1/2" Cordless Impact Shopping

[D45]

I just sold my old, old cordless Milwaukee impact for $100 and am in the market for a new 1/2" impact

There are some pretty good reviews on the HF Earthquake cordless impact, this one I found to be the most interesting:

The price is right for a new tool, battery and charger........however its pretty large and heavy, and I am still not sold on it

This review is also pretty good:

......LED light is nice, and multi-speed is also a bonus

Who has what, and what do you like/dislike about it?

I am not using this tool daily or for work, and don't need to spend $500+ on the kit........I would bet most likely, I will find a used impact

 

[jshillin]

Any of the M18 Fuel Impacts work well. I use my 3/8" M18 Fuel for many of the smaller tasks, but the 1/2" are real beasts and mine hasn't bet a bolt it won't break loose yet.

 

[619DioFan]

I did a lot of research before deciding on the milwaukee fuel impacts ( 1/2 and 3/8 drive ) although the initial investment is more than other brands the quality , power level and warranty are what sold me .

 

[D45]

I use my 3/8" M18 Fuel for many of the smaller tasks, but the 1/2" are real beasts and mine hasn't bet a bolt it won't break loose yet.

I have a cordless 3/8" Bostitch impact that was very cheap and it has been bulletproof for over 4 years now......use it all the time

But, there are times I have to break out the 1/2" air impact......and I hate the air hose, lol

 

[wait4me]

I just bought one of these. Haven't had the opportunity to use it yet.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-GEN5X-18-Volt-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-R86011SB/303037082

 

[D45]

I just bought one of these. Haven't had the opportunity to use it yet.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-GEN5X-18-Volt-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-R86011SB/303037082

Wow that's a good price, especially that is comes with w battery and charger

 

[kctyphoon]

Do you own anything else Milwaukee? Did you keep the batteries and charger?

Obviously the one to get right now is the NEW High Torque 1/2" Milwaukee. Was it the brushed model you sold? That's a world of difference away from the Fuel models. A word on the HF model. While it gets good reviews on its cost vs performance, (and I believe it's worth it for someone ONLY wanting an impact) I suggest you goto the store and actually hold it in your hand before you go any further in your consideration. Don't expect it feel anything like the Milwaukee as far as build quality goes. It's gonna be hard to pick it up in your hand for the first time, and not have "damn this feels cheap" enter your mind regardless of how well it performs for the money.

Also, you lose the wide platform that's part of the Milwaukee family. I can't help but feel like a more powerful 3/8" model from big red isn't far off, but that's pure conjecture at this point.. but yea - go hold the HF model first. It might effect your decision.

The Ridgid is nice if you're already invested in that platform. The new Milwaukee however is about 3x as powerful. The mid torque from Milwaukee is a lot smaller and still a bit stronger than the Ridgid. IF you have nothing else Milwaukee, I'd **** it up and buy SOMETHING from them. The gen1 high torque is like $180 for a bare tool now I think, and still worth every penny.

The real question is what do you have now as cordless tools? Anything? Nothing? Do you need/want a drill too? Including more info might help people's answers, but either way my answer will probably be Milwaukee regardless. Refurb tools is also an option to help keep costs down. If you wanna keep this thing for a long time, I'd get something better than the HF model. For home use a Milwaukee will easily be your goto impact for 15 years under light use. Why did you sell what you had anyway??

 

[dnschmidt]

To me the clear winner in the Milwaukee lineup is the FUEL Mid-Torque. It virtually mimics the performance and size characteristics of the I-R 231 air impact that most of up grew up with. The FUEL 3/8" model is great as well.

I hate their FUEL ratchets as they lied their asses off with respect to the torque rating but their impacts deliver what they promise.

 

[Cf mtn]

i picked up a lightly used milwaukee m18, older model last summer. had to take the rear tires off the truck last week and got to use it for the first time. no complaints.

 

[kctyphoon]

To me the clear winner in the Milwaukee lineup is the FUEL Mid-Torque. It virtually mimics the performance and size characteristics of the I-R 231 air impact that most of up grew up with. The FUEL 3/8" model is great as well.

I hate their FUEL ratchets as they lied their asses off with respect to the torque rating but their impacts deliver what they promise.

Any news on the ratchet? Wasn't it you that sent yours back to Milwaukee? So far most online reviews tell a different story, so I'm curious to see an unbiased test video.

