3/8 Stubby Impact - Air or Battery?

[Handyandy23]

I know, I know, another pneumatic vs cordless impact debate. I have searched and read, but I'm not seeing anything specific to what I'm looking for.

I have a 60 gallon air compressor and a powerful 1/2" pneumatic impact that I'm very happy with, and has never failed to remove a bolt for me. I'm looking to supplement that big heavy gun with a stubby 3/8" impact of some sort, for ease of day to day tasks and for getting into tight spaces.

The two options that are at the top of my list are the AirCat 1076-XL (pneumatic), and the DeWalt DCF890B Max XR (cordless). The AirCat seems to give a good bang for your buck (especially a DIYer like myself), and DeWalt specifically because that is the battery platform that I've bought into, for better or for worse.

The AirCat seems to have the advantage everywhere, except the fact it has the air hose attached to it. It's smaller and arguably lighter (4.25" and 2.5 lbs), and much more powerful (550 ft-lbs). The DeWalt is 5.5", 2 lbs minus the battery, and is rated at only 150 ft-lbs.

I guess my question is, does anyone have experience specifically with the stubby DeWalt 3/8" impact (or similar from another manufacturer) and has been pleased with the power output? Ideally this smaller gun will be used for everything from lug nuts to caliper brackets, under the hood, etc, and my big 1/2" will only be used for especially stubborn or rusty bolts. The lug nuts on my truck are torqued to 140 ft-lbs, which seems dangerously close to the 150 ft-lbs rating of the DeWalt.

If I have to swap guns back and forth several times throughout a job then it's not convenient any longer. So would anyone out there with first hand experience with these smaller cordless impacts be able to weigh in on their "real world power"? Is 150 ft-lbs a conservative number? Or is that best case scenario with a full battery?

 

[rpcraft]

with any of the stubby wrenches, whether it be yellow or red branded, from what I have been able to gleen off multiple reviews is that the important part of the mix is the larger capacity batteries in the smaller devices. For example the M12 3/8 stubby Milwaukee has is not as capable of pulling off larger nuts (like lug and suspension nuts) with the small 2.0 batteries but when you combine them with the 6.0 battery it turns into a beast.

I've been on the fence of that one in particular because I like to creep the salvage yards for interesting suspension and bits that are usually 3/4 and larger nuts and I'm going to be peeved if I spend the cash on that stubby and it won't even break loose the lugnuts on my Nissan.

 

[Mr_B]

I can tell you from my experience if you want an all in one with power yet real compact nano size then it got to be air .
The Nitrocat cope with lug nuts, brakes, subframe, mounts and suspension fixings that a compact battery not got a chance with plus it smaller lighter cheaper and likely last far longer .
If you not needing be mobile and already got good air system then no real need for battery ...

 

[dacan23]

I wouldnt really call the Dewalt DCF890B a stubby impact. The M12 fuel stubby 3/8 or 1/2 is the only cordless one that fits that category. That Dewalt I would call a normal size cordless impact.

 

[plinker]

I use the Milwaukee 2554 impact all the time, I do on occasion need my Matco 1/2 stubby air impact. I have not used my regular 3/8 air impact in quite a while.

 

[Benito]

I have a Milwaukee 2554 as well. IT's great for a lot of things, but I find myself needing my Nano impact on quite a few things to actually get it to move. So is definitely not a one size fits all tool

 

[Professional Tool User]

If you need the power, air. Even the Milwaukee stubbies are underpowered once you put a swivel on.

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks everyone for the feedback - sounds like what I feared about the cordless is true. I already have a 1/4" impact that can hammer 56 times before budging a lug nut, don't need another.

As far as stubby air units go, what's the consensus between the AirCat and Astro Nano? Seems like they both have very similar specs and prices, but the Nano is a bit smaller? But then the AirCat seems to have more positive reviews.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Not to reiterate, however....... If you want actual power, Air is the only way to go. My M12 3/8 impact, when equipped with an impact swivel socket, is often stopped by m8x1 caliper pin bolts. My 3/8 drive IR can easily tighten those bolts until they snap, with the same socket attached.

I watch the M12 with a 6AH battery hammer and hammer, trying its little heart out. Frustrated, I grab the IR, and swap my socket over. The bolt is spinning loose in the bore, before the button is halfway pressed. You can barely even hear the hammers even hit once. Zzzip, and it's freewheeling. Electric is fun and easy for dropping fender liners and messing with 10mm bolts, but it's no replacement for air tools. IMO electric isn't even close yet.

