M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") - Which one is more versatile?

[winlinmac]

M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") vs Right Angle Impact - Which one is more versatile?

M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") vs Milwaukee's newest Right Angle M12 Impact - Which one is more versatile? I currently use the M18 mid-torque impact wrench, however in tighter places it can get a bit in the way. Also the battery adds a little more weight for single handed operation.

 

[Tonyuk]

Do you have a shop air system? If so a proper compact air impact is both smaller and much more powerful than any of those options.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I have the 3/8 stubby and it is fantastic. It's my first choice tool for everything. I only go to other stuff if it doesn't fit. I think 3/8 anvil is the sweet spot for this size of tool. Most bigger bolts that need more torque than the M12 Stubby can deliver in my experience will have space for the mid torque or bigger tools. As for the right angle impact, I personally don't like the ergonomics of a tool like that. It's not balanced in your hand so it gets tiring and awkward after a while. It's like my M12 ratchet, it's nice when I need it but if I can fit the stubby impact, I'm absolutely going to use it.

By the way - people go on about how powerful the M12 Stubby is, but one thing they neglect to mention is just how dialed in the power settings are for it. Setting 1 is pretty much perfect for smaller fasteners you'd normally avoid using an impact on. It's also fantastic for spinning on fasteners to finger tight (after starting by hand of course). 2 is a good amount of torque but unlikely to break anything at 3/8 and 3 seems just perfect for breaking free anything that's giving you trouble without too much risk. I have a rigid 1/2" impact and I feel it's settings are more or less meaningless - 1 is going to damage smaller stuff, 2 won't free bigger stuff, 3 will get the job done on bigger stuff.

Alternatively Astro pneumatic makes a nano impact wrench which puts out a monster 400+ ft-lbs while being even smaller than the m12 stubby or right angle impact. I feel like that would be the ultimate brake job/suspension work tool.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

3/8s for the power it has. 3/8s sockets are shorter to keep it compact but you will have to get 3/8 impact sockets

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, I think I'll settle for the 3/8" anvil then, what about the right angle impact wrench? Is that any good by Milwaukee?

 

[M635_Guy]

I went with the 1/2" stubby with the following logic:

- I'm unlikely to need it on anything smaller than the sizes of my 1/2" impact socket
- I already ad 1/2" impact sockets, and didn't have room or inclination for another set
- The additional mass of the sockets and the 1/2" anvil delivers more of the rated grump to the fastener.

Paired with my 3/8" FUEL ratchet, it's a dynamic duo - whatever I'm doing moves quickly and comfortably without unnecessary weight or annoying air cables. The settings of my Milwaukee stuff also make them easier to use than air-powered stuff. I have a Mid impact if the Stubby struggles, but that's fairly rare so far. I also own the High, but it's been unused so far. (which is a bit of a story, but I regret having it. I hoping it redeems my having it one day)

 

[M635_Guy]

Do you have a shop air system? If so a proper compact air impact is both smaller and much more powerful than any of those options.

And louder. And less convenient. And less "settable". And requires a pretty big compressor.

Yuck.

I dumped my bigger compressor and all of my air tools except nailer-type things when I made the jump to battery, and I don't miss it at all. (If I didn't use the nailer so infrequently and still have a small and ultraquiet compressor for inflation and blowing off stuff, I'd probably pick up Milwaukees 18 and 23 gauge nailers and be done with air tools altogether, but I can't justify the $$).

I get it (mostly) for a professional shop, but I don't get why anyone argues for air tools for homers like me.

 

[anndel]

I just bought the right angle 1/2" impact ratchet but hasn't arrived yet. I have a Snap-on 3/8" right angle ratchet and it works well but sometimes need the umph of a 1/2" drive.

 

[mike93lx]

And louder. And less convenient. And less "settable". And requires a pretty big compressor.

Yuck.

I dumped my bigger compressor and all of my air tools except nailer-type things when I made the jump to battery, and I don't miss it at all. (If I didn't use the nailer so infrequently and still have a small and ultraquiet compressor for inflation and blowing off stuff, I'd probably pick up Milwaukees 18 and 23 gauge nailers and be done with air tools altogether, but I can't justify the $$).

I get it (mostly) for a professional shop, but I don't get why anyone argues for air tools for homers like me.