 

[uncwstudent]

I've heard nothing but great things about the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. I, of course, can't afford that...but I could afford the Craftsman C3 19.2 V XCP 1/2" Impact Wrench and I absolutely love it! Sears has it on sale right now for $125 before coupons and SYW points. The XCP battery is bad to the bone and I've had no problems with it in extreme temperatures. This is one of the few gems still left in the Craftsman line up!

However, if you can afford the Milwaukees....by all means. They're definitely better.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-1...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[joop1987]

I have the DeWalt DCF899. It's only $20 more than the Harbor Freight Earthquake Extreme when you add the 2 year warranty. Parts are also available after the warranty is up. It's brushless. It's assembled in the USA and I already have other DeWalt tools.

 

[moab11]

I bought the earthquake after watching the AvE video, and I am absolutely impressed by it!
It's not the nicest looking, lightest or best feeling tool on the market, but it works! Took the lug nuts off my truck(torqued to 140ft/lbs) like they were hand tight. Changed the tires on that and two other vehicles and still had half a charge.

For me it's an accessory tool, mainly used for rotating tires, and changing between winter and summer tires. Sits in it's case most of the time, and for the price I am perfectly happy with that.

 

[dnschmidt]

Milwaukee wouldn't send me a label to send it back so I sent it back to Acme Electric for a full refund on my dime. I stand by my statement that there is no way in hell this thing puts out anything close to 55 ft-lb. Others sing the praises of the better ratchet head, which is clearly true, but the key advantage, ESPECIALLY since they super sized it, was the ability to replace an air ratchet which IT DOES NOT. Let's have one of these "reviewers" tighten a bolt to 55 ft-lb with a calibrated torque wrench and then put the new FUEL ratchet on it and have it remove it without manual assistance. I haven't seen that video yet. I did that at 35 ft-lb and it just gagged on it just like the non-FUEL model does. Is the tool usable: certainly. Does it meet Milwaukee's performance specifications: NO

 

[shockwave]

Really the Milwaukee m18 fuel 1st gen has been my go to for years best bang for your buck
I have the snap on ct8850 and irw7150 and Milwaukee m18 fuel all is 1/2 cordless impact the fuel is in my road box and my go to

I know they just released there gen 2 line but the older fuel has held strong over the years

If I had to get another I would the only close comparison would be the new 20v Matco which seems the closest comparison to the fuel waiting on video comparison between these

But Milwaukee warrantee is hard to beat

 

[Mr_B]

the price isn't right for 1 battery and 90 day warranty and next to no chance of spares .
Would need be 50 bucks cheaper or have at least 2 year warranty and shallow impact sockets included be priced right/appealing .
Dewalt is way better choice .
It not fact the XT bad tool more fact it bad warranty/support and plain tool package for the current pricing .

 

[D45]

Do you own anything else Milwaukee? Did you keep the batteries and charger?

Obviously the one to get right now is the NEW High Torque 1/2" Milwaukee. Was it the brushed model you sold? That's a world of difference away from the Fuel models. A word on the HF model. While it gets good reviews on its cost vs performance, (and I believe it's worth it for someone ONLY wanting an impact) I suggest you goto the store and actually hold it in your hand before you go any further in your consideration. Don't expect it feel anything like the Milwaukee as far as build quality goes. It's gonna be hard to pick it up in your hand for the first time, and not have "damn this feels cheap" enter your mind regardless of how well it performs for the money.

Also, you lose the wide platform that's part of the Milwaukee family. I can't help but feel like a more powerful 3/8" model from big red isn't far off, but that's pure conjecture at this point.. but yea - go hold the HF model first. It might effect your decision.

The Ridgid is nice if you're already invested in that platform. The new Milwaukee however is about 3x as powerful. The mid torque from Milwaukee is a lot smaller and still a bit stronger than the Ridgid. IF you have nothing else Milwaukee, I'd **** it up and buy SOMETHING from them. The gen1 high torque is like $180 for a bare tool now I think, and still worth every penny.

The real question is what do you have now as cordless tools? Anything? Nothing? Do you need/want a drill too? Including more info might help people's answers, but either way my answer will probably be Milwaukee regardless. Refurb tools is also an option to help keep costs down. If you wanna keep this thing for a long time, I'd get something better than the HF model. For home use a Milwaukee will easily be your goto impact for 15 years under light use. Why did you sell what you had anyway??

