m12 impact driver in rain?

[mcbane]

I know rain is not recommended for just about any electric tool, but has anyone used an m12 hex impact driver in the rain with success? I have to get a project done in rain and im just wondering how likely it is that I need a new impact driver afterwards.

 

[kctyphoon]

Think that will all depend on how much rain you mean. Using a cordless tool in rain is not the same as dipping it in a bucket of water. Brushless would probably be better, but honestly this is most likely a coin toss. Light to medium rain probably wont be an issue.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Can you put in in a plastic bag?

We always use pneumatic tools when working around water or rain.

 

[mcbane]

Thanks. Ill try getting a bag around all but the chuck.

 

[Shadowdog500]

AvE modified a Dewalt to run submerged in salt water.

I’d still go with the plastic bag. LOL!

 

[ChrisLS8]

I've used my Fuels in heavy rain on scaffolds many times without issue. M12 and M18

 

[P7M8]

My M12 ratchet was rained on and it was ruined. I even took it apart to help it dry.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd probably buy a Ryobi 1/4 impact driver and tape plastic around it to waterproof it. Then you will have a 2nd tool, battery system. I am in Makita and Ryobi. It opens up options having 2 platforms. My main tools are Makita, and my secondary line is Ryobi (1/4 impact driver, lights, jobsite radio).

I was building a deck at a friends, and I handed him the Ryobi impact driver. Sped things along.

 

[DFB]

I hate getting my tools wet

 

[Farmall450]

Shouldn't be an issue if you're not in a tsunami

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

Hard to say. In the last 2 years I've killed a M12 greasegun and a Bosch 18v drill in the rain. I've also used numerous other cordless tools in the rain without issue and have some cordless tools that have survived being left in heavy rainstorms without issue.

 

[AS556]

I killed an M18 Fuel 1/2 impact using it in the rain

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Worked all over the NW in rain and snow with my M12 tools. 1/4 impact acted up a bit after getting soaked, but rinsed it out with electronics cleaner and went right back to work.

 

[Farmall450]

Hard to say. In the last 2 years I've killed a M12 greasegun and a Bosch 18v drill in the rain. I've also used numerous other cordless tools in the rain without issue and have some cordless tools that have survived being left in heavy rainstorms without issue.

My dad had all over his 18v DeWalts run though a flood back in 2013 or so. Everyone of them still works. My guess is leaving out is fine as long as they dry before getting used.

 

[mcbane]

Thanks for the replies. I put a bag over it. After a day in the rain (1-1/2” over 8 hours ) the tool was mostly dry. Wiped it off and let it dry in the house overnight. I have a few more days of this if forecast tire time. After a few days I hope it is still running.


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[Farmall450]

Thanks for the replies. I put a bag over it. After a day in the rain (1-1/2” over 8 hours ) the tool was mostly dry. Wiped it off and let it dry in the house overnight. I have a few more days of this if forecast tire time. After a few days I hope it is still running.


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I'd just be worried about overheating in there. Need some airflow through the tool if you're using it.

 

[mcbane]

Just a follow up. I used the impact driver all day in heavy rain and the next day in the snow. Total of 4” water content over two days. The bag appears to have provided adequate protection. Temps were cool, in the 30s, so I don’t think I overheated anything.

Thanks to everyone for the input.


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