Best 1/2" Drive cordless impact

[Zebu Fellenz]

Hello,

I am looking at getting a 1/2" drive cordless impact and could use some recommendations. The primary use of the tool would be to tighten and loosen clamp bolts for cultivation tooling on our tractors while out in the fields. Most of these bolts are either 3/4 or 7/8" NC and will be running on dirty, gritty threads so I need a tool that has the torque to break them loose.

I am partial to Milwaukee, I have some of the M12 tool and am very impressed, however if someone else makes a better tool for the job I will definitely look elsewhere.

We have some cordless Makita tools on the farm and I'm pretty impressed but I have no experience with their impacts, I used some Dewalt cordless a few years ago and I remember them being well built but also seeming heavier than they should have been and a little underpowered, maybe this has changed but I have no recent experience.

Recommendations?

Thanks!

Erik

 

[Griff93]

I really like Makita's impacts as I have two. However, for this application you're going to need all the power you can get from a cordless impact. Snap on makes one that is very powerful. I've gotten to use one several times as a co worker bought one. They are really expensive($500) but more powerful than any other 1/2 cordless impact I've used. You may find for 3/4 or 7/8 bolts it may not even be enough. If that's the case you may want to consider using a CO2 tank and regular air impact. You could even use a 3/4 impact if necessary with this setup. You should be able to do this for less than $500 as well if you already have a decent air impact.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I do believe they have the lithium ion versions out now. Those would be worth a look for Snap On. I haven only used a Snap on 1 or 2x and they are pretty beefy....

 

[briggsguy17]

Erik,

There seem to be two reigning champs in the 1/2 cordless impact arena. At least on this board. Snap On's CT6850 and Matco's Infinium. Both deliver stunning performance with 700+ lb.ft. of torque. They also come with hefty price tags, $555 for Snap On and $599 for Matco. I have a Snap On and love it, I would also like very much to try a Matco but I don't have a dealer.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I also see Milwaukee has a M18 3/4" drive impact with 525 ft/lb of torque. I have a gut feeling that this would be enough torque for my application and while I would prefer 1/2" drive I could probably make due with 3/4" if I have to.

Keep the suggestions coming, I will take a look at SO and see what they have to offer. CO2 isn't really something I want to mess with as I'm looking for something to make my adjustments easier and faster, in past years I've simply been using a breaker bar, ratchets and sockets but am looking into cordless tools as they could really save time if I can find one with enough power!

Thanks,

Erik

 

[woody 73]

I have the Dewalt 1/2 drive impact wrench,it is very heavy,but it does get the job done.
If only the snap on was cheaper I would have bought it.

 

[Sterff]

I would get the Ingersoll Rand model. You can get it in either 14.4V or 19.2V with Li-ion or Ni-Cad. The battery charge lasts very long on these tools.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I am very happy with my snap on ct4850, as you use it you cant help but look for the invisible air line following you around.

 

[whatsitsname]

I had my Lithium Ion 19.2v Ingersoll Rand Impact for over 2 years. I am extremely please with the tool. Its pretty powerful. It can't remove all OEM axle nut though (especially really big old rusted ones), but I don't think any cordless tool can. Its been through a lot of abuse (chemicals, drops, etc) but still looks new. I don't know what they put in their exterior shell but it resists all sorts of stains. I like it so much that I bought the 19.2v Drill and Tasklight. Both are also excellent purchases. The battery life is excellent on all these tools.

I would choose Ingersoll Rand or the Milwaukee (heard good things about their power) over the Snap On.

 

[O RLY]

I got this beast and love it!

 

[mrholeshot]

Snap-On builds about the nicest but not worth 555 dollars. The Dewalt works just as well and the price is about 1/2. When it comes time for service or batteries it's easier and cheaper as well. For the price of the Snap-On I can buy a corded impact, the generator to run it with and a set of sockets for it

 

[Ign]

I've only used my Milwaukee V28 and it's fine, whatever, but nowhere near an air gun. I like the CO2 suggestion. Didn't you see No Country for Old Men? If he can kill people while carrying a tank, you can wrench on equipment.

