I’m seeing what I feel are absolutely ridiculous numbers on battery powered impacts, and it’s honestly hard to believe. Does a battery powered 3/4 drive really have more torque than a 1/2 pneumatic impact? I’m seeing claims both fastening and breakaway are better, it’s just hard to believe. Have batteries really come this far? If so as a new mechanic, should I be getting bigger drives in battery, or getting pneumatic drivers?
New mechanic looking for advice on impacts
- Thread starter yohn
- Start date
Kaervak
Well-known member
I work as a fleet mechanic for a private ambulance service (as well as a paramedic there) Our vehicles are Ford E350/E450 and Ford Transit 250s. We have shop air everywhere, but I always go for my Milwaukee M18 mid torque for nearly everything. Battery power is so much more convenient to me and plenty powerful. Lug nuts are torqued to 140lb/ft on the E series ambulances and 150lb/ft on the Transits and the mid torque pulls them off without issue. All the heavy front end suspension work I've done, mid torque no problem, same for brake work. I have an M12 3/8 stubby I use for smaller stuff as well and it's incredibly handy to have. I'd say start with the mid torque if you go the battery route and get the high torque later if you need it. Air is a lot cheaper, but the convenience of not having to drag a hose around is damn nice.
Also, buy the best you can AFFORD, not WANT. It's crazy easy to drop a ton on tools right out the gate. One of the other mechanics has $30k in just Snap-On boxes, I have $1900 into a 5 drawer HF service cart and I get the job done just the same. Buy your tools smart.
Also, buy the best you can AFFORD, not WANT. It's crazy easy to drop a ton on tools right out the gate. One of the other mechanics has $30k in just Snap-On boxes, I have $1900 into a 5 drawer HF service cart and I get the job done just the same. Buy your tools smart.
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You can never have too many... as a fellow professional.
I have:
M18 2667 High Torque 1/2
M18 2962 Mid Torque 1/2
M12 2554 stubby 3/8
Dewalt 12V MAX DCF903 3/8
Dewalt 12V MAX DCF902 3/8
Mac 12V MAX MCF901 1/4
Ingersoll Rand 2235QTiMAX 1/2
Aircat 1057-TH 1/2
Astro Pneumatic 1828 Nano 3/8
I would say each has their use. (Doesn't include my impact drivers, ratchets, drills or screwguns)
I have:
M18 2667 High Torque 1/2
M18 2962 Mid Torque 1/2
M12 2554 stubby 3/8
Dewalt 12V MAX DCF903 3/8
Dewalt 12V MAX DCF902 3/8
Mac 12V MAX MCF901 1/4
Ingersoll Rand 2235QTiMAX 1/2
Aircat 1057-TH 1/2
Astro Pneumatic 1828 Nano 3/8
I would say each has their use. (Doesn't include my impact drivers, ratchets, drills or screwguns)
garfunkle24
Well-known member
We have a big screw compressor and air drops every 10ft. I use air for blow guns, air hammers and die grinders (but use m12 for small jobs). Cordless for everything else. Heavy duty shop btw.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I have an older M18 impact that claims to have 1400 ft lbs of nut busting torque. About the only nuts that get busted are mine from carrying that boat anchor around. My IR 231 seems to have more power and weighs at least half as much. The cordless is nice for when something is farther away than my 100' of hose won't reach though.
Definitely check out Torque Test Channel on youtube and come to some decisions yourself.
I found out battery size greatly changes the power.
I assumed same power, just run time was different.
Wrench97
Well-known member
I worked in a fleet shop for 42 years, If you are getting paid by the hour the shop should be providing 3/4" and larger guns, torque wrenches etc.
Battery powered tools are convenient and have their place away from the shop( in the yard, at the dock etc) In the shop air powered tools are cheaper, lighter and easier on you to operate.
Battery tools will just drain money out of your pay that you will not get back by them being more convenient to use because they don't have a air line attached.
Battery powered tools are convenient and have their place away from the shop( in the yard, at the dock etc) In the shop air powered tools are cheaper, lighter and easier on you to operate.
Battery tools will just drain money out of your pay that you will not get back by them being more convenient to use because they don't have a air line attached.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Battery size makes a bit of difference in power but not a lot once it gets to a 5.0. I have 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.0 batteries and none of them make it work as well as the tried and true IR 231. Bigger batteries make it heavier though.
