1/2 Cordless impact, talk to me...

[PistolWhip]

I'm in the market for a 1/2 cordless impact gun for convenient wheel changes. I have air and a TiMax 2135 IR 1/2 air impact which I've yet to find anything it can't budge, so I don't need something super powered, just something to make it easy to get wheels on and off without having to fire up the compressor.
I already have a Bosch 18 volt (Bluecore batteries) 1/2 hammer drill and Recip saw and two 14.4v Dewalt 3/8 drills so those are the batteries and chargers I already have. The Bosch impact looks great, but the price is a bit higher than my price range. I've been looking at the Craftsman 19.2 volt C3 gun, but can't seem to find much info on how well it works and how durable it is. So what's a good impact that won't break the bank? I would buy used if the price was right. Are there any quality guns available that won't cost me a small fortune?

 

[RLYoung]

I have the 18v 1/2" dr DeWalt XRP one, with NiCad batteries. I use it daily at work (heavy equipment) and haven't been let down yet. My best suggestions when running a cordless electric tool is to know it's limitations.

I'm surprised by how long the batteries hold charge. One thing that I also like about this model is that the amount of torque seems smooth throughout the cycle of the battery's depletion. Meaning it puts out just about the same amount of torque right before the battery dies as it does right after you charge it. It doesn't start to peter out when the battery gets down to about a half charge. When it does need to be charged, you know it. It pretty much just quits on you.

I think the price point is around $300 with 2 batteries and a charger.

 

[PistolWhip]

That would be an option, I could always sell the 14.4 volt stuff I have and get all 18 volt Dewalt stuff, but I can't imagine the 14.4 stuff is worth much anymore. I was hoping to stay around the $200 mark, but I guess there's just not much out there worth the money at that price point for a 1/2" impact.

 

[whatsitsname]

Try the northern tool impact. Good reviews and under $200. I'll try to find u the link, then update.

 

[PistolWhip]

Ok, I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[whatsitsname]

****. No wonder why I couldn't find it. It is no longer available. Use to be a great deal at $99 to $150 dollars for it.http://reviews.northerntool.com/0394/150608/free-shipping-northern-industrial-cordless-impact-wrench-24-volt-1-2in-reviews/reviews.htm?page=8&sort=rating&dir=asc

 

[whatsitsname]

Actually if you don't mind the Dewalt, local Home Depot has the dw059k-2 on clearance for $195. It is this model. Personally I hate the rocker switch but thats just me.

 

[RLYoung]

Actually if you don't mind the Dewalt, local Home Depot has the dw059k-2 on clearance for $195. It is this model. Personally I hate the rocker switch but thats just me.

This is the one I have...

Hated the rocker switch at first as well, but like anything new I got used to it an now it isn't an issue.

 

[Damian]

x 3 for the Dewalt. I use that impact @ the track for changing tires or repairs that require power tools and it's been flawless. Also like others have said, the battery lasts FOREVER. I think I charged it once the entire race season last year.

A couple of summers ago we broke a ring gear at the track. I didn't have my big ratchets or breaker bars with me and thought FOR SURE I wasn't going to be able to get the pinion nut off to set up a new gear real quick. Sure as ****, the dewalt ripped it right off and all was good. Threw a gear in and raced the rest of the night.

 

[PistolWhip]

I had my mind almost made up on the Dewalt, but I just checked the Craftsman club rewards and found the 19.2 volt Lithium Ion battery and charger pack was $20 off for members ($89.99) plus I was able to use the $10 off $60 purchase coupon that they sent out, so I was able to get the Lithium battery and charger for $79.99. I had a $75.00 gift card that I got from my Credit Card company that I completely forgot about, so I got the Lithium batter and charger for $10! Guess that made my mind up, I'll go in to pick up the battery and charger and while I'm there, I'll grab the 1/2" impact "add on" which is on sale, I think, for $79.99. That leaves me getting the Lithium 19.2v 1/2 impact for a little over $100 after tax! Slam dunk and worst case scenario, I'm not happy with it, I can return it to Sears and get the Dewalt kit from the Depot.
I'll let you guys know how it is as soon as I get it charged up tomorrow!

 

[pipsters]

I've heard first hand from guys that the Cman 19.2V stuff is actually really good.

 

[PistolWhip]

Yeah, all the reviews that I've read and seen were positive so I'm siked. I'll try to go get it in the morning and charge it up. I should be zipping lugs off by mid afternoon!

 

[Rocklim]

I am using this Bosch 18V Lithium Ion Impact Wrench

 

[RLYoung]

Definitely post up on how the craftsman one performs. My boss liked the idea of an electric impact so much after he used mine that he's considering the Cman one since he already has the batteries and charger for his drill.

 

[onemoretry]

http://www.tooltopia.com/search.aspx?find=AirToolSale&category=3634
Some sales at Tooltopia now on battery impacts. A little late, and I have no idea if they are good deals, but I'm putting the info out to the intertubes.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

Actually if you don't mind the Dewalt, local Home Depot has the dw059k-2 on clearance for $195. It is this model. Personally I hate the rocker switch but thats just me.

I have the same one going on 3 years now. It's a beast and gets the job done.

 

[wchamberlain]

Congrats on your savings, $100 for a 1/2 impact/battery and charger is a smoking deal, no matter what brand.

I recently picked up a new Matco 3/8 cordless impact and am awaiting arrival to test it out.

 

[PistolWhip]

OK, I got it all today and charged the Lithium battery up. It took about an hour to charge completely and my initial impression was very good. The driver itself is very well balanced and feels really nice in your hand. It's not HUGE and its also not a wimpy little feeling gun. Its very comfortable to hold and maneuver.
I didn't have a chance to really put it through its paces, but I did hook up a socket and rip off a few lugs from GT500 and it had no problem. I think the last time I put them on, I put them on with my IR 2135TiMax so they were ON THERE. It took maybe 2 or 3 seconds of stalled hits until it broke them lose, but then it was smooth as butter coming off.
Its a lot easier to control than my big air gun and once the lug broke loose, it felt great spinning it off. So, after a few lugs of playing, I'm very happy with the investment.
All in all, it ended up costing me about $110 with tax! I'll let you guys know how it stacks up once I have a chance to play with it more.

It did come with a Cman short 1/2 impact extension also, which I thought was a cool bonus.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

this will get the job done

 

[PistolWhip]

I do appreciate all the rec's guys, but I think I found my winner here with the Craftsman C3. This thing is a beast, very comfortable and best of all; it only cost me $110 with a lithium battery and charger.
I don't know what it's like with the NiCd battery, but I love it so far the way I have it set up.

 

[kams1973]

My 1/2" 19.2 Lithium ion impact has really surprised me with its power and longevity. I've owned mine two+ years, and have yet to have any issues with it. I was considering the DeWalt when I purchased it, but the CM was on sale. I recommend this one to everyone.