what's the best 1/2 Impact?

[Spike00513]

Not sure if this is the right subforum.

Tried searching and am still reading threads.

What is the best 1/2 impact? Mainly for wheel removal, but it doesn't hurt to be capable of doing more.
I can always buy more different impacts for other purposes. Both air and electric, such as stubby ones for tight areas.

The Milwaukee 2767 (1/2" High Torque) seems popular. Affordable and strong.
But they don't advertise the decibel level, so it's probably loud.
I'm looking for a quiet one, because why would you ever want a loud one?

The biggest Ingersoll Rand 1/2 has an optional "Quiet" version; I hear it's just foam in the exhaust that can later cause problems and make people want to remove it. And even that one might not be that quiet.

I think some Aircats go down to 82dB but may be less reliable.
the IR "Quiet" one might still be loud around 90dB. Others are around 100dB.

I'm not sure if other factors matter. Like torque power; if that makes it undo a bolt easier and quicker.
Strikes per second, and so on.
Honestly, I don't think I've ever even tried removing a wheel with 3/8" before anyway. Just 1/2".

I'm not sure how much weight matters. Because air impacts seem lighter, 4lbs or less. While the Milwaukee electric High Torque is like 6lb.

Plus, if using an air hose, you can lower/drop the air tool down to the floor.
Electric, you can place aside on a lift post while removing a wheel, but it could fall over onto the floor.

Part of me wants to try the big titanium quiet Ingersoll Rand,
or electric
or simply making a chart of all the different tool options based on decibel level, and choosing the quietest one

I imagine a small weak tool would be much more dramatic about removing a bolt, vs. a powerful one making quick work of it

Snap-On also has a 1/2; I hear it's angled in a better shape than the Milwaukee. But it probably costs a kidney, and I hear they have worse warranty and start to break/go bad soon.

 

[lbhsbz]

My cheapo 1/4" dewalt impact driver with a 3/8 adapter in it will take the lugs off my 3/4 ton truck. Any of the big 1/2" battery impacts make well north of 1000ft/lbs, which is more than enough for any lug nut....usually.

I've encountered only one lug nut which would not come off with pneumatic gun I had on hand...but my Dewalt 1/2" 20V got it off. This was a car from the salt belt that should have gone to the scrap yard a long time ago...wheels hadn't been off in probably 10 years.

Aside from that one lug nut, I can't think of the single thing that in 20 years of wrenching I would need more loosening power than my old *** original composite Ingersoll pneumatic impact can dish out, which is about 5-600ft/lbs I think. These big guns are overkill for most things, and they're big and heavy. I'm contemplating getting rid of mine and getting the mid torque, since it will do everything I can imagine needing it to do.

 

[MileHighRover]

I'm very happy with my Ridgid 1/2" impact. It's rated at 465 pound feet of torque. Definitely does everything I need it to. My pneumatic Harbor Freight Earthquake impact hasn't met a fastener it couldn't handle. If the Ridgid won't take it off, the Earthquake certainly will.

 

[visionguru]

....
What is the best 1/2 impact? Mainly for wheel removal, but it doesn't hurt to be capable of doing more....

The Milwaukee 2767 (1/2" High Torque) seems popular. Affordable and strong.
But they don't advertise the decibel level, so it's probably loud.
I'm looking for a quiet one, because why would you ever want a loud one?

The biggest Ingersoll Rand 1/2 has an optional "Quiet" version; I hear it's just foam in the exhaust that can later cause problems and make people want to remove it. And even that one might not be that quiet.

.....
Honestly, I don't think I've ever even tried removing a wheel with 3/8" before anyway. Just 1/2".

I'm not sure how much weight matters. Because air impacts seem lighter, 4lbs or less. While the Milwaukee electric High Torque is like 6lb.

......

In terms of build quality and performance, Ingersoll Rand W7152 is the best on the market.



I have 3 Milwaukee M18 tools. They feel cheaply made when comparing with Ingersoll Rand, not the same level of quality, and the price is quite similar.

Noise level of cordless impact is not a concern, unlike air impacts.

