Need help with B-day present, impact wrench/driver???

[Motochick]

I could really your help fellow tool lovers, this is outta my league of expertise. My husband will be 50 in a few weeks and he either has (just about) everything or the things he wants (which is everything) is unobtainable. We have a decent little home shop where he wrenches on classic cars, dirt bikes, bicycles, and most everything home related. He has air impact tools but I don't see him using those all that often, maybe cuz it's gotta be hooked up to a hose? I saw him watching youtube videos a few months back on battery powered impact tools, not sure if they were drivers or wrenches. I don't really know the difference. Would he like and use something like this? What would I get him? I can spend a few hundred dollars, or if it is really beneficial, I can wait to purchase during the big holiday sales....maybe get more bang for my buck. He would be cool with that. Ask questions, gimme advice, tell me exactly what to buy......please help. Or maybe I just get him a scope for his new lever rifle.....

 

[FMB4]

Gift card. That'll let him buy exactly what he wants. And yes, I realize that GCs are considered to be 'thoughtless' by some, but my suggestion remains the same. Otherwise, I'd go with a scope.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

What's your budget and what brand of power tools does he already have?

Edit : Sorry I saw you mentioned your budget already. What brand of power tool is still important. No point wasting $100-200 buying into a different brands battery eco system when that money could go towards tools instead.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Does he have a brand of cordless tools he already uses?

 

[kelpaso1]

I have this combo. They have been abused, dropped, left out in the rain, and just plain used hard and they are still going strong 8 years later.

ATOMIC 20V MAX* Brushless Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit | DEWALT

Our Compact Brushless 2-Tool Kit includes one Drill/Driver, one Impact driver, two 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. At only 5.1 in. front to back, the Impact Driver features a high-performance brushless motor that delivers 1700 in-lbs of torque and 3 LEDs for...

www.dewalt.com

 

[Motochick]

Does he have a brand of cordless tools he already uses?

Sort of, we have some older Makita drills and saws, most were hand me downs but they still function. One uses a 12v Ni-NH, the others use a 9.6v Ni-MH. We don't have a favorite brand and I doubt we have batteries that will be compatible with the newer stuff, I just want something of quality. He prefers made in USA but not sure if that is possible with these tools. Lifetime warranty? Is that a thing? I would pay a little extra for that.

Gift card. That'll let him buy exactly what he wants. And yes, I realize that GCs are considered to be 'thoughtless' by some, but my suggestion remains the same. Otherwise, I'd go with a scope.

He would pretty bummed if I gave him a GC. He knows I won't buy him anything lame and knows I will do my research!

 

[JradM]

If it were me, I would just watch for a deal on a kit - unless your husband is already invested in a particular brand.

You want an impact wrench for automotive and motorcycle work. An impact driver is generally for screws - i.e. wood work.

The next question is size. You can get something big and heavy duty - which is a very useful tool to have for stuff that's rusted or seized - or something smaller and ligher - which might be used more often, but is less capable.

E.g. The Dewalt DCF899 is near the upper range for power.:

...but it sure isn't light. It can be a chore if you're working somewhere cramped or have to hold it away from your body. It's an extremely handy tool for really tight fasteners though.


On the other hand, the new Dewalt DCF923 is significantly smaller:


and still a pretty heavy duty tool for the size. Whereas the DCF899 can deliver 700ft/lbs of torque, the new DCF923 maxes out at 300ft/lbs. Because of the compact size, it's probably something that your husband will use more often.

Just for context, an impact driver, even a good one like the Dewalt DCF887, maxes out at ~150ft/lbs. It's utility isn't just max torque though, it's also the light weight and driving speed for screws. You can use one of those for light duty automotive work too, but it will struggle with larger fasteners.

I'm just showing you Dewalt in the examples above, but there's other high quality brands. Milwaukee, for example, is every bit as good as Dewalt. There's differences between the tools, but those differences are somewhat negligible.

Milwaukee also offers an M12 line of tools if you really want something compact. Their M12 Fuel 3/8 impact wrench is no joke. It offers 250ft/lbs of torque, but it's smaller still than even the new Dewalt Atomic DCF923 pictured above:

 

[JradM]

P.s. if your husband only has 12v or smaller Ni-Mh tools... the tools I posted above will probably blow his mind. They are leaps and bounds better than the old Ni-Mh tech.