 

[Yarpo]

Not to reiterate, however....... If you want actual power, Air is the only way to go. My M12 3/8 impact, when equipped with an impact swivel socket, is often stopped by m8x1 caliper pin bolts. My 3/8 drive IR can easily tighten those bolts until they snap, with the same socket attached.

I watch the M12 with a 6AH battery hammer and hammer, trying its little heart out. Frustrated, I grab the IR, and swap my socket over. The bolt is spinning loose in the bore, before the button is halfway pressed. You can barely even hear the hammers even hit once. Zzzip, and it's freewheeling. Electric is fun and easy for dropping fender liners and messing with 10mm bolts, but it's no replacement for air tools. IMO electric isn't even close yet.

You've got the M12 fuel stubby or which impact? The old non stubby M12 3/8th impact has like, 120 ft pounds of torque, less than typical impact drivers. I find my small Milwaukee gun never struggles with anything below 13mm, and usually reliable to15mm. Anything above that I go for the mid torque. I ask because our whole shop is cordless, so I'd disagree.

 

[ChrisLS8]

My 3/8 stubby rips lugs off with a 6.0 zero problems. I'm guessing he has the old one

 

[ItsNemo]

I own that Dewalt impact, love it, and use it way more than any of my air impacts. It's great for under hood work or similar, those 8-14mm bolts that aren't overly high torque. I don't find it heavy at all, very well balanced and fits in pretty small places. Definitely nicer to use than my 1/2" IR 35Max gun (it's a stubby) from an ergonomics standpoint since there's no heavy annoying constantly pulling air hose behind it. Heck, if you include the weight/resistance of the air hose I'd say the Dewalt is lighter.

Now, that all said...you aren't going to be doing caliper/suspension/exhaust bolts with the Dewalt, no way. Not enough torque at all. It will just barely pull a lug nut off a car (~80ft-lbs, nothing over 100ft-lbs) that has been off within the last few weeks, but sure doesn't enjoy it. You won't get away with it for every job and will still need that air impact.


In your situation though, given you have a good 1/2" full size gun, I'd still want the 3/8" cordless. It's just so convenient.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You've got the M12 fuel stubby or which impact? The old non stubby M12 3/8th impact has like, 120 ft pounds of torque, less than typical impact drivers. I find my small Milwaukee gun never struggles with anything below 13mm, and usually reliable to15mm. Anything above that I go for the mid torque. I ask because our whole shop is cordless, so I'd disagree.

My 3/8 stubby rips lugs off with a 6.0 zero problems. I'm guessing he has the old one

Standard m12, 3/8 impact, non-fuel. 120ft/lb should remove a non-rusted M8 bolt, IMO. While I feel all power tools GROSSLY over-state torque specs, I feel electric stuff is especially bad.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EN7GEGY/?tag=atomicindus08-20


IR has the audacity to claim this has 450 ft/lbs. Maybe running 300psi of liquid nitrogen as "air". I can tell you I find lug nuts it can't remove, my 2235 barely spools and the same lugs are off. I can hardly believe Milwaukee the sell my M12 3/8 impact as having 120 ft/lbs. I doubt it would produce that much force impacting the ground after re-entering the atmosphere from space.

 

[Handyandy23]

I own that Dewalt impact, love it, and use it way more than any of my air impacts. It's great for under hood work or similar, those 8-14mm bolts that aren't overly high torque. I don't find it heavy at all, very well balanced and fits in pretty small places. Definitely nicer to use than my 1/2" IR 35Max gun (it's a stubby) from an ergonomics standpoint since there's no heavy annoying constantly pulling air hose behind it. Heck, if you include the weight/resistance of the air hose I'd say the Dewalt is lighter.

Now, that all said...you aren't going to be doing caliper/suspension/exhaust bolts with the Dewalt, no way. Not enough torque at all. It will just barely pull a lug nut off a car (~80ft-lbs, nothing over 100ft-lbs) that has been off within the last few weeks, but sure doesn't enjoy it. You won't get away with it for every job and will still need that air impact.


In your situation though, given you have a good 1/2" full size gun, I'd still want the 3/8" cordless. It's just so convenient.

I agree that type of tool has its place, but for me that's no different than the 1/4" impact driver I already have. It's the DeWalt Max brushless and it's rated for around 115 ft-lbs. It will remove smaller bolts under the hood with ease, and hammer away and remove some lug nuts in small to mid sized cars. So it sounds like I wouldn't get much better performance than that out of the 3/8 tool.

For me I think something like the Nano is the only way to go. The gap between the cordless 3/8 and air 1/2 is just too large right now it seems.

