Ratchet vs. Cordless Impact

[Greatbear]

I recently picked up the Milwaukee M12 3/8" ratchet. I think my various pneumatic ratchets will feel neglected now. Having had the Skil 1/4 incher for many years, it makes light work in tight spots a breeze. The Skil's problem has been the charge/cell protection circuitry kicking in before the battery was even halfway discharged, and even when fully charged and brand new, jogging the trigger too fast shuts down the tool. The Milwaukees have variable speed, which is fantastic to have.

 

[diesel research]

The M18 3/8 or 1/2" compact is NO comparison to the SO 3/8 regardless of cost. While the M18 1/2 fullsize may be close it ends up in a different category of bulkiness and places it will fit.

The M12 beats their sub compact all day long. That's where it stops though.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I love my 3/8 air impact, use it way more than my 3/8 air ratchet. Just bought a 1/4 air impact and am looking forward to trying it out. There will always be a place for hand ratchets though. I'm not going to fire up the air compressor, drag out the air hose, and oil up the air wrench just to do a job which requires removing two bolts. Sometimes you're doing something which requires the precision that only comes from hand tools.

 

[crewchief888]

only time i grab a ratchet at work, is when i can get an air or cordless impact on the offending nut/bolt.

in th garage i use a ratchet most of the time, i'm in no hurry

 

[richfinn]

I still like my T handles, how old fashioned is that

 

[Farmer Joe]

I haven't even used, nor do I own a T handle yet lol. I'm sure I'll need it eventually though

 

[bagsanthony]

i just use a hammer!

 

[74grabber]

Hope this isnt off topic here......

So what impacts or impact drivers would you guys recommend for a home garage that sees on average 4-6 cars a weekend. Mostly auto work, pretty much everything automotive ( engine, transmission, interior, rear end, steering, suspension, body etc etc)

I have an air compressor but honestly its a hastle to me to listen to it run on and off for hours, and dragging air hose around.

I plan on buying a set of electric tools and I am favoring the milwaukee line due to using them at a harsh work enviroment and discounts through work.

Just not sure which ones to get I was thinkingthrough my recent research here a M12 impact driver, m18 3/8 impact wrench, and m18 1/2 impact wrench. Does this sound right for "everything automotive"? Should I add in some sort of cordless screwdriver as well?

Thinking these paired with a set of universal socket sets and some wobble extensions would get me some faster repairs vs ratchets and wrenches. And more time working on my own cars

 

[csmitty]

I've got the dewalt 12v 3/8s and the big 18v 1/2. After I got the compressor finally I use air more as its slightly quieter. and found a mg325 for a steal. Thats the go to impact and its taken off everything other than one or two bolts on my transmission mount. Got the 2135Ti out and it didn't care. Gonna put the 18v in the truck.

I've got a powerforce by IR butterfly I got at walmart on clearance a long time ago and its awesome. Don't use it as much as I should but if your in a tight spot and trying to hold something or backing up with a wrench its great to have.

I usually assemble with ratchets torque wrench's as well. Or start by hand, run up with impact then torque it. I do have way more ratchets that probably necessary for a home garage