1/4" and 3/8" Impacts

[Aberdale]

Does anybody use 'em?

I use my 1/2" impacts a lot. But I have never owned, nor seen a use for smaller sized impacts. I can pretty much break loose or twist off any bolt smaller than 3/8" by hand with a ratchet. And my 1/2" impact sockets go from 3/8" to 1" in fractional sizes, and 10mm to 21mm in metric.

So why is there a need for 3/8" and 1/4" impact sets?

 

[Dallus]

I have a MG325 90th Anniversary and use it to zip off lug nuts and mostly brake work. I have a 1/2' Nitrocat that I use for crank bolts and bed bolts only because my bit is 1/2" drive and it'll break the loctite Ford uses easily.

But the 3/8 fits in tight places and zips stuff off quickly. Especially stubborn bolts I don't feel like ripping on with my ratchet. That may be why other people use them.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i take it youre not a pro?
basically its faster, much much faster
and smaller impacts fit in more places
more jobs done faster equals more pay

 

[Damian]

A strong 3/8 impact is 10x more practical for every day use, especially for hrs at a time. It's not always enjoyable toating around a big 1/2" impact and then trying to squeeze it in places that it won't fit.

My IR 2115ti 3/8" impact is the most used tool I have. It's used for hours a day, every day. I couldn't operate with out. My 1/2" impacts never leave the tool box unless I need some serious balls to break something loose. The IR 3/8 does just fine with 150psi of air running through it.

i take it youre not a pro?
basically its faster, much much faster
and smaller impacts fit in more places
more jobs done faster equals more pay

I was going to say that but didn't wanna come off rude. But I definitely think that somebody who does this for a living wouldn't be asking these types of questions. Weekend wrenchers might be curious though.

 

[mspecperformance]

cordless impact ratchets and wrenches ftw

 

[GSteg]

I don't use 1/4" impacts, but I have a few 3/8" gun. They're much lighter than the 1/2" guns, and fit in my hand perfectly. They're great for tearing down an engine too.

 

[Seanbev24]

My 3/8" MG325 is by far my most used tool I rarely need to get out the 1/2" gun. I have deep/shallow/swivel 3/8" impact sockets from 8-24mm. I'd say a good 3/8" gun is nice for home use, but required for pro use.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

3/8 is great for pulling parts of an engine

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't own a 1/4 dive impact wrench but, I use 1/4 drive impact swivels on a 1/4 drive air ratchet daily. I use both my pneumatic and coordless 3/8 drive impact much more than my 1/2 inch impact. The bottom line is that time is money and one shouldn't do anything by hand that can be done faster with power tools.

 

[blacK20]

I use my IR 3/8" Ti gun all day long. Use it once and you'll never be without it.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

I have a IR 2101 1/4 impact I love to use. It weighs about a pound and busts lose most bolts where a 1/4 socket is appropriate. Fast too

 

[hofferwood]

The IDIOT has one of these

Chuck(the idiot)

 

[freeskier]

i almost never use my 1/2 inch stuff unless its a lug or sumthing that will absolutely not move. love 1/4 and 3/8th, have impacts in both.

 

[dime]

i thaught the same thing but ive had my ir 3/8 impact for about 4 years now and i wouldnt be without one now.

 

[ImportTuner]

I use my 1/4" impact to remove the screws that hold the cover under the car when changing oil .. It's alot faster than a air ratchet ...

 

[SteveU]

Does anybody use 'em?

I use my 1/2" impacts a lot. But I have never owned, nor seen a use for smaller sized impacts. I can pretty much break loose or twist off any bolt smaller than 3/8" by hand with a ratchet. And my 1/2" impact sockets go from 3/8" to 1" in fractional sizes, and 10mm to 21mm in metric.

So why is there a need for 3/8" and 1/4" impact sets?

I use my 1/4" & 3/8" impact sockets all the time, even on air or regular ratchets when working on the bike or cars. Reason is they are all 6pt & will take off bolts a 12pt will round off and they won't break near as easy. Can't remember running into a clearance issue with any of the stuff I've worked on. Use 3/8" impact everytime I work on the brakes.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

The IDIOT has one of these

Chuck(the idiot)

Looks like a prototype ir hammerhead hahaha

 

[hofferwood]

2 pieces

The IDIOT

 

[blown94conv]

I use my 3/8 more then 1/2. It's easier from a size standpoint. I don't use the 1/4 much, but if I am using air, I only use impact. Chrome is for hand use only.

