Best Cordless Automotive Tools?
- Thread starter toolfasttoolfurious
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ToyotaTech
Member
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- May 18, 2014
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Recently switched over from Makita LXT (used it for 5 years) to Milwaukee Fuel, because I was really after the brushless 3/8's impact. I'm glad I did. I found the ergonomics and weight of the Makita stuff really awesome, but that's where the advantages ended IMO. Makita, currently has no brushless 3/8's impact, and as an auto tech, that is my go to tool, for damn near everything. Plus with Milwaukee, you have the dual charger which allows you to buy M12 tools as well, AND the batteries have gauges on them to show remaining power. Speaking from experience, there really isn't any reason NOT to go with the FUEL line.
abvw
Well-known member
I love Snap-on's 14.4v, the entire system is very well thought out. I prefer this system over Milwaukee's M12.
A few things that I didn't like about the M12 system:
1) Rubber grips on the tools are harder to clean and the grips eventually bulges from exposure to solvents and oil.
2) The ratchet's selector *****, the paddle trigger ***** and I can smell the motor burning up during use. Not to mention the damn thing flex too much under torque.
3) Impact wrench only have one LED equipped.
4) The drill feels significantly bigger in my hands, in fact every M12 handle feels bigger than my Snap-ons.
https://scontent-lga.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10408631_10201862695202674_4274824819971491429_n.jpg?oh=df7a06a4e14727795c1f9da58f40e64b&oe=55BCE634
A few things that I didn't like about the M12 system:
1) Rubber grips on the tools are harder to clean and the grips eventually bulges from exposure to solvents and oil.
2) The ratchet's selector *****, the paddle trigger ***** and I can smell the motor burning up during use. Not to mention the damn thing flex too much under torque.
3) Impact wrench only have one LED equipped.
4) The drill feels significantly bigger in my hands, in fact every M12 handle feels bigger than my Snap-ons.
https://scontent-lga.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10408631_10201862695202674_4274824819971491429_n.jpg?oh=df7a06a4e14727795c1f9da58f40e64b&oe=55BCE634
I experience the same thing with my M12 ratchet. It flexes more than I'd like, and it's not like I'm standing on the darn thing either. You can certainly use it for automotive work, but I wouldn't consider it automotive-grade. It quickly became my loaner tool.
Dust Devil
Well-known member
I agree with abvw...The Snap-on 14.4 line is amazing.
Nothing else can even compare really in my opinion, pure function.
The 3/8 impact and both the 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets are especially awesome. The CTS761 quick connect screwdriver has no equal either.
The paddle trigger on the impact and screwdriver is one thing that really sets them apart from the rest of the field.
Same goes for the ratchets, the trigger makes for the utmost control, and they are powerful and solid.
The grips on all of the 14.4v stuff just fit in my hand better, you can feel the difference instantly. The milwaukee ratchets are like a toy compared to the snap.
Nothing else can even compare really in my opinion, pure function.
The 3/8 impact and both the 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets are especially awesome. The CTS761 quick connect screwdriver has no equal either.
The paddle trigger on the impact and screwdriver is one thing that really sets them apart from the rest of the field.
Same goes for the ratchets, the trigger makes for the utmost control, and they are powerful and solid.
The grips on all of the 14.4v stuff just fit in my hand better, you can feel the difference instantly. The milwaukee ratchets are like a toy compared to the snap.
IR or Snap On for automotive cordless. I have a Milwaukee Fuel 3/8" impact and like it, very small/light...especially with the compact battery.
The Fuel 1/2" impact is not something you want to use on regular automotive work, the thing is obscenely heavy/bulky and not very practical. For 1/2" cordless automotive use (on a race car) I use my older IR W360 that weighs 1.5 lbs less than the Milwaukee.
The Fuel 1/2" impact is not something you want to use on regular automotive work, the thing is obscenely heavy/bulky and not very practical. For 1/2" cordless automotive use (on a race car) I use my older IR W360 that weighs 1.5 lbs less than the Milwaukee.
kctyphoon
Banned
I love Snap-on's 14.4v, the entire system is very well thought out. I prefer this system over Milwaukee's M12.
A few things that I didn't like about the M12 system:
1) Rubber grips on the tools are harder to clean and the grips eventually bulges from exposure to solvents and oil.
2) The ratchet's selector *****, the paddle trigger ***** and I can smell the motor burning up during use. Not to mention the damn thing flex too much under torque.
3) Impact wrench only have one LED equipped.
