Cordless Impact recommendations

[Bigdogboogie]

I'm in the market for a cordless (battery powered) impact driver and I'd like to get GJ's opinions on a good impact driver for general home use, It's toughest job will likely be removing mower blades.

Presently I'm leaning towards this model since I already have some Bosch 18V tools I've been happy with but if there's an alternative that would make it worthwhile to switch to a second platform I'm open to it.

The model I'm considering- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5VHYJ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[lardy1]

I have that model. I'm a home gamer that, like you, already had a drill and some batteries so I got a factory refurbished one. It's more powerful than I thought it would be. I rotate tires on my two Chevy pickups and I usually need to use the manual breaker bar on some. But it gets most of them. I maintain three lawn tractors also and it works well on blade changes. All in all, I'm happy with it even knowing that the Milwaukee's and Dewalt's, etc. can kick it's ***.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I like the 1/4” hex and 1/2” square drive in one unit.

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

All the major brands' impacts are pretty good. Whichever battery platform you're invested in is what I would recommend.

 

[M635_Guy]

All the major brands' impacts are pretty good. Whichever battery platform you're invested in is what I would recommend.

This. There are greater and lesser, but really very few mistakes.

 

[Bigdogboogie]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the replies.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I just bought a set of Ridgid brushless tools. Love the impact driver and the 1/2 Inch impact wrench. With free lifetime batteries, I think I made the right choice.

 

[TNToy]

Agree with the above. Evernyone’s up to the task of the occasional DIYer’s demands. Buy what fits your current batteries. If for no other reason than your batteries lasting longer - the more often you keep a battery from sitting or charging for weeks on end, the longer it will last.

 

[JP Chestnut]

I’m happy with my Makita impact. I bought into their system rather than Milwaukee due to price and a preference for their OPE.

 

[engineer2]

If it will do 120 ft-lbs, it will cover most applications.
Best if it has multiple speed/power settings. My 3 speed Makita can finesse small electronics screws or take lugnuts off. It's my most commonly used tool.

 

[Voi]

I'm in the market for a cordless (battery powered) impact driver and I'd like to get GJ's opinions on a good impact driver for general home use, It's toughest job will likely be removing mower blades.

Presently I'm leaning towards this model since I already have some Bosch 18V tools I've been happy with but if there's an alternative that would make it worthwhile to switch to a second platform I'm open to it.

The model I'm considering- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5VHYJ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I believe the hybrid impact linked above is not the most up to date version. The newest version is called "The Freak". IIRC, the Freak is a bit more compact but gives up the LED lights and is likely more expensive. You are probably already aware of this but thought I'd mention it.

I'd be curious to try one of those hybrids but already have separate Makita cordless impact wrench and driver and am well invested in that battery system.

If you suspect you'll be using bits more than sockets then even my ten+ year old impact driver with adapter and socket has removed the retaining nuts from both of my push mowers. But I'm not sure how much torque might be required for heavier duty mowers.

 

[richfinn]

Worx 20v brushless impact is pretty damn good for the money

I have a the 1/2" square drive version (they do a 1/4 hex)

I use it in my job as a mechanic and it's actually better and more compact than other 'pro brands' that I have paid 2 or 3 times as much for!!!

2 years in and it will still pull wheel bolts on the original batteries on most newish cars

I,ll be honest cordless tools are a consumable in this game, they either become obsolete very quickly as tecnology improves or they are uneconomic to repair after 2 or 3 years

I just plan to change every 3 years, if they still work ok its a bonus

 

[jonshonda]

When my 10yo Bosch drill (bought as part of a drill driver set) chuck started having issues with holding bits, I started looking into replacements. Because the drill/driver where my only cordless tools, I had no obligation to buy any certain brand as I wanted to replaced both the drill and driver.

The Bosch looked great, but I really think it would be more useful if it was 3/8" driver vs 1/2". That thing doesn't have enough power to warrant the need for 1/2" drive, and the added weight and size of the 1/2" extensions and sockets wasn't a plus for me.

