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jerseykat1
Well-known member
professional technician here. Maybe this video i put together will help. I can get almost anything done with these 3 tools, a regular long handle ratchet and a breaker bar where the dewalt won't fit. BTW i love the milwaukee compact impact, even at only 220 ft lbs it works really well. Click the Pic
Hammer1963
Well-known member
I have the compact, mid size and large M18 Fuel impacts. They all serve there purpose and I actually use the compact impact on my lug nuts. With 220 lbs of torque it works quite well. That being said, I have found the mid size extremely powerful for its size. It's rare that I bring out the large impact and it's a beast of a tool. Having said all of this, I would recommend the mid size. Look at it this way, if you decide you need the compact, just buy it. You'll be happy with all of them
Hammer1963
Well-known member
It will if someone has not hammered on them, but we've all seen that happen. If you install them with it, it will take them off with no problem
Ign
Well-known member
Most of the time, yes. Extreme rust belt, I can't say. See also:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6276936&postcount=7097
Hammer1963
Well-known member
The Fuel impacts have multiple torque settings. I use the 100 lbs when I run up and tighten down the lugnuts. I have not used a torque wrench in the last few years since investing in the Fuel impacts. Before I purchased the 1/2" compact, I used my 3/8" Fuel for lugnuts as the torque ratings are virtually the same. I switched to the 1/2" because I was able to find thin wall lug sockets that were not available in 3/8" drive
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The mid-torque is slightly larger and a fair amount heavier than the compact. That stated it's much smaller and lighter than the monster big dog. If I could only have one I'd pick the mid-sized, but since I can have all three I've got all three.
Ign
Well-known member
Dan_s_young
Well-known member
Get the mid torque for sure. I have the compact and high torque, the high torque is a beast and does lug nuts like nothing but it's heavy, I use it in bigger trucks (like 3/4 and 1 tons). The compact I use for lighter duty stuff (perfect for running down lug nuts - before torquing). It is powerful enough to pull a lug nut off, but it takes a little bit of hammering to do it. Although I don't yet have the mid torque, I will get it soon but it is the perfect in between. Plenty of power for the average vehicle lug nuts and fasteners and still light weight and easy to maneuver, also the multiple speed/torque settings should be perfect for running down fasteners.
87BMW325is
Active member
Professional Technician here, and I use the Fuel full size 1/2" impact for wheels, subframe bolts, anything else that requires a lot of oomph. I also have an IR 231C air impact that I have as backup, and use in cases where I need a lot of power but don't have space for the electric. I'm not sure if air is available to you, and honestly I based my decisions around having both to begin with. I also have the hex drive m18 fuel impact, and chucks for 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" for that. I don't really use an impact on caliper anchor bolts most of the time. I just use hand tools and a torch if necessary (isn't usually).
Also, not to start a war, but I would not recommend what Hammer1963 is suggesting. I run down lug nuts with my fuel in the 100 ft lb setting all the time, and always torque them with a torque wrench as well. Depending on the wheel and lug nuts, they're usually between 40 and 85 ft lbs. after hitting them with the impact. As measured with a Snap On Techangle ATECH3FR250B torque wrench. Definitely not consistent or tight enough to torque customer wheels with.
My suggestion, if you don't do that much work and your current impact works for most jobs, would be to run it until it dies, the batteries are dead, or you need something more capable. Especially since you would have to invest in new, expensive batteries. However, if you just want to get something nicer, I doubt you could go wrong with any of the Milwaukee Fuels.
Also, not to start a war, but I would not recommend what Hammer1963 is suggesting. I run down lug nuts with my fuel in the 100 ft lb setting all the time, and always torque them with a torque wrench as well. Depending on the wheel and lug nuts, they're usually between 40 and 85 ft lbs. after hitting them with the impact. As measured with a Snap On Techangle ATECH3FR250B torque wrench. Definitely not consistent or tight enough to torque customer wheels with.
My suggestion, if you don't do that much work and your current impact works for most jobs, would be to run it until it dies, the batteries are dead, or you need something more capable. Especially since you would have to invest in new, expensive batteries. However, if you just want to get something nicer, I doubt you could go wrong with any of the Milwaukee Fuels.
Ign
Well-known member
This has been my experience as well.
I'd recommend the mid torque impact. I have the 3/8 fuel which is basically the compact impact with a 3/8 anvil and many times I have to grab a extended length 3/8 ratchet to break loose a bolt that the impact will not. You must take the torque specs of the impact with a grain of salt because rarely will you be able to replicate those conditions in the real world. Granted my point of view is slightly skewed being a diesel tech, but I can almost certainly guarantee you that the compact impact will not be up to the task of many suspension service procedures.
Ign
Well-known member
You can get 5.0s on Amazon at $71 right now.
You can also get the 2760-22 Surge kit for $239 right now from HD.com. Has 2 5.0's. But if you don't need the Surge, well then....
Ign
Well-known member
Do the 3/8 M12 ratchet and 3/8 M12 impact even have a place in an automotive garage?
Thinking of picking up the $199 set from HD but the 3/8 impact only has 116ft lbs and the racket I think is 35ftlbs doesn't seems like they will do much with bolts.
I have the M18 fuel impact drive I use with a 1/4 hex to 3/8th adapter but that takes up so much space especially in cramped places.
Thinking of picking up the $199 set from HD but the 3/8 impact only has 116ft lbs and the racket I think is 35ftlbs doesn't seems like they will do much with bolts.