Nobody offers a lifetime warranty unfortunately - except Ridgid. Ridgid is owned by TTI, just like Milwaukee (and Ryobi). It's generally a mid-grade tool. I.e. Milwaukee gets the latest and greatest tech, Ridgid is a bit more budget friendly. I still consider Ridgid to be "pro" grade though. You might not find an option that is quite as compact or as powerful with the Ridgid brand, but they are still great tools with respectable specs.

Everybody else pretty much offers a 3 year warranty.

Edited to add:

Here's a link to Ridgid's compact 3/8" impact wrench. Where the new Dewalt had 300 ft/lbs of torque, the Ridgid has 225 ft/lbs. However, the Ridgid is significantly cheaper and has a lifetime warranty.

Ridgid's biggest impact wrench actually says it has more torque than Dewalt's: 1100 vs 700 ft/lbs. That's somewhat surprising. Here's a link to it - but note this is just a bare tool, so you can get the Dewalt for cheaper overall.

 

[Motochick]

If it were me, I would just watch for a deal on a kit - unless your husband is already invested in a particular brand.

You want an impact wrench for automotive and motorcycle work. An impact driver is generally for screws - i.e. wood work.

The next question is size. You can get something big and heavy duty - which is a very useful tool to have for stuff that's rusted or seized - or something smaller and ligher - which might be used more often, but is less capable.

This is helpful, I want an impact wrench, not a driver. Does size work the same way as with drills? 3/8 or 1/2 inch? If so, I think the 3/8 would be more handy, he has the air impact wrenches, 1/2in, for the big stuff. I think he would get more use out of the smaller one. I like that little red one! Do the batteries last a long time? I mean, like in years, not how many hours can you use them for on a job. Do they "go bad" if they sit around NOT getting used daily? Do I need more than one battery? Sorry for all the questions but they keep popping up in my head!

 

[engineer2]

A 1/4" hex impact driver is a mighty handy tool around the house and for working on cars. I use my Makita impact driver for everything and have never had a problem with it. It's so handy I may even buy a second one.
IMHO...
The big three brands are Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt as they have a huge selection of tools.
Ridgid is good too and reportedly has a good battery warranty if you follow the rules.
Ryobi is more of a weekend warrior brand, but lots of people like them. Other good brands are Metabo and Bosch.
Milwaukee seems to be popular with the automotive crowd, DeWalt with woodworkers and carpenters, and Makita with the construction trades, but any will be fine for home use.
The tool companies often do the "good-better-best" thing. Good is for the budget conscious weekend warrior and best is made for the professionals.
Be aware most kits have entry-level tools to keep the price down.
Most of these tools are made in China or Taiwan. You also have to see what brands and batteries are available locally.
Home Depot, Amazon and dozens of tool sellers carry the above-mentioned brands, but HD may not have the professional quality ones.
Stay away from oddball brands because it may be difficult to get batteries 10 years from now.

 

[Motochick]

P.s. if your husband only has 12v or smaller Ni-Mh tools... the tools I posted above will probably blow his mind. They are leaps and bounds better than the old Ni-Mh tech.

This is why I am looking at this stuff, he needs an upgrade! I am looking at the Ridgid and Milwaukee online right now. I will go to HD tomorrow and see them in person to get a feel for the sizes. I liked the red one until I saw the orange one, orange is my fav color, and it has a lifetime warranty. It loos like HD has some of them on sale right now, but I could wait for black Friday if that would be a better deal. Thanks for all your help!

 

[JradM]

With impact wrenches you probably want to size it with whatever sockets he will use. I personally would prefer a 3/8" drive square on a smaller-sized impact wrench because that matches up better with the size of bolt and sockets I would use it for. However, if your husband only has 1/2" drive impact sockets because he uses them with a big air gun - best to get a 1/2" wrench even in the compact size. Or just buy a socket set too. Those medium and compact impact wrenches all come in both 1/2" and 3/8" size - for the most part there's no difference in their power.

