Ok I think I want a cordless so I don't have to deal with air hose and compressor noise. I have a like new snap on that I can pick up for $300.00. The other scenario I have is I can pick up a DeWalt kit for $250.00. The Snap On is it overkill or is it worth buying. I think it should break just about anything loose right. Looking for opinions.
3/8 impact?
- Thread starter crushr
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G1GRANDEUR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2009
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Isn't it obvious to buy Snap-on for $300?
blown94conv
Well-known member
I'd get the Snap-On version. It's been well documented to be a great impact, and at that price, a good buy as well.
jethro29
Well-known member
that's a no brainer man! s.o .all the way.
muddyjoe15
Well-known member
have another glass of snap on cool aid! 
Schurkey
Well-known member
While I'm a definite fan of Snap-On, I wouldn't give thirty cents for a cordless impact, never mind three hundred bucks.
The rechargeable batteries in my Snap-On scanners were just as pathetic as the rechargeable batteries in any other "cordless" tool. Rechargeable batteries are not yet ready for commercial release. Call me in twenty years when they get decent lifespans from them.
But then, I don't mind the air hose; and that's exactly what is bothering the original poster.
The rechargeable batteries in my Snap-On scanners were just as pathetic as the rechargeable batteries in any other "cordless" tool. Rechargeable batteries are not yet ready for commercial release. Call me in twenty years when they get decent lifespans from them.
But then, I don't mind the air hose; and that's exactly what is bothering the original poster.
davesnothere
Well-known member
Cordless 3/8 impact-wise, id go with the dewalt.
If I wanted to be sure I had the power to break just about anything loose, however, id go pnuematic. And s/o.
If I wanted to be sure I had the power to break just about anything loose, however, id go pnuematic. And s/o.
greasemonkey44
Well-known member
dunno what you are talking about
the 14.4 v snapon 3/8 is a great impact
i use mine for 90% of what i do; on one battery a day........
my 18v 1/2 will rip lugs off cars all day for one battery as well.............try it before you knock it man
Cordless you buy into a battery type, the 4410 14.4v is rated 230 ftlb "break away torque", which I suspect is going to almost enough for a lot of things, so I would skip it and get a decent 1/2 drive, the size etc. difference isn't that great. $422 new so almost new for $300, doesn't have that much appeal to me.
You can get close to twice the power for $300 in a new non truck brand.
You can get close to twice the power for $300 in a new non truck brand.
Rechargeable batteries have always been ready for commercial use. The ones with crappy batteries are typically reserve for homeowner grade tools. The batteries that Snap On supplies for their cordless impacts are fantastic... even their NiCad. Having bad experiences with certain batteries shouldn't be the basis of rejection for all other tools. A single charge is certainly not going to last you a month, but neither will anything else without a plug. I can go on a day or two of full work without having to charge my battery, but realistically, how long are you expecting it to last?
HandyManny
Well-known member
It all depends on what you plan to use it for. If you are using it to losen smaller bolts and fasteners in the engine compartment then it would be fine. Things like engine covers or skid plates, etc. I would not use 3/8 drive tools for any larger nut/bolt on the suspension or on lug nuts. Go with 1/2" drive tools for those larger things, and I'd go pneumatic for that stuff too. Just my advise.
Schurkey
Well-known member
My problem with rechargable batteries has been misunderstood.
I'm not complaining of the length of time a recharge lasts when the batteries are in good condition.
I'm complaining about the limited number of recharges before the battery pack is worn-out.
The Snap-On batteries in my scanners died way too early. Why would I think Snap-On puts better rechargeable batteries in the cordless impact tools than they did in the scanners?
I'm not complaining of the length of time a recharge lasts when the batteries are in good condition.
I'm complaining about the limited number of recharges before the battery pack is worn-out.
The Snap-On batteries in my scanners died way too early. Why would I think Snap-On puts better rechargeable batteries in the cordless impact tools than they did in the scanners?
Maybe you got some bad batteries, only takes one cell in a pack to wreck it. A bad charger can also wreck a pack.
OTOH 20+ years ago I was playing with RC cars and the packs were pretty impressive in power and life. In our kitchen we have a B&D cordless mixer on the wall that is doing fine on 20 year old batteries. Likewise some cordless phones etc.
I doubt any manufacturer is trying real hard to make battery packs last longer than warranty, too much money in replacement packs, but I have little doubt that it COULD be done.
OTOH 20+ years ago I was playing with RC cars and the packs were pretty impressive in power and life. In our kitchen we have a B&D cordless mixer on the wall that is doing fine on 20 year old batteries. Likewise some cordless phones etc.
I doubt any manufacturer is trying real hard to make battery packs last longer than warranty, too much money in replacement packs, but I have little doubt that it COULD be done.
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
x2 I own a S/O 3/8 14.4 and I've used a Co Workers Dewalt 3/8 18v Lithiom Ion and not only is the Dewalt lighter it's much more powerful. I would buy that if it's the one you're refering too for much less