Cordless Impact Wrench

[E55 Bulldog]

Hey guys, I hope all is well.
I need your opinion. I over think everything.

Looking to pick up a cordless impact wrench, I will prob use this thing more than any other tool in my garage.

I have a 1/2 air powered impact that I use for big bolts and wheel lugs mostly

I do a lot of work on my cars and trucks.

My question is should I get a 3/8" drive or a 1/2" drive cordless impact wrench?

I wasn't sure if I should go smaller since the majority of bolts on cars are smaller in size or go with a 1/2 and use a step down fitment to use smaller sockets.

 

[carl456]

If you already have a 1/2 inch gun I'd get either a 3/8 or 1/4, Milwaukee would be my choice. I have the big 1/2 gun and to be honest it would be overkill for a lot of things on cars, especially considering you already have an air 1/2 inch. 3/8 drive fuel would be my choice.

 

[E55 Bulldog]

Yeah, Meant to say 3/8" (Standard socket size) I had 1/4 on brain from looking at them online. I corrected it. still early and no coffee yet

I think a 1/4" would be too small for most jobs

 

[pbon]

I would buy the Milwaukee 3/8 Fuel. Later buy a 1/2 Fuel. Later get some 1/4 drive ratchets or impacts — they will take a different battery.

 

[Bacon Man]

Second the 3/8 Fuel, bought one for work, didn't need the 1/2 with all the stainless steel bolts.

 

[Mr_B]

3/8 but not the milwaukee as way overrated.
Have a look at the IR W5132, decent, durable and compact .

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I would go with a mid-sized 1/2" cordless, plenty of power but not as big or heavy as the high-torque models. You can always adapt the 1/2" down to 3/8" if needed.

 

[MrGiggles]

You can pry my M12 Fuel 3/8 impact out of my cold, dead, hands.

As for 1/2" vs 3/8", that depends on what you desire to do with it. You mentioned that you already have a 1/2" air impact, if you are fine using that for the heavy work, get a 3/8.

3/8 will be considerably smaller and easier to deal with, if you are not planning on using it for lug nuts. Adapters are a nuisance, and 3/8 offers more control on smaller fasteners.

Whatever you buy, a cordless impact with wobble extensions or impact swivels is a fantastic combination.

 

[Farmall450]

3/8 but not the milwaukee as way overrated.
Have a look at the IR W5132, decent, durable and compact .

Or a DeWalt, OP, buy whatever you have batteries for - they're all good.