The little red one is quite a powerful unit for the size. Milwaukee's M12 line has some very unique and useful tools. Because they are 12v tools, there's certain cordless tools they don't make - like a big impact wrench (I think the one I mentioned is the most powerful in that lineup), outdoor power equipment (string trimmers, mowers, blowers etc.), big stationary tools like mitre saws, etc. However, because they are compact they do make a bunch of things not usually available in the 18v or 20v tools - such as staplers, one-handed reciprocating saws, rotary tools (i.e. a "dremel"), etc.

One of my favorites is the M12 ratchet:



It is super useful for automotive work. Also available in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive sizes, plus extended reach, etc. This is not an impact tool, so it's not for really tight or stuck fasteners - but it can speed up some jobs immensely.

Yes the batteries can last a long time with infrequent use. I don't use mine daily - maybe weekly. Some of mine are about 8 years old now and still going strong. Ridgid, by the way, will also warranty batteries for life.

I prefer to have at least two batteries so I can swap if one dies, but that depends a bit on what size you get too. I.e. some special buy kits will come with batteries as small as 1.3ah - that's tiny! Regular batteries start at 2.0ah.

I'd suggest two batteries unless you get one that's 5ah or larger. Still best to have two, but at that size you're going to get lots of runtime. They don't have to be the same. I.e. one 5.0ah and one 2.0 might even be an advantage so you can use the smaller and lighter battery when the runtime isn't needed.

 

[paulsomlo]

Sort of, we have some older Makita drills and saws, most were hand me downs but they still function. One uses a 12v Ni-NH, the others use a 9.6v Ni-MH. We don't have a favorite brand and I doubt we have batteries that will be compatible with the newer stuff, I just want something of quality. He prefers made in USA but not sure if that is possible with these tools. Lifetime warranty? Is that a thing? I would pay a little extra for that.

When it come to cordless power tools, sadly, made in USA is not an option. I have heard something about Dewalt being assembled in USA from global parts, that's about the closest you'll come.

If he's going to be using this for automotive, a 3/8" drive in 18 volt would be a good choice. Brand-wise, take your pick - Makita, Milwaukee, etc.. Once he has the batteries/charger, a whole world of cordless will be open to him.

 

[engineer2]

I think the 3/8 would be more handy, he has the air impact wrenches, 1/2in, for the big stuff.

Yes, you can go that way if the primary interest is nuts and bolts. The cordless tools can rival the power of air tools.
A hex impact driver is good for screws of all sizes plus adapters can be used for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sockets.

Do the batteries last a long time? I mean, like in years, not how many hours can you use them for on a job.

I have 10 year old 18V Makita batteries that still work fine. Yes, they should last for many years.

Do they "go bad" if they sit around NOT getting used daily?

No, the lithium ion technology is pretty good. They will hold their charge for months.

Do I need more than one battery?

For one tool you will want two batteries. One to use, and the other ready to go if you run the first one down. Impact tools last a long time on one battery since it's more of an intermittent use. Things like grinders and saws can run a battery down in 20-30 minutes.

 

[Mallen]

Id go Milwaukee 18v if you can afford it. They make anything you could want, and once you get him that, he had batteries and a charger and you now have a stream of gifts to buy him for years to come. The only things I think you'd want to deal with 12v for are the ratchets. I like the Milwaukee ratchets precisely because they are 12v and you can use the smaller 12v batteries which keeps the size reasonable rather than having a massive pack hanging off the end. I guess the ultra light weight drills and drivers and such could be nice if your carrying it around at work though. But for most things they are really weak.

 

[JradM]

Usually the best deals of the year on cordless tools are offered at are at black friday or father's day. However, good deals can pop up anytime.

Nothing wrong with Ridgid - I have a few of them myself. The warranty is a big advantage and they are pretty well put-together tools. Ridgid does have a slightly smaller selection of tools than some other brands - but still pretty good.

That's a good idea to check them out in person. The 18v/20v tools are a different class than the 12v tools. There's still lots of overlap, but the 12v tools are noticeably smaller. Ten years ago most 12v tools were "light duty" and most people bought 18v/20v as their main tools. The technology has come a log ways though - now the 12v tools are powerful enough that I think most people would be completely happy without stepping up to the 18v class.

 

[engineer2]

Ridgid and Milwaukee online right now.

