A 3/8 impact for a weekend hack.

[whitedogone]

I'm looking for a air power driver for 3/8 drive impact. I have a cheap 3/8 air ratchet that I wouldn't miss if it was in the trash. I'm not sure what kind of air driver to replace it with. Back in the day when I turned wrenches for a living I had a butterfly that I used quite a bit. Not sure what I want/need. What do you find yourself using the most?

 

[colin39]

I'm looking for a air power driver for 3/8 drive impact. I have a cheap 3/8 air ratchet that I wouldn't miss if it was in the trash. I'm not sure what kind of air driver to replace it with. Back in the day when I turned wrenches for a living I had a butterfly that I used quite a bit. Not sure what I want/need. What do you find yourself using the most?

Impact guns mostly, however ir's hammer head ( or the mac version ) ive found myself reaching for this lots lately, however ive only had it a week and its even been used to remove wheel nuts.

 

[woody 73]

Sorry I don't have the model #'s , but today while I walking around HD they had a brand new Husky two piece air tool set; a 1/2 drive air gun and a 3/8 ratchet for $19.00 dollars and some change. Working on the side and not everyday I don't see where you could go wrong with that set.

Found the link maybe not quite what you are looking for but it will get the job done:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-...n-Ratchet-Wrench-Combo-HDK4430-4110/205141846

 

[T45]

A ratchet and an air wrench for $19

Holy smokes thats cheap !

 

[stonesfan68]

I think that I'd invest in a battery-powered tool rather than air.

 

[whitedogone]

I think that I'd invest in a battery-powered tool rather than air.

A possibility, I suppose. Thinking it would have to be one hd sob. I have bosch drill, hammer drill, saws all 18v I think. ...no impact.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I bought the NAPA 3/8" impact, same as the Cornwell and Matco models. 370 ft.lb., its my go to. Its compact and has mega-balls, also don't pay the asking price, NAPA will lower their price, I got mine out the door for $168 last year.

TheGrooveking

 

[TheGrooveking]

http://www.propowerseries.com/products.html

500ft.lb. max, its a little monster for sure.

TheGrooveking

 

[AndrewV]

Nitrocat 3/8 1355XL.
Has replaced my ingersoll 2115TiMAX.
Will do almost anything you need really.

 

[M6erfan]

A possibility, I suppose. Thinking it would have to be one hd sob. I have bosch drill, hammer drill, saws all 18v I think. ...no impact.

I have all of the above and like them, I also have the 18v Impact. Weekend warrior here too and very pleased with it

 

[stikman56]

I'm looking for a air power driver for 3/8 drive impact. I have a cheap 3/8 air ratchet that I wouldn't miss if it was in the trash. I'm not sure what kind of air driver to replace it with. Back in the day when I turned wrenches for a living I had a butterfly that I used quite a bit. Not sure what I want/need. What do you find yourself using the most?

Depends of what torque output you want if price isn't an issue. The Cornwell CAT2150 and Matco MT2138 those are the same as the Napa 3/8", the one poster talked about ,is super strong and tiny too. Great wrenches. The Nitrocat 1355XL is even stronger yet at 700 ft. lbs. I prefer the CAT2150 because of how tiny it is. The Jonnesway 3/8" composite is a great wrench too, also sold under many different names. Mine's an old US General, you'll find ATD and Nesco, Rodcraft and others sell it as well. I have one and also have the 1/2" version they are tough as nails, seem to last forever and are cheap.

 

[rapid robert]

I have a kobalt 3/8 impact from Lowes. They are around $50 and rated at 270 ft lbs...more than enough for a 3/8. Has held up great over the last couple of years. Would not recommend for everyday pro use, but for weekend/diy use it is great and price point is great as well.

 

[GTO]

I found a new SO MG31 on Ebay for $165 a couple of years ago.
It suits me just fine for a shade tree.

 

[thefoobag]

I have a kobalt 3/8 impact from Lowes. They are around $50 and rated at 270 ft lbs...more than enough for a 3/8. Has held up great over the last couple of years. Would not recommend for everyday pro use, but for weekend/diy use it is great and price point is great as well.

i second this, i bought this when i first started out and since have brought to my house as the work tools got better. cannot beat the little things torque/price point

 

[bcradio]

I like my 3/8" HF Earthquake. That pretty much does everything I need except the very rare occasion I need to take out the 1/2" gun (like when I put on a very long extension).

