Cordless impact gun
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39CAMC
Well-known member
I love my DeWalt 20v stuff. I do tires, etc in my shop all day. The mid torque gets about 95% of all lug nuts and the big boy 891 will get any others that it won't. I literally haven't used my air impact since I got these about 8 years ago.
However, on high end stuff, Milwaukee seems to have a bunch more tool options. I am sure the performance is same/better/in the noise with brand yellow and most others.
But all that said, I think if I had to start over, I might look very hard at Hercules from HF.
DaveW
However, on high end stuff, Milwaukee seems to have a bunch more tool options. I am sure the performance is same/better/in the noise with brand yellow and most others.
But all that said, I think if I had to start over, I might look very hard at Hercules from HF.
DaveW
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
Unless you are dealing with seized bolts, even the Milwaukee M12 fuel stubby gun will do the job 90% of the time for automotive applications. A mid torque Dewalt gun should be more than sufficient for your needs.
If you are not hung up on brand names.....
www.garagejournal.com
TTC: Walmart’s Hyper Tough 20V Max Brushless High-Torque Impact
For $99 including battery and charger, I am tempted to buy one and leave it in the truck for roadside tire changes. Performance appears to be extremely comparable to the Gen2 Milwaukee High Torque.
www.garagejournal.com
AC-WC
Well-known member
I recently bought the HF Bauer, it's heavy, pretty big and awkward. The forward/reverse switch is right where if I grab it wrong it switches or locks it. Compared to all the other impacts I have it hasn't met a bolt it can't take off. I have 3 air impacts, 2 corded. It's nice not to hassle with air lines or cords but no experience on the longevity/useage of the battery. If it's like any other cordless tool I have the battery may last 5 or 10 yrs.
I could never use it on the big mower blades because of it's size nor my electric ones. I can only get the deck so high and not enough clearance.
I think the max torque on my others are around 200-250 ft/lb but this one is supposed to be 1000 ft/lb.
Takes a little bit to get used to compared to air powered a couple of ugga duggas and then zip it acts like a drill. Still need to use it some more on some really frozen bolts but I would probably buy it again.
As much as I like 'name' brand tools I've been pleasantly surprised with Bauer, Hyper Tough power tools.
I could never use it on the big mower blades because of it's size nor my electric ones. I can only get the deck so high and not enough clearance.
I think the max torque on my others are around 200-250 ft/lb but this one is supposed to be 1000 ft/lb.
Takes a little bit to get used to compared to air powered a couple of ugga duggas and then zip it acts like a drill. Still need to use it some more on some really frozen bolts but I would probably buy it again.
As much as I like 'name' brand tools I've been pleasantly surprised with Bauer, Hyper Tough power tools.
I use a DeWalt DCF961. Its big. It's heavy. It's almost comical to use. It's also the most powerful 1/2" drive impact TTC has tested. I already had the batteries, so I went with it as a bare tool. Truth be told, a much smaller/lighter gun would do the job most of the time. But how do you know this time isn't one of those times it won't? 
Still easier than dragging out an air hose and rolling it up again.
Still easier than dragging out an air hose and rolling it up again.
txvwnut
Well-known member
Had a guy that worked for me that had the Hercules, it’d remove the lugs off a Freightliner with ease. I’ve got the Earthquake and when all the batteries die I’ll get the Hercules.
Today, even the wallyworld New Hyper-Tough impacts are pretty impressive. Wasn't that long ago Tourque Test Channel did a review in the new one.
Hercules are competing with Milwaukee warranty so if ya have a horrible freight close... why not.
I have Milwaukee because that is the Batts I've had for a long time. If I was starting today... I might go with something else.
Hercules are competing with Milwaukee warranty so if ya have a horrible freight close... why not.
I have Milwaukee because that is the Batts I've had for a long time. If I was starting today... I might go with something else.
finn
Well-known member
I bought a Milwaukee M18 2767 (or whatever the big dog is /was) to do that stufff. I rarely use it. It’s big, heavy and clunky.
My Dewalt Atomic does fine on lug nuts. I also have two other mid range Milwaukee impacts, a 3/8” and a 1/2” drive, but I prefer the Dewalt Atomics, either 3/8 or 1/2” drive. I think they are DCS 921 and 923.
My Dewalt Atomic does fine on lug nuts. I also have two other mid range Milwaukee impacts, a 3/8” and a 1/2” drive, but I prefer the Dewalt Atomics, either 3/8 or 1/2” drive. I think they are DCS 921 and 923.
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speed bump
Well-known member
If I just needed one and had no battery allegiance then I would probably grab the hyper tough. They also sell a decent looking ratchet that I keep thinking about picking up
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
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For lug nuts and construction I have the Dewalt mid torque from Lowes. Use air IR impact wrench for stubborn lug nuts. Pivoting to air more lately since usage mostly home and dealing with E450 Superduty and POS pickup in rust belt.
engineer2
Well-known member
Depends on the torque value you need and comfort. My Makita 1/4 hex impact will handle most passenger car lug nuts. I have a Makita 1/2" drive that will break cheaper impact sockets if you aren't careful, but it is an 8 pound beast. I suppose a mid-torque would be best for most lugnuts. Makita may not always win the power game since their 1" models only max out at 2950 ft-lbs., but they are pretty reliable.
rsanter
Well-known member
Dewalt 20v and then get the adapter to use with your 18v stuff
swsman
Well-known member
I will second Hyper Tough for $99 before tax.
