DeWalt 1/2 in corded impact driver

[madvladcivic]

Hi all,

I am looking to upgrade my toolbox to include an impact
wrench. The DeWalt DW292K seems reasonably priced
for the approx 350 ft-lbs of torque adverted. Is 350 ft-lbs
sufficient to break loose most fasteners commonly encountered
in the automotive world? I expect the tool will only see action a
few times per yr--it is not for everyday use or anywhere near
it.

Any recommendations for other manufacturers of 1/2 in impact
wrenches?

Also, is the Pittsburgh 13 pc 1/2in drive metric socket set (67902)
from Harbor Freight of reasonable quality/reliability?

 

[MattPersman]

IMO that impact is more for driving lag bolts and such in construction work. It will take lug nuts and stuff off sure but it's not anything over the top, it's also super long like 11". I know the price is attractive and it may do what you want, the current line of high torque stuff although about double the price is so much more tool.

That socket set is just fine would be nice if they threw in a 24

 

[toolaholic]

I have the Milwaukee 9072-22. I have read the dewalt is not that strong. The Milwaukee is s nice unit. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005NIV5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[IUEC Medic]

I would say go cordless. It's more expensive for one of the higher end ultra high torque brushless models like the Milwaukee fuel or new brushless makita, but there are deals to be had on earlier model (brushed) cordless impacts from both Milwaukee and Makita, that have specs pretty close to the corded version..

Even if you only use it a few times a year, cordless is very convenient.

 

[gdocktor3]

I would say go cordless. It's more expensive for one of the higher end ultra high torque brushless models like the Milwaukee fuel or new brushless makita, but there are deals to be had on earlier model (brushed) cordless impacts from both Milwaukee and Makita, that have specs pretty close to the corded version..

Even if you only use it a few times a year, cordless is very convenient.

I respectfully disagree with this post. Considering the OP will use it a few times a year, by the time he uses it 20 times, the battery may no longer hold a charge. It's just not realistic for someone to pay $300 for a tool that will get used a few times a year. Not to mention he will most likely have to recharge the battery each time he wants to use it. Not ideal in an emergency situation. Not using batteries is one of the worst things for them.

If you were willing to spend the money, I'd buy a cheap 20-30 gallon compressor and a pneumatic impact wrench. At least this way you can buy other tools for it and they will most likely last forever & work every time you need them. You can buy a decent starter pneumatic setup for around $300.

 

[impactsocket]

Kobalt 24V Max Heavy Duty 1/2″ Impact Wrench = 650 ft-lbs of torque.

- Air tools get expensive with all the accessories and the tank takes up too much room.

- Corded impact wrenches are too weak especially when you use extentions.

- Newer Li-on batteries take less time to charge than Nicads.

 

[MrGiggles]

I use one at work occasionally.

It's really heavy and long, as mentioned. It will pull most lug nuts, but I've ran into a few that it wouldn't remove.

The switch is on and off. There's no feathering to it.

Cordless impacts are superior in pretty much every way, and having the batteries allows you to use all the other tools in that platform. That's the route I would take.