If taking off lug nuts is your main use, I'd recommend the little brother: Ingersoll Rand W5132, @550 ft-lb of nut busting torque, it can take off lug nuts with ease, also will be more useful on other tasks. I've used my W5132 (3/8") to remove lug nuts of my Honda and Audi, just as quickly as W7152.

BTW, Ingersoll Rand seems designed for mechanics, while Milwaukee/DeWalt for contractors.

 

[IUEC Medic]

I don’t know the actual decibel output of any of my Milwaukee impacts... but the noise they make is generally only for a few seconds at a time, but my air compressor seems louder and is definitely a far longer duration. With air you have the compressor noise in addition to the impact noise.

If my primary concern is noise, I tend to avoid running my air compressor at all, but don’t mind using my cordless impact intermittently.


I have an air impact collecting dust at home, and my go to at home and at work is a Milwaukee fuel 1/2 mid torque. One stays on the peg board at home and one stays in the work truck.

I also have an ingersoll rand cordless 90° 1/2 impact (w5350) and its great for the times I’ve needed it, but have had a serious issue of the batteries failing (not holding a charge and then not taking a charge at all)

 

[AS556]

I like the Milwaukee Fuel line

 

[pbon]

But a Milwaukee 2767 from HD. Try it out. Return it if you don’t like it. There have been some good value sales lately. If you want to pay 2 or 3 times as much, look at IR and SO. Milwaukee warranty is 5 years for non commercial use.

 

[ATC]

My cheapo 1/4" dewalt impact driver with a 3/8 adapter in it will take the lugs off my 3/4 ton truck.

I'd like to see that. My 200ft-lb 3/8 Milwaukee will barely touch the 165ft-lb lugs on mine. I usually break out the air impact to save wear & tear on it...

 

[Polo_Karl]

I picked up the Dewalt 1/2 Mid Torque this year, chose it mainly because Dewalt 20v are the batteries I have. I have used for pulling wheels at the scrap yard and running bolts when building a deck. I've been happy with it, glad I went mid torque over the high torque just because it is lighter/more compact.

 

[gatlibs]

I had an old Craftsman and it didn't get everything. I bought a new DeWalt and it gets everything.

 

[RKA]

I'd like to see that. My 200ft-lb 3/8 Milwaukee will barely touch the 165ft-lb lugs on mine. I usually break out the air impact to save wear & tear on it...

Well, I think his is an outside use case but your 3/8” impact Milwaukee may be underpowered as well. I had a first gen Makita impact driver which was likely rated around 100 ft lbs. On a full battery, it would remove lug bolts torqued to 90 ft lbs (using a 3/8” adapter). On half a battery, no dice. But, some people find it acceptable to rattle away for 5-10 secs before the bolt moves, I don’t. So it’s somewhat open to interpretation. But don’t forget newer impacts can deliver near 200 ft lbs.

My next tool for the wheels was a Milwaukee 3/8 impact wrench rated for 240 ft lbs. It’s probably the generation after the one you have. I believe they listened to the feedback that indicated “more power” when they released my model. Frankly, I would be shocked if it delivered that much based on how it performed. Barely better than the old Makita with a full battery despite twice the published power. I’m not sure it would do a bolt torqued to 165 ft lbs. Some people here have reported theirs works well, and I don’t doubt them. But more than a few also echo my observations. So maybe Milwaukee had some quality issues with all of those lower power impact guns?

But I can see both the use of the impact driver on his truck and the barely adequate Milwaukee on your truck for the reasons above. Would I want to use either on my wheels (car or truck)? No thanks. I’ll take the mid torque, thank you!

 

[ex-x-fire]

I've been happy with my mini King Tony impact for years, its the way to go because it fits everywhere and rarely has trouble taking nuts/bolts off.

 

[atnfromatl]

I've got a Kobalt 20V 1/2 impact from 5+ years ago. It has served me well. It'll remove any lug nuts or axle nuts. HOWEVER, it will not remove Honda/Acura crankshaft bolts.

I was working on 13 CRV and had to replace the timing chain. The Kobalt, the milwaukee 2763 and a 3/4 HF earthquake (all with the weighted 19mm socket) could not remove it. We finally got it removed by heating the bolt and freezing the washer.

