New Dewalt Impact Wrench

[Stuey]

Dewalt 18V Impact Wrench Preview

Aside from the tool being bundled with 18V NiCad batteries, the trigger looks a bit unusual to me. Instead of a trigger and forward/reverse switch, everything is built into the trigger.

Has anyone used a cordless impact with a trigger like this before? If so, do you like it more than the traditional 2-switch configuration?

 

[gj67stang]

New? I've been using that impact wrench for over 4 years now. I also have a Craftsman electric impact with the same style switch - it takes a little getting used to, but I don't have any problems with it.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

i use one as well with that style switch prefer a trigger though

 

[Stuey]

New? I've been using that impact wrench for over 4 years now. I also have a Craftsman electric impact with the same style switch - it takes a little getting used to, but I don't have any problems with it.

The body looked a bit familiar to me, but not the trigger, and I couldn't put my finger on what's different about the new one.

Will keep digging.

 

[kblazer87]

I just used mine yesterday to put a tire on my trailer. This style isn't hard to get used to.

 

[Stuey]

Looks like it's just the anvil that's changed. Old style has a ball detent, new style has a hog ring.

The press release made it sound like this was a brand new development. =( Sorry about the confusion.

 

[les_garten]

Dewalt 18V Impact Wrench Preview

Aside from the tool being bundled with 18V NiCad batteries, the trigger looks a bit unusual to me. Instead of a trigger and forward/reverse switch, everything is built into the trigger.

Has anyone used a cordless impact with a trigger like this before? If so, do you like it more than the traditional 2-switch configuration?

I had that impact for a couple of months and got rid of it as fast as I could.

The other guys in this thread, don't take this personal...

I had used Snap On 3/8 and 1/2 impacts at a buddies shop. Those impacts are worth the money they ask for them. They are also very compact. Total torque monsters.

That trigger on the Dewalt is IMHO a total POS. The trigger drove me crazy. I never remembered what was forward and what was reverse. The toggle nature of it made it somewhat difficult to modulate.

You can't rest two fingers on it like it looks like you should because then you are only holding onto it with your ring finger and pinky.

It's Huge, and heavy, and unwieldy. Hard to get into tight places because of it's size.

Doesn't have the cahones to take the lugnuts off my Hot Wheels cars. That was ultimately why it had to go.

I wanted it to work because all my cordless tools are Dewalt. I can't justify the Snappy's with another battery system to manage since I'm just a home garage guy. I have gone back to dragging out the air hose when I need impact. Poor Poor pitiful me!

I've only used two cordless impacts, Snappy and Dewalt, and it's night and day. The Snappy was killer and the Dewalt was IMO un-useable except for low torque stuff. The Dewalts I used could never manage to get a Lugnut off anything. I'm talkin Lugnuts hand torquesd to about 90 pounds. To me, they should have done that. I tried two of them and they were both identical. I did manage to take a throttle body apart with it though.

This is not to antagonize the Dewalt owners, I used to be one. I decided Cordless impact was not for me. The guy who got my Dewalt was happy as a clam. It looked like it had never been used.

 

[Stuey]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I kind of figured that the trigger would be loved by some, hated bu others. It looks like the trigger has been remolded on the new version, so perhaps the switch internals have been revamped as well. Probably not, unless a 20V Max version is also in the works and upgrade parts were being designed and produced anyways.

 

[les_garten]

I really wanted it to work...

 

[Greatbear]

I have the original pin-anvil version of that tool, it's okay, but my new Bosch kicks its *** twice over. It looks like the only real change from the original NiCd version aside from the switch to a friction ring has been the updating of the battery mount to fit the 18V legacy LiIon battery packs (no unsightly NiCd pack mount overhang!).

 

[BQuicksilver]

I had that impact for a couple of months and got rid of it as fast as I could.

The other guys in this thread, don't take this personal...

I had used Snap On 3/8 and 1/2 impacts at a buddies shop. Those impacts are worth the money they ask for them. They are also very compact. Total torque monsters.

