Which impact wrench?

[Fender1325]

I have the DeWalt 20v drill and driver (1.3 AH) and was considering picking up their impact wrench (DCF889B) to remove lug nuts on my truck and old Cadillacs.

For similar money, I wonder about getting a pneumatic impact wrench instead, from HF. My compressor is their 21 gal. Good for about 4.7 scfm @ 90 psi. So, a little under powered perhaps, but not terrible I'd imagine.

I'm also open to other brands and even electric corded ones, provided it's sold at Lowe's (using a gift card up)

Thoughts?

 

[KWtech90]

If I had to pick only one impact gun it would definitely be cordless, although I find having a codless 3/8, 1/2, and pneumatic 1/2 to be ideal. I'd really like to have a mini 1/2 in the future.

 

[Maddog10]

For lugnuts and typical automotive work where you are generally bringing the vehicle into the shop and are near your compressor, I have always favored my 1/2" pneumatic.

That said, I've never owned a quality cordless impact so perhaps they are better than the ones I have used.

 

[Cope]

I have the impact you're interested in, and it's a winner. By going DeWalt, you share a common battery pack.

 

[NitroGarage]

Buy an older IR 1/2" gun off ebay for <$100. 231 is a great model, their new Ti line has rave reviews on here as well.

I have cordless and pnuematic tools, I use the hell out of my 1/2 gun and with a small portable 21 gallon compressor I just wheel it to the work if need be, but hose is so cheap these days.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I have both. where the cordless really shines is the ability to take it with me anywhere, it's great at the junkyard. it's also nice not to have to fire up the compressor for small jobs.

 

[md21722]

DeWalt us a powerful gun:

Air vs Cordless:

 

[Fender1325]

I don't really need portability per se, as all my work will be done in the garage. But, cordless is nice, not having to fire up the noisy compressor is nice. On the fence still.

 

[md21722]

To get the kind of power you'll get out the DeWalt, you'd need an IR 2135, Harbor Freight Earthquake XT, Snap On MG725, AirCat/NitroCat 1150, or comparables from other brands... none of which you're going to buy at Lowe's. A 2 HP 20-30 gallon will be OK with an impact, but it will cycle during a tire change. When I had a smaller 26 gallon compressor, I think I got 2 wheels off before the compressor kicked on. For your setup and use I think the cordless is the way to go.

 

[vettex2]

C3s are a great deal !
craftsman

 

[joe_padavano]

Buy an older IR 1/2" gun off ebay for <$100. 231 is a great model, their new Ti line has rave reviews on here as well.

^^^THIS!

I've got an IR 231. I'm very happy with it.

 

[md21722]

C3s are a great deal !
craftsman

^^^THIS!

I've got an IR 231. I'm very happy with it.

Maybe so, but OP wants to buy something at Lowe's with a gift card.

I suspect for changing wheels he will be much happier with a cordless than listening to his HF oilless air compressor scream.

 

[woody6904]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-1-2-in-Drive-Cordless-Impact-Wrench/999947862

If you want another battery and charger and can live with a detent pin anvil, this might work.

 

[md21722]

Be warned, detent pins are often pain for non-production work. In the automotive field often one impact is used with many different size sockets. However, they may help if you are using impact swivels because they prevent swivels from flying off the anvil.

 

[cthulu]

I have a pneumatic IR 1/2 in impact wrench and it has been a work horse for 15 years now.

I also have the craftsman C3 electric impact 1/2 which is good for light stuff but it requires the nice big expensive batteries, even then I prefer the Ingersoll impact.

 

[Tenex]

Check out the Kobalt 1/2" 24V impact wrench. It's $50 cheaper than DeWalt, has a better warranty, and the batteries are very affordable.

 

[Cope]

Be warned, detent pins are often pain for non-production work. In the automotive field often one impact is used with many different size sockets. However, they may help if you are using impact swivels because they prevent swivels from flying off the anvil.

There's a you tube video showing how to modify the detent pin so that is more user friendly.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought a Dewalt DCF899B about a year ago and it is still the best purchase I've made to date. I haven't touched my MG725, or any air impact since buying it. Life is so much easier not dragging air hoses or waiting for compressor to fill/drain when finished. The Dewalt also smokes my MG725 in terms of power. It is absolutely amazing. A 1.3ah battery is small, but will be enough for what you're asking. If not, you can buy a brand new 3ah off ebay for $40.

The Kobalt cordless impact puts out 650 ft lbs and the Dewalt puts out 1200 ft lbs. You already have charger, battery and other tools. Buy the Dewalt. Don't think twice. You can thank me later.

 

[md21722]

I hear these comments about the M18 or DeWalt smoking a MG725 and I wonder how, when the specs and reviews show they the same power? I'm just wondering, was the tool getting 90 PSI delivered measured at a gauge AT the tool? I've had great success with my MG725's. They have never failed to remove a bolt.

 

[gdocktor3]

I hear these comments about the M18 or DeWalt smoking a MG725 and I wonder how, when the specs and reviews show they the same power? I'm just wondering, was the tool getting 90 PSI delivered measured at a gauge AT the tool? I've had great success with my MG725's. They have never failed to remove a bolt.

It's hard for me to explain, but there is always constant, consistent torque coming from the cordless impact. My MG hammers hard trying to remove a fastener where the Dewalt makes a few light clicks and the fastener spins off. Someone else will explain better, hopefully.. If you know someone with a M18 or Dewalt impact, give it a try and you'll understand.

 

[Fender1325]

Guys I got the DeWalt. Took my f150 wheel off in 10 seconds. Freaking awesome. It'll give my back and breaker bar some much needed relief!

 

[md21722]

It's hard for me to explain, but there is always constant, consistent torque coming from the cordless impact. My MG hammers hard trying to remove a fastener where the Dewalt makes a few light clicks and the fastener spins off. Someone else will explain better, hopefully.. If you know someone with a M18 or Dewalt impact, give it a try and you'll understand.

I would have to travel to Northern Colorado on a weekend to see this in person which is not ideal... I'm not sure if its our climate, but the the MG725 makes short work of bolts.. the only thing it doesn't do immediately is pinion bearings but it still gets them off way faster than those cordless videos w semi truck tires?

 

[Craftsman_88]

I love my Dewalt 899. Have never used it with smaller than a 4ah battery. I have saw on YouTube the larger battery will help performance slightly. My father in law has a MG and prefers running my Dewalt. I have never tried both side by side.

 

[Kenskip1]

FWIW, In my limited use I have air and cordless.However with air I am able to say, blow away brake dust, clean an air filter, blow dry tools or whatever.Just something to dwell upon. JMO Ken

 

[visionguru]

Santa brought me Ingersoll Rand W5132(3/8") and W7150 (1/2"). The W5132 has 660 ft-lb breaking torque, while the W7150 has 1100 ft-lb. For an occasional DIYer, both seem over-kill, but I'm glad that I'm not afraid of rusted bolts anymore.

I think IR W5132 is the best 3/8" drive cordless impact on the market, as of now.

 

[Yellow1098]

Which air IG or Cat would be best or wheel removal and more importantly putting back on? How much of a torque rating would I need? Over is fine with me as long as I don't break anything haha