Im always waiting to see if Milwaukee will release a gen 3 or dewalt will release a DCF899 successor. Because I'm not sure the current guns would've done the job either.

 

[juddspaintballs]

I have a M12 (Fuel?) 3/8" impact wrench. It removes lug nuts on my car (110 ft-lbs) and if I let it rattle for a couple seconds, it will remove them on my Suburban as well (135 ft-lbs). For such a small tool, that is pretty impressive. I mainly use it for tightening large bolts down where I don't feel like breaking out the torque wrench but I know I can't over-torque with that little guy (think 5/8" and larger grade 8 bolts).



For really stubborn bolts that need an impact, I break out my IR air impact. I have the Ingersoll Rand 2235 TiMAX which delivers 930 ft-lbs reverse torque and 1350 ft-lbs forward. That thing is a beast. It has the forward/reverse button on the back instead of having to turn the dial to reverse like some other air impacts. This means I can switch between forward and reverse without using a 2nd hand, setting the tool down, or even looking at it. It is not very quiet, but it is the beast of a tool I was looking for and I'm very happy with it. That's why I have ear plugs in my garage.

 

[Ton ton]

Wear earplugs- I could care less what brand of impact is best.

 

[BrandoJames]

My cheapo 1/4" dewalt impact driver with a 3/8 adapter in it will take the lugs off my 3/4 ton truck.

I'd like to see that. My 200ft-lb 3/8 Milwaukee will barely touch the 165ft-lb lugs on mine. I usually break out the air impact to save wear & tear on it...

I have to agree with ATC. Whenever I see a post like: I took a 747 apart with just a 1/4" hand ratchet, I’m not sure what point is being made. Are you using the right tool for the job?

When I bought my home 30 years ago, I tried mowing my two acre lot with a walk-behind power mower. I eventually got the job done, but I don’t brag about it because I was using the wrong tool for the job. As an older, wiser neighbor advised: “Maybe you should buy a used John Deere riding mower”.

 

[RKA]

Apartments, townhouse complexes and even tight housing developments can make the sound consideration important. And the later you work into the evening to more it’s a consideration. It’s not just the need for hearing protection.

 

[RKA]

BJ, I’m not disagreeing, just pointing out the gap between the tools mentioned may not be as large as He might think.

 

[txvwnut]

Best bang for the buck cordless is the Harbor Freight Earthquake. Mine hasn’t found a fastener it won’t take off yet. I will say that they don’t really like having an extension on them but HF does have a long shank version that I’m thinking of adding to the tool box as well.

 

[Yarpo]

I love my mid torque, but in the last three months I've found two sets of lug nuts it failed to remove, and it rattling away is loud. My high torque barely even impacted and broke those same lug nuts free which keeps noise down. I like the mid torque significantly more, but 1 in 100 cars seems to have the wheels torqued on by a gorilla and the high torque comes in to save the day.

 

[jmcf1949]

I picked up the Dewalt 1/2 Mid Torque this year, chose it mainly because Dewalt 20v are the batteries I have. I have used for pulling wheels at the scrap yard and running bolts when building a deck. I've been happy with it, glad I went mid torque over the high torque just because it is lighter/more compact.

I bought the same Dewalt Mid Range impact and it has been great. I too had the batteries on hand. It took off a friends F-150 lugs easily in the salt covered roads of Michigan.

 

[lilscorpion]

I bought the same Dewalt Mid Range impact and it has been great. I too had the batteries on hand. It took off a friends F-150 lugs easily in the salt covered roads of Michigan.

Same same. I've only encountered a few situations where it wasn't able to do the job though I favor it over my 1/2 IR Impact because it's easier to move around (no hose) and lighter. When I need more, over to the box I go to fetch the IR and then a hose...having both is a necessity but my new favorite is the Dewalt.

oh and the Dewalt wins for portability too. I do throw it in the bag when I'm on the road. It's awesome for trail and road-side repairs.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

If you are just doing car lug nuts, the Milwaukee 3/8 stubby M12 is nice. If you are also doing trucks, the Milwaukee Mid Torque 1/2.