I sold the Milwaukee impact, two batteries and charger. I sold it what I bought it for........I felt it never fully worked like it should

I have a cordless Bostitch 1/4" impact and drill, both use the same lith ion batteries and I love both, they have served me very well

I then have a cordless Milwaukee screw driver I use the heck out of and a compact cordless right angle Craftsman 1/4" impact that I also love.

 

[D45]

I just bought one of these. Haven't had the opportunity to use it yet.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-GEN5X-18-Volt-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-R86011SB/303037082

$159 for two batteries and a charger.....and the tool

GEN5X 18-Volt Brushless Impact Wrench Kit

Grip light engages light independently of trigger to illuminate work space

Maximum torque output of 400 ft./lbs. for heavy duty application

Die-cast gear box for increased durability and professional quality

Reversible belt hook to keep tool in immediate reach

Hex grip micro texture for maximum user comfort

4-speed settings provides adjustable power and speed for the most
demanding jobs and precision work

1/2 in. detent pin anvil is compatible with popular impact-rated sockets

-----------------------------------------

The four speed setting is cool, but I am kind of shocked a R840087 4.0 Ah battery is $85+

 

[D45]

I've heard nothing but great things about the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. I, of course, can't afford that...but I could afford the Craftsman C3 19.2 V XCP 1/2" Impact Wrench and I absolutely love it! Sears has it on sale right now for $125 before coupons and SYW points. The XCP battery is bad to the bone and I've had no problems with it in extreme temperatures. This is one of the few gems still left in the Craftsman line up!

However, if you can afford the Milwaukees....by all means. They're definitely better.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-1...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

While this is tempting, its hard to buy a Craftsman tool........yes, I LOVE my right angle 1/4" cordless impact, but

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-189-8221-heavy-duty-impact-wrench-kit/p-00945195000P

Boasts a motor capable of 0-3,000 RPM for complete control

A 4 Amp-hour XCP lithium-ion battery pack delivers reliable power

1/2-inch square anvil with detent pin retention

Delivers up to 300 ft.-lbs. of torque

Built-in 3-LED lights illuminates dark work areas

 

[yamaha0343]

If your previous Milwaukee served you well and lived to be "old, old", why not get another Milwaukee?

Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Ridgid, etc. are making wonderful cordless tools. Great time to be alive.

 

[James-W]

I just bought one of these. Haven't had the opportunity to use it yet.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-GEN5X-18-Volt-Brushless-Impact-Wrench-Kit-R86011SB/303037082

I was tempted to get one of those just because they are priced right and they look pretty cool. But I have a corded 1/2 inch impact and I normally only use it in the garage anyway, so a cordless one is not something that I really need to have.

 

[D45]

I have the DeWalt DCF899. It's only $20 more than the Harbor Freight Earthquake Extreme when you add the 2 year warranty. Parts are also available after the warranty is up. It's brushless. It's assembled in the USA and I already have other DeWalt tools.

I have an old, old Dewalt 12V NiCad cordless drill that I haven't used in years.........it was reliable and I beat the heck out of it. Probably 20 years old? I needed new batteries and it wasn't worth it, so I found my current Bostitch impact/drill kit

Impressive specs on the DCF899..........

http://www.dewalt.com/products/powe...ax-12-high-torque-impact-wrench-kit/dcf889hm2

Specifications
Impacts/Min: 2400 ipm
No Load Speed: 400/ 1200/ 1900
Tool Length: 8.81 in
Max Torque (ft-lbs): 700 ft-lbs
Power Tool Type: Cordless
Tool Weight: 7.2 lbs

Features
- Up to 700 ft-lbs of max torque and 1200 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque.
- Compact design of 8-13/16" in length and weighs only 7.2 lbs.
- Multi-speed control for a variety of applications (0-400/ 1,200/ 1,900 RPM).
- 1/2" Anvil with detent pin (also available in hog ring).
- LED light with 20-second delay for increased visibility.

Prices seem to run $250 to $350 for the combo kit

I did find this auction for $250, with a Best Offer option......tempting

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dewalt...109615&hash=item466f3f8223:g:0W4AAOSw~HBZ~gJv

 

[D45]

If your previous Milwaukee served you well and lived to be "old, old", why not get another Milwaukee?

Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Ridgid, etc. are making wonderful cordless tools. Great time to be alive.

