Milwaukee 1/4” Impact

[ECP1989]

I can’t decide between the Hex head and anvil (same style as pneumatic impact) Head. I’m using it primarily for working on cars, small fasteners, etc. Is there a benefit to the hex head?

Thanks

 

[joey1320]

I would go with the hex since it will give you better options if using it for work around the house or yard.

 

[sweet victory]

If you own a cordless 1/4" ratchet, I would go for the hex drive.

Now the second part of the question becomes does one get the M18 surge, or the normal m18?

 

[DerekV]

Hex impacts are much more versatile. The square drive impacts are nice because you don't have to futz with adapters. It all boils down to personal preference. The hex style works better for me.

 

[Pitalplace]

Hex head and adapters makes it very versatile. It is my go to tool.

 

[Farmall450]

Hex head and adapters makes it very versatile. It is my go to tool.

But if he's only doing auto stuff, the extra length kinda *****.

 

[kctyphoon]

Only you can decide. If you dont need or want driver bits very often, then dont get a hex.. you can always get a 1/4 square drive and then get a hex adapter for those few occasions. If your always gonna be using sockets, then just get an impact.. not for nothing - but to get a hex drive impact driver isnt a big investment, esp in the m12 platform.

The best answer is to have both - and theres nothing saying you cant buy older models or non fuel. You dont need “fuel” everything. M12 non fuel impact drivers can be found cheap as bare tools.

There’s no sense in buying an impact driver if you KNOW 95% of your work is gonna be sockets.. both types on impacts should have adapters to make them the other drive style if the need arises.. i get the - versatility aspect - but if the bulk of your work is gonna be one drive style, then buy THAT drive style. Dont buy a hex drive to ADAPT that to do 95% of your work.
Buy the square and buy the $20 adapter to do the 5%...

Wera 1/4” square to 1/4” hex drive w/quick chuck adapter-
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-042750-1-4-square-to-1-4-hex-adaptor-with-quick-release-chuck/

 

[MWEric]

3/8” anvil will last a lot longer than hex adapters

 

[FigureItOut]

I have no citation, but I'm fairly sure that impact drivers and impact wrenches have somewhat different mechanisms, making each more suited for its intended task. It may have been that an impact driver has some linear impact as well, which would be wasted energy when using a socket.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[ChevyEFI]

I haven't been using impact stuff much. But some observations.

The fuel surge M18 driver does great pushing screws and fasteners into wood. While it seems similar to a pneumatic impact, you're not going to remove fasteners in a salvage yard with it like you would a regular impact. It does act a little different in that respect.

Instead of worrying about the sq. vs. hex debate, I ended up with a hammer drill / hex driver kit, and am perfectly fine with it. Isn't everything hex except automotive, so why not go with the flow?

I got all the 1/4 sq drive flip sockets Sunex and Snapon make. But, I have read a few guys aren't worried about using chrome on the hex driver impacts. I am not going to run my SK chrome on it, but let's be honest, it is one of those cases where you're probably not that concerned about foreign object damage. So use your cheapie chrome, or get some impacts and replace as needed, which should be a very longtime.

 

[Fedwrench]

The best answer here is to get both. this is Gararge Journal after all

One of my favorite cordless impacts is the M12 Fuel 1/4 square drive impact wrench. It's outstanding for upper engine work and trim stuff like window regulators.

For 1/4 bits, i prefer my old snap on ct751 screw gun. it has enough power for removing most trim stuff but what makes it a winner, it's its small overall size with a simple rocker switch. I haven't found anything from anyone else that's as small. i don't think snappy makes it currently though.

The newest M12 stubby 1/4 square drive impact wrench may be the one to get as is has multiple power setting including a nut runner speed setting that won't over tighten any fastener.

The new M12 1/4 inch hex impact drivers are handy, powerful, & versitile but, you do lose some power, add length, and gain sloppiness when using adapters. Look for a bare tool on sale, or buy a set with free batteries to stretch your money a bit.

 

[marineman]

Whichever one is more convenient and or cheaper to get locally is your best bet. They both do the same job, most guys end up with the hex driver because the entry level kit for most platforms is the drill and a hex driver. I have a m18 fuel hex driver at work that I use on everything up to 9/16 and haven't broken an adapter yet. I don't know what these guys are doing to break adapters all the time.

 

[Tonyuk]

Mine is the hex.

I use it all the time for smaller torx fasteners, that pared with long extensions, wobble extensions and plenty of 1/4 inch T25/27 & 30's.

Much cheaper than buying the above as actual 1/4" sockets, and i can buy a box of 10 good quality ones at a time. They'll wear out eventually.

 

[DFB]

I'm assuming your talking M12 units as there is no 1/4" "wrench" in M18

The two original 1/4" wrenches are light on torque that is the design about 40ftlbs max

The stubby has about the same max ftlb as latest 1/4" hex M12 impact driver 100ftlbs maybe

 

[bochnak]

My 1/4" impact is hex, and use a adapter in the garage. The hex is nice so I can use it in the house.

I have a 3/8" as well.

 

[Farmall450]

I have both the M12 and M18 hex 1/4" impacts from Milwaukee. I only work on cars and I've never had an issue with length or otherwise trying to fit them into tight spaces. I like the versatility of the hex drive.

Being able to use different adapters has been great. I mainly use the M12 with a 1/4" socket adapter for small under hood work (hose clamps, air boxes, etc.) and under car panels/splash shields. I use the M18 with a 3/8" socket adapter for anything that requires more torque including brakes and metal skid plates like those you find under some Toyota pickups and Jeeps, for example.

In the past I've also used the M18 with a 1/2" socket adapter for running down lug nuts (after starting them by hand and before final torque with a torque wrench). But the 1/2" socket adapter won't last long, so I don't do that anymore. Unfortunately it doesn't have enough juice from my experience to remove lug nuts, and the socket adapters break anyway.

Those were the first 2 Milwaukee tools I picked up, because of their versatility. Later I added the 3/8" ratchet and the 3/8" anvil head impact to my arsenal. I also plan to buy the 1/2" anvil head impact this weekend, as I already have a 6.0ah battery for it and I no longer work in a shop (sold my pneumatic impacts).

They each have their uses.

I have had several instances where my 20v 1/4 would not fit with the 1/4 hex to 3/8 adapter. If that's what he's mainly using it for, there's no reason not to buy it with the square anvil and save a good 25%+ in length.

 

[Danglerb]

1/4 hex, 3/8 and up anvil.

 

[Farmall450]

Fair enough. I should probably pick up the 1/4" anvil head myself, it would go well with my 1/4" impact sockets. But honestly, if I'm going that route, I would take the M12 over the M18. You don't need much power for 1/4" and in your scenario a smaller tool size overall would be more beneficial anyway.

Your experience may vary of course... But like I said, I've never had an issue with in terms of tool size. I guess that's usually because I'm coming at the bolt/nut/fastener from above or underneath it. I can't recall an instance I would of put these sort of tools in between 2 objects (say the radiator and front of the motor for example).

When I was building autonomous cars we used Bosch 1/4" hex impacts (similar in size to the Milwaukee M18) with adapters all day long, for both exterior and interior. Again, never found myself restricted due to size, that I can recall.

By the way, I assume you meant 18v and not 20v, correct?

No, I mean 20v -- I run DeWalt.

I would agree w/ M12 for this. Or even the M12 stubby 3/8, although it's not the strongest thing in the world.