I've had bolts #5 battery wouldn't do, but a #8 did without too much fuss.
I haven't used my IR2135 much since buying M18 impacts years ago.
Rusted Nut
Well-known member
If you’re starting out, and on a budget; get air tools. They’re less expensive, no need to buy replacement batteries, and last a long time. Most air tools have plentry of power. As you some experience and get some $$$’s in the bank, then pick up some cordless; they definitely are convenient.
dclark2171
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- Feb 19, 2024
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I have the 3/4 Metabo HPT that is tested in this video (I also have the 1/2 inch as well) and it's much more easy to use vs my Dads old Craftsman 1/2 Pneumatic. Not having the hose to drag around, get caught on things, etc....makes life much more easier. There has not been any tire lug that (even rusted tight) the 1/2 inch impact could not tackle. I got the 3/4 just to have something to use my late Dad's 3/4 impact sockets. The 3/4 is super poerful.
DC motors are torquey. That’s why Teslas are fast. The downside is that torque drops off as the battery flattens, whereas an air tool stays the same as long as the compressor keeps refilling the tank. Check out some of the videos where electric cars beat high dollar gas powered sports cars. I’ve only ever been in one once, but I was impressed.
I have a battery powered chainsaw. It kicks *** for exactly 20 cuts then I want to throw it. In my experience, battery powered impact guns are better than that. But I don’t use them all day long!
Welcome to GJ. A lot of good folks and good info here.
scooby074
Well-known member
Whats the shop providing? Bigger stuff, 3/4 , 1". If so, you can focus on m18, get the max torque and mid. The 3/8 "stubby" m12 is worthy too.
If the shop isnt providing larger tools, youre going to need something 1", likely extended anvil. Id go pneumatic. IR has always been good.
If the shop isnt providing larger tools, youre going to need something 1", likely extended anvil. Id go pneumatic. IR has always been good.
Yes, but what you need to remember is that these super-ultra high torque 1/2 impacts are comically large tools more comparable in size to 3/4 drive pneumatic tools, but with 1/2 anvils. Mid-Torque guns are a more appropriate comparison and suddenly cordless is a lot less impressive.
If you need 3/4 power and have regular access to air, a 3/4 pneumatic will always be my choice.
39CAMC
Well-known member
I don't do anything heavy duty needing a 3/4, but for automotive/light truck, I have not use my trusty IR air 1/2 stuff since I got my first DeWalt 20v stuff about 8-10 years ago. The 18v stuff I had before was pretty crappy for automotive use (I had a bunch for a decade I spent in construction) but the 20v serves daily. As mentioned above, mid torque for most lugs and general stuff. Big boy for the occasional stuff that the mid won't get.
I don't think brand matters, especially between yellow and red. It has been a while but I want to say I experimented with a Porter Cable 20v set after the DeWalt 18v stuff and it worked fine, but tool selection was sorely lacking (at the time). They are all better in the time since, but I think yellow (and especially red) have the most selection.
DaveW
I don't think brand matters, especially between yellow and red. It has been a while but I want to say I experimented with a Porter Cable 20v set after the DeWalt 18v stuff and it worked fine, but tool selection was sorely lacking (at the time). They are all better in the time since, but I think yellow (and especially red) have the most selection.
DaveW
Batteries have come far but for durability, lifespan, size to power and initial outlay air wins .
When in a shop with good and easy air access make use of it, battery still super nice have but balance in costs and that includes lifespan costs not just up front cost .
Pick best of both air and battery at a cost that you find sensible ...
When in a shop with good and easy air access make use of it, battery still super nice have but balance in costs and that includes lifespan costs not just up front cost .
Pick best of both air and battery at a cost that you find sensible ...
WWheeler
Well-known member
My Dewalt DCF891 has never failed to zip off any lugnut, axle nut, crank bolt, etc, anything I've tried it on to date. It's small enough to get at a caliper bracket, yet and at >600 ft lbs (tested @ 620 ftlbs in the video below) has torque specs right up there with many high torques. Hardly a reason for me to grab my high torque cordless or my Astro Thor any more. I definitely haven't drug out the hose for my Thor since getting it.
