Quick review of the new Snap-On CT561 7.2V 3/8" Impact

Stick · Dec 21, 2009

Picked up this guy today, $219 off the truck. Seems to fill the void between the CTS561 and CTS561CL cordless screwdrivers and the CT4410 3/8" Impact. Working on underhood/dash stuff I'm always grabbing the CTS561CL that I own, and chucking up a 1/4" socket adapter, or trying to cram the larger 3/8" gun into tight places. So far this seems to be the ticket for those in-between jobs, and it takes the same batteries that the cordless screwdriver takes. So far it's been used on T-stat housings, and other assorted underhood fasteners, the type that are a PITA for the cordless screwdriver, but not torqued terribly tight.

Specs:
3/8" drive
7.2V batteries (same as the cordless screwdriver)
600in/lb and yes it impacts.

Ideally it would be 1/4" drive, but I can deal.

Size comparison of CTL561CL screwdriver, the CT561 impact, and the CT4410 impact.

What's in the kit: Charger, Impact, 2 batteries, soft sided case.

G1GRANDEUR · Dec 21, 2009

pretty cool!! good for inside work for sure!!

must be new item? i dont see it on SO website.

MD11 · Dec 21, 2009

That's very nice... I'm thinking of getting a 3/8 drive also as my CT6850 is just over kill for too many smaller jobs... price is great, and I'm pretty sure they're still mostly USA made.

Fedwrench · Dec 21, 2009

Why can't they make that in 1/4 drive? That's pretty cool, I was eyeballing a Millwaukee M12 mini 3/8 impact but, this has possibilities. :headscrat

What's run time on a battery with the mini impact?

jdcompman · Dec 21, 2009

My dealer just got a bunch of these in today and was opening them up when I was on the truck. They look very nice and I can see how they would come in handy. I really wish I could come up with a reason for cordless impacts in my job.

crashbumper · Dec 21, 2009

I wouldn't be surprised if they offer a 1/4" anvil for that later on.

I was looking at buying a CT3850 off a friend and the Snap-On site shows a 3/8" anvil available to replace the 1/2"

Always possible, but not always probable.

wellstig1 · Dec 21, 2009

The Milwaukee is rated at 400 more inch pounds and 40 dollars less. I'd like to see them both in a head to head comparison.

wellstig1 · Dec 21, 2009

I doubt they will make in 1/4 since you would probably be snapping their extensions left and right.

mrshaun · Dec 22, 2009

why 1/4 thats what the cts561 is for, 3/8 drive starts at 6mm and goes to 21 in most cases. why would you need smaller?
5 and 5.5 are usually not that tight to require impacting.
that came from my customers today who asked the same question and then they answered it themselves.
sold a couple and have a lot of the ct561db ( tool by iteself ) on order now.

justinmc · Dec 22, 2009

I love the CTS561.. its a torquey little beast for A) Being so small B) Being a 1/4" screwdriver setup C) for only being 7.2V. I might have to check out this 3/8" impact driver. Very slick. Looks great for quick removal/teardown work. Obviously not meant to replace a big gun but probably handy for getting into tight places you can't wield a air impact, etc. I'd be curious to see how the battery life is considering the CTS561 doesn't have a "short" battery life but obviously you can't run it all day on one battery.

chadster1 · Dec 22, 2009

This is the first I have seen of this tool. Looks like I need to order a bunch of them.

mrshaun · Dec 22, 2009

chad come on. where have you been. Vegas had them everywhere. That is where mine were ordered at. there may be some left for you........

Fedwrench · Dec 22, 2009

mrshaun said:
why 1/4 thats what the cts561 is for, 3/8 drive starts at 6mm and goes to 21 in most cases. why would you need smaller?
5 and 5.5 are usually not that tight to require impacting.

These are valid points. However, I've worn out one CTS561 from using it with 1/4 drive. I'm not complaining, it's probably one of the most used tools in my box. However, for trim and upper engine work, I prefer 1/4 drive just for being lighter and easier to manuver but, that's just me. There is an awful lot of plastic and aluminum on today's cars as you know. I'm glad snap on came out with a compact 3/8 cordless impact. It will make easier for them to bring out the 1/4 drive model. :bounce:

Is the nose on the CT561 metal or plastic?

mrshaun · Dec 22, 2009

gfat1e. 3/8 to 1/4 adapter.
metal nose on the ct561

chadster1 · Dec 22, 2009

mrshaun said:
chad come on. where have you been. Vegas had them everywhere. That is where mine were ordered at. there may be some left for you........