I am with you on this. A CAT aluminum tank comp for air nailer, tires and blow gun, and that is it. Everything else is cordless

I just grabbed a 3/8 m12 ratchet and will grab the 3/8 stubby impact soon. Reviews on the right angle aren't great, from what I have seen. Just doesn't have enough power

 

[Odd-job]

Re: M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") vs Right Angle Impact - Which one is more versat

Personally have the 3/8 stubby paired with the mid 1/2 and 3/8 non fuel ratchet. VSeems to be a wider selection of 3/8 short impact stuff available. Between stubby Allen’s, torx, etc. Plus Astro’s pinless swivel impacts.

Not sure why everyone gets into this eternal air vs battery debate. I find it great to have both personally. .498 air hammer, nano 3/8 (more balls than the stubby), impacting ratchet (less torque but a lot lower profile than the Milwaukee) and Aircat 1150 all come out when appropriate and I happen to be near my Air compressor.

 

[mike93lx]

Re: M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") vs Right Angle Impact - Which one is more versat

Personally have the 3/8 stubby paired with the mid 1/2 and 3/8 non fuel ratchet. VSeems to be a wider selection of 3/8 short impact stuff available. Between stubby Allen’s, torx, etc. Plus Astro’s pinless swivel impacts.

Not sure why everyone gets into this eternal air vs battery debate. I find it great to have both personally. .498 air hammer, nano 3/8 (more balls than the stubby), impacting ratchet (less torque but a lot lower profile than the Milwaukee) and Aircat 1150 all come out when appropriate and I happen to be near my Air compressor.

It isn't about which is more powerful. It is an issue of not wanting a big compressor, for many reasons.

For me, 3+HP to run small tools seems silly, based on my usage, plus big air tanks make me nervous. Too much energy stored

 

[M635_Guy]

I am with you on this. A CAT aluminum tank comp for air nailer, tires and blow gun, and that is it. Everything else is cordless

Yup.

I just grabbed a 3/8 m12 ratchet and will grab the 3/8 stubby impact soon.

Reviews on the right angle aren't great, from what I have seen. Just doesn't have enough power

I haven't felt tempted by the RA at all. I could see it if I was a pro in a shop, but for what I'm doing the Stubby and the FUEL ratchet are what keep things light and fast.

 

[mike93lx]

You even splurged for 2hp. I'm slumming it with 1hp over here.

 

[M635_Guy]

You even splurged for 2hp. I'm slumming it with 1hp over here.

I got it from Walmart.com believe it or not, and the price for the 2HP was n't much more at all than the 1HP, and they had it in stock (a lot of places were out of the 4620AC at the time). I ordered it figuring I might wind up with a 4610, but it arrived in a few days and was the one I hoped. My oldest spawn actually has the 2010A and is very happy with it, but I figured the additional CFM and capacity would serve me well in my garage. I'm really happy with it, though it's heavier than I expected

 

[Odd-job]

Re: M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") vs Right Angle Impact - Which one is more versat

It isn't about which is more powerful. It is an issue of not wanting a big compressor, for many reasons.

For me, 3+HP to run small tools seems silly, based on my usage, plus big air tanks make me nervous. Too much energy stored

To each his own. Wish I could let your borrow my air hammer. Would think that would convert you to the dark side.

Even with way too many Milwaukee tools for my own good I have been fantasizing upgrading my wimpy compressor to go beyond small tools even though my usage doesn’t justify it either.

 

[mike93lx]

Re: M12 Stubby Impact (3/8" vs 1/2") vs Right Angle Impact - Which one is more versat

To each his own. Wish I could let your borrow my air hammer. Would think that would convert you to the dark side.

Even with way too many Milwaukee tools for my own good I have been fantasizing upgrading my wimpy compressor to go beyond small tools even though my usage doesn’t justify it either.

It wouldn't change anything. I have no use for a big air hammer, at least nothing beyond what my SDS could do. It isn't like I don't know what air is used for

 

[M635_Guy]

I guess that's the point - air in a pro shop with lifts and air runs, etc. that requires minimum time-on-task to make money and keep things moving is an entirely different discussion than my sorry *** in my garage with a Quickjack and no real time frame 95% of the time.

For people like me, air isn't worth it in any way. Hell, at this point I'm not even sure where I'd put a big compressor in my garage at this point...

 

[Yarpo]

I personally hate my stubby but it all depends on what you work on. I don't know what you work on, but maybe your application will be more correct than mine.That said I think 3/8" is more versatile due to most allen/torx/triplesquare sockets being commonly found in that size, and you probably will not be taking off anything larger than a 19 or 3/4 with the stubby.