 

[_Riddle]

I recently purchased a Milwaukee mid torque and a 3/8 stubby for an 30 year old BMW project car. The mid torque is great but there were a few lug bolts on this car (which has been sitting for 11 years) that it couldn’t remove. Keep in mind I only have a 2 AH battery for it so I assume it loses peak power quickly. I’m going to pick up a larger battery and give it another try. Otherwise I really like the size, weight, and power but part of me thinks I should have gotten the high torque version since this just about every fastener on this car is rusty and needs to be replaced.

I haven’t put the stubby through it’s paces yet but I’m hoping it makes tearing the engine down a quick process.

 

[powertrip]

Probaly the best deal on Black Friday. 600ft lbs of torque. 5yr warr on tool, 3yr on battery. There are more powerful units out there but not at this cost and warranty.
Good longterm reviews as well. Made by Chervon tools for Kobalt.

https://www.protoolreviews.com/tool...-torque-impact-wrench-long-term-review/44356/

Sent from my SM-G935V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[chris6278]

Matco is about to release their new 1/2 cordless thats supposedly 1600 ft pounds break away torgue but i have the Milwaukee 2767 an love it!

 

[Macneil]

My cheapo 1/4" dewalt impact driver with a 3/8 adapter in it will take the lugs off my 3/4 ton truck. Any of the big 1/2" battery impacts make well north of 1000ft/lbs, which is more than enough for any lug nut....usually.

I've encountered only one lug nut which would not come off with pneumatic gun I had on hand...but my Dewalt 1/2" 20V got it off. This was a car from the salt belt that should have gone to the scrap yard a long time ago...wheels hadn't been off in probably 10 years.

Aside from that one lug nut, I can't think of the single thing that in 20 years of wrenching I would need more loosening power than my old *** original composite Ingersoll pneumatic impact can dish out, which is about 5-600ft/lbs I think. These big guns are overkill for most things, and they're big and heavy. I'm contemplating getting rid of mine and getting the mid torque, since it will do everything I can imagine needing it to do.

I’ve taken wheel nuts off of 8 yard under ground scoops (LHD) with my 1/2” Milwaukee lol.

For at home stuff, my impacts are wayyyyy more power than I could ever ask for.

Depends what you want to spend and honestly how often you think you’re going to be needing to break something free other than lug nuts. My old man has a mastercraft (canadian Tire) 1/2” electric impact that he does his tires and wheels with. Anything more than that and he gives me a call to do the work his impact won’t be able to do (size or strength)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ItsNemo]

IR 2135 or 2235 are great...the high torque battery powered ones from any brand are just too bulky/heavy/awkward. Basically if my 3/8" cordless or 1/2" mid torque cordless won't do it, I go straight to the IR air.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

^2235 doesn't play around, not that the previous IR did. I can't fathom removing a lug nut with an m12 impact. Mine regularly struggles with 12/13/14mm slide pin bolts on calipers. Thread pitch is usually m8x1. XC6.0 battery, BTW.

 

[Sugarfryz]

In terms of build quality and performance, Ingersoll Rand W7152 is the best on the market.



I have 3 Milwaukee M18 tools. They feel cheaply made when comparing with Ingersoll Rand, not the same level of quality, and the price is quite similar.

Noise level of cordless impact is not a concern, unlike air impacts.

If taking off lug nuts is your main use, I'd recommend the little brother: Ingersoll Rand W5132, @550 ft-lb of nut busting torque, it can take off lug nuts with ease, also will be more useful on other tasks. I've used my W5132 (3/8") to remove lug nuts of my Honda and Audi, just as quickly as W7152.

BTW, Ingersoll Rand seems designed for mechanics, while Milwaukee/DeWalt for contractors.

I really wish I would've bought Ingersoll Rand cordless instead of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee quality honestly *****, and it doesn't even have close to the power they say it does. Mine break constantly too

 

[Spike00513]

I've got a Kobalt 20V 1/2 impact from 5+ years ago. It has served me well. It'll remove any lug nuts or axle nuts. HOWEVER, it will not remove Honda/Acura crankshaft bolts.