I would not recommend a battery gun unless you have other cordless tools in the lineup that you want and will use regularly. Otherwise your battery will go bad in a few years and you'll be back where you are now. An air gun can sit in a drawer for 30 years and pull it out and it'll work just fine.

 

[MrGiggles]

I have primarily been using a Porter Cable 20v Lithium 1/4 impact.. That thing is impressive, it will take the lug nuts off my car (torqued to 75ft lbs) and it's broken a few bolts on me. No air hose to fool with, lasts days on a charge, is light and nimble, and it's a little quieter. Two new higher capacity batteries are 60 bucks for the pair, so not bad at all.

You can't beat an air impact for the brute power though. The HF Earthquake impact is really a bargain.. I've been wanting one for awhile.

 

[mechanical turk]

I've been eyeing the m7 compact 3/8 gun from King Tony. ~$135 shipped from amazon. I have a 1/2 earthquake that does most of my heavy lifting, but since I have 3/8 impacts from buying that Craftsman Industrial set I figured something with some grunt that would fit where the 1/2 doesn't would be good. I haven't read anything negative about it yet.

www.amazon.com/Mighty-Seven-NC-3611Q-Impact-Wrench/dp/B00G6KXUTG

I did notice that for only $20 the Nitrocat 1355-XL is 10% lighter (3 lbs vs 3.3) and has twice the power (700 ft-lbs vs 350) but I don't think I need that extra grunt in a 3/8 gun and the compact frame is the real feature I'm after. The m7 has the best blend of price, quality, power, and size that I've seen for my use as a hobbyist.

 

[whitedogone]

How's this price?

https://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0267160

 

[gungatim]

Sorry I don't have the model #'s , but today while I walking around HD they had a brand new Husky two piece air tool set; a 1/2 drive air gun and a 3/8 ratchet for $19.00 dollars and some change. Working on the side and not everyday I don't see where you could go wrong with that set.

Found the link maybe not quite what you are looking for but it will get the job done:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-...n-Ratchet-Wrench-Combo-HDK4430-4110/205141846

saw that the other day and had to pick one up. pretty impressed with the impact, 300 ft/lb and much nicer than the craftsman that was on sale for $24 a while back.

For a 3/8 impact, I just use a cheapo HF version. not very powerful, but I only use it for working on lawnmowers, so it is ideal. zips off mower blades like butter. Anything else I use 1/2" drive on.

My BIL mechanic swears by his craftsman 3/8 impact. It is actually made by IR (or was when he got his) and is less than half the price of the IR. puts out something like 450 lb/ft of torque and he uses it exclusively at the dealership. IDK if they still carry it or not, but it used to be a real stealth bargain.

 

[Caparris]

A possibility, I suppose. Thinking it would have to be one hd sob. I have bosch drill, hammer drill, saws all 18v I think. ...no impact.

What is your budget?

IMO the best 3/8" cordless impact out there is the Milwaukee 2654 3/8" brushless impact. Don't bother with air. Battery powered ones have come a LONG way. This one will take lug nuts off without even hesitating

May be too expensive if you don't already have any M18 batteries/charger but I'd check that out. Also might can find the brushed model for a little bit less, depending on use/budget

 

[stonesfan68]

A possibility, I suppose. Thinking it would have to be one hd sob. I have bosch drill, hammer drill, saws all 18v I think. ...no impact.

If you have the Bosch 18V "infrastructure" then you should definitely try out the cordless impact wrench. You can get them on Amazon for about $130.

 

[mrjaw14]

I have the 3/8 harbor freight earthquake and like it. If you already have a compressor that may be an option. If you don't, battery is the way to go. I hear good things about Milwaukee and Dewalt

 

[crewchief888]

i rarely use a 3/8" dr air impact anymore, either at work or in the garage.


cordless for me....


in th the past i've used blue point and IR 3/8" dr air guns

 

[kctyphoon]

Is there a price range you wanted to stay in ? Honestly, I don't know how anyone can beat the M7 3/8 mini impact in terms of physical size vs power and cost.. It's tiny, it's strong as hell, and only like $120.. If I were buying new air tools to work on my cars at home, it would be the m7 impacts, their version of the hammerhead, and an impacting ratchet like the husky in HD or I think m7 even has one of those..