Long story short I went with Milwaukee due to the larger battery size and more power (by a lot). The only things I don't like are the battery interfaces are sloppy and you can feel the battery moving from time to time, and Bosch did a lot better job of placing rubber overmolding where the tool would most likely see wear and tear, so the milwaukee stuff is starting to show what I would consider premature wear.

But if I were you OP, I would buy Bosch and you will love it, I sure did love mine!

 

[banjopete]

I'll add to the stick with the battery you already have idea as it's a great plan.

However if you are open to other things, bumping up into the 200 to 400ftlb area will give you a go to tool for nearly any nut. I personally would not bother with a 100 to 150ft lb one as that touches in where some impact drivers can get to plus if you are dealing with rusted bolts it may leave you disappointed when you proudly pull out your new cordless impact only to find you need your breaker bar anyways.

Price wise the ridgid stuff is hard to beat, they have lots of impact wrench options that put out tons of power for a home user. The milwaukee stubby is also really impressive for the size and price. Both come up as complete drill battery charger sets quite cheap for us Canadians and I'm sure it's even better in the US. You can get whatever size anvil that makes sense for your sockets too which is nice and goes for any brand you look at I imagine.

Good luck.

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[bwringer]

Only 1,650 inch-pounds, which works out to 137.5 foot-pounds. Pretty pointless, really.

I have a Bosch drill and 1/4" impact driver and they're great, but it's very disappointing that the 1/2" impact is so piss-weak. I really wish they made a good competitive battery 1/2" impact, but they never have for some unknown reason.

I've given very serious consideration to selling the blue stuff and buying all-new red or yellow. I hate juggling different battery types.

 

[DuratecMan10]

I have a Dewalt 12v max impact and love it. Super strong and works great even on a 1.5ah bat.


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[BFHtime]

I like a Amica cordless tools in general. I have not killed a battery yet, I also don’t allow them to stay overnight in sub freezing my temps.

Makita batteries charge faster than I can tire out the batteries.

They have a good tool selection. I used to, use my 3 speed 1/4 inch hex head for everything.
I tried to use it to take off my lawnmower blade and it was not powerful enough. I was able to get it off with the 1/2 inch impact gun high torque. Extremely quick too!

 

[crbnfbr]

Only 1,650 inch-pounds, which works out to 137.5 foot-pounds. Pretty pointless, really.

I have a Bosch drill and 1/4" impact driver and they're great, but it's very disappointing that the 1/2" impact is so piss-weak. I really wish they made a good competitive battery 1/2" impact, but they never have for some unknown reason.

I've given very serious consideration to selling the blue stuff and buying all-new red or yellow. I hate juggling different battery types.

Bosch makes the IWHT180 and the HTH181(same wrench different anvils) that have 500ft/lbs. I have the HTH181 and have no complaints. Mind you I'm no professional, but it has never let me down. It had no trouble removing the notorious Honda crank bolt when I changed my timing belt.

 

[shockwave]

That is a nice set I just picked up this set for home use and got a sawzall and grinder with free batteries at Lowe’s but there are 2 newer versions at Lowe’s on sale now

The 1600 inch version is 89 with 1 2.0ah and charger
The 1800 inch version is 149 with 1 4.0ah and charger

Or if you need a drill there is a 1600 inch and drill combo with 2 batteries for 149 is best bet

 

[shockwave]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-2-To...-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/1000810738 Here is link to one mentioned but has worked out great for me so far

 

[shockwave]

These were on sale last week and Lowe’s has some really nice Bosch unibit there too

But if you can also look at Milwaukee 2 piece set might be around 200

 

[bwringer]

Bosch makes the IWHT180 and the HTH181(same wrench different anvils) that have 500ft/lbs. I have the HTH181 and have no complaints. Mind you I'm no professional, but it has never let me down. It had no trouble removing the notorious Honda crank bolt when I changed my timing belt.

Good to know! Thanks!