 

[mike93lx]

I personally hate my stubby but it all depends on what you work on. I don't know what you work on, but maybe your application will be more correct than mine.That said I think 3/8" is more versatile due to most allen/torx/triplesquare sockets being commonly found in that size, and you probably will not be taking off anything larger than a 19 or 3/4 with the stubby.

Want to sell it?

 

[M635_Guy]

I personally hate my stubby but it all depends on what you work on. I don't know what you work on, but maybe your application will be more correct than mine.That said I think 3/8" is more versatile due to most allen/torx/triplesquare sockets being commonly found in that size, and you probably will not be taking off anything larger than a 19 or 3/4 with the stubby.

You're the first person I've ever heard say anything really negative (other than 'needs more power' - if you want one to do nearly everything the Mid Torque is the better choice). What do you not like about it.

I'm just doing my classic BMW and Mini Clubman, my wife's Odyssey and oldest spawn's '06 X5 - all live pretty gently in a mild and non-rusty state, so I'm not fighting a lot of weathered bolts.

I came at the 3/8" vs. 1/2" from the other direction - smallest likely fastener, figuring anything smaller than available in 1/2" was hand-tools for me - and decided to match it with the 1/2" impact sockets I already had. Your way sounds more logical for broader application.

 

[winlinmac]

I'd be willing to buy it assuming you have the 3/8" drive, you can PM me

I personally hate my stubby but it all depends on what you work on. I don't know what you work on, but maybe your application will be more correct than mine.That said I think 3/8" is more versatile due to most allen/torx/triplesquare sockets being commonly found in that size, and you probably will not be taking off anything larger than a 19 or 3/4 with the stubby.

 

[Yarpo]

Want to sell it?

Yes I would, its a 3/8" hog ring if you're interested. I legit use it like once every few weeks, meanwhile my other tools see use almost daily (cordless ratchet/mid torque)

You're the first person I've ever heard say anything really negative (other than 'needs more power' - if you want one to do nearly everything the Mid Torque is the better choice). What do you not like about it.

I'm just doing my classic BMW and Mini Clubman, my wife's Odyssey and oldest spawn's '06 X5 - all live pretty gently in a mild and non-rusty state, so I'm not fighting a lot of weathered bolts.

I came at the 3/8" vs. 1/2" from the other direction - smallest likely fastener, figuring anything smaller than available in 1/2" was hand-tools for me - and decided to match it with the 1/2" impact sockets I already had. Your way sounds more logical for broader application.

Yah I know people rave about them and that's why I picked it up. It seemed like it would be practical for my use (mechanic) but it simply doesn't have enough power to do anything I need it to, and if it does have the power I already prefer other tools to it. I use my Milwaukee impact driver, my Milwaukee cordless ratchet, and my Milwaukee mid torque every day. I use my stubby...rarely.

Areas it doesn't fit, the ratchet will and I can break them free and spin it out. Areas it does fit, the fasteners like small top side engine fasteners (air box/battery tie down bolts/coil pack bolts/intake bolts/or any other small upper engine bolts) the impact driver does with ease. Large but not massive bolts that it would be perfect for, it doesn't have the juice for. Things like medium sized steering rack bolts or brake caliper bracket bolts it either struggles or cannot do. I also cannot undo lug nuts with it (nor did I expect to, but I heard people rave about that too) which could be limited by both the gun, and the socket size (3/8" sockets transferring less energy due to less mass) so the mid torque or high torque does all the wheel lug bolts I encounter.

I do use it for the odd thing the impact driver cannot do or if I need to use a special torx/allen socket as mentioned above that my impact driver wont get. Its also still way to large to fit into most places on a modern Mercedes engine bay and it would never be needed for interior work which I do a lot of. It's a good tool, I guess as a mechanic with a full lineup of tools I just haven't found it practical. Possible that also has to do with living in the rust belt too.

I'd be willing to buy it assuming you have the 3/8" drive, you can PM me

Sure! Its 3/8" hog ring. I'll take pics tomorrow at work, currently off today.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, as long as its not a pin detent I'm all for it

Yes I would, its a 3/8" hog ring if you're interested. I legit use it like once every few weeks, meanwhile my other tools see use almost daily (cordless ratchet/mid torque)



Yah I know people rave about them and that's why I picked it up. It seemed like it would be practical for my use (mechanic) but it simply doesn't have enough power to do anything I need it to, and if it does have the power I already prefer other tools to it. I use my Milwaukee impact driver, my Milwaukee cordless ratchet, and my Milwaukee mid torque every day. I use my stubby...rarely.