That trigger on the Dewalt is IMHO a total POS. The trigger drove me crazy. I never remembered what was forward and what was reverse. The toggle nature of it made it somewhat difficult to modulate.

You can't rest two fingers on it like it looks like you should because then you are only holding onto it with your ring finger and pinky.

It's Huge, and heavy, and unwieldy. Hard to get into tight places because of it's size.

Doesn't have the cahones to take the lugnuts off my Hot Wheels cars. That was ultimately why it had to go.

I wanted it to work because all my cordless tools are Dewalt. I can't justify the Snappy's with another battery system to manage since I'm just a home garage guy. I have gone back to dragging out the air hose when I need impact. Poor Poor pitiful me!

I've only used two cordless impacts, Snappy and Dewalt, and it's night and day. The Snappy was killer and the Dewalt was IMO un-useable except for low torque stuff. The Dewalts I used could never manage to get a Lugnut off anything. I'm talkin Lugnuts hand torquesd to about 90 pounds. To me, they should have done that. I tried two of them and they were both identical. I did manage to take a throttle body apart with it though.

This is not to antagonize the Dewalt owners, I used to be one. I decided Cordless impact was not for me. The guy who got my Dewalt was happy as a clam. It looked like it had never been used.

EXACT same experience. This is the only 18v dewalt tool that i've been disappointed in. FWIW the smaller impact wrench was just as strong and much lighter. It struggled with 100ft lugs the Snappy knocked right off.

 

[Stuey]

I have the original pin-anvil version of that tool, it's okay, but my new Bosch kicks its *** twice over. It looks like the only real change from the original NiCd version aside from the switch to a friction ring has been the updating of the battery mount to fit the 18V legacy LiIon battery packs (no unsightly NiCd pack mount overhang!).

Which Bosch one are you referring to? The ones I previewed last winter (link) had 500 ft-lb max torque ratings and are priced between $400 and $500. I haven't tried them in person yet, and haven't seen too many user reviews either.

 

[Danglerb]

The corded HF impact has a switch like that, I don't like it. Same as Les I was always testing the switch to see which direction it went in, and still did a wrong a few times.

 

[les_garten]

One thing I forgot to mention.

I know it seems like I ranted on everything but I missed one!

Because you use 2 fingers on the trigger, you can't really grip with those 2 fingers. You have to keep them real loose. This makes you hold a 1/2" heavy impact with a weak grip. It also means you end up touching the trigger by mistake now and again.

I wasn't a fan of that trigger. Had it had the balls I would have kept it though. I didn't want to get into another battery system. I have practically all the Dewalt cordless tools, so I'm committed to their tools.

I'll only use a cordless impact once a month or so, maybe less. So couldn't justify another battery that may die from disuse.

The 3/8" Snappy is one hell of an Impact. It will do lug nuts and a ton of other stuff. Just too big a nut for me to crack.

 

[RKA]

Have to agree with Les on the trigger (keep forgetting forward and reverse and always manage to hit the wrong one) and size (although the corded is smaller it's still huge and top heavy).

 

[Trey T]

I wouldn't invest any battery operated tool that still uses NiCd chemistry.

Li-Ion is the best way to go for long term and the battery rebuild is likely to be cheaper.

 

[GTO]

I wouldn't invest any battery operated tool that still uses NiCd chemistry.

Li-Ion is the best way to go for long term and the battery rebuild is likely to be cheaper.

This^

 

[cashishift]

Looks like it's just the anvil that's changed. Old style has a ball detent, new style has a hog ring.

The press release made it sound like this was a brand new development. =( Sorry about the confusion.

Correct, that's all that changed.

They mentioned something about a motor change, though mine has the same specs.

I like the Switch the way it is.. the rocker is nice. BUT the unit itself is no fly weight.. but to have a impact on a ladder with no hose or cord, i'll take it

 

[cashishift]

I wouldn't invest any battery operated tool that still uses NiCd chemistry.

Li-Ion is the best way to go for long term and the battery rebuild is likely to be cheaper.

Li-Ion doesn't work so hot in cold weather.. any truths?