I was working on 13 CRV and had to replace the timing chain. The Kobalt, the milwaukee 2763 and a 3/4 HF earthquake (all with the weighted 19mm socket) could not remove it. We finally got it removed by heating the bolt and freezing the washer.

Im always waiting to see if Milwaukee will release a gen 3 or dewalt will release a DCF899 successor. Because I'm not sure the current guns would've done the job either.

How did you freeze the washer?
I wonder if special care had to be taken when heating the bolt (such as with a torch) to avoid damaging any seals in the area (such as a crank seal), unless there are none. Or maybe they can be cheaply replaced while in there.

Best bang for the buck cordless is the Harbor Freight Earthquake. Mine hasn’t found a fastener it won’t take off yet. I will say that they don’t really like having an extension on them but HF does have a long shank version that I’m thinking of adding to the tool box as well.

Funny you mention that because I used one before and liked Hilti better.

 

[chris6278]

I really wish I would've bought Ingersoll Rand cordless instead of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee quality honestly *****, and it doesn't even have close to the power they say it does. Mine break constantly too

There may be a problem with yours cause my Milwaukee 2767 has been great. Coworker has the new IR W7152 an the power seems about even to us. The IR is a great tool but the batteries are really expensive. You have more options w Milwaukee imo

 

[Sugarfryz]

There may be a problem with yours cause my Milwaukee 2767 has been great. Coworker has the new IR W7152 an the power seems about even to us. The IR is a great tool but the batteries are really expensive. You have more options w Milwaukee imo

ive had problems with most of my Milwaukee tools tbh. theyre not as great as people say honestly. my opinion though, it seems challenging Milwaukee is a mortal sin. main thing that bother me is the battery fit so loosely on the tools

 

[ItsNemo]

ive had problems with most of my Milwaukee tools tbh. theyre not as great as people say honestly. my opinion though, it seems challenging Milwaukee is a mortal sin. main thing that bother me is the battery fit so loosely on the tools

Be brave! Milwaukee isn't infallible.

 

[Spike00513]

There may be a problem with yours cause my Milwaukee 2767 has been great. Coworker has the new IR W7152 an the power seems about even to us. The IR is a great tool but the batteries are really expensive. You have more options w Milwaukee imo

you seen those pics of the IR?
thing looks sick
cool grey color

and a mode that does hand tight and 40ft lbs tight?
Nice

 

[steveo3002]

no complaints on my 2767

 

[Wrench97]

I've got a Kobalt 20V 1/2 impact from 5+ years ago. It has served me well. It'll remove any lug nuts or axle nuts. HOWEVER, it will not remove Honda/Acura crankshaft bolts.

I was working on 13 CRV and had to replace the timing chain. The Kobalt, the milwaukee 2763 and a 3/4 HF earthquake (all with the weighted 19mm socket) could not remove it. We finally got it removed by heating the bolt and freezing the washer.

Im always waiting to see if Milwaukee will release a gen 3 or dewalt will release a DCF899 successor. Because I'm not sure the current guns would've done the job either.

I've used 3/4" Ingersol air to remove them and once had to move up to the 1" IR gun from the truck side ..................the 1" gun spun the motor over like a starter.................

 

[rct]

I have a pre-fuel brushed 18v Milwaukee 1/2" impact, has worked flawlessly on every nut I put it on to include lug nuts and mower blade bolts. I think with the hammering anvil nature of an impact they will never be "quiet". I think if you already have a favorite cordless system that is a good starting point rather than adding another battery brand.

 

[johninct]

I did a job last year where cordless would have been easier to use but it just would not fit. I used my King Tony stubby 1/2" air and it worked perfect!!

 

[plinker]

I have a Matco 2769, Aircat 1150(? I think), and Milwaukee 2767. I've had wheel nuts that none of these would take off, switched to a 24" ratchet or at worst a 3/4 impact.

Now that said the impact I like using the most for wheel nuts is the Aircat, mainly as it's fairly quiet. The other two are a wash for the most part, torque and noise is about the same.