4) The drill feels significantly bigger in my hands, in fact every M12 handle feels bigger than my Snap-ons.
https://scontent-lga.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10408631_10201862695202674_4274824819971491429_n.jpg?oh=df7a06a4e14727795c1f9da58f40e64b&oe=55BCE634
just curious - whats the cost difference between the milwaukee and the comparable SO for tools and batteries? i know the SO is gonna be higher, just curious how much.
You must be using the fuel products backwards.
IDK used em once. They didnt feel right in my hands. I guess im used to the SO impacts.
Well its just people opinions anyway. I wasn't impressed. Someone else might be. like I said before they didn't feel right in my hands. I would rather take IR and SO over the milwaukee.
2-3x the price kit for kit. I have a lot of 14.4V and a couple 18V too I just find it hard to recommend. Warranty ***** (1YR). Both my 8810s have issues, 1 LED issue despite being nearly new (minor issue really but...retail is $600!), 1 reverse bias issue that I just mailed off. My CT661 was fine but the 761 that I replaced it with lasted mere MONTHS before the internals grenaded. Apparently its not an uncommon problem. Ratchet is holding up though but I will say its very weak, more of a time saver but you basically have to break fasteners free by hand first in every situation. My other issue is the battery tabs **** and its very hard to separate them from the tool. All this for a premium price? Eh.
If the Snap-On is cheapest, go for it but at list prices I'd strongly urge you to look at other brands first (IR, MAC, Milwaukee) based on my experiences. Cheaper prices, in most cases substantially cheaper, and better warranty for functionally identical tools. You have to be sipping the Koolaid pretty regularly to not recommend other brands.
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Haven't used any Milwaukee impacts because not a fan of their tools, first time I grabbed one I said I'd never use one, worst grip in the industry... Can have 100000 ft lbs, but if's uncomfortable in the hand, forget it
Personally I'd buy into the IR line, better auto style tools IMO... Very nice seeing a few in person
Dewalt doesn't at the moment have a huge interest in auto tools, more of a general contractor brand, that's why MAC got the cordless auto tools, it's SBD's auto brand... and very nice well built tools at that, a buddy has some of the new MAC tools and loves them
Dewalt though does have a prototype 1/2 BRUSHLESS impact floating around, seen a picture on a forum a little while back so they do have something in the works, heard someone say up around the 800 ft lbs TQ mark I believe
I have the current 20v max 1/2 impact for working around here at home on my vehicles and it's perfectly fine for what I need it for, don't need anything bigger ATM. I don't own any rusty junk that needs lots of grunt to move bolts
As far as the whole 20v is 18v, it is true but when fully charged the battery registers 20v but runs 18v nominally
They were given the 20v max name because of that and because they didn't want the 20v system getting mixed up with the old 18v xrp line of tools... Wasn't meant to deceive anyone
Personally I'd buy into the IR line, better auto style tools IMO... Very nice seeing a few in person
Dewalt doesn't at the moment have a huge interest in auto tools, more of a general contractor brand, that's why MAC got the cordless auto tools, it's SBD's auto brand... and very nice well built tools at that, a buddy has some of the new MAC tools and loves them
Dewalt though does have a prototype 1/2 BRUSHLESS impact floating around, seen a picture on a forum a little while back so they do have something in the works, heard someone say up around the 800 ft lbs TQ mark I believe
I have the current 20v max 1/2 impact for working around here at home on my vehicles and it's perfectly fine for what I need it for, don't need anything bigger ATM. I don't own any rusty junk that needs lots of grunt to move bolts
As far as the whole 20v is 18v, it is true but when fully charged the battery registers 20v but runs 18v nominally
They were given the 20v max name because of that and because they didn't want the 20v system getting mixed up with the old 18v xrp line of tools... Wasn't meant to deceive anyone
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abvw
Well-known member
Errr, I paid no more than $200 more for my entire Snap-on kit. It is unfair to compare Snap-on's list price to other brands' when they're "on sale" (not MRSP). When you can buy Milwaukee anywhere it's a race to the bottom of the profit margin between retailers to make that sale.
Take the ratchet for example. List price on the Milwaukee bare tool is $150, the Snap-on for $170. Definitely not 2x-3x the list price.
The M18 Fuel is north of $700 MRSP when it was released. Nobody seems to remember that.
Everybody says Snap-on is overpriced, but last December my dealer sold 4 sets of 8810 ($700+tax) in one stop, everyone walked off the truck with a set of $300 impact sockets free with it, and not one of those tech are complaining about the price.
Here's the reality, if you paid MRSP on the truck, you're either desperate for the tool (special order) or the dealer does not like you. I've spend $25000 over the last two years but there were only a handful of things I walked off the truck at list price.
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