Only one: Choosing an Electric Impact

[Ben LeBlanc]

Hello.
I have built my project car so far without the need for an impact wrench. I have however always wanted one, but the price has kept me out of making the purchase; as at the end of the day, I can usually get the job done by hand.
Anyways, my truck has lugs torqued to 125 ft lbs, and I figure my ideal wrench would be able to take off those lugs. That being said, I have three options. I want a dewalt, and I want some larger batteries, so no matter what I am looking at kits.
The 3/8 inch
DEWALT DCF883M2 20-volt MAX Lithium Ion 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Kit with Hog Ring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWFIKZO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I prefer the detent pin, but the cost of this package currently is 50 dollars less than the 1/2 inch. Also has 30 less ft lbs though.

The 1/2 inch
DEWALT DCF880M2 20-volt MAX Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit with Detent Pin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEAYXWM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Would be good, but I hear a lot more people use 3/8 more? I mainly do fabrication requiring the same bolts to feed in and out a lot of times, so do I need the extra power for the extra price?
I know that if I get a weaker one I will come upon a bolt and wish I got the extra torque... But I know that I couldn't use it for quick mock up assemblies. It is also quite outside the budget, but is it the "one to get"?
DEWALT DCF899P1 20V MAX XR Brushless High Torque 1/2" Impact Wrench Kit with Detent Anvil https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X52TWA4/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Thoughts?

Also a little hard trying to justify the purchase for non-job use. If I buy this, I will also need to buy the special sockets and attachments. My 21 yr old self in college doesn't have a whole bunch of change.

 

[rice rocket]

First off, for car work, you want a hog ring or a ball pin. Detent pins require a long/thin object to remove sockets, which would be annoying after the first hour.

Also, the large 1/2 gun is fun to show your friends, but in the end, you'll use the compact guns 10-100x more than the huge one. At twice the weight and several inches longer, you'll gravitate towards the compact for most your work even if you have both. The only real reason would be if you do lots of rusty exhaust work or something, otherwise the compact is much more usable.


If I were in college, I'd buy none of the above and just trade people beer to use their tools.

 

[allstarrme]

I have the mac version of the 3/8" impact, it is rated slightly better than the regular version, I use it a lot for brakes and such but I use the dewalt 899 for any hard to get loose lugs.

Yeah it's big and expensive, my snap on 1/2" will do most lugs, but if they're over torqued or seized that Dewalt will do the job, and it's half the price of the Snap-on one currently.

Get the hog ring nose, I use these all day, everyday. The 3/8 will get you close when putting lugs on but won't remove them half the time. If you want to save money get a breaker bar and some ratchets.

I'm gonna replace my snap on with a second Dewalt 899 when it dies, maybe sooner.

You want less get a 1/4 drive, my 20v Dewalt 1/4 drive will tear a 10mm head clear off a bolt, still drives in screws and such fine and is even smaller than a 3/8" impact.

 

[shockwave]

I would still say Milwaukee fuel high torque for cordless proven tested and reliable too

 

[619DioFan]

I would still say Milwaukee fuel high torque for cordless proven tested and reliable too

Totally agree. have the 1/2 and 3/8 drive impacts. 2 years now of hard use and zero problems. best tool money I ever spent.

 

[scissorman]

First you might want to change your title to Cordless Impact.

It's not one of your options but I own the IR W7150 and it's been the best thing I've used to date. I also own a Dewalt 3/8" impact kit and a Milwaukee 3/8" impact kit but they don't get the use anymore since I purchased the IR.

 

[Sugarfryz]

I use my Milwaukee 1/2 impact at work daily with no issues. Even prefer it over my air tools, we have a great air supply at work but I still always reach for my cordless first. It's great not having to fiddle with hoses and leaky connections.

 

[chewy7]

I would still say Milwaukee fuel high torque for cordless proven tested and reliable too

i agree

 

[gdocktor3]

I have the Dewalt dcf899 hog ring simply because it is the most powerful of that brand. I don't want an impact wrench that won't do what I ask. So far, I have not found a bolt it won't remove and I absolutely love it.

A bit off your topic but, I use my Dewalt 1/4" impact driver for everything that doesn't require huge amounts of torque. Of course it won't remove lug nuts, but it also won't break small fasteners while working under the hood like a 3/8" or 1/2" impact could. A 1400 inch pound impact driver like the DCF885C2 equates to 117 ft lbs. The compact impact you linked above is rated at 150 ft lbs. Not a huge difference, but the compact impact is limited to just 1/2" sockets. An impact driver can use adapters for any size socket, as well as flat, phillips, torx, hex, nut drivers, drill bits, etc. So, go big and get the dcf899 and be sure to get the hog ring, then in the future pick up a 1/4" impact driver and you will have all bases covered. Detent pins are a complete pain in the ***.