Did not make it to Vegas.

chris_morrison_ · Feb 15, 2010

Stick said:
Picked up this guy today, $219 off the truck. Seems to fill the void between the CTS561 and CTS561CL cordless screwdrivers and the CT4410 3/8" Impact. Working on underhood/dash stuff I'm always grabbing the CTS561CL that I own, and chucking up a 1/4" socket adapter, or trying to cram the larger 3/8" gun into tight places. So far this seems to be the ticket for those in-between jobs, and it takes the same batteries that the cordless screwdriver takes. So far it's been used on T-stat housings, and other assorted underhood fasteners, the type that are a PITA for the cordless screwdriver, but not torqued terribly tight.

Specs:
3/8" drive
7.2V batteries (same as the cordless screwdriver)
600in/lb and yes it impacts.

Ideally it would be 1/4" drive, but I can deal.

Size comparison of CTL561CL screwdriver, the CT561 impact, and the CT4410 impact.

What's in the kit: Charger, Impact, 2 batteries, soft sided case.

how are you liking th new 7.2v 3/8 impact

Fedwrench · Feb 15, 2010

I'm not happy with it and would not recommend it to anyone. I don't think it is as strong as the CTS561 cordless screwdriver I have. It is small but, it's only really good for nut running. I've had it stall and turn into a ******** on window regulator bolts, intake plenum bolts, and even coil pack bolts. If you want to manually loosen and final tighten fasteners it's ok. There's no way it has 600 in lbs or 50 ftlbs of usable torque. Snap on should have done more testing before bringing it to market. It's a great idea, it's the right size and weight, and it could be a winner if it had more power. Save your $200 and buy something else. I think I'll try the Milwaukee M12.

boxcarracer · May 6, 2010

I have used both the milwaukee and the new snap-on... in comparison to the milwaukee the snap-on seems like junk, had the same issues where the snap-on one where it just seems to stall out on bolts with fully charged batterys

mrshaun · May 6, 2010

well snap on sold over 40,000 and I continue to sell one every two weeks or so and only 1 return and no complaints. It is only 7.2 volts. you can only go so far with that power.

CamarosRus · May 6, 2010

The MILWAUKIE 12V is a better tool, better family of tools and better value, in a very similar sized package

Snap On offers:

1) Convenience of respectd dealers (such as Shaun and Chadster) who faithfully call your busness, your stall

2) Convenience of dealers Credit or Snap On Credit

3) Snap On name because it's SNAP ON

Respected Member here, FedWrench bought, used and reported back.......
" Save your $200 and buy something else. I think I'll try the Milwaukee M12 "

I honestly dont know how difficult it is to settle MILWAUKIE warranty claims at Home Depot
or other MILWAUKIE dealers. Is the warranty and service on SNAP ON so vastly superior that it procludes buying any other Top 12 Volt brand such as Milwaukie, Bosch, DeWalt.

but the SNAP ON faithful have to buy everything SNAP ON regardless of any other user review or whatever.

chadster1 · May 6, 2010

CamarosRus said:
but the SNAP ON faithful have to buy everything SNAP ON regardless of any other user review or whatever.

You say that like it is a bad thing. To me it is just a sign of the loyalty that Snap-on has built up over the last 90 years. If you look hard enough, you can find a bad review of any product.

Just curious. How many items do you own that have the Camaro brand on it?

CamarosRus · May 6, 2010

Chadster,

Last new Camaro I bought was in 1970. I own many old 69 and 70 Camaros. I have a house/shop full of old used and new OEM Camaro parts. I have almost zero misc other items with the Camaro logo on them.

Many years ago I started a career as a union auto mechanic/apprentice/helper in Seattle. I bought (cash/no credit) a minimal amount of new Snap On Ratchets and Combination Wrenches, which I still own. There was a strike of union mechanics in Seattle, which ultimately broke the union. I left the industry, never to work again as a professional mechanic. I did build and operate the race car pictured as well as few others. I do restore, judge and work on 69/70 type Camaro cars.

Since finding and joining this site I have bought many new condition SNAP ON tools, and my KRL1022 via trade school students/graduates bailing out of jobs and otherwise bailing out of their Snap On tools, for unknown reasons (job layoff, credit, marraige, divorce, children).