Boils down the price and features for me.......what Milwaukee impact kit can be found for under $250?

 

[kctyphoon]

Your not posting WHICH milwaukee impact you sold.. I can only assume it was their first m18 (non fuel) Lithium impact wrench.. IF that's the case, I don't believe that Ridgid is rated much stronger then what you just sold.. also - please clarify that what you sold was indeed an impact wrench, and not an impact driver that you were using an adapter with..

As stated, even the now "older" gen1 m18 high torque impact wrench will run circles around your old model (if my guess at what you had is correct) AND that Ridgid.. you wanna be about $250? - stay tuned...

I'm guessing this is what you sold? Rated about the same as the Ridgid you're looking at..
https://www.cpooutlets.com/milwauke...rench--bare-tool-/miln2663-20,default,pd.html

Factory refurb Fuel kit with 2 batteries - $325 free ship
https://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-...lithium-batteries/milr2763-82,default,pd.html

Impact, charger, 1 battery (3.0 battery) $249
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=122785682227

Impact and 9.0 battery - would need to buy a charger -$259
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=222696641935

Impact, 2 5.0 batteries, needs charger - $265
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=182861018841

Impact, 2 5.0 batteries w/charger - $310
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=192086689353

New m18 standard charger - $24.50
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=302510434174

With 2 buy it now listings you can get the impact, 2 5.0 batteries, and charger for $290. All new, just broken up from kits probably.

 

[D45]

It was a M28 # 0779-20, that took 28V lithium ion batteries, it was very heavy and bulky.......but worked when I needed it to

325 ft. lbs. of maximum torque

 

[kctyphoon]

I added to my post above. The gen1 fuel is more than 2x as strong as what you had. The Ridgid will not be much stronger.

 

[Ktmrider83]

If all you really need is a impact wrench and you have no other tools currently with compatible batteries I feel like the cheapest would be the Kobalt..

I have experience with these brands
Milwaukee M12 impact driver
Bosch 3/8" impact 12v
Dewalt 20V dcf880 1/2" dcf899 1/2" 20v
Makita xwt02Z 1/2" 18v

Not getting into power but just how they hold up (overall feel and quality) I would rank Dewalt last. It gets the job done but is not as well thought out and feels like it may break down the line.. the other 3 I mentioned are a step above and I put more trust in them for the future.

I feel like spending a little extra on a Milwaukee with the benefit of adding a bare tool later would be your best bet. That 2763 with 2 5ah batteries is a great deal.

 

[wait4me]

The Ridgid Gen4x brushed impact is 325 ft/lbs. The Craftsman C3 and ryobi p261 are its identical twin siblings from TTI and are both rated at 300 ft/lbs for some reason.

The Ridgid Gen5x brushless that I linked earlier is 450 ft/lbs and should be inline with the current mid torque Milwaukee Fuel. Home Depot's website incorrectly lists it at 400ft/lbs apparently as the page for the bare tool and manual both list it at 450. The special buy kit is a limited offering I believe with only 1 battery (not 2) and charger for $10 more than the regular bare tool price.

I'm already heavily invested in Ridgid and love the LSA so I jumped on this kit for the impact and to have an extra 4.0 battery.

 

[American Locomotive]

I like the Makita and Bosch lineups.

 

[Ktmrider83]

wow that rigid is a steal

 

[Crazyjake8493]

My vote for lug nuts and general use would be the Milwaukee M18 Mid-torque 1/2" impact. I've been using it for a year and no regrets. Perfect balance of size, weight, and power.

If you feel you need the extra power the new M18 high-torque impact seems hard to beat.

 

[powertrip]

I was looking to upgrade from my Craftsman that has been mentioned before in this thread. It does it's job very well but I just wanted something with a bit more power. I am looking at the Lowes Kobalt brushless 24V max version. 24V is not a gimmick, it actually has an additional battery in the power pack over 18-20 volt systems. It's got a 1yr no questions asked return policy, a 5yr warranty on the tool and 3 year on the battery. Batteries are $10 for a 1.5 mah, $20 for a 2.0 and $50 for a 4.0. They will be releasing a 5.0 soon. The batteries have been dissected on YouTube by several people. They are shown to well made in design and wiring and be genuine Samsung cells. 625Ft lbs of brushless power. $250 for a kit with a charger and 4.0 battery and bag. Looks good and reviews are stellar on their website and YouTube. There is also a smaller, less powerful 1/2 impact and a 3/8 impact as well. I know everyone loves Red tools here but this looks like a very good option.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-...dless-Impact-Wrench-with-1-Battery/1000061641

