Impact Driver Question

[onecheck]

I'm looking to buy an impact driver to remove rotors for break jobs.
What is the difference between the the two listed below? Which one would you recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?keyword=impact+driver#descriptionAnchor

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I'm sure the Craftsman is made by Lisle so uhh do you want the case? Other wise the only other consideration I can think of is warranty which I suppose might be a little easier with the Craftsman.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

The case looks to be the sole difference.

 

[Kurt4440]

The Lisle model listed is 3/8" drive and the Craftsman is 1/2" drive (at least the one that I have is). My Craftsman has held up well for many years, plus American made replacement bits are available right in the store. However, I can see the appeal of the case. Lisle does have a 1/2" drive model listed on Amazon.

 

[BB26]

The Lisle is 3/8'' drive, while the Craftsman is 1/2'' drive.

I would say the quality is similar. Do you have a better socket selection in 3/8 or 1/2'' drive? The answer to that question should resolve this for you.

 

[onecheck]

The Lisle is 3/8'' drive, while the Craftsman is 1/2'' drive.

I would say the quality is similar. Do you have a better socket selection in 3/8 or 1/2'' drive? The answer to that question should resolve this for you.

I only have 1/2" impact flip sockets to take off tires. In regular sockets I have the usual in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 all metric 6 point. I'm going to use this impact to take rotors off for brake jobs. I'm an intro tech. I'm only allowed to do brake jobs, PM, and tire maintenance.

Under my circumstances which one would you recommend?

 

[mikeweb]

dont mind my mspaint skills

 

[EvelOne]

I have had both. I personally like the Lisle better. Both are durable and will last a long time. If I need 1/2 inch I just throw on an adapter.

 

[superautobacs]

Given that these are impact forces, I'd go for the 1/2" for the sake of durability.

 

[BB26]

I only have 1/2" impact flip sockets to take off tires. In regular sockets I have the usual in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 all metric 6 point. I'm going to use this impact to take rotors off for brake jobs. I'm an intro tech. I'm only allowed to do brake jobs, PM, and tire maintenance.

Under my circumstances which one would you recommend?

For your uses, either one will work fine. You can use an adapter to go up or down a drive size, but keep in mind that this just adds bulk. IMO, 1/2'' drive has a wider range of uses for something like this. You can get sockets in 1/2'' dr. from 8-36mm and 5/16-1-1/2'' and also get a wider range of hex bit sockets.

 

[Danglerb]

Taking off a rotor you only use this on the screws right, Philips on most cars I see. I am not seeing the need for 1/2 over 3/8 drive.

 

[BB26]

Taking off a rotor you only use this on the screws right, Philips on most cars I see. I am not seeing the need for 1/2 over 3/8 drive.

True; either will work fine for this specific use. If he plans on doing additional work beyond brake jobs in the future, I would recommend the 1/2'' drive. IMO it would be a touch more versatile.

 

[-B-]

I have a SO 3/8" drive for work 14mm or 8mm hex is all the use they get

I have 1/2" and 3/8' at home for automotive use the 1/2' get the majority of use

 

[volvo420coupe]

The bits are only 5/16 hex, and more #3 philips sockets are 3/8 drive than 1/2 drive. I have an old 1/2 drive one sitting around it doesn't get used because the adaptor went missing.

So after you use an impact driver for a while, it will begin to "mushroom" like the end of a chisel. So is it ok to "dress" the end of your impact driver, or should it not be done?

 

[rsanter]

I have the cman and and it works great
I actually have a spare cman one that looks like its never been used.
if you are interested let me know

bob

 

[GDA]

I use my 3/8 for brake jobs and some other small stuck fasteners. Anything of substance usually also has enough access to allow the big gun air tools, a real BFH or torch; given that, I'd stick with 3/8 so that you get tighter access on the smaller bits and sockets below 10mm where it will really count.

Just my .02

 

[garfunkle24]

I have this one from Mac:

Works great for me, but pricier than the other suggestion posted. I got mine with a student discount for 50% off list. I've snce used my colleague's Lisle one and it worked great too.