 

[plinker]

Standard m12, 3/8 impact, non-fuel. 120ft/lb should remove a non-rusted M8 bolt, IMO. While I feel all power tools GROSSLY over-state torque specs, I feel electric stuff is especially bad.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EN7GEGY/?tag=atomicindus08-20


IR has the audacity to claim this has 450 ft/lbs. Maybe running 300psi of liquid nitrogen as "air". I can tell you I find lug nuts it can't remove, my 2235 barely spools and the same lugs are off. I can hardly believe Milwaukee the sell my M12 3/8 impact as having 120 ft/lbs. I doubt it would produce that much force impacting the ground after re-entering the atmosphere from space.

The M12 2554 Milwaukee will run circles around the older M12 2454 fuel impact (I use 3.0 & 4.0 batteries, FWIW) I dont know the spec's off hand, but it even has a bit more power then my 2754 M18 3/8 impact and it will remove most wheel nuts with minimal issue.
Like I mentioned previously I haven't used my MT2220 3/8 air impact in quite a while and particularly not since last november when I got the 2554.

That said, I have a hi torque 1/2 M18 impact (was a gift) and prefer the MT2769. Air isnt going anywhere, but having both air & battery works very well for me.

 

[ItsNemo]

I agree that type of tool has its place, but for me that's no different than the 1/4" impact driver I already have. It's the DeWalt Max brushless and it's rated for around 115 ft-lbs. It will remove smaller bolts under the hood with ease, and hammer away and remove some lug nuts in small to mid sized cars. So it sounds like I wouldn't get much better performance than that out of the 3/8 tool.

For me I think something like the Nano is the only way to go. The gap between the cordless 3/8 and air 1/2 is just too large right now it seems.

I have the brushless 1/4" impact driver as well...given the need for an adapter to use sockets and the extra depth and torque that robs, it's not nearly as good as the 3/8" dedicated impact. I would say it's a worth improvement to get it.

I guess the other thing is, I hardly ever use any of the mid-torque options I have. I have the Dewalt cordless (150ft-lbs), a 3/8" IR2115QTiMax (300ft-lbs), the 1/2" IR35Max (450ft-lbs) and a 1/2" IR2135TiMax (780ft-lbs)...generally if the Dewalt can't remove it, neither will the 2115, the 35Max usually does after some work, and the 2135 will without breaking a sweat. So more often than not I will just grab the big gun if the cordless won't handle it and given how convenient the cordless is, I never bother dragging out an airline and using the 2115 or 35Max in the first place.

(btw my air system is good so that's not skewing my perception, IR 60 gallon 5hp with 1/2" lines to a goodyear hose reel, so it's setup basically as well as possible.)

 

[Mr_B]

I own the facom nano astro nano and IR battery impact.
I do auto and light farm repair daily and 95% of time I use the nano air impacts, they do just about everything with ease in a smaller package and far better throttle/power control .
If you working in a shop professionally then you going have airline in use so might as well use it on the impact and good hose, fittings and experience means you hardly know hose is there .
Only time I find battery tools useful is underhood work,interior work, in the yard or out mobile like at parts yard.
In the shop I don't want be ******* about with 3 impacts when can have 1 that do 95% easily in power terms and user friendliness terms .

 

[patchap]

While it's currently only available in 1/2",the princess auto stubby is very good.

 

[Handyandy23]

I own the facom nano astro nano and IR battery impact.
I do auto and light farm repair daily and 95% of time I use the nano air impacts, they do just about everything with ease in a smaller package and far better throttle/power control .
If you working in a shop professionally then you going have airline in use so might as well use it on the impact and good hose, fittings and experience means you hardly know hose is there .
Only time I find battery tools useful is underhood work,interior work, in the yard or out mobile like at parts yard.
In the shop I don't want be ******* about with 3 impacts when can have 1 that do 95% easily in power terms and user friendliness terms .

This is exactly my thought process currently. I don't want a cordless 3/8 that will only do 35% of the work. I want something like the Nano that will do 95%. While the point is to have something smaller and more nimble, it's also meant to be able to replace most of what I do with my big, heavy 1/2 pneumatic. If I still have to use the 1/2 pneumatic for anything rusty, suspension bolts, lugs, etc then I still have to fire up my compressor and drag out the hose, kind of defeating the purpose of buying a 3/8 cordless.

And if I have the hose out anyways, I might as well have a Nano connected to it to get a lot more functionality out of it.

 

[ItsNemo]

This is exactly my thought process currently. I don't want a cordless 3/8 that will only do 35% of the work. I want something like the Nano that will do 95%. While the point is to have something smaller and more nimble, it's also meant to be able to replace most of what I do with my big, heavy 1/2 pneumatic. If I still have to use the 1/2 pneumatic for anything rusty, suspension bolts, lugs, etc then I still have to fire up my compressor and drag out the hose, kind of defeating the purpose of buying a 3/8 cordless.