 

[cashishift]

I had that impact for a couple of months and got rid of it as fast as I could.

The other guys in this thread, don't take this personal...

I had used Snap On 3/8 and 1/2 impacts at a buddies shop. Those impacts are worth the money they ask for them. They are also very compact. Total torque monsters.

That trigger on the Dewalt is IMHO a total POS. The trigger drove me crazy. I never remembered what was forward and what was reverse. The toggle nature of it made it somewhat difficult to modulate.

You can't rest two fingers on it like it looks like you should because then you are only holding onto it with your ring finger and pinky.

It's Huge, and heavy, and unwieldy. Hard to get into tight places because of it's size.

Doesn't have the cahones to take the lugnuts off my Hot Wheels cars. That was ultimately why it had to go.

I wanted it to work because all my cordless tools are Dewalt. I can't justify the Snappy's with another battery system to manage since I'm just a home garage guy. I have gone back to dragging out the air hose when I need impact. Poor Poor pitiful me!

I've only used two cordless impacts, Snappy and Dewalt, and it's night and day. The Snappy was killer and the Dewalt was IMO un-useable except for low torque stuff. The Dewalts I used could never manage to get a Lugnut off anything. I'm talkin Lugnuts hand torquesd to about 90 pounds. To me, they should have done that. I tried two of them and they were both identical. I did manage to take a throttle body apart with it though.

This is not to antagonize the Dewalt owners, I used to be one. I decided Cordless impact was not for me. The guy who got my Dewalt was happy as a clam. It looked like it had never been used.

There is no doubt it's a heavy SOB.

Where I have found mine handiest is not working on cars ironically.. its driving lag screws when building some shelves.

My dad couldn't believe how quick it went.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

The corded HF impact has a switch like that, I don't like it. Same as Les I was always testing the switch to see which direction it went in, and still did a wrong a few times.

Yeah, I have the HF corded impact which uses the same style trigger as this Dewalt, but I haven't had any problems with it. I didn't even think twice about the trigger; I guess it's not really a big deal for me.

 

[les_garten]

There is no doubt it's a heavy SOB.

Where I have found mine handiest is not working on cars ironically.. its driving lag screws when building some shelves.

My dad couldn't believe how quick it went.

It would probably work well for that. But I would hate to tote that weight driving 50 or 100 screws.

I have the little 3/8" Impact with the 1/4" chuck on it. It's light as a feather and is real good at doing that stuff.

 

[Trey T]

I don't know about that but I think you're referring to self-discharge rate at low-temp. If so, that is true. However all battery chemistry have disadvantage when it comes to heat issue.

The great thing about Li-Ion is the self-discharge rate is much lower than Ni-Cd, Ni-MH.

Probably, the next technology is to use Li-Po safely and cost-effectively as it gives the most power per weight. Haven't seen in on power tools yet but RC guys uses these technology primarily.

Li-Ion doesn't work so hot in cold weather.. any truths?

 

[4x4gearhead]

My boss has had one of those for 5 yrs. Im not a big fan of them. They are kinda low on the power curve, my old 18v snap on 1/2" can out drive it.

 

[Stuey]

Previously, li-ion batteries suffered from performance issues when used outdoor in sub-zero or near freezing temps. Now, manufacturers have gotten things to where they can freeze a battery in a block of ice overnight and squeeze almost all potential performance out of them.

 

[GSteg]

I honestly don't know why anyone would get a Dewalt when they could get a Milwaukee for the same price. It's more powerful, lighter, more compact, comes with a REAL trigger, and two li-ion batteries. I suppose the only incentive for getting the Dewalt is if you already have the batteries for it. Then again, even if I had Dewalt batteries, I still wouldn't want it.

 

[route246]

For me, it's about weight. My arm and shoulder becomes extremely fatigued when holding up extra weight of NiCad batteries for long periods of time. Li-ion has been great from that standpoint. I live in California so the cold weather thing is obviously not a problem.

Previously, li-ion batteries suffered from performance issues when used outdoor in sub-zero or near freezing temps. Now, manufacturers have gotten things to where they can freeze a battery in a block of ice overnight and squeeze almost all potential performance out of them.