 

[D45]

I was looking to upgrade from my Craftsman that has been mentioned before in this thread. It does it's job very well but I just wanted something with a bit more power. I am looking at the Lowes Kobalt brushless 24V max version. 24V is not a gimmick, it actually has an additional battery in the power pack over 18-20 volt systems. It's got a 1yr no questions asked return policy, a 5yr warranty on the tool and 3 year on the battery. Batteries are $10 for a 1.5 mah, $20 for a 2.0 and $50 for a 4.0. They will be releasing a 5.0 soon. The batteries have been dissected on YouTube by several people. They are shown to well made in design and wiring and be genuine Samsung cells. 625Ft lbs of brushless power. $250 for a kit with a charger and 4.0 battery and bag. Looks good and reviews are stellar on their website and YouTube. There is also a smaller, less powerful 1/2 impact and a 3/8 impact as well. I know everyone loves Red tools here but this looks like a very good option.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-...dless-Impact-Wrench-with-1-Battery/1000061641

$250 isn't bad, plus you can add another battery for $20

7.6 pounds......must be a beast and built solid


•Kobalt 24-volt max 1/2-in cordless impact wrench comes with a 24-volt max high-capacity Li-ion battery, charger and soft bag
•Highly-efficient brushless motor provides 650-ft-lbs of breakaway torque
•Variable-speed trigger generates 0-1,900-RPM no-load speed and 2,400-IPM for faster application speed
•Built-in LED work light illuminates dimly lit work spaces
•24-volt max 4.0-Ah Li-ion battery features a built-in fuel gauge to keep you informed of battery charge
•5-year limited warranty on tool and 3-year limited warranty on battery give you peace of mind
•All tools come with Kobalt's 5-year limited warranty
•Battery comes with Kobalt's 3-year limited warranty

 

[AngryBeaver]

I sold my nicad snap on 1/2 impacts. Yes two. Replaced with the high torque 1/2" fuel and a 3/8" fuel.

I'd do it again, 100 more times too. The big ******* takes semi lugs off. Snapped a couple 3/8" bolts (9/16 head) the first two days I had it. Got the 3/8 fuel that does 85% of the duties. Strong little *******. Swear it was stronger than my old snap on impacts that I loved for years

 

[ptgarcia]

I was looking to upgrade from my Craftsman that has been mentioned before in this thread. It does it's job very well but I just wanted something with a bit more power. I am looking at the Lowes Kobalt brushless 24V max version. 24V is not a gimmick, it actually has an additional battery in the power pack over 18-20 volt systems. It's got a 1yr no questions asked return policy, a 5yr warranty on the tool and 3 year on the battery. Batteries are $10 for a 1.5 mah, $20 for a 2.0 and $50 for a 4.0. They will be releasing a 5.0 soon. The batteries have been dissected on YouTube by several people. They are shown to well made in design and wiring and be genuine Samsung cells. 625Ft lbs of brushless power. $250 for a kit with a charger and 4.0 battery and bag. Looks good and reviews are stellar on their website and YouTube. There is also a smaller, less powerful 1/2 impact and a 3/8 impact as well. I know everyone loves Red tools here but this looks like a very good option.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-...dless-Impact-Wrench-with-1-Battery/1000061641

My brother just bought one of these and it quite an impact. He bought it because the Craftsman he has struggles to remove the lugs from his motorhome. He told me the Kobalt busts them loose without breaking a sweat.

 

[kctyphoon]

Don't count on that Kobalt platform being around in a few years.. I'd keep that in mind...

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I'm probably not the only one thinking to sell my 2763 and get a 2773, might not hurt to look for one local to you.

 

[bcradio]

I'm probably not the only one thinking to sell my 2763 and get a 2773, might not hurt to look for one local to you.

Those force logic presses look nice. I would take one.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2773-22

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

erp... Id like one too, but the 2nd gen impacty is 2767
sorry for the misspost

 

[powertrip]

Don't count on that Kobalt platform being around in a few years.. I'd keep that in mind...

It looks like a lot of time and money was invested in this new lineup. I believe they are trying to be like the Ryobi line is to Home Depot.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/hom...duces-a-new-24v-cordless-power-tool-platform/