Cordless Impact

[kartracer55]

Heres the deal.

Id like a cordless impact for the track. Preferably 3/8 drive.

I (its actually my dad's) already have a Dewalt 18vXRP drill, but I can tell the batteries are starting to go. I know a guy who has 3 brand new batteries he will sell me for 50$ a piece, so its a hard deal to pass up.

Dewalt makes an 18v 1/2 drive cordless impact. Now I can get the impact kit (2 batteries, impact and charger) for about 260$. The upside to this is that I will have the impact and I will also have 2 fresh batteries for his drill as well.

IR makes a very nice 3/8 cordless impact. The Kit is 200$ from the tool warehouse, BUT I will still have to spend 100$ or so on batteries for the drill. IR also has those new ICQ or whatever the hell it is cordless kits out, where you buy everything seperatly. The downside is that the setup will cost over 300$ if I go with the lithium ion batteries.

Then there is Snap On, which I Know kick *** (ive used them ALOT), but Those kits are going to be expensive. Id consider one if he can get me one for under 250 (unlikely). Also, those are only 12volt and have about 100ft lbs, which, While plenty, limits what I can do compared to the IR at 150.

The Tool warehouse also has those Znex imapcts.... 150ftlbs like the IR, 183 for the impact, 2 batteres and charger.

What do you guys think? Im sort of between a rock and a hardplace. The Impact is more of a luxery item, but no matter which way I slice it, I need at least 2 batteries for the drill. I probably wont buy this until about march, but I need to figure out how much I need to put aside for it.

Thanks
Jim

 

[eschoendorff]

The Dewalt seems to be the obvious choice in your situation. Unless you have a lot of spare change.

 

[kartracer55]

The Dewalt seems to be the obvious choice in your situation. Unless you have a lot of spare change.

Yeah, I was leaning towards it, but Its 1/2 and it has 300ft lbs. I think EVERYTHING on that kart is under M10 threads, and I dont know If I can control the cordless like I can an air impact. I can try and score a deal on the lower powered one though.

 

[eschoendorff]

Yeah, I was leaning towards it, but Its 1/2 and it has 300ft lbs. I think EVERYTHING on that kart is under M10 threads, and I dont know If I can control the cordless like I can an air impact. I can try and score a deal on the lower powered one though.

Can you find a local dealer taht'll let you try one out?

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Jim,

These are great for karts, especially for wheel nuts.

I have a 1.4v 3K0 Mastercraft Maximum unit, which everybody up here has. It's pretty powerful, and the batteries last forever. But, you don't live in Canada, so that's not an option. I have always liked the Dewalt 14.4v guns, too. You are also correct in that M10 is the biggest you will find on a kart (except clutch work on some engines, but that's an entirely different story). You will be happy with any decent one, as it saves a lot of time. Just don't overtorque wheelnuts, and check them with a ratchet after.

 

[rmack898]

Jim,
My first post here, but I was in the same boat last month. It took the snappy guy over a year to convince me that I needed a cordless impact. I finally broke down and bought the 12 volt 3/8" drive. Over the years since I bought it, I found it to be indespensible and don't know how I ever got along without it. Well after 5 years of heavy use, the batteries reached the end of their charge/cycle life. Well I almost dies when I found out how much 3 new batteries were going to cost me. Since I already have just about every 18volt Dewalt cordless tool along with about a dozen good batteries, I decided to look at the Dewalt impacts. Unfortunately, Dewalt does not make a 3/8" drive 18 volt impact. 1/2" is just too big for what I do, and I didn't think that the 1/4" hex drive whould have enough *** to do the job. After way too much thinking about it, I went to Lowes and bought the 1/4" hex drive for $269. When I was at the register, it started spitting out mail-in rebates. I got a mail-in rebate for an additonal battery, (the impact driver came with 2) and a mail-in rebate for my choice of a hammer drill of a recip saw. I took the hammer drill. When I got back to the shop I put a 3/8 sq drive adapter in the 1/4 hex and gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this gun had every bit as much balls as my Snap On. Not only is the performance better than what I expected, the gun is also smaller and lighter than my Snappy. I'm a happy camper.

 

[wilbilt]

Are you locked into 18V?
Milwaukee makes 14.4V cordless impacts in both 1/4" hex and 3/8" square drive. (I think a 1/2", too)

I'd post a link, but their site seems to be down for maintenance.

Here's one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Milwaukee-9082-...ryZ61574QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A nice feature is that you can put the battery on either way to gain clearance.

 

[kartracer55]

I scored a Dewalt 18v Impact, 2 batteries and a charger BRAND NEW on ebay for 190$ (thetoolwarehouse.net lists for 320$). Its the 138ftlb model, same size as he 3/8's but with a 1/2 anvil (which I might actually be able to swap and make myself an 18v 3/8 drive lol)

Best part is, I split it with my Dad, because he needed the batteries. So this thing wound up costing me 85$ total. WOO WOO! lol I DEFINETLY did not expect to buy one of these for another few months or so, but this deal slapped me in the face

Jim

 

[boiler7904]

The closest deal to that I saw was Coastal Tool.com at $279 but included a free hammer drill body

 

[kartracer55]

This was definetly a steal! Im going to call the dewalt factory service place and ask if I can order a 3/8 anvil to interchange with the 1/2. That would be ideal, otherwise, Ill get a spare adapter, because thats someting I can definetly see breaking.