It comes with 4ah and charger.
Get a nice canvas bag for it all, toss it in the trunk.
I have owned mine for a month or so, it has been put to work rotating tires on '11 Impala and '05 F250. It handled that no problem just as I expected it to.
Reason behind the purchase was to have it as a backup to my well used DeWalt DCF899 I bought around 7 years ago.
For Hyper Tough I have also invested in a battery adapter which allows me to use DeWalt 20v batteries I already own.
(Earlier today I purchased two DeWalt 8AH batteries with charger included for $149 at my local Lowes - they have a sale promo going).
It comes with 4ah and charger.
Get a nice canvas bag for it all, toss it in the trunk.
I have owned mine for a month or so, it has been put to work rotating tires on '11 Impala and '05 F250. It handled that no problem just as I expected it to.
Reason behind the purchase was to have it as a backup to my well used DeWalt DCF899 I bought around 7 years ago.
For Hyper Tough I have also invested in a battery adapter which allows me to use DeWalt 20v batteries I already own.
(Earlier today I purchased two DeWalt 8AH batteries with charger included for $149 at my local Lowes - they have a sale promo going).
swsman
Well-known member
If you need the workout I can see the use case.
Since I have invested into cordless, I seldom touch my breaker bars (typically if I am not able to get to a fastener).
My air tools are semi retired, once a year I oil them and put them away. Compressor I typically use for tires only these days, that is unless I just grab my portable Viair 450P.
Have plenty of tool batteries on hand, I can disassemble an entire vehicle without worrying about running out of juice.
I have the 2254 3/8” M12 stubby — 250 lbs breaking torque, the 2962 1/2” M18 mid torque — 650 lbs breaking torque, and the 2767 1/2” M18 high torque — 1400 lbs breaking torque. Wheel torque on the cars I maintain for myself, family and friends range from about 90 lbs to 150 lbs, and I live in New England and drive in winter so corrosion makes it harder to loosen lug nuts even though I hand torqued them to spec with a torque wrench.
I often start with the stubby impact, find it does not work and try the mid torque and that usually does the job, but I do routinely find myself having to use the high torque.
You could save money by using a breaker bar on the occasions when the mid torque won’t work — choose only the wrench that usually works. And you could probably even use newer stubby that does 550 lbs in reverse with a 5.0AH battery as you sole impact wrench if small and light is the priority. If you are big and strong and don’t mind hoisting an 8 lb wrench (without battery), the big high torque will pretty much never let you down. Usually for lug nuts, clearance space is not a priority so it is really the weight that could be an issue. I reach for the 2767 last, not first.
I often start with the stubby impact, find it does not work and try the mid torque and that usually does the job, but I do routinely find myself having to use the high torque.
You could save money by using a breaker bar on the occasions when the mid torque won’t work — choose only the wrench that usually works. And you could probably even use newer stubby that does 550 lbs in reverse with a 5.0AH battery as you sole impact wrench if small and light is the priority. If you are big and strong and don’t mind hoisting an 8 lb wrench (without battery), the big high torque will pretty much never let you down. Usually for lug nuts, clearance space is not a priority so it is really the weight that could be an issue. I reach for the 2767 last, not first.
If it's literally for just lugs and casual use, the HyperTough mentioned above is fine. Big, but fine. My problem with the big impact guns is they're huge, heavy, and just aren't that versatile. I've never understood why the first recommendations seem to be for the most-limited thing. Max power is not always the answer.
If you want something that can get in tighter places and do lots of things, I'd recommend either Milwaukee's M12 Stubby Gen2 (a beast in a small package - wants the new XC 5.0 battery though) or the M18 Mid Torque Gen2. I had a (2767) High Torque and sold it unused because the Mid had all the power I needed for hub nuts, subframe bolts, caliper carrier bolts, etc.
If you want something that can get in tighter places and do lots of things, I'd recommend either Milwaukee's M12 Stubby Gen2 (a beast in a small package - wants the new XC 5.0 battery though) or the M18 Mid Torque Gen2. I had a (2767) High Torque and sold it unused because the Mid had all the power I needed for hub nuts, subframe bolts, caliper carrier bolts, etc.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have the older Dewalt high torque and the newer atomic subcompact. Both are great, but I agree on the hypertough. With no existing battery platform to line up with, I think it's the right way to go
MarineScott
Well-known member
I have the Kobalt brand. I used to be a fan until things started going wrong and they wouldn't honor their warranty.
jar944
Well-known member
Get one, they are great for when your wife gets a flat tire and you are obligated to drive to wherever she is and swap out the spare.
bwringer
Well-known member
Nice! Metabo is a little obscure in the US, but you don't really care much about platform. Very nice quality.