Remember the good-better-best rule. Research online, pick the one(s) you like and see what HD has. HD can usually order any models they don't have, but it may be at list price.

And whatever you get go Brushless. Better technology (usually microprocessor controlled electronics), more efficient, more power, and no brushes to go bad.

 

[Motochick]

With impact wrenches you probably want to size it with whatever sockets he will use. I personally would prefer a 3/8" drive square on a smaller-sized impact wrench because that matches up better with the size of bolt and sockets I would use it for. However, if your husband only has 1/2" drive impact sockets because he uses them with a big air gun - best to get a 1/2" wrench even in the compact size. Or just buy a socket set too.

****, didn't think about that part! Glad you said something. His SAE set is 1/2in and his metric set is 3/8in. WHY DOES HE DO THIS??? Cuz he knows now I will have to buy him both! And do you HAVE to use the impact sockets? He has soooooooo many regular ones!

One of my favorites is the M12 ratchet:

It is super useful for automotive work. Also available in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive sizes, plus extended reach, etc. This is not an impact tool, so it's not for really tight or stuck fasteners - but it can speed up some jobs immensely.

That is AWESOME! He will have this, if not now, eventually. He has both sizes in the air kind, they seem pretty handy. Because this one isn't an impact tool, can it use regular sockets? The ones he has millions of?

now have a stream of gifts to buy him for years to come.

Do you know my husband? Did he tell you to say this? LOL! This is a great idea, I will never have to hurt my brain (like I am right now) about what to get him. I just pick a new piece he doesn't have and voila! Those ratchets are so cool though. May have to bite the bullet for both systems.....Of course I am saying this with zero idea how much this cost me at this point.

 

[JradM]

****, didn't think about that part! Glad you said something. His SAE set is 1/2in and his metric set is 3/8in. WHY DOES HE DO THIS??? Cuz he knows now I will have to buy him both! And do you HAVE to use the impact sockets? He has soooooooo many regular ones!

Ha. Yes you ought to be using impact sockets. Regular sockets are harder than impact sockets and have a higher chance of breaking - plus you're likely to flake of the chrome from a regular socket.

That is AWESOME! He will have this, if not now, eventually. He has both sizes in the air kind, they seem pretty handy. Because this one isn't an impact tool, can it use regular sockets? The ones he has millions of?

Yep, you can use regular sockets with it. I do that with mine.

P.s. if you're contemplating the ratchet too, I would just stick with M12 for the impact wrench. Although... I didn't follow my own advice and I have at least 8 different battery platforms. If you are going to get an M12 tool and an 18/20v class tool, there's no reason they have to be from the same brand.

 

[vwpieces]

I think you are on the right track with Milwaukee M12 line. Batteries are reasonable too. My #1 go-to is the M12 Fuel 3/8in drive compact or some call it the stubby at the bottom of post #7. Second most used is the 3/8in drive ratchet in the more recent post.

 

[Mgdoug3]

A set of impact sockets and a Milwaukee mid-torque Gen 3 will do most things your husband needs to be. It's fairly compact but packs a good punch. I'm partial to Milwaukee because I like to stick to one brand and have multiple batteries.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

My personal suggestion is to get the M12 3/8 Stubby Impact. I have it and it is fantastic. It'll be great for the type of work you say he does. Battery wise - I've had my batteries as a hobbyist for a couple years now and I haven't noticed any degradation of power or charge. The charge also lasts ages for me. I usually recharge them after a project is done rather than at the end of the day or even a week and a project could last multiple weekends. But again, it all depends on how heavily you use them. You could get the M18 variant and there may be an argument for getting into the M18 vs M12 systems but personally I'd say the M12 system is better unless you have a specific need for an M18 tool. The variety of tools is fantastic and they are all surprisingly capable. I have both M12 and M18 tools and I really only pickup the M18 stuff if I have to.

Asides from that - if you want to get something a little less 'practical' and more gift like; you could take a look at a toolset from Nepros. Essentially think really high end hand tools with near jewelry quality finishes. They are as nice to use as they are to look at. https://www.nepros.net/?cat=1&grp=3&sub=11

 

[NUTTSGT]

Don't buy him a tool based on your favorite color. . . just saying.

