m18 fuel 3/8 vs 1/2 compact size difference

[blackedout12v]

Was wondering what the size difference was between m18 fuel 1/2 compact and 3/8 impacts? Wanting the 3/8 but if they are dang near the same size I would consider the 1/2 compact. Any info or suggestions appreciated.

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

I have the 3/8 fuel impact.. it is pretty darn compact, and light. I got the slim batteries, and they last a long time. Why pick the 1/2" version ? The sockets would be heavier and more bulky.

 

[Askme42]

The high torque 1/2 is pretty beefy.

 

[kball]

It looks like the 1/2 compact and 3/8 impact wrenches are the same size. 1/2 has 10 more ft lbs.

 

[71goldss]

I campared them side by side at my local HD when I purchased my 1/2" 2655-20. They both use the same body/case. Only the anvils are different in size, obviously 3/8" vs 1/2"! If you get the 1/2", make sure to decide whether you want pin detent or ball detent. Milwaukee gives you a choice on this model, #2655 is pin detent, #2655b is ball detent.

 

[blackedout12v]

thanks for the info guys. i have been looking at the 3/8 on hd online and it has been out of stock for a while and noticed they had the 1/2 compact in stock with a little more torque also. thought if they were the same size i would just pick it up instead. none of my local hd carry the impacts, the ball detent would be my preference.

 

[Voi]

thought if they were the same size i would just pick it up instead.

It's early and I haven't had my coffee yet but I think the 3/8" compact has three torque settings while the 1/2" does not. I'd double check this before making your decision, if that even matters to you.

 

[Voi]

And I was wrong. Here's an article describing the different options/features between the 3/8" and 1/2" compact Fuel impact wrenches.

http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-brushless-impact-wrench/

[EDIT] First page of thread below discusses the usefulness of the different torque settings between the 3/8" and 1/2". A couple of posters suggest the lower torque settings of the 3/8" are better for getting things tightened "close" and then finishing with a torque wrench.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272214&page=2

 

[blackedout12v]

thanks for the link, good information. if the 3/8 doesnt come back in stock soon,im just gonna order the 1/2 compact.

 

[dnschmidt]

They are exactly the same. The reason for the 10 more ft-lb for the 1/2" drive is the lack of twist in the 1/2" square vs. the 3/8" square. This is the same argument that's been going on in another thread with respect to the impact driver. The impact driver, which is exactly the same tool with a different tool attachment has much less power than the impact wrenches for the same reason.