Impact choicea vs new battery and charger

[Irishman1976]

Going on a budget...salvaged my 18v NiCad Craftsman impact with Sioux style charger from divorce....but she threw out my charger and one of the batteries with a bunch of my other tools in divorce. Cannot find a charger anywhere...yup tried sears and all that.

Question is....the Ryobi impact for 100.....will it do lugnuts and minor other things? Would I be better off buying a Hitachi impact driver to mach my 18v Hitachi lion drill? I am not up on newer tools....the Hitachi was a gift from current gf...I do not know much about impact drivers....want to stay as cheap as I can but still do work....mostly though, sadly, I do lugnuts more than major mechanical work. Opinions? Advice? Trying to learn

 

[Craptain]

I can't really answer but check out this test and make your call.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/impact-wrench-comparison-seven-electric-models-tested-gearbox

 

[Irishman1976]

Thanks...I know there is also searchable info on the site, but have found some of it dated....anyone with recent experience trying to make a choice like this? Or am I looking pretty much at apples and oranges trying to make this decision? I know my question was not worded exceptionally well, so any responses thanks in advance

 

[GrantCee]

I've got the Ryobi impact, and it has no problem taking lugnuts off my F250. (I've never had the problem with batteries coming loose that the review claims.)

 

[cheechi]

I don't see a current 1/2" drive anvil Ryobi impact wrench on the HD website. There might be one, I just missed it. However, if you're talking about the Ryobi 18v impact driver (made for 1/4" hex bits) will probably take the lugs off smaller cars, ~80-100 (maybe) if there's no other factors like rust, wear, etc. Will it do it reliably? no clue.

If you already have Hitachi 18v tools it will be more cost effective for you in the long term to add to that set instead of go with another set. But better real answer is maybe, if you want it reliably able to take off lugs and you have something bigger than a fiesta/mini/fiat 500 then you probably want air.

That Car & Driver review is a little dated, there are newer versions of at least the Dewalt. It is useful info though, but consider they had no rust or wear to deal with in those tests either. The results are valid though, Bosch is the best.

 

[GrantCee]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-P260/202340589#.Udbrrr8mVOE

I have one of the 1/4 impact drivers; it will not take the lug nuts off a wheelbarrow, let alone a car!

 

[bigbearcraig]

I have the 1/2 drive Ryobi. I like it for what I need it for, but I think the torque rating is closer to 100-150 ft. lbs. than the 200 Ryobi says it has.

 

[cheechi]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-P260/202340589#.Udbrrr8mVOE

I have one of the 1/4 impact drivers; it will not take the lug nuts off a wheelbarrow, let alone a car!

I got that for FIL for F-day a few weeks ago. First thing I did with it was take off 2 lugs from my car. Torque spec is 85 ft-lb and I live where there's really no other factors to consider (rust, salt, etc).

Yes I did this just to be a smartass. I also did it because at the time, there was still people making noise in the thread with the 700 in-lb HF one. I forget the guys name. You know what I'm talking about. But I did it, and it took them off.

 

[Irishman1976]

I would love to try the Hitachi....I can get the driver body only for twenty dollars less than the full Ryobi gun/charger package.....but I am gonna feel mighty stupid if it wont work at all. If I had to hand break a few lugs it would not kill me.

I agree that air is the way to go....but no garage just a carport right now.

Anyone ever use an electric impact?

 

[GrantCee]

I got that for FIL for F-day a few weeks ago. First thing I did with it was take off 2 lugs from my car. Torque spec is 85 ft-lb and I live where there's really no other factors to consider (rust, salt, etc).

Yes I did this just to be a smartass. I also did it because at the time, there was still people making noise in the thread with the 700 in-lb HF one. I forget the guys name. You know what I'm talking about. But I did it, and it took them off.

I just had to try this...nope, wouldn't take lug nuts off any of our vehicles. Twisted the 3/8" adapter like a barber pole, though!

 

[MattPersman]

I would love to try the Hitachi....I can get the driver body only for twenty dollars less than the full Ryobi gun/charger package.....but I am gonna feel mighty stupid if it wont work at all. If I had to hand break a few lugs it would not kill me.

I agree that air is the way to go....but no garage just a carport right now.

Anyone ever use an electric impact?

Yes I have a dewalt electric impact it works but a good cordless is better no doubt. Ask if the hitachi is returnable if you take it home and it doesn't work for what you want. Then purchase the ryobi and try the same stuff.

Air isn't the way to go if you do not already have a giant compressor. I would much rather recommend a good 3-400 dollar cordless impact than a giant compressor and couple hundred dollar air impact. The storage space is much less for a cordless, noise is less, it's always ready unlike having to wake up the neighborhood with your compressor running to take off 4 wheels.

 

[cheechi]

I just had to try this...nope, wouldn't take lug nuts off any of our vehicles. Twisted the 3/8" adapter like a barber pole, though!

Sorry I ruined your adapter, though your description gave me quite a chuckle. If it makes a difference I used a 1/2" adapter with a HF 17mm socket and my lug key.

 

[jhelrey]

Bang her sister....