Sorting out Milwaukee Impact Drivers

[sreeb]

I'm looking for my first cordless impact wrench.

Since I already have multiple M18 batteries and chargers, spread over two locations, that decision was made years ago.

So it will be a bare Milwaukee M18 wrench but which one?

I'm not a very heavy user, mostly using an impact wrench when nothing else will work. The convenience of a cordless might change that though. I will be using it on cars, pickups, and a compact 30 hp tractor. I'm not a pro and no one is going to let me get within 100 yards of their 18 wheeler with tool in hand.

Looking at CPO:

$129 Factory Reconditioned 2663-80
$159 Factory Reconditioned Milwaukee 2759B-80
$167 Milwaukee 2861-20 (amazon)
$229 2767-20 M18 FUEL

I think I would probably use the 2759 more than the others but I'm concerned it won't have the guts when I have to have them.

If I get the 2767, will I bust half the bolts I use it on?

The 2663 is cheap and would probably do most of what I need but it is older tech. Is it really far behind in usability?

Thoughts on this?

 

[jd_1138]

Might as well go with the Fuel model, as you're saving soo much money by doing your own work on all those vehicles that the dollar difference is chump change in comparison. Plus its extra ooomph might come in handy.

I'd probably go with the compact model Fuel as it will fit into more spots. But you might actually need both eventually -- the compact one and the larger stronger one. But still cheap when considering how much you save by repairing your own stuff.

 

[BenHilton]

Definitely take the 2861 mid torque into consideration. It will cover 90% of your needs on cars and light trucks, and it's much smaller than the 2767, while still having 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque (according to milwaukee).

 

[Walter_TA]

I am with him ^^^^^^^^

 

[sreeb]

2861 looks like it might be a great compromise.

 

[DFB]

2861 from the ones you listed

 

[firworks]

If you're ready to fire today check eBay and use code PSPRINGTIME for 15% off. I just saw a 2767 on there for 222$ which with the code would come down to 188$. You should be able to find all of the different models on there and a lot of times they're even sold by CPO through eBay.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Another vote for Mid-torque. 220 Ft Lbs is not enough. 700 ft Lbs is probably unnecessary. 450 is Goldilocks

 

[sreeb]

Just ordered a 2861 off ebay with the 15% off code. $136 tax, title, and delivery.

Thanks guys.

 

[CR888]

Good choice. Bigger is not always better. IME in many different applications I reach for the smallest, lightest tool that will do the job. If you owned all of those impacts you'd most probably use the one you chose the most by far. I think you got what you needed.

 

[Tallpilot]

Definitely take the 2861 mid torque into consideration. It will cover 90% of your needs on cars and light trucks, and it's much smaller than the 2767, while still having 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque (according to milwaukee).

This. Start with the mid torque and it should cover most of your needs. If you find something it won't drive then get the big daddy. When it doesn't fit I use my Nano.

 

[kctyphoon]

The mid torque is definitely the most versatile.. that said - it will not completely replace the big guy, BUT it can be used in more places.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

The mid-torque is the perfect balance of size/weight and power for all DIY/home mechanic work. I have the pin-detent model which is the 2860 I believe, but same specs as the 2861. I love it, it lives in a tool box in my car with a 5.0ah battery and my other "roadside service" type tools.

 

[jkesselr]

Does anybody know a current valid ebay coupon code? I am looking to buy, but the QSPRINGTIME code is expired.

 

[Bobioz1]

I used PSPRINGTIME yesterday for 15% off. Good luck.

 

[jkesselr]

Yeah, that’s what I meant. P, not Q. It is expired.

 

[CTyankee]

Threads like this one is what makes GJ a great resource. I've been planning on purchasing an impact driver but really had no clue what to get. I grabbed a 2861 off ebay..missed the 15% off though.. I'm already feeling more confident about tackling the front suspension on my Jeep.

 

[sreeb]

Got if and, after using it to pull the wheels off a trailer, I like it a lot.

 

[toddacimer]

I love my mid torque. It's a whole lot more powerful (3x by the stats) than the compact 1/2" drive and it's still light and small. The high torque looks neat but the bulk and heft isn't something that looks convenient for household tasks

 

[kctyphoon]

I expect to see something comparable to the mid torqe in a 3/8" variety soon. Hopefully anyway.. my next purchase will prob be the chainsaw coming.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Threads like this one is what makes GJ a great resource. I've been planning on purchasing an impact driver but really had no clue what to get. I grabbed a 2861 off ebay..missed the 15% off though.. I'm already feeling more confident about tackling the front suspension on my Jeep.

My 2861 had no problems with anything on the front and rear suspension on a used 05 4Runner I picked up (axle nut, UCAs, LCAs, strut bolts, etc.) It did all the work just fine.