So I am unsure whether or not to exchange my M12 Fuel 3/8 impact for a new one.
I got it last month around Xmas when HD was having their buy the M12 kit and get free M12 ratchet deal. The impact "works fine" so far as I can tell but there is a very noticeable change in sound and vibration when you spin it pointing up vs pointing down.
For reference, my M12 Fuel impact driver sounds exactly the same no matter what orientation the tool is used in. Same goes for my M12 hammer drill. But not for my 3/8 impact. The best I can describe it is a "growling" sound. You can also feel more vibration in the tool when it is making the noise. It's kind of like the bearing of the spinning mechanism on the rear of the tool is bad? I don't know exactly how everything is fit together inside but it seems like pointing it up vs down is putting different load on some bearing and that is causing the noise and vibration. It is easily noticeable on speed setting 1 and is more apparent at speed setting 2.
Now I haven't had a chance to really test it under load to see if it is impacting performance, this is mainly just spinning it under no load condition. Like I said I only used it so far to spin off some already loosened lug nuts off my car and I saw no problems, but I figure if this is some kind of manufacturing defect I would rather exchange it through HD now while I am in the return window rather than having to deal with Milwaukee warranty later on if it really fails?
What do you all think?
With no socket on it, if you just run it tipped up it sounds different than tipped down? I can go out and see if mine does the same if that helps.
That was the kit I originally wanted but I waited a day too long and the price jumped from $199 to $299 (which is not a deal at all, it's $1 more expensive than buying both items separately!). Then I waited and got the 1/4" ratchet deal instead.