Put in some work this Black Friday and Cyber Monday and you'll get your tools for a lot cheaper than in a set. I picked up all my tools, batteries, and charger separately on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist. The bare dcf899 can be had for around $200-230. A charger on eBay is $25 and batteries are around $40-50. You don't need a 5ah battery. I have 3ah and they last forever. You do the math...

 

[stuk4x4]

Go get the Milwaukee ones. I have the 18volt Drill and an Impact driver neither has missed a beat in 10 years, My father-inlaw bought a Dewalt impact a few years ago (no more than 3 max) and that POS has already **** the bed. Just my experience.
Good Luck
Walt

 

[so2315]

I have the 18v Dewalt 1/2 Impact with the detent pin. Hate that thing, could never get the socket off when needed to. Ended up filing just a tad bit off on the detent pin to get it to work they way I like it.
I now have the Dewalt 20v 887 1/4" Impact, and let me tell you this thing puts the 1/2 drive to shame! It will take lug nuts off no problem. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to make this my one stop fastener removal tool. Upgrade to the larger batteries if you wish, but the slim 20v batteries on mine run fine and I use it to do tire work all the time!

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I agree with what's been said above. I first bought myself an IR W7150 as my thinking was "i can always go lighter on the trigger but still have all that available power". Way too big for under hood work and working in the driveway laying under a car cranking on bolts for minutes at a time, that's always fun. Next i bought a milwaukee fuel 3/8 impact. It's great. "210" ft lbs, fairly light, 3 speed/power settings. I upgraded to an IR W5132, take a look at that gun. Awesome and powerful. http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/Iqv-cordless-tools/iqv20/w5132

 

[Cope]

I have the Dewalt dcf899 hog ring simply because it is the most powerful of that brand. I don't want an impact wrench that won't do what I ask. So far, I have not found a bolt it won't remove and I absolutely love it.

A bit off your topic but, I use my Dewalt 1/4" impact driver for everything that doesn't require huge amounts of torque. Of course it won't remove lug nuts, but it also won't break small fasteners while working under the hood like a 3/8" or 1/2" impact could. A 1400 inch pound impact driver like the DCF885C2 equates to 117 ft lbs. The compact impact you linked above is rated at 150 ft lbs. Not a huge difference, but the compact impact is limited to just 1/2" sockets. An impact driver can use adapters for any size socket, as well as flat, phillips, torx, hex, nut drivers, drill bits, etc. So, go big and get the dcf899 and be sure to get the hog ring, then in the future pick up a 1/4" impact driver and you will have all bases covered. Detent pins are a complete pain in the ***.

Put in some work this Black Friday and Cyber Monday and you'll get your tools for a lot cheaper than in a set. I picked up all my tools, batteries, and charger separately on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist. The bare dcf899 can be had for around $200-230. A charger on eBay is $25 and batteries are around $40-50. You don't need a 5ah battery. I have 3ah and they last forever. You do the math...

I agree. I got the detent model and modified the detent so that I can get sockets off easier.
Regarding the 889 being big and heavy, I bought it for mobile lug nut removal and heavy non-auto work. I have a pneumatic 1/2" for close quarters work.

 

[KMdef9]

I think you really need to assess what you need it for. Alot of people telling you to get this and that based on their needs.

If your doing mainly lugs and other heavy suspension stuff, stick with 1/2. Nothing wrong with Dewalt, mine are still kicking around with no issues.

Yes 3/8 could do under the hood stuff better, but will severely lack in power compared to 1/2 stuff. IMO 3/8 sized stuff is the "jack of all trades but master of none". All my electric tools are either 1/2 or 1/4. But that's what works for me.

You can always buy a cheap 1/4 drive for smaller stuff later, I got a m12 tool, batt and charger from a member here brand new for $50.

 

[Roberts210]

I've used my Milwaukee 1/2" corded impact for 20 years on many different vehicles and it's never let me down. The lug nuts on my '95 Dodge/Cummins take 125 ft. lbs. and the Milwaukee loosens them very easily. It is advertised as developing 300 ft. lbs. and I've used it on some really hairy tractor fasteners and pickup pinion nuts that needed 300 ft. lbs.

 

[gdocktor3]

If anyone is interested, Mac has a BOGO deal on 12v Dewalt 3/8" impact wrench, 2 batteries, charger, carrying bag and free 1/4" hex impact driver for $165. Page 7 http://resources.mactools.com/flyers/USM_Holiday_2016/index.html#/6/

Roughly $50 savings if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Zeke]

I've used my Milwaukee 1/2" corded impact for 20 years on many different vehicles and it's never let me down. The lug nuts on my '95 Dodge/Cummins take 125 ft. lbs. and the Milwaukee loosens them very easily. It is advertised as developing 300 ft. lbs. and I've used it on some really hairy tractor fasteners and pickup pinion nuts that needed 300 ft. lbs.