Areas it doesn't fit, the ratchet will and I can break them free and spin it out. Areas it does fit, the fasteners like small top side engine fasteners (air box/battery tie down bolts/coil pack bolts/intake bolts/or any other small upper engine bolts) the impact driver does with ease. Large but not massive bolts that it would be perfect for, it doesn't have the juice for. Things like medium sized steering rack bolts or brake caliper bracket bolts it either struggles or cannot do. I also cannot undo lug nuts with it (nor did I expect to, but I heard people rave about that too) which could be limited by both the gun, and the socket size (3/8" sockets transferring less energy due to less mass) so the mid torque or high torque does all the wheel lug bolts I encounter.

I do use it for the odd thing the impact driver cannot do or if I need to use a special torx/allen socket as mentioned above that my impact driver wont get. Its also still way to large to fit into most places on a modern Mercedes engine bay and it would never be needed for interior work which I do a lot of. It's a good tool, I guess as a mechanic with a full lineup of tools I just haven't found it practical. Possible that also has to do with living in the rust belt too.



Sure! Its 3/8" hog ring. I'll take pics tomorrow at work, currently off today.

 

[M635_Guy]

Yes I would, its a 3/8" hog ring if you're interested. I legit use it like once every few weeks, meanwhile my other tools see use almost daily (cordless ratchet/mid torque)



Yah I know people rave about them and that's why I picked it up. It seemed like it would be practical for my use (mechanic) but it simply doesn't have enough power to do anything I need it to, and if it does have the power I already prefer other tools to it. I use my Milwaukee impact driver, my Milwaukee cordless ratchet, and my Milwaukee mid torque every day. I use my stubby...rarely.

Areas it doesn't fit, the ratchet will and I can break them free and spin it out. Areas it does fit, the fasteners like small top side engine fasteners (air box/battery tie down bolts/coil pack bolts/intake bolts/or any other small upper engine bolts) the impact driver does with ease. Large but not massive bolts that it would be perfect for, it doesn't have the juice for. Things like medium sized steering rack bolts or brake caliper bracket bolts it either struggles or cannot do. I also cannot undo lug nuts with it (nor did I expect to, but I heard people rave about that too) which could be limited by both the gun, and the socket size (3/8" sockets transferring less energy due to less mass) so the mid torque or high torque does all the wheel lug bolts I encounter.

I do use it for the odd thing the impact driver cannot do or if I need to use a special torx/allen socket as mentioned above that my impact driver wont get. Its also still way to large to fit into most places on a modern Mercedes engine bay and it would never be needed for interior work which I do a lot of. It's a good tool, I guess as a mechanic with a full lineup of tools I just haven't found it practical. Possible that also has to do with living in the rust belt too

It must be the rust belt. My (1/2") has gotten lug bolts on everything I own. The mid definitely is faster. It was great for the couple brake jobs I've done with it.

 

[Yarpo]

It must be the rust belt. My (1/2") has gotten lug bolts on everything I own. The mid definitely is faster. It was great for the couple brake jobs I've done with it.

I'm convinced customers driving these cars are torquing the wheel bolts to 300 or 400 or more NMs, and that's not an exaggeration as the mid torque will occasionally fail. Another reason it made the stubby useless for me. I did throw some wheels on to move a car back into the lot while waiting for parts, and the stubby would undo the lug bolts the following day with both the small 2AH battery (slowly) and the 4.0 XC battery I had with little trouble @ 150NM but you can imagine a little bit of rust and corrosion will soon require more than what this gun could do. I found it to be to limiting to use professionally when I already had a full arsenal, it did have uses just not enough for my current position.

I messaged both you guys that where interested.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I use 3/8 at the track, changing wheels.

With lug nuts torqued to 80 ft lbs, no hesitation to take them off (with xc 6.0).

 

[ajchien]

I just got the 3/8” stubby, and it has quickly become automotive fastener tool #1.

I have no problems with lugs at 140 ft lbs. Note, I live in Southern California. I have no idea what this rust thing is that you guys talk about.