 

[cashishift]

I have the Dewalt 1/2 drive impact wrench,it is very heavy,but it does get the job done.
If only the snap on was cheaper I would have bought it.

I have this also.. it is real heavy, lol.

But it works for alot of stuff... I use it for car tires alot.

 

[Monte]

 

[whatsitsname]

A pretty toy.

 

[Rickster]

I have the IR 14.4v LI 3/8 cordless ratchet. Planning on getting the 3/8 IR impact real soon. I know it's not the 1/2 dr you're asking about but I wanted to comment on how pleased I am with the IR 14.4 LI batttery life and quick recharge. Check out the IR's!

 

[jrbracing15]

i have the Snapon CT6850. had the mac tools 1/2 drive before and a co worker bought the snapon gun and i was hooked first time i used it. took me a while to give into the price tag but it has saved me a lot of time and money by breaking loose some real tight fasteners. i take it or the 3/8 drive with me on every road call i go on. nice to have on hand. i bought just the standard batteries. the lithium batteries i have used and can't see a difference, so save your money and get the two ni-cad instead of the one lithium.

 

[MattT]

I would get the Ingersoll Rand model. You can get it in either 14.4V or 19.2V with Li-ion or Ni-Cad. The battery charge lasts very long on these tools.

I would choose Ingersoll Rand or the Milwaukee (heard good things about their power) over the Snap On.

The 19.2v IR is a nice gun but I wouldn't recommend it for the OPs, high torque, application. Can't remember the rated torque but it's noticeably weaker than my TGSL which is a 600 ft/lb gun.

I think the OP would be best off hunting down a Snap-on or Matco truck and ideally demoing their gun before buying. I wouldn't chance buying a lesser gun for this job.

 

[whatsitsname]

The 19.2v IR is a nice gun but I wouldn't recommend it for the OPs, high torque, application. Can't remember the rated torque but it's noticeably weaker than my TGSL which is a 600 ft/lb gun.

I think the OP would be best off hunting down a Snap-on or Matco truck and ideally demoing their gun before buying. I wouldn't chance buying a lesser gun for this job.

All the cordless impact will be pretty weak compare to their air impact counterpart. The hammering mechanism is just not as strong compare to air.

 

[MattT]

All the cordless impact will be pretty weak compare to their air impact counterpart. The hammering mechanism is just not as strong compare to air.

The SO and Matco guns are rated higher than my TGSL on paper. I haven't tried either so I don't know how accurate their claimed torque is.

 

[Builder302]

I got this beast and love it!

I'll second this one, I ended up with a dewalt, wished I had gone Makita.

Depending one how much rust with cordless you still might end up breaking them loose with a breaker bar.

 

[briggsguy17]

It can't remove OEM axle nut though, but I don't think any cordless tool can.

I can assure you that the SO one will. Did it on my 04 Silverado 2500 HD. No porblem.

All the cordless impact will be pretty weak compare to their air impact counterpart. The hammering mechanism is just not as strong compare to air.

You should really try either a SO or Matco cordless. Performance is stunning.

 

[spoolgarage]

I have a ct4850ho and the ct6850. I suggest you get a old ct4850 for 200-300 on ebay change the motor $30 and you have a like new gun that will last you years.

 

[slugzed]

the snap on 1/2 6850 was on sale the other from my dealer for $467. bought it and its little brother, the 4410 (3/8). check around to see if the promo is still going on. came with 2 nicd battery each, boot, charger, and the gun itself.

 

[CD360]

I love my snap on CT6850. It has never let me down yet.

 

[Shehzada]

I have a ct4850ho and the ct6850. I suggest you get a old ct4850 for 200-300 on ebay change the motor $30 and you have a like new gun that will last you years.

I like your option very much. What is the difference between those 2 models? And where will I be able to get the new motor?

Thanks very much.

 

[ChrisStarks]

I have the big Snap On 1/2 cordless. It will destroy any fastener, even axle nuts with no problem. This is the gun to take to the junkyard, or for quick disassembly of bigger ****. I've never had it fail me - but if it did, I'd guess my problem is bigger than just a stuck fastener.

 

[Greatbear]

Bosch IWHT180. Specced at 500 lb/ft, and by my experience with the thing, it's all that.