Look locally at your Lowes to see if they still have this combo set available.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-DW-20V-IMPACT-WRENCH-KIT/5001936585

 

[kbeefy]

I would mimic pretty much everything said already. In the Garage my 2 most used cordless tools are a 3/8 impact wrench and a hex driver, So I'd suggest starting with a combo pack that has both of those. Brushless. In a brand that has alot of room for expansion.
I'm partial to Dewalt/Mac, but Milwakee is great and Ryobi and Rigid are close seconds.

 

[Keep]

Beware the "red ones" are addictive and seem to multiply by themselves!

I started with this kit:

Milwaukee Electric Tools 2598-22 M12 Fuel 2 Pc Kit- 1/2" Hammer Drill & 1/4" Impact : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

Milwaukee Electric Tools 2598-22 M12 Fuel 2 Pc Kit- 1/2" Hammer Drill & 1/4" Impact : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.ca

(Dont be alarmed the $269 is in Canadian money, so $5 USD...)

Added this one for working on the car:

Milwaukee Electric Tools 2556-20 M12 Fuel 1/4" Ratchet (Tool Only) : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

Milwaukee Electric Tools 2556-20 M12 Fuel 1/4" Ratchet (Tool Only) : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.ca

And there are something like 200 others that will work with the M12 batteries.

Great kit and a great addition to anyones selection

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I have dewalt and i like them alot, and they just came out with there attomic impacts and they have more power than the Milwaukee stubby 18 volt. The new lithium ion stuff will still go bad eventually and there’s a learning curve but they are tons better and actually batteries hold there charge much better. If you get tools that have the brushless motor there even better and have more power. Dewalt and Milwaukee are your top brands and you can find them anywhere from box stores to the local hardware. There are other great brands out there but they might be only in certain stores. The Milwaukee m12 stuff is nice but the handles are thicker and that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Your best bet might just be to go to a store and check things out. Flex is a new brand but there’s not a ton of tool options for them yet. Ryobi, skill and kobalt are probably the best value out there right now. The nice thing about the ryobi 18 volt line is you can get tools from the early 2000s and use today’s batteries with them

 

[Motochick]

My personal suggestion is to get the M12 3/8 Stubby Impact. I have it and it is fantastic. It'll be great for the type of work you say he does.

Asides from that - if you want to get something a little less 'practical' and more gift like; you could take a look at a toolset from Nepros.

This is the one I am looking for after all the advice, I am going to go touch them today at the local store just to make sure. Those Nepros tools are very nice , but he needs more tools like he needs a hole in the head! He has 7 complete roll cabs/mids/tops full of tools! But surprisingly lacking on the power tools...

Don't buy him a tool based on your favorite color. . . just saying.

LOL! You don't know me very well! I can't have the colors clashing, luckily the red (my 2nd fav color) looks really good with the blue tools! The orange ones didn't have much variety and don't seem to be as available, plus they needed MORE orange. I haven't given up on the Dewalt, the red ones are just so much more appealing to the eyes. I'm heading out in a bit to look at the Dewalts.

 

[NUTTSGT]

LOL! You don't know me very well! I can't have the colors clashing, luckily the red (my 2nd fav color) looks really good with the blue tools! The orange ones didn't have much variety and don't seem to be as available, plus they needed MORE orange. I haven't given up on the Dewalt, the red ones are just so much more appealing to the eyes. I'm heading out in a bit to look at the Dewalts.

Keep in mind, if you can find the combo kit I linked for that price, it's a deal.

Those Impacts sell for $148 each bare tool. The 5ah battery is $150 by itself. .

 

[Wrench97]

I agree with the post above, start with the 1/4" hex and the 3/8" they will be the most useful to him since he already has air for the heavier stuff. The Milwaukie red tools are my choice but the Rigid 1/4" and 3/8 are quite capable I know of a couple techs using them everyday.> https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...ger-R862311K/316020846?ITC=AUC-98559-23-12140
A nice little 1/4" bit set in a case is a very handy accessory> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Driver-Bit-Set-50-Piece-48-32-4024/301024189

 

[Crabman]

Lots of good advice. If you are in the SW as it appears, he won't need the monster torque for rusted fasteners, and has air tools for that anyway.