The mini impact wrench gets you into so many tight places it's like having more than one tool.. IMO you cannot beat this thing.. Just look at it.. (Not my pic)
(3/8" 350 ftlbs) $120

 

[kctyphoon]

And this ---
. ( 3/8" 180 ftlbs). $200

 

[kctyphoon]

And this ......
( 3/8" 80 ftlbs) $99

 

[MrGiggles]

That little M7 looks awesome, the biggest problem with impacts is that they are very long. Adding that to my wish list.

 

[kctyphoon]

That little M7 looks awesome, the biggest problem with impacts is that they are very long. Adding that to my wish list.

The 1/2" is the same size I think. $260 for both ( 3/8 & 1/2 at CPO) and the 1/2" is 500 ftlbs..

 

[MrGiggles]

The 1/2" is the same size I think. $260 for both ( 3/8 & 1/2 at CPO) and the 1/2" is 500 ftlbs..

 

[619DioFan]

I have the 3/8 earthquake impact. pretty good power. took off the lug nuts on my 4x4 dodge ram ( just a test mind you as I normaly use the 1/2 inch for that ) with a coupon I believe it was 70.00.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Buy a used name brand on ebay. I picked up my Napa 3/8" gun for $39 and it's damn near new.

 

[kctyphoon]

IF ...and that's IF I ever buy new stuff, it will absolutely be M7.. Bigger brand names are useless if you can't fit them where u wanna go.. And with a 3/8 doing 350ftlbs, why even need a 1/2"..

I mean, if your just taking tires off, go buy the $18 set from HD on clearance. But if you want the most from a tool, smaller is better.

 

[ImportTuner]

Is there a price range you wanted to stay in ? Honestly, I don't know how anyone can beat the M7 3/8 mini impact in terms of physical size vs power and cost.. It's tiny, it's strong as hell, and only like $120.. If I were buying new air tools to work on my cars at home, it would be the m7 impacts, their version of the hammerhead, and an impacting ratchet like the husky in HD or I think m7 even has one of those..

The mini impact wrench gets you into so many tight places it's like having more than one tool.. IMO you cannot beat this thing.. Just look at it.. (Not my pic)
(3/8" 350 ftlbs) $120

That's a 1/2" M7 .....

 

[Jawn]

For general disassembly/assembly of automotive stuff, I like the old fashioned "butterfly" impact. I have an el cheapo that belonged to my dad. Most of the cheapies are rated 75ft-lbs, and that seems adequate for most tasks that I'd use a 3/8 for. If I had to replace it, I'd probably look for a name brand version of it (IR 216b?). It's a bit stronger. I grab a 1/2 for stubborn stuff though.

 

[Chevy-SS]

...... The Nitrocat 1355XL is even stronger yet at 700 ft. lbs.........

How the heck is it possible to get 700 ft lb out of a 3/8" drive tool? Just not enough material there to support that kind of torque, it would seem. 3/4" or 1" drive tool, then yeah, 700 ft lb no problem. But 3/8" drive?? I am amazed.................

 

[AndrewV]

It's the quitest gun i have ever used, and will over torque lugs all day.

 

[rednotch]

I have a kobalt 3/8 impact from Lowes. They are around $50 and rated at 270 ft lbs...more than enough for a 3/8. Has held up great over the last couple of years. Would not recommend for everyday pro use, but for weekend/diy use it is great and price point is great as well.

the new ones are rated at 275, the old ones where 200... they just came out with the new one so if your is years old its the older version.. both had a 3 yr swap out so its perfect for diy guys, cheap and if it breaks they swap it no questions asked.

I have both, the newer one is a bit better, think its 50 now. I might still have one of the older models sitting around new in the box since I grabbed a few of them when they where on sale.

 

[whitedogone]

I ended up getting a near new speedaire on ebay for $25 shipped. It's only rated for 70fp. I'll see how I like the platform and if I like it I'll get something more powerful.