 

[Appleyard]

I use my Matco MT2138 3/8 impact all day. Like everyone else has said, it's a hell of a time saver and a godsend when you need it to fit in a tight place.

I used to think the same thing though, who needs a 3/8 impact. Then my Matco dealer gave me a demo to try for a week and I was hooked. Haven't run into an instance where I've needed a 1/4 impact though.

 

[rocklobster]

I have a 3/8ths butterfly impact and that thing is extremely handy, I bought it at princess auto for cheap.

Paid for itself in one job and everybody that tries it wants one.

 

[Eldogg]

I have both (1/4 & 3/8) The 3/8 sees alot more use than the 1/4. The 1/4 rocks for removing seats etc.

 

[Aberdale]

Thanks for the replies. No, I'm not a pro, so taking a few seconds to do things by hand is no big deal for me. I do use a 3/8" air ratchet and a 3/8" butterfly with chrome sockets, but not impacts. I've seen several sets of 1/4" and 3/8" impacts for sale on CL lately and was curious.

It just always seemed like an impact on a 3/8" or 1/4" socket was overkill. I can certainly understand the issues with being lighter weight and provide better access than a 1/2" impact, though. Especially if it's being used 8-10 hours a day.

 

[GSteg]

I love using 3/8" impacts for caliper bolts. I can't fit a 1/2" impact inside my wheel well, especially since I need a deep socket to reach the bolt. 1/4" impact seems a bit useless for me though.

If you get a powerful 3/8", it'll most likely replace your 1/2" impact until you need to get that axle nut or crank bolt off.

 

[WVBrady]

...It just always seemed like an impact on a 3/8" or 1/4" socket was overkill. I can certainly understand the issues with being lighter weight and provide better access than a 1/2" impact, though. Especially if it's being used 8-10 hours a day.

One use of an impact in where you can't hold the bolt or nut from turning. Just this week I had to use an impact on a riding lawnmower engine pulley where I couldn't keep it from turning. Just a second with an impact, it was off.

If I can keep it from turning, I don't need an impact. I am proud of my muscles.

 

[Strouty]

The 1/4" impacts are perfect to undo pesky bleeder screws on brakes. I don't know how many rusted bleeders I have undone instead of breaking them off!

 

[greasemonkey44]

as far as impacts i like these alot
klutch 70$
friggin awesome and super short, its pretty heavy but is my go to impact; another mechanic down town uses his all the time too
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200419927_200419927
craftsman butterfly 100 ftlbs 60$
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00919980000P?keyword=butterfly+impact&sLevel=0&prop17=

 

[ImportTuner]

The 1/4" impacts are perfect to undo pesky bleeder screws on brakes. I don't know how many rusted bleeders I have undone instead of breaking them off!

Good tip; thanks

 

[JayL]

What do you guys think about these 3/8 Drive Ingersoll Rand Butterfly Impact Wrenches?

IR 216B

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140568155072&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

IR 205

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230626776591&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks

 

[Hammer1963]

I use both the 1/4" and 3/8" on a daily basis. They flat out make money for us who make our living using tools. If you are in the market for a 1/4" impact, save your air hose and buy a Matco 1/4" cordless impact. Awesome tool and much more powerful and handy than its Pnuematic counterpart.

 

[oldwino]

Yep
use my 1/4" Milwaukee battery power impact a lot...fits into small spaces, no hoses to deal with and plenty of power...great for smaller bolts, but excellent for screws, etc. It's often the first tool I grab to do a job

 

[rice rocket]

I use my 3/8 more then 1/2. It's easier from a size standpoint. I don't use the 1/4 much, but if I am using air, I only use impact. Chrome is for hand use only.

They make 3/8" and 1/4" impact sockets?

 

[shampoop]

3/8" guns are awesome and are a necessity for pros, but are not very important for an average home mechanic. For the most part they just make certain things a lot faster and easier, which adds up very quickly for a pro. But if it takes a hobbyist a little longer to do something it's not that big of a deal, you just might miss out on watching conan that night.