Problem solved, but the discussion and digression continues... I'm on Ryobi brushless tools, and their mid-torque is a beast that hasn't been defeated yet, even on stuff like rusty cV axle nuts.
One of the most useful features it has is an automatic mode. When removing lug nuts in automatic mode, it will stop after a few spins once the lug nut is loose so it doesn't go flying off into the weeds. And when installing, the ugga-duggas automagically stop at around 60 foot-pounds or so; plenty to safely lower the car and torque to spec by hand.
Do any other brands have an automatic mode like that? For the specific use case of lug nuts, it's ridiculously useful. (And it has three other switchable "dumb" levels too, of course.)
My Dewalt DCF891 has the same setup. Very handy.
I don't know about my other Milwaukee impacts because I've had them for awhile so don't think about it, but my newest M12 has the "auto shut off" setting that is claimed to stop at not more than 15 ft lbs.
39CAMC
Well-known member
It's no workout with a 24" breaker bar. No different than using the torque wrench putting them back on.
I prefer to find out if I have lug/thread problems before I blast it with a power tool.
Maybe? Whatever the wrench button is called…lol.
Lucid Moments
Well-known member
I've got the DeWalt mid torque and it is good enough that I haven't needed the high torque. On the rare occasion that the mid torque can't do what I need I have a couple of air guns that will. But honestly the same can be said for all of the major brands. Battery powered tools have gotten ridiculously powerful these days.
When I'm working on my own cars I usually grab this and run a 25' cable, rather than mess with air or batteries. And this is a really really really nice gun. Had this for 20 years now, and its original power supply is still good
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bornbadbob
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2025
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- 214
I have a Milwaukee M18 1/2 cordless, rarely use it, big and heavy, I would rather use my Mac 1/2 air impact unless air is too far away. I love my DeWalt impact driver though, use it almost everyday. It will be a very sad day indeed when it finally bites the dust.
InsanePyro
Well-known member
Been using Dewalt 20v stuff for over a decade with zero complaints. My cousin left my 3/8ths impact underwater for 6 months (don't ask) shortly after I got...still using it 10 years later
Me too - I got rid of my High Torque because the Mid (M18 Gen2) didn't blink when I was doing the worst stuff I was ever likely to do. It's crazy how powerful even the tiny guns are these days - the Gen2 Stubby is rated for nearly the power of that Mid. I haven't had the chance to use it in anger yet (just some lugs), but doing shocks/struts on the family Volvo in a couple weeks and going to use it exclusively just to see how it goes. (I'd know more if I was doing subframe/etc, but that's not on the current schedule...
).There are so many good options these days in the Mid Torque area - small enough to be really versatile but more powerful than a lot of High Torque impact guns from just 5 or so years ago.
I got the 2nd gen Milwaukee high torque impact wrench when it first came out (2017?), so even before they "reissued" it with the junk planetary gears. I've used it ONCE in the 7 years, and even then, it was a bad enough situation that it didn't work at the time (I don't remember what it was). But I'm DIY, so it's not like I come across the need that often, plus being a GJ member, need has nothing to do with why I got it. In fact, I also have the Gen 1 (that I've also only needed to use once), and it currently sits in my basement in a box.
I also have the mid-torque M18, but rarely touch that too, as the Gen1 M12, and now the Gen2M12 has been my go to all these years.
The new Gen2 with the 5.0 high output makes the mid-torque even more useless (but I'm still keeping it because I love to hoard tools).
Basskiller
Well-known member
Since you’re not really invested in a battery platform I would suggest looking into the other tools offered besides the impact wrench and see what manufacturer has tools that you could see yourself picking up later on.
Hohn
Well-known member
This sounds like what an actual pro does.
A 1/4 impact driver with a socket adapter is a fantastic "speed it off" tool. Small and light, too.
Hohn
Well-known member
My Makita has a similar automatic modes where you can set it to stop after it stops impacts, delay 0.2 seconds, delay a full second, etc.
Honestly, those features are imo the "killer feature" for cordless. There's simply no practical way to pull this off in an air tool, even though I prefer air. Then again, with a modern subcompact air gun, you have the control to not need such features.
I've become more of a minimalist in the sense that I don't want to own the biggest baddest impact so I can blitz off lugnuts to fast I shear the stud without knowing it. I'd much rather the "minimally sufficient" tool that's as small and light as possible and just happens to have (barely) enough power for the task at hand.
Which is why I was so pleased that my Makita impact DRIVER could remove lug nuts even though the torque loss of a spindly little hex adapter. Upgrading to a proper impact wrench on the Makita platform just made a ton of sense since I'm so invested in their system (14 batteries, 4 chargers, too many tools to count).
Even a compact 1/2" cordless these days should have zero problems with M14 lugs on a typical 2500 or 3500 truck. My Makita worked well and was only rated 240lb-ft.
If you need more than that, then go ahead and step up to mid torque and high torques and all that. But there's a real world difference in the utility of wrangling a 3# cordless impact vs a 5# or 8# tool that is much larger.