I have Milwaukee both M18 and M12. I am also an old car guy so similar uses perhaps. I use my M18 outdoor power tools more than my shop tools, but just me.

The M12 hex driver, 3/8 drill driver and 3/8 ratchet get the most use in the shop and around the house. Try to get batteries for about $10/ah. It can be done, but you have to watch. I have lots of tires and I love the M12 inflator since you don't have to plug into the 12V outlet or drag out an air hose, great for lawn tractor, hand truck. trailer tires, etc.

Many of the tools also come as factory blems or factory refurbished at better price points. CPO Outlets, Direct Tool Factory Outlet and others have them. I have personally had excellent luck with them and they can save some money for tools that won't get as much use.

I also have some Ryobi tools, more a DIY level, but I have been surprised by how well they have performed. I have some sheds with no electricity so I have lights hanging in them. I have a brad nailer that has worked well. I am not doing a ton of trim work so could not justify the higher end brand cost. And they have some tools the other brands don't make, like the light duty power washer (very handy on the dock) and the post hold digger, which while not speedy is better than the manual one at my age.

Good luck finding something appealing. He is lucky to have you!

Bruce

 

[Motochick]

Keep in mind, if you can find the combo kit I linked for that price, it's a deal.

I clicked on the link and it said $299, when I changed it to a location near me, it is $249. That seems pretty good, especially if I wanted it now and not wait for black Friday sales. He will taking 10 days off starting tomorrow and wants to do a bunch of stuff to our classic cars. Brakes and exhaust for sure. He would get immediate use out of them. Is this a black Friday kind of deal? I could pick it up in store today or tomorrow. ****! I really liked the red ones but this brand is much easier to spell.

Edit: I bought it, I am having my husband pick it up since he is in the area (an hour from us). I wish I could be there to see his face, maybe I will have him FaceTime me! NUTTSGT, congrats sir, looks like you won. I can't wait to get the little shop vac!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Awesome. That's a clearance deal.

Now you can buy him other tools for future gifts.

 

[Motochick]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer my questions and give me your advice and first hand experience. My husband was beyond thrilled. I went to HD today and got to touch all of the brands and came away just loving the red ones, but not counting out the Dewalts. My intention was to wait until Nov when HD was going to start their massive sales but NUTTSGT was persistent and I finally listened. As it turns out, I got it for $50 less than what he thought was a good deal. $270 OTD. I ended up with a 3/8 drive XR impact wrench which will hang out in the moto area and a 1/2 drive XR mid torque which is for the auto area, plus a 5mAh XR battery and charger. He is already out in the shop getting ready to work on his '57 Chevy tomorrow. Now we will wait for the holiday sales and pick up something else with a battery and hopefully another charger. You guys are awesome!!

PS, Yes, his keepers are not on, I made him come out while he was in the middle of changing

 

[Keep]

I think we need pics of the 57.....

 

[619DioFan]

The rules on GJ are very clear - you can't mention 57 chevy and not post pictures. otherwise you will upset the whole juju of the place.

 

[Motochick]

The rules on GJ are very clear - you can't mention 57 chevy and not post pictures. otherwise you will upset the whole juju of the place.

I don't wanna ruin any juju....

 

[so2315]

I was just getting ready to suggest the mid range Dewalt. It has 330 lbs of torque, and even though it is !/2" drive you can buy adapters to go to 3/8". It has handled every lug nut I have thrown at it. And since you are in the Dewalt 20V platform now, there are more options for you to buy gifts that are using the batteries like leaf blowers, trimmers, pole saws etc...

 

[619DioFan]

I don't wanna ruin any juju....

Beautiful car with the coronado bay bridge in the background.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Good choice! Love the pre 60s cars that aren’t to modernized.

 

[finn]

I have both Dewalt and Milwaukee tools. Milwaukee is an offshore company, based in Hong Kong, while Dewalt is an American based company, with at least some American manufacturing and assembly.

Not sure why Milwaukee always seems to get a pass on this, especially when one of the strong up front wants in a tool purchase is American content.

Go with a mid range Dewalt impact wrench, or even a driver. Both are handy, although if he already has air impact wrenches, a battery 1/4” hex driver might be more useful.