3/8” or 1-2” cordless impact ?

[cvcman]

All my cordless tools are rigid 18v
I’d like to buy a subcompact impact just to work on cars etc
Seems like all the videos I see now the techs are using them .
I’m thinking a 3/8” would be best
I’m not planning to use it for lug nuts as I have a compressor and air impact
Thoughts ?
Thx

 

[AC-WC]

I would stick with the 1/2".
I've never heard of anyone complaining about too much oomph to get a nut loose. If you really need a smaller size maybe a power ratchet in 3/8"?

 

[cvcman]

I think they are both 250ft pounds ?

 

[ecotec]

I would always choose 1/2” first. I have both, though, in cordless and air.

 

[sk farmer]

simple answer.......... both.


i hear people say 1/2 is all you need. i bet those same people use 3/8 and 1/4 hand tools all the time for better access.


i use my 3/8 far more often as the sockets of all types in 3/8. standards, deep, swivels and extensions are all far more compact and light weight than their 1/2 drive counterparts. they simply offer better access with less user fatigue.

when i need more power than by all means the 1/2 > 3/4> then 1 inch come out.

 

[cvcman]

Do you find you use it for basic repairs ?

 

[mike93lx]

I have a 3/8 for a subcompact thinking it would be nice to run 3/8 nano sockets.

It has a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter on it more often than not. If it disappeared, I'd probably go back with a 1/2.

Its plenty to do lug nuts, too

 

[finn]

Get the 3/8“, especially if you already have a compressor and pneumatic 1/2” impact.

I probably use my 3/8 “ drive battery impact 9 times for every time I use a 1/2” drive impact these days.

Ideally, you will eventually have both, though.

 

[cody1325]

1/2 simply because I've already invested in them for my pneumatic impact. Also, Granddad had a bunch of them in addition to my new Harbor Freight Pittsburgh set.

 

[sk farmer]

Do you find you use it for basic repairs ?

if you are asking me. the answer is this. i grab my 3/8 impact for anything using 19mm or 3/4 inch and smaller. the 3/8 impact will handle all but the most stubborn larger sizes in that range. the only time i reach down into that area with 1/2 is on suspension components and fasteners on tillage tools that literally live in the dirt.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

I have arthritis so when working on my car a compact stubby M12 will get into everything I need with less strain and maneuvering and will do lug nuts easily.
The only time I had to use my Big 1/2 M18 impact is when I was doing big suspension bolts for suspension rebuild. Those were big 21 and 23mm bolts.

 

[zendriver]

FOr 3/8 inch I just go with a cordless ratchet

 

[alinc100]

I would look in your area on Facebook Marketplace , see what is available used, buy that and buy the other size as well. If you find yourself using one or the other more , or really maxxing out capacity you have your own answer to upgrade. Watching sales , promos, close outs, bare tools,refurbished with batteries/free tool is a great way to expand the range of tools in your box.