Fro heavy duty I would think corded or air powered is better, especially since you said you've gotten this far w/o one. Air is cheaper, but I miss my corded IW. I used to install ledger boards with 3/8 x 6" lags and that sucker drove them home easily. I wouldn't want to abuse a cordless like that.

Who knows? Cordless have come a long way, but I'm old skuul.

 

[OHMS LAW]

To me in my experience, best all around impact. Can do suspension, engine and trim work

 

[CJM8515]

I would still say Milwaukee fuel high torque for cordless proven tested and reliable too

X3 (or whatever number by now)

I have the 3/8 and 1/2 high output. I LOVE them! No issues, super powerful and long lasting batteries with the 4.0ah. The 3/8 gun is good all around, 1/2 is a bad boy and will take off whatever you can get it near. Only downside is size, they dont always fit where an air impact will.

The 12v guns are also really nice for smaller stuff.

 

[Thax]

If your in college and funds are tight, look at the cordless impact at Harbor Freight. Its about 100 bucks with a 20% coupon and is rated at 330 foot pounds of torque. Sure there are better units out there but from what you needs are , sounds like it would work nice for you.

 

[gdocktor3]

Fro heavy duty I would think corded or air powered is better, especially since you said you've gotten this far w/o one. Air is cheaper, but I miss my corded IW. I used to install ledger boards with 3/8 x 6" lags and that sucker drove them home easily. I wouldn't want to abuse a cordless like that.

Who knows? Cordless have come a long way, but I'm old skuul.

I don't think a 3/4" corded impact could match the torque of a modern 1/2" cordless impact wrench.

 

[DFB]

On a budget the Ryobi P261 with 3 power modes and a single 4.0 Lithium would be a good compromise.

Also has that pin detent you want

My Milwaukee 2655B has what they call a ball pin it is supposed to be tool less as opposed to the standard pin 55 model

So the Ryobi is rated for a higher torque than either the Dewalt DCF880M2 (152ft lbs) or Milwaukee (220ftlbs) 2755 models pin or ring compact impacts.

And right now its $50 off the original price so only $129

P180 kit
3 yr warranty and 90 day exchange policy


The HF unit is still NiCad


Lot of video reviews on the Ryobi


WorkShop Addict is just one of many.

I have several Milwaukee cordless wrenches but I often think about getting one of these to just to keep around at the farm for everyday work instead of lugging my Milwaukee's in daily

 

[PhantomEB]

IR hands down, those big box store ones won't last!

 

[Zeke]

I don't think a 3/4" corded impact could match the torque of a modern 1/2" cordless impact wrench.

Yeah, but if you're running in 3/8ths lags all morning how will the battery stand up?

(OK, I've never spent an entire morning running lags)

 

[bcradio]

If your in college and funds are tight, look at the cordless impact at Harbor Freight. Its about 100 bucks with a 20% coupon and is rated at 330 foot pounds of torque. Sure there are better units out there but from what you needs are , sounds like it would work nice for you.

Whatever you do, please DO NOT buy cordless tools from Harbor Freight. You will be sorry.

My vote is for the corded Kobalt or Milwaukee as well. will be a lifetime gun and is always ready when you need it.

 

[JD.]

I've just got a good deal for a "body only" DeWalt DCF899 as I've already got batteries and a charger from other DeWalt tools. Was £107 - approx. $133. Should arrive next week! It seems to be the "big daddy" of electric impact wrenches with a huge breakaway torque. Those other ones you posted wouldn't have the same ability to remove tight bolts.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

My m18 fuel has had no issues removing things for a 3/8. Only issue is with longer extensions, but that's to be expected. I'm looking forward to when I can use my w5132. It all depends on what you use it on. An "everything" fun is different for everyone. I suffered with my IR w7150 for a few years before buying my fuel. I have touched the w7150 only for jobs my Milwaukee suffered in.

 

[bubinga]

Do you guys still think the older DeWalt 889 is still worth buying, or should I wait for the new Dewalt line to come out, in hopes that the DCF 899 b will be on clearance?
I'm really not in a big hurry for the impact, I do have the 894 mid torque.
Grainger had the DCF 899 B with a battery and charger and everything for around $130 clearance but I missed it.
(Cross posted)

 

[scissorman]

Once I bought my cordless IR I haven't looked back at all the other junk. I swapped all my cordless to IR that's how happy I am with it.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Get the biggest one, it will do what you struggle to with hand tools.