 

[tankboy_taylor]

our Snap On dealer demoed the new 1/2 inch cordless when it took the lug off an 11r 24.5 unimount I was impressed enough to buy it I ended up getting it for 400 dollars.

Its also taken headbolts off a Cummins ISM

 

[Rossco]

Well I use a Dewalt 18v 1/2 jobby .. Its pretty good, Although it wont remove the majority of Nuts / Bolts on a 300 ton haul truck .. (If it did then them bolts must have rattled loose)

I bought it because: The batterys fit my Drill, light, Grinder etc .. I have mains chargers, 12v auto charger. I could even buy a Radio charger if I felt inclinded.

Also if it breaks I can order even the smallest of parts for it with my detailed parts diagrams .. The second hand market is great for Dewalt 18v .. Once you establish Batterys & Chargers you can buy the rest naked ..

I do like other impacts like the Snap-On but I always tend to use the equipment more suited to ME .. I always think theres a market for every quality item .. Dewalt make tools for the industry and have a huge selection, Mechanics tools only make up a tiny part so I feel they make a good gun on the basis of Good .. And not because there name means it has to be good.

I dont think there is a BEST impact gun .. Just a better overall company to buy from.

 

[Tim-Bob]

I bought the Bosch IWHT180 and have no regrets. Works very well, good balance, nice battery life. The only thing I don't like is the "soft-start", as I call it. Pull the trigger and it spools up slowly. It is probably a "feature" designed to reduce shock load on the gun, thereby extending its life. Of course, it is an impact, and having instant power can be the difference between go and no go. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that it could be bypassed somehow, but not without voiding the warranty.

Bottom line, I'd buy it again and also recommend it to anyone.

 

[GSteg]

I like your option very much. What is the difference between those 2 models? And where will I be able to get the new motor?

Thanks very much.

The motors are the same.

You can get a new motor from Snap On, but it'll cost you $65-70 out the door.

If there is nothing wrong with the motor, then there is no need to change it.

 

[meank20]

I've used both the Bosch and and the Snap On, both of which belonged to friends of mine. Without a doubt, the Bosch is the better gun.

I myself have to settle for my 3/8 impact, a Snap On CT4410A.

 

[petee_c]

i just recently resubscribed to C&D after a decade+ long break.... they actually did a recent comparo.

http://www.caranddriver.com/feature...mparison_seven_electric_models_tested-gearbox

P

They suggest the Makita.... too bad I already have a nice new air one, plus a cheapy corded one. I have the Makita 1/4" chuck one for driving construction screws etc for building projects.

 

[Toolhorder]

i just recently resubscribed to C&D after a decade+ long break.... they actually did a recent comparo.

http://www.caranddriver.com/feature...mparison_seven_electric_models_tested-gearbox

P

They suggest the Makita.... too bad I already have a nice new air one, plus a cheapy corded one. I have the Makita 1/4" chuck one for driving construction screws etc for building projects.

Pretty funny they compared that many cordless impacts and didn't even put the best industry standard models in the comparison. I would cancel a subscription not sign up again.

 

[Toolhorder]

Many replies to the thread about non 1/2 impacts. I'll make it easier for you OP.

Here's the best 1/2" cordless impact out there right now,

Here's the runner up,

I wouldn't waste money on anything else.....

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I love my Snap-On.

I don't mind Ni-Cad battery. Works well enough.

Remind me of the video of Snap-On vs IR impact gun.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

Bosch IWHT180. Specced at 500 lb/ft, and by my experience with the thing, it's all that.

This is the gun I ended up with. I've had it a few months now and it hasn't failed me yet, it's a plenty stout gun and I've never gotten the feeling that the 500ft/lb spec is an exaggeration.

 

[Shehzada]

Many replies to the thread about non 1/2 impacts. I'll make it easier for you OP.

Here's the best 1/2" cordless impact out there right now,

Here's the runner up,

I wouldn't waste money on anything else.....

I can tell the second one is the Snap-on.........but which is the first one?

 

[Monte]

I can tell the second one is the Snap-on.........but which is the first one?

Matco