I have the M18 fuel impact drive I use with a 1/4 hex to 3/8th adapter but that takes up so much space especially in cramped places.
The m12 3/8 ratchet is probably my most used tool. It won't break too many fas tenets loose but it's great for running them in and out and is a real time saver. I'm not entirely sure I'd even enjoy it having more torque because then it would pose a risk to my wrists and knuckles.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The Surge is useless with bolts and nuts. It's strictly a great screwdriver. If you're building something it's great but using it on a car it's entirely useless.
bcradio
Well-known member
This M18 equipment is getting more and more tempting. $71 for the 5.0 batteries is a good deal.
Dan_s_young
Well-known member
They sure do, I use both constantly. Any smaller fasteners, skid plates, interior work. The ratchet is amazing, after 6 months of having it I'm amazed at how much use I've gotten from it. I bought a 1/4" one now as well. I would purchase a replacement right away if something happened to it.
bcradio
Well-known member
I literally never use the 3/8" ratchet. Probably one of the most useless tools I have purchased. As said above, it doesn't break hardley anything loose at that torque. I use my impacting air ratchets instead and they are light years better.
The 3/8 impact does get used a fair amount. It is strong enough for many things but it can be a gamble on the tougher jobs. For this reason I usually use air also since I know it will be strong enough.
Dan_s_young
Well-known member
I'm really surprised to hear this. Just off the top of my head, I use mine to remove coil pack bolts, intake manifold bolts, spinning out and spinning in spark plugs, valve cover bolts, any tight access 8, 10, 13mm fasteners. Radios, dash work, quickly running in exhaust manifold fasteners. If you work flat rate it's a Great time saver.
Ign
Well-known member
The ratchet isn't supposed to break anything loose. You do that by ratcheting.
Then you pull the paddle and it spins.
Then you pull the paddle and it spins.
fordgasm
Well-known member
I have the compact and the big boy. If I could do it again Id buy the compact and the mid torque model. Granted the mid torque wasn't out when I bought the big boy, but I hardly ever use it.
DFB
Well-known member
Pretty much been said the compact wrench options are not going to be a full replacement to a 450lb wrench but they are lightweight often fit in tight places and can handle a lot routine work. I have a 1/2 "B" its probably the one I use most for the jobs I do.
I don't think there's really one "perfect" size of yet though the mid torque might just be close for most people needing a battery impact wrench and anticipating tough jobs like heavily rusty fasteners etc. The High Torque model though wicked powerful is just big and heavy, and a lot of times its hard to fit it where you want it
Even though M18 compact wrenches measure slighty shorter in overall length front to back the M12's with their pistol grip sans lack of big battery pack and the slightly different head angle make it a really good choice for a lot of work and easily handles many fasteners on different power equipment, engines and stuff. Even the older brushed version. The Fuel is nice with the #1 mode on reassembly so you don't over tighten anything you don't want to. I think its rated at 17ftlbs. Btw there is even a super small 1/4 square drive model that only makes like 45ft lbs max and obviously for real light assembly and disassembly chores.
Though most people just want an impact to rip sh*t apart
I don't think there's really one "perfect" size of yet though the mid torque might just be close for most people needing a battery impact wrench and anticipating tough jobs like heavily rusty fasteners etc. The High Torque model though wicked powerful is just big and heavy, and a lot of times its hard to fit it where you want it
Even though M18 compact wrenches measure slighty shorter in overall length front to back the M12's with their pistol grip sans lack of big battery pack and the slightly different head angle make it a really good choice for a lot of work and easily handles many fasteners on different power equipment, engines and stuff. Even the older brushed version. The Fuel is nice with the #1 mode on reassembly so you don't over tighten anything you don't want to. I think its rated at 17ftlbs. Btw there is even a super small 1/4 square drive model that only makes like 45ft lbs max and obviously for real light assembly and disassembly chores.
Though most people just want an impact to rip sh*t apart
Attachments
Ign
Well-known member
The 2861 mid torque is new to the market. There WILL BE promos of some kind, but it may involve buying an entire 2-battery kit and getting a free bare tool.
If you can wait 'til BF that's when the deals get insane; this last winter many of us grabbed four 5.0 batteries at $174 and the 2754 (compact Fuel 3/8" 2nd gen) for $99.
IOW I might just buy whatever is the best bang for the buck this second to get your foot in the door (platform) and then watch for sales. There will probably be Memorial Day deals too. And July 4 is usually decent.
If you can wait 'til BF that's when the deals get insane; this last winter many of us grabbed four 5.0 batteries at $174 and the 2754 (compact Fuel 3/8" 2nd gen) for $99.
IOW I might just buy whatever is the best bang for the buck this second to get your foot in the door (platform) and then watch for sales. There will probably be Memorial Day deals too. And July 4 is usually decent.
Regarding lug nuts, I zip them right off of my old F150 and Expedition with my M12 Fuel... I am a little uptight about keeping the threads clean. That being said, I plan on getting the mid torque M18 to go with my 3/8" Fuel compact.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hammer1963
Well-known member
Haha. No war and no offense taken at all. I'm just getting old and lazy that's all. A torque wrench is more accurate and the proper text book method. I have tested my impacts with torque wrenches and can get very close to where I need to be with the compact Fuel on lugs. I have watched so many people pound the hell out of lug nuts and studs over the years in total dismay and watch those same guys replace studs over and over. My experience has given me a fairly good indication of torque for most applications. Trust me, when I am overseeing someone new, I always stress the fundamentals of proper tool and torque applications.
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