Jim

 

[dmogto67]

Good score on the DeWalt!

I'm a little late to help you out, but just FYI for anyone else considering a 1/4" hex drive cordless impact. In the past 2 years I've had a Ridgid 14.4v 1/4" hex drive(stolen) and currently have a Bosch 18v 1/4" impact. Both were beyond my expectations for carpentry uses (85-90% of their use) They'll drive a screw clear through the other side of a 4x4 if you don't let off the trigger, or the head doesn't break off.

I found that for small fasteners, like car interiors, dashs, etc, that a 1/4 socket adapter worked great in both brands, especially with deep sockets and a small extension. I had bad luck with 3/8 drive adapters; I've twisted 3 of them at least a quarter turn using the larger sockets on bigger nuts & bolts. Using the quarter inch drive makes me limit the use to small fasteners. Highly recommend both brands.

 

[kartracer55]

The Dewalt I bought is pretty mucht her 1/4 hex driver with the 1/2 anvil. Kind of underpowered for a 1/2 anvil, dont know why they dont use a 3/8's, but I have used the 1/4 hex's before and I agree, they are very nice

Jim

 

[Major Ramifications]

Kartracer,
If you bought this tool new, it ought to qualify you to get a free hammerdrill through this promotion from Dewalt:
http://www.dewalt.com/DWAssets/english/pdf/rebates/2006Q4/impactRebate.pdf

I just ordered the 14.4 Dewalt impact driver kit ($206 with free shipping from ToolUp.com) and I am sure going to send for my free hammerdrill.

 

[TheDesigner]

those dewalt units are very nice units. the impact timing on them is damn near perfect. as for why we didnt do a 3/8 version of the small 18v dw057. i honestly cant remember the answer when i asked my boss when we worked on it.

 

[kartracer55]

Kartracer,
If you bought this tool new, it ought to qualify you to get a free hammerdrill through this promotion from Dewalt:
http://www.dewalt.com/DWAssets/english/pdf/rebates/2006Q4/impactRebate.pdf

I just ordered the 14.4 Dewalt impact driver kit ($206 with free shipping from ToolUp.com) and I am sure going to send for my free hammerdrill.

I hope it comes with the UPC (it DOES say new in box) so I can get one lol . I already have a regular 18v drill, but it would be pretty sweet If I got another one.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Herb]

those dewalt units are very nice units. the impact timing on them is damn near perfect. as for why we didnt do a 3/8 version of the small 18v dw057. i honestly cant remember the answer when i asked my boss when we worked on it.

I purchased a Dewalt dw059 impact wrench that is rated at 300 ft. lbs to use until I get my compressed air system up and running next summer. I thought it would easily remove the lug bolts from our VW Jetta's, but it only does so 50% of the time . I've tried new batteries and freshly charged units, but they weren't any help either. I tried a Snap- On piece rated at 330 ft. lbs and that buzzes them right off. I guess it really depends on your needs as to how well it will work for you, though.

 

[kartracer55]

I purchased a Dewalt dw059 impact wrench that is rated at 300 ft. lbs to use until I get my compressed air system up and running next summer. I thought it would easily remove the lug bolts from our VW Jetta's, but it only does so 50% of the time . I've tried new batteries and freshly charged units, but they weren't any help either. I tried a Snap- On piece rated at 330 ft. lbs and that buzzes them right off. I guess it really depends on your needs as to how well it will work for you, though.

I have used 600ftlb impacts that can still hardly get them off. Those lug "bolts" are always a problem. Its not the gun, its the design of the car. As I recall, the hubs are open in the back, so they rust and corrode very easily. I always use anti-sieze when I remove this style lug. A guy I know works at a mercedes dealership and he says when you twist the tops of this style off, they are almost impossible to get out. Your there drilling for an eternity.

 

[brianpgriset]

The Dewalt is a GREAT choice for a cordless impact. We have 3 of these models (18V with 1/2" chuck) at work and use each one AT LEAST 3 or 4 hours a day, prepping cars for tests. I've had them going so hard they were almost too hot to touch, made funny smoking smells, dropped them, got them soaking wet, you name the abuse it got it, and they are still ticking after 2 and a half years. Used for dissasembly, dirving self tappig sheet metal screws (big ones), and anything else on a car with some minor fabrication. Not bad at all.