Other brand's mid-torques have come a long way too. The Metabo SSW 18 LTX 800 tested even better at 628 ftlbs. The Makita GWT08Z tested @ 568 ftlbs and the Flex FX1451-Z tested @ 558 ftlbs. Those are all crazy numbers from mid-size cordless impacts that a few years ago I never would have believed.
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JABgj
Well-known member
We use the heck out of the Milwaukee 1/2" gun on a daily basis. Works good on lugs for 3/4T pickups and lighter duties. When the 1/2" can't do it, the Milwaukee 3/4" comes out and solves most problems. We work all over the property so battery power is very handy and those 2 guns hold up very well. When nothing will budge we will break out the 1" IR pneumatic and V8 compressor. Problem solved. As you go up in size no matter the platform, the weight and footprint of the tool increases noticeably so try and factor that into your choice.
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
Hydraulic, but you aren't going to like the price.
Benny Franklin
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- Apr 9, 2023
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The boss put Milwaukee and Dewalt on my service truck, so I used both. The Dewalt couldn’t hold a candle to the M18 Fuel impacts in 1/2 and 3/4 using 8.0 and 12.0 batteries. My buddy swears by his 1” Milwaukee for tire changes on his Peterbilt. Now that I don’t turn wrenches full time the battery tools are nicer than having the air compressor running all the time, especially since I pay for the fuel now 
I went with Ridgid cordless tools due to the warranty and haven’t been disappointed yet. IMO if you need more power than the high-torque 1/2” offerings from the big name brands, you need to step up to a 1” air gun. Even the cheap HF 1” guns do fine- the biggest hurdle is getting air supply to run it at potential
I went with Ridgid cordless tools due to the warranty and haven’t been disappointed yet. IMO if you need more power than the high-torque 1/2” offerings from the big name brands, you need to step up to a 1” air gun. Even the cheap HF 1” guns do fine- the biggest hurdle is getting air supply to run it at potential
You're not gonna go wrong with Milwaukee or DeWalt, both companies have awesome guns for a wide range. There really isn't much my 3/4 Mac AWP075 can do that my 2967 can't, the M18 pulls off and 33mm truck lug nuts daily without a fight (even in the salt belt). I've been using my buddies M18 mid torque while I wait for my Gen2 M12 stubby since my gen 1 took a swim. That's the only downside to electric as far as I can tell.
Kirbot
Well-known member
A compact, cordless 3/8" (the newest M12 looks pretty awesome) and a 1/2" air gun would probably be the most versatile combo while not going crazy with the budget
I have the last gen M18 high torque, and while it's an absolute beast, it's just so big and cumbersome. I've been reaching for the earthquake "compact" sort of mid torque air gun a whole lot more since I got it
I have the last gen M18 high torque, and while it's an absolute beast, it's just so big and cumbersome. I've been reaching for the earthquake "compact" sort of mid torque air gun a whole lot more since I got it
Theronswanson
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- May 13, 2023
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Air will always be superior in my opinion. Especially when it comes to ratchets. Most of the techs in the shop I work at still use them. Cordless impacts are great and definitely have their place.
I was in your shoes over 20 years ago, and wish I have been given this advice when I was starting out. Buy what you can afford FIRST. Then upgrade down the road. There is no shame in having a $50 air impact when you're first starting out. If you need to borrow a tool twice, you need to buy one.
I was in your shoes over 20 years ago, and wish I have been given this advice when I was starting out. Buy what you can afford FIRST. Then upgrade down the road. There is no shame in having a $50 air impact when you're first starting out. If you need to borrow a tool twice, you need to buy one.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
The big wins on pneumatic tools is that they are less expensive AND they are rebuildable !
No one has made a successful hand held impact chisel/hammer.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I tried NOT adding M18 tools to my collection of M12 tools, but the Mid Torque changed my mind !
Dakotadadv8
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Good to know will be doing the same on an E450 but have the air IR just in case.
A lot of DeWalt fans here so hopefully I won't hurt any feelings but they are a dog with Flees compared to Milwaukee in just about every way.
engineer2
Well-known member
Check out Makita if you want tools that will last for years without problems.
haven't used a new one lately have you
I have not, I know they build some good tools I just have not had very good luck with them.