Anyone Use a Bosch 1/2" Impact

[FlyBy]

Been looking at picking up a Bosch 24618-01 1/2" 18v impact:

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-24618-01-2-Inch-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion/dp/B0020ML6E0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1348863475&sr=8-7&keywords=bosch+18v+1%2F2%22+impactor

A friend of mine got one not too long ago for use in his vw/audi shop and said it was awesome. I used it on my own car but just for a little bit. Before pulling the plug I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts?

I have been looking at the IR W7150-K1 20v 1/2" impact, but it seems pretty huge compared to the bosch (and yeah I know the torque ratings are leagues apart.

I'd be using it for general service on my cars.

 

[96snma]

I don't have that exact one (mines a makita) but I like it. I just use it at home and wish it had more power but it does alright for what I use it. Won't pull the lugs off my half ton but I just crack them with a breakerbar then use the impact to drive them off. It really speeds things up like that rather than turning them off by hand. I do own an mg725 but its a pain to charge up the comressor and all that for simple little things. Thats where this comes into play as the battery life is great. Get the li ion version as you can have it sit there forever and will still hold a charge so its good to go when you need it. I would recomend getting one but dont be suprised when it wont pull off rusty suspension bolts and you still have to reach for the breakerbar

 

[oregon_c350]

Please note the difference between the Bosch Impactor and Impact tools.

All of the Bosch impactors are about the same internally, does not matter if it is the 3/8 end, 1/2 end or 1/4 quick-release chuck. They work well but don't have much power. They are quick and time savers vs. spinning your ratchet for sure, but they don't break anything tough loose that is lug nut size or over. The
Bosch 18v impact Would be more comparable to the IR and does a nice job but does eat batteries pretty fast, is much heavier, and longer than the impactors.

I would not spend the money for the little Bosch impactor with that 1/2 end as it just does not have the power for sockets/nuts/bolts that size. Perhaps in 3/8, but you would be better off to buy something more like this Bosch Combo and buy a 3-pack of ends such as thisSE 3 Pc. Power Extension Socket Bits for Drill. The 3/8 end lives in mine 90% of the time but it is nice to be able to stick a screw driver bit or drill bit in there too.

I own both the Impactor and Impact tools and other that for heavy duty use(lug nuts, suspension parts, etc) the size, weight, and balance of the Impactor is my preferred tool. Just don't expect it to break much loose although penetrating lube does help.

I would guess from use that the little impactor can break 60-75 ft.lb max, vs the large impact over 200 ft.lb.

 

[bimmerZ5]

if you're getting something to work on your car but don't need the high torque, i would rather suggest getting a right angle impact like the craftsman NexTec or the Ridgid with the multi-heads. Those will allow you to get into tighter spaces. For high torque stuff, get the IR W7150.

 

[Monte]

how about this new one from Bosch

for 1/2" sockets and 1/4" bits

 

[acer66]

I do not think that one is avalible in the US in the moment.

 

[Dillithium]

I have one, love it.
Like others have said, it might struggle with wheel lugs on some cars but considering its size and portability it just makes so many things easier and faster.

 

[acer66]

This is Toolguyd's first take on the one Monte posted.
http://toolguyd.com/bosch-18v-impact-driver-wrench/

 

[Chadwilliam1]

how about this new one from Bosch

for 1/2" sockets and 1/4" bits

that is genius!

 

[GSteg]

That is definitely cool!!

But I can't help to think how underpowered it'd be for 1/2" drive applications. I have a Bosch impactor and it barely takes off lug nuts. I reserve it for 3/8" duty, which it does fine.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

well if they put a 3/8 on it, then they I don't think the 1/4 female would work.

 

[FlyBy]

how about this new one from Bosch

for 1/2" sockets and 1/4" bits

I already have a small 12v Li-on impact by porter-cable that i use for 1/4" bits.

Really I'd use this for general auto work, lug nuts, etc. I work on my own cars so I know how tight they are. I would also use this with my Baum bearing tool that changes wheel bearings without taking the spindle off the car. Just wonder if it would have enough punch for that.

I really like the compactness of this one vs. the IR I mentioned above (even though the power on the IR is amazing.)

 

[cheechi]

I have a 25618 that I like a lot. not as much torque as yours, but my car is small. I don't use it often but I haven't had any problems with it.

 

[GSteg]

well if they put a 3/8 on it, then they I don't think the 1/4 female would work.

Of course not, but they could have found a way to up the power a bit. It gives you the flexibility of using 1/2" sockets, but only for smaller fasteners.

 

[bcradio]

how about this new one from Bosch

for 1/2" sockets and 1/4" bits

That's just a myth

 

[FlyBy]

Anyone else think this could run my on car bearing press?

 

[dankicksass]

I love my Bosch cordless tools, but they leak lube like crazy. I hate to think of what I'm supposed to do about that. I'm content with wiping it off, but I'd rather not take them apart to re-lube if it's not recommended maintenance.

 

[Tim-Bob]

That impact will barely remove small car lug nuts. I'm not sure why they put a 1/2" square drive on that thing. I do have the one with the 1/4" hex and that is far more appropriate. I also have the IWHT180 and it is a legitimate 1/2" impact wrench. Plenty of torque, and I think the battery life is quite reasonable. It is a good alternative to the snap-on or the ingersoll. However, the ingersoll is about the same price and has significantly more power.

 

[dankicksass]

That impact will barely remove small car lug nuts that some ******* overtorqued to 400Nm/300ft-lbs with his "magic touch" impact wrench.

Fixed it for you.

 

[FlyBy]

Gotcha. I'm tempted on the Ingersoll, but even if I buy it tonight, I don't know if my invoice would show the right date for the battery promotion.

 

[acer66]

I love my Bosch cordless tools, but they leak lube like crazy. I hate to think of what I'm supposed to do about that. I'm content with wiping it off, but I'd rather not take them apart to re-lube if it's not recommended maintenance.

Never had one leaking, my Bosch corded hammer drill leaks for years and is still going.
I do not know how they can fit so much oil in there.