As well I've bought Snap On tools from members here and EBAY. (The KRL1022 is full and therefore I'm developing the VIDMAR into a tool cabinet)

As I've said before I respect the faithful, knowledgable service that you provide your customers and the members here.

I admire much of what Snap On has to offer in its extensive product line. It's just that I see many items/tools/misc that are purchased through/from the SNAP ON system that can be outsourced elsewhere for less money for a superior product with a good warranty program.

Never have, never will suggest that Chadster, Shaun and all the hard working, honest Snap On dealers dont have the right to earn the living that they do. I am only exercising my right to suggest that there are other great products in the marketplace beside those with the SNAP ON/Bluepoint name.

Respectfully submitted,

mrshaun · May 6, 2010

yes superior service tops price on lots of things.
I go to certain stores in killeen just because of service. same goes for anyone. why get treated like **** and then get treated like **** when you have a problem with your item.....

chadster1 · May 6, 2010

The point I was trying to make is that every product has a brand behind it. The psychology of branding is a very powerful motivator and it effects just about everyone in their purchase decision whether they realize it or not.

Art From De Leon · May 6, 2010

chadster1 said:
The point I was trying to make is that every product has a brand behind it. The psychology of branding is a very powerful motivator and it effects just about everyone in their purchase decision whether they realize it or not.

Which is exactly why it saddens me to see the same tools that were once marked with the Snap on name, now being marketed with the Blue Point name. Same tool, yes, same quality, probably, BUT IT JUST DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT.

We see this "motivator" in use by each and every company that has kept the familiar, once reputable brand name on their now made in China, or Mexico, or Indonesian made product. The name implies a quality that may, or may not be there.

Fedwrench · May 6, 2010

chadster1 said:
The point I was trying to make is that every product has a brand behind it. The psychology of branding is a very powerful motivator and it effects just about everyone in their purchase decision whether they realize it or not.

A name's value can be deminished though with over marketing though like all of the Snap on stuff found at Costco, Oreily parts, Checker, Ace hardware, etc. It may garner more exposure but, it doesn't increase the value of the name.
I'm not the only one that doesn't care for the CT561, search the tool and equipment forum at IATN for other glowing reviews. I expected better from Snap on.

Although not as small, my 12 volt Dewalt 3/8 impact and 14.4 Makita get me through the day. Maybe Snap on will come out with an upgrade next year.

chadster1 · May 6, 2010

Fedwrench said:
A name's value can be deminished though with over marketing though like all of the Snap on stuff found at Costco, Oreily parts, Checker, Ace hardware, etc. It may garner more exposure but, it doesn't increase the value of the name.

Believe me when I say that I have been vocal about this very thing in a Town Hall meeting with the president of Snap-on Tools when this brand marketing **** first began. I do not think that you could find a single dealer who thinks that this direction is good for the brand.

mrshaun · May 6, 2010

i hear ya chad. just like our usa problem.

CamarosRus · May 8, 2010

More MILWAUKIE 12V believers.....................

www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63689

arkangel06 · May 8, 2010

mrshaun said:
i hear ya chad. just like our usa problem.

Yeah in the long run this is going to be the worst problem!

wellstig1 · May 13, 2010

My 3/8 drive milwaukee m12 impact came in today. It is my new favorite tool. I compared it with the snap on mini impact and there pretty much is no comparison. It is more powerful than expected. I gave it a good flogging all day and the battery life was good too. I will update later on down the road once I've got a lot of use out of it.

35mastr · May 13, 2010

I have a Dewalt DW051 12 volt 3/8 impact that I have had and use everyday for the last 8 or so years. With a full charge it will remove lug nuts off of a camry. I have never had any issues with it other than the batterys. Which I ended up buying from a member here. It has been a great tool for what I spent on it back then.

MD11 · May 13, 2010

mrshaun said:
i hear ya chad. just like our usa problem.

What I don't get is that every SO dealer I know worries about the direction the company is taking with marketing and country of manufacture and yet the top brass seems to be moving in the direction they have charted..... I have personally sent emails to senior execs at SO about this only to be ignored.. I worry very much about the future of this "Brand"...

I am glad I have my US Made SO's... maybe one day I"ll take em to Antiques Roadshow and get more for em that I paid since all SO' stuff will be made in China.

Quick review of the new Snap-On CT561 7.2V 3/8" Impact

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