 

[JunkBonds]

The grid cannot support these electric tools!

 

[greg13]

I have the mac version of the 3/8" impact, it is rated slightly better than the regular version, I use it a lot for brakes and such but I use the dewalt 899 for any hard to get loose lugs.

Yeah it's big and expensive, my snap on 1/2" will do most lugs, but if they're over torqued or seized that Dewalt will do the job, and it's half the price of the Snap-on one currently.

Get the hog ring nose, I use these all day, everyday. The 3/8 will get you close when putting lugs on but won't remove them half the time. If you want to save money get a breaker bar and some ratchets.

I'm gonna replace my snap on with a second Dewalt 899 when it dies, maybe sooner.

You want less get a 1/4 drive, my 20v Dewalt 1/4 drive will tear a 10mm head clear off a bolt, still drives in screws and such fine and is even smaller than a 3/8" impact.

Sell the snap on NOW and get top dollar for it. You all ready know what many refuse to believe, If it says Snap on on it it HAS to be the best. I've been running Mac/Dewalt for years (and ******* the Snap on dealers off when I prove my guns have more ***).

 

[Lucid Moments]

Sell the snap on NOW and get top dollar for it. You all ready know what many refuse to believe, If it says Snap on on it it HAS to be the best. I've been running Mac/Dewalt for years (and ******* the Snap on dealers off when I prove my guns have more ***).

You know you just replied to a 5 1/2 year old post right?

 

[bubinga]

Do you guys still think the older DeWalt 889 is still worth buying, or should I wait for the new Dewalt line to come out, in hopes that the DCF 899 b will be on clearance?
I'm really not in a big hurry for the impact, I do have the 894 mid torque.
Grainger had the DCF 899 B with a battery and charger and everything for around $130 clearance but I missed it.
(Cross posted)

I see the advertised max torque of the 889 B is only 300 foot pounds advertised torque of my 894 B is actually three hundred and thirty four pounds
If those are accurate I guess the 889b is not worth it seeing as I already have the 894 B.

 

[finn]

I have three M18 Milwaukee impacts, the 2767 for big jobs like lug nuts, the gen 2 mid torque 2962, and the gen three compact 2854 3/8” for smaller jobs.

I also recently picked up a Dewalt Atomic 1/2 “ DCF921B.

Of the four, I prefer the new Dewalt 921B, and may pick up the 3/8 drive 923B to replace the M18 compact 2854.

Rumor has it that Dewalt should be releasing a new generation of mid torque impacts. Both Dewalt and Milwaukee make good products.

My recommendation would be to pick the wrench that has the best ergonomics, and the smallest size to still do the majority of your jobs. The 2767 big Bertha mostly sits in the cabinet while the smaller impacts get chosen to do the work.

Edit: bit once more by a six year old thread!

 

[greg13]

You know you just replied to a 5 1/2 year old post right?

You are right, never noticed the date. The site I used to moderate locked topics after a month of no activity.

 

[Lucid Moments]

You are right, never noticed the date. The site I used to moderate locked topics after a month of no activity.

I wish we would do that here. I have done what you did also, and it is easy to do. You get a zombie thread that someone resurrects and most people don't notice how old it is most of the time. Person may have resurrected it because they had a question regarding the subject of the thread, but then many people don't read the thread before responding to the original post and the resurrector's question never gets answered.

 

[bubinga]

I have three M18 Milwaukee impacts, the 2767 for big jobs like lug nuts, the gen 2 mid torque 2962, and the gen three compact 2854 3/8” for smaller jobs.

I also recently picked up a Dewalt Atomic 1/2 “ DCF921B.

Of the four, I prefer the new Dewalt 921B, and may pick up the 3/8 drive 923B to replace the M18 compact 2854.

Rumor has it that Dewalt should be releasing a new generation of mid torque impacts. Both Dewalt and Milwaukee make good products.

My recommendation would be to pick the wrench that has the best ergonomics, and the smallest size to still do the majority of your jobs. The 2767 big Bertha mostly sits in the cabinet while the smaller impacts get chosen to do the work.

Edit: bit once more by a six year old thread!

Oh so they're not releasing a new high torque? I was hoping would see a clearance on the 899b

 

[finn]

Oh so they're not releasing a new high torque? I was hoping would see a clearance on the 899b

I guess the high torque is being upgraded too. I haven’t really paid attention, though,since I don’t need another high torque.

 

[Robinson1]

I'm happy with my DCF894. Lugs are no problem. It doesn't complain on big stuff either. Ive used it mostly on junk rusty farm equipment that's older than me.