And if I have the hose out anyways, I might as well have a Nano connected to it to get a lot more functionality out of it.

I don't find this is the case, a lot of jobs I can do with only the cordless. Sure, I won't be doing a brake job with one but if I'm doing say injectors or manifold or something under the hood I can for sure. Dragging a hose around all the time is just annoying, I'd rather only pick up the air impact for the few bolts that need it and use the cordless for everything else.

And as mentioned, I find the stubby impacts just don't have quite enough for most of the places I want the extra torque over a cordless anyway. So almost 99% of the time I'm going straight from cordless -> full size 1/2" pneumatic.

 

[Mr_B]

I don't need full size air for much in a weeks work, my 1/2" nano facom pulls farm machine lugs, winds out bearings with forcing screws and does almost all suspension/subframe bolts besides worst corroded cases in larger sizes.
For OP's use he wants hardest hitting composite nano air impact he can get, 1/2" facom is my preference but the 3/8 aircat is proper decent hard hitter if you not stingy with you line pressure .
for engine work I like reactionless impact ratchet wrench and compact battery impact. If working in a shop bay I see little real advantage to battery beside some engine bay work and interior work .

 

[bigtiger]

That's why I stick with the big cordless makita.. Does everything, heavy, but no problem too tuff. My next upgrade is Milwaukee big one Bluetooth setting torque...
So far, I am holding off on the m12 stubby unless it can do same as my aircat stubby.


Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Handyandy23]

I don't find this is the case, a lot of jobs I can do with only the cordless. Sure, I won't be doing a brake job with one but if I'm doing say injectors or manifold or something under the hood I can for sure. Dragging a hose around all the time is just annoying, I'd rather only pick up the air impact for the few bolts that need it and use the cordless for everything else.

And as mentioned, I find the stubby impacts just don't have quite enough for most of the places I want the extra torque over a cordless anyway. So almost 99% of the time I'm going straight from cordless -> full size 1/2" pneumatic.

I'm sure a lot of this is dependent on the specific tools. I already have a 1/4" DeWalt impact that's rated at 110 ft-lbs, which even with an added 3/8 drive bit still isn't too long. That I find ideal for under-hood work. And then I have a 1/2" pneumatic that is big and heavy.

The 3/8 cordless impacts range from 150-250 ft-lbs, and a 3/8 Nano air gun is rated at 450 ft-lb, which is a huge jump in power from the cordless. Maybe the stubby air gun you have is an older or weaker model, but even if these current numbers are inflated a bit the Nano still packs twice the power of a 3/8 cordless, and it's 'stubbier' and lighter weight to boot. Only drawback is the hose, which I guess is subjective how much you dislike that.

 

[rlitman]

I'm sure people are happy with the stubby cordless tools. They do fill a niche, but for me, I wanted full sized impact power in the smallest possible package, and that only comes in pneumatic.

 

[Mr_B]

I'm sure people are happy with the stubby cordless tools. They do fill a niche, but for me, I wanted full sized impact power in the smallest possible package, and that only comes in pneumatic.

+1
for professional autowork smallest light weight tool as hard hitting as you can afford is game changer in daily work . my facom nano is over 600ft/lb, light weight composite with great power control and low user fatigue . tough tools too, knock it about daily, get it wet and oily and still be working great in 8-10yrs .

 

[ItsNemo]

I'm sure a lot of this is dependent on the specific tools. I already have a 1/4" DeWalt impact that's rated at 110 ft-lbs, which even with an added 3/8 drive bit still isn't too long. That I find ideal for under-hood work. And then I have a 1/2" pneumatic that is big and heavy.

The 3/8 cordless impacts range from 150-250 ft-lbs, and a 3/8 Nano air gun is rated at 450 ft-lb, which is a huge jump in power from the cordless. Maybe the stubby air gun you have is an older or weaker model, but even if these current numbers are inflated a bit the Nano still packs twice the power of a 3/8 cordless, and it's 'stubbier' and lighter weight to boot. Only drawback is the hose, which I guess is subjective how much you dislike that.

My stubby is the new Ingersoll Rand 35Max:

https://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/en-ca/power-tools/products/impactools/15qmax-35max.html

It's 450ft-lbs as well. I don't find it is nearly as strong as my several year old 2135TiMax.

 

[Mr_B]

^
ideally want the stubby nano airs high 500's or in the 600's
The facom ns1600f best I used to date, running it at 110-120 dynamic line pressure it evil .