway torque, I’m quite impressed by it.
bczygan
Well-known member
Milwaukee M18 medium torque 1/2" friction ring impact wrench.
Bill
Bill
WWheeler
Well-known member
Lisamelting
Well-known member
I've been happy with my Mileaukee Mid-torque.
Thanks Jeff,
Which battery system? For lug nuts on anything smaller than 2500+ trucks almost any 1/2 electric impact will do and even a few of the 3/8 will work. No need to change systems. I have Milwaukee so I will let the Yellow owners tell you which impacts for your battery system are the best.
Which battery system? For lug nuts on anything smaller than 2500+ trucks almost any 1/2 electric impact will do and even a few of the 3/8 will work. No need to change systems. I have Milwaukee so I will let the Yellow owners tell you which impacts for your battery system are the best.
GirlnAgarage
Well-known member
JeffT, what kind of torque are your lug nuts under? What kind of vehicle?
I think a 1/2" impact is overkill for lug nuts on less than a 2500. I'd go with a 3/8 impact. You'll save weight on the tool (but that's one of my factors, might not be yours).
I use a breaker bar on 140ft lb lug nuts. Then zip them off with the 1/4" impact if I'm in a hurry.
I wouldn't use a 1/2" until over the 160ft lb range. That's my tipping point on energy to wield the big impact vs pull the breaker bar. I'll zip the nut or bolt off with the 1/4" after that.
I just grabbed a Dewalt 1/2" 899 for the heavy truck work (2500 diesel 4wd). The 263ftlb axle nut changing the hub assembly last month threw me over the edge. Everything else, 3/8" will cut the mustard for routine stuff, including your basic suspension work.
I think a 1/2" impact is overkill for lug nuts on less than a 2500. I'd go with a 3/8 impact. You'll save weight on the tool (but that's one of my factors, might not be yours).
I use a breaker bar on 140ft lb lug nuts. Then zip them off with the 1/4" impact if I'm in a hurry.
I wouldn't use a 1/2" until over the 160ft lb range. That's my tipping point on energy to wield the big impact vs pull the breaker bar. I'll zip the nut or bolt off with the 1/4" after that.
I just grabbed a Dewalt 1/2" 899 for the heavy truck work (2500 diesel 4wd). The 263ftlb axle nut changing the hub assembly last month threw me over the edge. Everything else, 3/8" will cut the mustard for routine stuff, including your basic suspension work.
This. I picked up the new Milwaukee mid torque 1/2 inch impact, and its been great. Zips lug nuts off and on easily. The tool is not much bigger than a 1/4 inch hex impact yet has 600 ft lbs in reverse, 450 ft lbs fastening torque according to Milwaukee. Part # for the kit with charger and two batteries is 2861-22.
I have the 1100 ft lb Milawaukee impact and sometimes had to get a 1" impact on lug nuts when I helped a friend in his shop. It always worked great on my truck, but I torque to spec and rotate tires often. Recently bought my dad the 1400 ft lb one and I like it better but haven't used it all that much. I might have to switch out with him.
I bought a M18 grease gun a couple of years ago. Anyone who has greased a combine every day, knows how handy one is. Since that day, I have stuck with Milawaukee since I have extra batteries for it. I have been very pleased with it. Go with the platform you already have batteries for.
I bought a M18 grease gun a couple of years ago. Anyone who has greased a combine every day, knows how handy one is. Since that day, I have stuck with Milawaukee since I have extra batteries for it. I have been very pleased with it. Go with the platform you already have batteries for.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
My little Makita sub-compact 3/8" (the new 12v sized ones that take 18v batteries) will take lug nuts off cars and small SUVs without issue. I think a big truck might be pushing it however (haven't tried it yet). But that's an ultra small and compact tool meant for underhood or interior work.
Makita has plenty if other stronger impacts that will definitely reliably all lug nuts off. You could even step up to their big 1/2" if you really want to break bolts.
Makita has plenty if other stronger impacts that will definitely reliably all lug nuts off. You could even step up to their big 1/2" if you really want to break bolts.
rijndael
Well-known member
How much rust do you see in TX?
Love mine. But we aren’t really suggesting this guy switch to another system are we? What does Dewalt have that is similar?
I've always used a cross lug wrench until one day I realized I don't have to sit here and spin 6 lug nuts off with this wrench, it seemed to take forever so started using a cordless drill to spin them off and on and only broke or tightened with the wrench. One day I grabbed a Craftsman 1/4 impact driver instead of a drill, it's only rated in inch lbs. I couldn't tighten the nuts any further with the wrench after using the driver. I know it would never break them free though, never even tried.
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
I have the Bosch set of drill and impact driver. For lug nuts, I use a breaker bar only to loosen the nut, then the impact driver to spin it off. Installing, I use the driver to spin the nut and tighten it up. The impact driver will not impart the full torque, so then I use a proper torque wrench for the final tightening.
Once into the Bosch system with extra batteries, I have added an angle grinder and oscillating tool. Bought them as bare tools since I had the batteries.
Once into the Bosch system with extra batteries, I have added an angle grinder and oscillating tool. Bought them as bare tools since I had the batteries.
PhysicsDude
Well-known member
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...tery-and-Charger-2863-20-48-59-1850/305912825
$279 gun and battery and charger.
So you can get the gun by itself for $189, or get the gun with a "FREE" battery for $219, or get the gun with a "FREE" battery and charger for $279. Don't you love marketing BS. Still a good deal. I paid $200 for my Makita high torque impact bare tool just a few years ago.
The "mid torque" (600ft/lbs) gun is $219 with battery and charger, which is also a great deal
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...etent-Kit-W-1-5-0Ah-Battery-2860-21/304139246
OP: If you have Dewalt batteries, just get the Dewalt 1/2 gun. If you have the older XRP style batteries you can get the 1/2 gun for those too, they were quite stout tools for their day, and still hold their own.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Any chance you have the part numbers for that swap? I hate the detent pin on mine with a passion
Lisamelting
Well-known member
Nope, I thought battery platform didn't matter since his original post didn't specify a particular battery.
Absolutely correct. I wasn't picking on you personally. Every day we get an open question like this and we just jump in with what we like. If we took a minute to get more information first we could provide much better advice.
emeraldcoupe
Well-known member
i have the kobalt 24v 1/2" , had it for a couple years now, I like it.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-...Wrench-1-Battery-Included-Included/1000061641
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-...Wrench-1-Battery-Included-Included/1000061641
WWheeler
Well-known member
Dewalt DCF899 (type 1 or type 3) Hog Ring Anvil Assy Part Number: N415875
https://www.ereplacementparts.com/anvil-assy-p-2816390.html