I am probably getting the 1/2" C3 Impact, and I am looking at the 3/8" now as well for more "general" work. Is it really worth it to buy the 3/8" in addition to the 1/2", and a set of 3/8" impact sockets? I already have 1/2" impact sockets. I could probably better use the money somewhere else, but does the 3/8" do much that the 1/2" drive doesn't already?
Getting a 1/2" impact, reason to get 3/8"?
- Thread starter iroc409
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TAMPAGT07
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Better for tighter spaces, it's lighter then the 1/2", eaiser to handle...I use my 3/8" fairly often... I think it's worth it...
mrborohachi
Well-known member
I understand what your getting at here about purchasing a 3/8"dr setup. Not until this year because of a trade here on GJ. I'm really kicking myself for not having a 3/8ths impact earlier. I've bought a couple of metric impact sockets sizes 12,14mm the most common sizes i need for 3/8'ths work that I do. I like 3/8'ths impact gun for light torque applications where a 1/2 would way too much torque that I would be afraid of snapping bolts
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I figured the 3/8" is the same as the impact driver. I already have the impact driver and a drill I use in the house. Would I be better off delegating the impact driver to garage duty so I can buy some 12v Li-Ion for house/woodworking and using an adapter, or just getting the 3/8"? I figure not having the adapter is a little more convenient.
bcradio
Well-known member
Well it's not... that is unless you are talking about a bottom of the line cheapo 3/8" impact.
A 3/8" impact is what i use 95% of the time when I need one. A very worthwhile investment to have.
AV tinker er
Well-known member
I think a 3/8 is more resourceful than a 1/2"' but that's m2c.
tshetter
Well-known member
You can always get a 3/8-1/2 adapter and use your existing 1/2 drive sockets on the 3/8 drive tool.
purplezr2
Well-known member
I use 3/8th way more then 1/2 impact for automotive use.
GoodEnough
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For $30, go for it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-impact-wrench-93296.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-impact-wrench-93296.html
bcradio
Well-known member
This would be an example of a bottom of the line, why waste the money impact driver.
TAMPAGT07
Well-known member
S-U-R-V-E-Y------ S-E-Z ---- XXXXXXXXXX
Use this one if your gonna get a HF impact.....Earthquake or nuthin....(From HF)
http://www.harborfreight.com/38-professional-air-impact-wrench-68425.html
retfr8flyr
Well-known member
I have the Milwaukee 1/2 M18 and 3/8 M18 Fuel series impact tools and I use the 3/8's most of the time. I only use the 1/2 on wheel studs and other heavy torque items. The new fuel M18 3/8's is fantastic, it has plenty of power for most jobs, is very small, weighs nothing and the batteries last forever.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
I have a IR231C 1/2" gun that's 600Ft lbs, and I'm getting a HF earthquake 3/8" gun that's 300 Ft lbs. My "impact driver" is rated for 60 ft lbs...so yes 3/8 impact wrench is worth it, and is NOT just a duplicate if an impact driver with an adapter as long as you're getting a decent 3/8"
I'm getting one because 1/2 is too much balls for some applications, won't fit in some applications, and is lighter for extended work. I do have a 1/4" hex to 3/8" square adapter I use on my impact driver for very light work, but it's not ment for the kind of abuse my 3/8 impact wrench can take.
1/4 hex impact driver = screws, lag bolts, small stuff around house and car < 25 ft lbs (half of max)
3/8 impact wrench = general automotive use, large lag bolts, small engine use, and mower blades
1/2 impact wrench = automotive use on large or rusted fasteners, suspension work, crank bolts, tires, farm maintenance, heavy equipment maintenance up to 3/4-1" bolts.
I'm getting one because 1/2 is too much balls for some applications, won't fit in some applications, and is lighter for extended work. I do have a 1/4" hex to 3/8" square adapter I use on my impact driver for very light work, but it's not ment for the kind of abuse my 3/8 impact wrench can take.
1/4 hex impact driver = screws, lag bolts, small stuff around house and car < 25 ft lbs (half of max)
3/8 impact wrench = general automotive use, large lag bolts, small engine use, and mower blades
1/2 impact wrench = automotive use on large or rusted fasteners, suspension work, crank bolts, tires, farm maintenance, heavy equipment maintenance up to 3/4-1" bolts.
Mazdaspeed
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Not knowing the specs of each but really I wouldn't bother with a run of the mill 1/2" cordless (ones that are under 200ft-lbs). Personally 3/8" cordless is more useful given the torque range of most cordless impacts and then get a 1/2" pneumatic for the heavy duty work. A lot of the high torque 1/2" cordless guns are ****** heavy too.
ijroorda
Well-known member
I would definitely recommend a 3/8" impact gun for general automotive work. Obviously the 1/2" is useful for things like lug nuts and suspension fasteners, but 3/8 is a more convenient size/weight and more than adequate for most fasteners.
GoodEnough
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TAMPAGT07
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duanedragon
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I have an IR231 1/2 drive gun that is like my right hand. The only time I use my ratty old Blue Point 3/8 gun is when doing really light work where the 1/2 drive gun is overkill like REMOVING trans pan bolts and breaking stuff down on the bench. Skid plates and brake backing plates may be good places to use a 3/8 gun but nearly any fastener with a nut/bolt larger than 14mm is going to get the big gun.
bcradio
Well-known member
It's hilarious that you would even consider purchasing that cheap piece of junk gun. Buying that gun is basically like pulling 3 tens out of your wallet and a match out of the other pocket and lighting them on fire.
But go ahead and burn your money if you'd like.
bcradio
Well-known member
mrjaw14
Well-known member
yes, it's that much better. That $30 3/8" *****. No power, I've not heard anything good about it. The 3/8" earthquake however is awsome. After that, I'd reccomend the IR 2115TiMAX, but it's $250ish.