 

[Deafautotech]

i had goodyear impact wrench cordless for 89.99 dollars at pep boy as it is rated as 170ft lbs and 24volts battery.

most of time i used that for disassmbly parts at body shop where i had to bring my tools from chrysler shop to next door where my work have body shop near my work. the body shop have different connection of air tools so i had bring my impact wrench cordless and it work great but noisey (i am deaf but other techs look at me right after i started used it).

 

[Major Ramifications]

Hey Designer,
FYI, we have seen some of the 12V Dewalt impact drivers come back with cracked nosecones. I don't know what these guys have been doing with them, but they looked like hell.
Just wanted to let you know about this.

 

[kartracer55]

Hey Designer,
FYI, we have seen some of the 12V Dewalt impact drivers come back with cracked nosecones. I don't know what these guys have been doing with them, but they looked like hell.
Just wanted to let you know about this.

Thats because, IIRC, they are magnesium Nose cones. I have various Magnesium Components on the kart, but most notably, my magnesium rims. I have 2 sets of these, and on average have to replace 2 or so a season. One hard hit and a chumk breaks off. They are lighter, and are supposed to dissapate heat better than the aluminum rims on super hot days. Havent noticed THAT much of a difference though

Jim

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

I hate mag rims, hahaha. I run 'em anyway.

 

[kartracer55]

I hate mag rims, hahaha. I run 'em anyway.

The Italian ones are pretty good, they take a beating. The Douglas ones that are dirt cheap are more or less disposable. These actually cost less than Aluminum too. go figure


Jim

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Hahaha, I hate douglas too.

I run CRG Globalkart mags...nice.

 

[kartracer55]

Hahaha, I hate douglas too.

I run CRG Globalkart mags...nice.

And you wonder why you spend 50K last season lol


ANYWAY.... back on topic haha. Im pretty sure thats why they would be cracking. Just my experience with Mag stuff in the past.


Jim

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Hey, have you guys ever tried to light a block of magnesium on fire? Strongest, brightest, craziest flame ever...hahaha.

 

[TheDesigner]

Hey Designer,
FYI, we have seen some of the 12V Dewalt impact drivers come back with cracked nosecones. I don't know what these guys have been doing with them, but they looked like hell.
Just wanted to let you know about this.

THANKS MAN! ill let the new design team know. im not working on the new version of them. my project is much more high profile

 

[TheDesigner]

Hey, have you guys ever tried to light a block of magnesium on fire? Strongest, brightest, craziest flame ever...hahaha.

yea ive seen it...

 

[eschoendorff]

Hey, have you guys ever tried to light a block of magnesium on fire? Strongest, brightest, craziest flame ever...hahaha.

Well, since we're already off topic... my bother will buy chunks of magnesium and shave it into strips - and then put on a show!

 

[TNToy]

Ever watched an aircooled VW block burn? That's a show.

(Magnesium block)

 

[l_bilyk]

Hey, have you guys ever tried to light a block of magnesium on fire? Strongest, brightest, craziest flame ever...hahaha.

Oh yeah for sure... actually last time I lit a piece was when I was using the magnesium to ignite a mixture of powdered rust and aluminum filings
Thats how railway tracks are welded together, but it will do wonders to a hood of a car too

 

[TNToy]

...using the magnesium to ignite a mixture of powdered rust and aluminum filings.

Iron-Oxide & Aluminum mixed is called Thermite, and it'll burn clean through the hood of a car, through through the block, and down into the street if you use enough.

You've just gotta get it REALLY hot to light it, and magnesium is the easiest way.

 

[l_bilyk]

We didnt use enough then... but it sude did go through the hood and a good portion of the engine

 

[kartracer55]

Oh yeah for sure... actually last time I lit a piece was when I was using the magnesium to ignite a mixture of powdered rust and aluminum filings
Thats how railway tracks are welded together, but it will do wonders to a hood of a car too

Thermite welding... Pretty fawkin cool. Its more or less melting in a fixture hahaha.

 

[Hades12]

Every thought about just adding a 12V air compressor to your trailer.

 

[TheDesigner]

Every thought about just adding a 12V air compressor to your trailer.

yea... find a pump that can keep up with the demand of a air impact.


once you have one of those small impacts youll be amazed what you use it for.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Designer,
One thing I love about some of my newer tools are those little clear L.E.D. worklights they put on the front to help you see what you are doing. Great on a reciprocating saw, and there is one on my Craftsman 14.4 impact driver. I know Dewalt doesn't go for the gimmicky stuff, but those little L.E.D.'s are wonderful. I would love to see Dewalt add them to their tool line one day, as long as they are completely unobtrusive.

 

[TheDesigner]

Designer,
One thing I love about some of my newer tools are those little clear L.E.D. worklights they put on the front to help you see what you are doing. Great on a reciprocating saw, and there is one on my Craftsman 14.4 impact driver. I know Dewalt doesn't go for the gimmicky stuff, but those little L.E.D.'s are wonderful. I would love to see Dewalt add them to their tool line one day, as long as they are completely unobtrusive.

the cordless nailer has it... ill talk to some of the new designers on the impact project and let them know ho you feel