 

[bmfenn]

I've had that same style dewalt gun for probably 7-8 years. My only complaint with mine is the pin detent. It got so annoying having to stick a allen key or screwdriver in the socket hole to release it, I wound up grinding the pin down some. I wonder if switching it out to the hog ring style is possible. I used mine for swapping out tires at the racetrack, Never had a problem. If you don't over torque your lugs, it shouldn't be an issue. And the thing doesn't have enough power to over tighten the lugs much.

 

[durallymax]

its big and bulky

I dont mind the rocker switch but its backwards from snappys rocker on the screw guns which always confuses me.

 

[Greatbear]

Which Bosch one are you referring to? The ones I previewed last winter (link) had 500 ft-lb max torque ratings and are priced between $400 and $500. I haven't tried them in person yet, and haven't seen too many user reviews either.

Stuey, I have the IWTH180-01 friction ring version seen in your review. I got it as a tool-only (no batteries, charger or case) because I already have some Bosch 18V gear. It's a beast! Unlike the DeWalt, this has a variable speed trigger, which I prefer. I can vary the torque being applied by varying the speed. Like all the Bosch 18V stuff I own, the speed control is very precise, and in the case of the impact, it maintains a constant speed no matter the load. I've put it through its paces and it has impressed me each time. Had no issues at all knocking the rusty nuts off the front axles of an old Chevy pickup when replacing the CV joints. It works just fine with the "slim pack" batteries, but lasts a lot longer with the big packs. The LED came in handy a couple times too. If I have a big socket or an extension attached, the tool won't sit on the heel of the battery pack, but that's not a big deal. I use an 18V Snap On at the shop (I don't remember the model #) and the Bosch is equal to if not more powerful. I highly recommend it.

 

[GSteg]

Someone needs to do a comparison between the Snap On and the Bosch! I've only used the Bosch briefly, but not on anything that requires a lot of torque. I've been able to take off crank pulley bolts with my Snap On, but it requires at least 15 seconds of hammering. If the Bosch can do better, it'll be my next gun!

 

[Griff93]

Stuey, I have the IWTH180-01 friction ring version seen in your review. I got it as a tool-only (no batteries, charger or case) because I already have some Bosch 18V gear. It's a beast! Unlike the DeWalt, this has a variable speed trigger, which I prefer. I can vary the torque being applied by varying the speed. Like all the Bosch 18V stuff I own, the speed control is very precise, and in the case of the impact, it maintains a constant speed no matter the load. I've put it through its paces and it has impressed me each time. Had no issues at all knocking the rusty nuts off the front axles of an old Chevy pickup when replacing the CV joints. It works just fine with the "slim pack" batteries, but lasts a lot longer with the big packs. The LED came in handy a couple times too. If I have a big socket or an extension attached, the tool won't sit on the heel of the battery pack, but that's not a big deal. I use an 18V Snap On at the shop (I don't remember the model #) and the Bosch is equal to if not more powerful. I highly recommend it.

That's good to know. There's not much out there about the Bosch IWTH180-01. I'm planning on buying one shortly. I actually got the Bosch IWTH181-01 kit in today. This is the 18V Li-ion 3/8 impact kit. I'm pretty impressed with it. I was able to take a wheel lug off a jeep with it. It had to hammer on it to do it but I mean it's a 3/8 cordless impact. I torqued a 1/2 grade 8 bolt to 125 ft lbs in a test fixture and didn't have a problem breaking it loose. I need a larger bolt as it of course snapped when I tried to torque it to 150 ft lbs. It did have to hammer on it at 125 ft lbs. I'd say for somewhere around 6-8 seconds. I don't think it will loosen much past that but it's still certainly in the acceptable range for a 3/8 cordless. I have an old 9.6V makita 3/8 impact that is starting to make noises out of the hammers that I'm replacing with this bosch. If it holds up as long I'll be extremely happy. I didn't go with the makita stuff again because I didn't like the rocker trigger and not being variable speed on the BTW450(1/2 makita impact).