Let's get right to it: Do I need brushless tools for homeowner use?

[Stanky]

I wanted to ask a related question (sorry for the threadjack). I've never had an impact wrench and I was wondering if I could use a compact 1/2" impact for everything. Specifically I was looking at the m18 fuel (210 ft-lbs) which features some lower torque modes as well. I was hoping I could just get the compact wrench that could still handle lugnuts but not be so large that I could use it for interior fasteners as well.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I wanted to ask a related question (sorry for the threadjack). I've never had an impact wrench and I was wondering if I could use a compact 1/2" impact for everything. Specifically I was looking at the m18 fuel (210 ft-lbs) which features some lower torque modes as well. I was hoping I could just get the compact wrench that could still handle lugnuts but not be so large that I could use it for interior fasteners as well.

Welcome to the GJ, Stinky.... I don't know about "Everything," as it depends what you are working on... Most fastners that I remove, will come off with my 3/8" IR...I use it mostly for automotive use....

 

[Holt]

Non brushless was the norm for years a d still used by professionals. Get brushless if you want the best or get non if you want a great cordless tool thay will work great and preform the task needed. As a homeowner you have a little more luxury of waiti g for batteries to charge

 

[Holt]

Easy answer to help you NO.

 

[trogo]

If everyone bought only what they need it would sure be a Dull Dull world.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I wanted to ask a related question (sorry for the threadjack). I've never had an impact wrench and I was wondering if I could use a compact 1/2" impact for everything. Specifically I was looking at the m18 fuel (210 ft-lbs) which features some lower torque modes as well. I was hoping I could just get the compact wrench that could still handle lugnuts but not be so large that I could use it for interior fasteners as well.

Can you? Um... I guess you could. There are adapters from square to hex to use power bits. I have one of the Milwaukee 3/8" ones, and it broke the first time I stuck it on my M18 Fuel gun. It still works, just the release collar pops off.

If you're doing interior work, compact is usually the order of the day. The Fuel compact (not the big, new Fuel 1/2" high torque impact) is pretty compact, but not once you stick that hex adapter, or a 3/8" adapter, or that and a 1/4" square adapter on it. It's also going to be lacking the ***-kicking power the high torque impact is supposed to have. Personally it kinda sounds like the worst compromise to me... it's a little underpowered for a 1/2", and it'll be huge and overpowered for 1/4" bits or sockets. I'd get the 3/8" personally (and I did) since you can get it down to 1/4" square or hex with just one adapter as well as up to 1/2", and it's only down 10 ft./lb. from the 1/2".

 

[Stanky]

Can you? Um... I guess you could. There are adapters from square to hex to use power bits. I have one of the Milwaukee 3/8" ones, and it broke the first time I stuck it on my M18 Fuel gun. It still works, just the release collar pops off.

If you're doing interior work, compact is usually the order of the day. The Fuel compact (not the big, new Fuel 1/2" high torque impact) is pretty compact, but not once you stick that hex adapter, or a 3/8" adapter, or that and a 1/4" square adapter on it. It's also going to be lacking the ***-kicking power the high torque impact is supposed to have. Personally it kinda sounds like the worst compromise to me... it's a little underpowered for a 1/2", and it'll be huge and overpowered for 1/4" bits or sockets. I'd get the 3/8" personally (and I did) since you can get it down to 1/4" square or hex with just one adapter as well as up to 1/2", and it's only down 10 ft./lb. from the 1/2".

Thanks for the advice, I was unaware the compact 3/8 was 200ft-lbs. Seems like exactly what I could use. For "everything" I just meant automotive, but that is interesting to think to be able to use it as a driver as well.

 

[trogo]

Thanks for the advice, I was unaware the compact 3/8 was 200ft-lbs. Seems like exactly what I could use. For "everything" I just meant automotive, but that is interesting to think to be able to use it as a driver as well.

I also have that 3/8" Fuel impact. I really like the 3 torque modes (30, 75 and 200 ft-lbs) for automotive use.

 

[bowlofturtle]

Can you? Um... I guess you could. There are adapters from square to hex to use power bits. I have one of the Milwaukee 3/8" ones, and it broke the first time I stuck it on my M18 Fuel gun. It still works, just the release collar pops off.

If you're doing interior work, compact is usually the order of the day. The Fuel compact (not the big, new Fuel 1/2" high torque impact) is pretty compact, but not once you stick that hex adapter, or a 3/8" adapter, or that and a 1/4" square adapter on it. It's also going to be lacking the ***-kicking power the high torque impact is supposed to have. Personally it kinda sounds like the worst compromise to me... it's a little underpowered for a 1/2", and it'll be huge and overpowered for 1/4" bits or sockets. I'd get the 3/8" personally (and I did) since you can get it down to 1/4" square or hex with just one adapter as well as up to 1/2", and it's only down 10 ft./lb. from the 1/2".

U guus talking about m12 or m18?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

 

[Banjorear]

Thanks for the advice, I was unaware the compact 3/8 was 200ft-lbs. Seems like exactly what I could use. For "everything" I just meant automotive, but that is interesting to think to be able to use it as a driver as well.

Does the 1/2" M18 Fuel impact having something like 600 ft lbs?

 

[firebox40dash5]

U guus talking about m12 or m18?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

M18 there. I have the 1/4" Fuel hex driver in M12. Not enough power in the M12s to justify also owning the square drives IMO... the 1/4" one has LESS power than the hex.

Does the 1/2" M18 Fuel impact having something like 600 ft lbs?

The big one has something like that. The compact one (same body size as the impact driver and 3/8") is 210.

I use the hell out of the M12 hex for interiors, since I can switch between power bits and 1/4" sockets easily, and it has enough power for most of it. Hell, even a regular M12 impact would probably be fine for interior work, and they're cheap as hell. It'll have enough power, but does lose the adjustable torque. I like my jack of all trades solution... if I were loaded like GrooveKing I'd just fill a couple drawers with one of each.

 

[gte718p]

My take. The brushless are nice. In a couple of years they will probably phase out the older brushed tools. If you need tools, splurge spend the extra $50 dollars and get the nicer tools. If you have functional tools its not worth upgrading. I personally love my Mikita tools. In a couple of years I will definitely be buying the brushless combo pack just because I can.