Which size impact?

[Mattywatty]

Hi GJ,
I’m looking for some advice on which tool to get next. I have $250 burning a hole. The front runners are the m12 stubby, m18 mid-torque, and a ridgid 18v high torque. All are the same price based on current sale prices.

I currently have a m12 1/4 hex impact for small stuff, a 45ft impacting air ratchet, and a 800ftlb air 1/2 impact.

I’m a diy’er. No formal training. I’ve done front of engine, interior, and suspension stuff, all in the driveway. I have experience with Suburbans to LR discovery to Odyssey to Mercedes diesels.

Looking to go battery. Not sure if it makes sense to get the HT to have the capability, or the stubby to be the new ‘’most used’ tool, or?

Thanks for your insights.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The logical middle ground for you is the m12 stubby.

 

[dnschmidt]

Stubby or MId-Torque, which as time has progressed, is now what used to be considered a high-torque. I think it all depends upon whether you're doing work above or below. For anything above the Stubby is more than enough. If you're getting into ball joints, brake calipers and suspension parts the Mid-Torque is the way to go. You already have a strong air impact so for the limited amount of jobs that you need it a high-torque isn't gaining you much and the additional weight is a PIA.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I would go with the mid-torque if I were you. The modern brushless impacts are truly impressive and as dnschmidt says the new mids are equivalent to the older high torques. I have DeWalt myself and last year I replaced my several generation old mid and high torque tools with the new low and mid torque tools. I do not see the need for an electric high torque, but I don't live in the rust belt. On the very rare occasions the mid doesn't get the job done I do have a pneumatic that will.

 

[bwringer]

Which battery religion are you a member of already? Or if not, which one do you want to join, red or orange (or yellow, blue, green, etc.)?

Milwaukee has a huge selection of all sorts of high quality brushless battery stuff, much of which is on the shelf at any Home Despot, so that has a lot of advantages in the future. Ridgid is generally decent, but selection is limited.

As noted above, the mid-torque stuff handles almost anything, and compactness (especially in M12) is a huge, huge advantage. Using an air impact for the super-stubborn stuff makes sense.

 

[Rinspeed]

Mid-torque would be my vote as well.

 

[classic70]

M12 stubby since you are already have M12 powered tools. Should be able to handle tire rotations with a larger 4-6ah battery.

 

[Mattywatty]

Thank you all.

I’m not fully committed to a battery platform. I have 1x m18 and 2x m12 batteries.
Interesting thoughts on the mid torque.

Is this a fair assessment: the m12 stubby is a ‘faster ratchet’ whereas the m18 MidT is for breaking loose stuff beyond hand ratchets.

Did I get that right?

 

[dnschmidt]

Thank you all.

I’m not fully committed to a battery platform. I have 1x m18 and 2x m12 batteries.
Interesting thoughts on the mid torque.

Is this a fair assessment: the m12 stubby is a ‘faster ratchet’ whereas the m18 MidT is for breaking loose stuff beyond hand ratchets.

Did I get that right?

If you can get 210 ft-lb out of a 3/8" ratchet you're a better man than I am. The stubby can take off lug nuts on any car that I know of unless a gorilla impacted them on with an ASTRO Thor. Anything under 100 ft-lb it will zip off. That's a lot more than a faster ratchet.

 

[finn]

Dewalt Atomic blows away the M12. I have all 3 of the M18 impacts, but bought a pair of Atomics, a 3/8” and a 1/2”, because they outperform the Milwaukees.

 

[Mattywatty]

Finn, which size impact do you use the most?

Philosophically, I can undo any bolt I need with the current clunky breaker bar/air impact setup. So maybe the next step is to speed up the process? Maybe that points to the most used size?

Again, thanks for all the inputs.

 

[finn]

Finn, which size impact do you use the most?

Philosophically, I can undo any bolt I need with the current clunky breaker bar/air impact setup. So maybe the next step is to speed up the process? Maybe that points to the most used size?

Again, thanks for all the inputs.

Probably the mid range. The big high output Milwaukee (2767.) is heavy and unwieldy. I had previously been using the mid range Milwaukee M18 the most, but find that the more compact Dewalt atomic covers most of that range, from a practical standpoint. I just acquired the 3/8” Atomic to replace / supplant the 3/8 Milwauke. Didn’t really need it but I liked the 1/2 “ version, so why not?….

The Milwaukee impacts are all the current model, so they’re not some obsolete junkers.

If I was starting fresh, the last purchase would probabl be a High Torque, since a good breaker bar with a piece of pipe can handle what an air impact can’t (given a long enough pipe).

The first would be the Atomic, either 1/2” or 3/8”, depending on what sockets I already have.

I also have a M12 high speed ratchet and a Dewalt 12v extreme extended 3/8 drive ratchet, but, frankly, don’t find them essential.

I don’t think I have used my air impacts for over a year.

 

[Mattywatty]

Thank you! It seems like there isnt really a ‘bad’ choice. I’ll take a look at the atomic

 

[Mattywatty]

After looking at the atomic I decided I need them all.

Srsly, all things being equal, the m12 stubby might be the best bet. But because not all things are equal, I realized (after reading reviews in light of all of your helpful comments) that the mid torque can handle most everything, including if I take it on the road or help a buddy. I didn’t think of that before.

I’m gonna call it at the mid torque. Thanks everyone for your insights.

Wrench on.

 

[Dig Doug]

Dewalt Atomic blows away the M12. I have all 3 of the M18 impacts, but bought a pair of Atomics, a 3/8” and a 1/2”, because they outperform the Milwaukees.

what makes the DEWALT Atomic so great?

Are you comparing a atomic 20v to a M12v

 

[Dig Doug]

After looking at the atomic I decided I need them all.

Srsly, all things being equal, the m12 stubby might be the best bet. But because not all things are equal, I realized (after reading reviews in light of all of your helpful comments) that the mid torque can handle most everything, including if I take it on the road or help a buddy. I didn’t think of that before.

I’m gonna call it at the mid torque. Thanks everyone for your insights.

Wrench on.

A word of advice would be to look at the entire line of cordless tools and stick to one brand or battery.
I believe they are all about the same -



you can expand as time & projects allows!


I bought the DEWALT 12 volt impact and drill set they had some nice features and I kept waiting for more tools to come to market, ended up with the 2 tools and a radio.

after a year or so of waiting … M12 had all kinds tools out on the market, so I jumped ship !!
The m12 band saw & roto hammer is what SOLD me.

dewalt didn’t make those for the 12v line until a few years later after I made the move to red.

 

[Odd-job]

Looks like the OP already has reached a decisive decision. Any extra proceeds burning a hole in their pocket should probably go to a 1/4 extended high speed m12 ratchet with a high profile switch upgrade.

 

[boom_bap]

The 921 atomic is slightly smaller than the mid torque but it makes about 150ftlbs less torque. I think it looks like a great tool either way.

 

[mike93lx]

The 3/8 atomic is on sale at HD right now with a free 4ah battery. I'm pulling the trigger on it

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Cordless Brushless 3/8 in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) DCF923B - The Home Depot

Tackle a variety of projects using the ATOMIC 20V MAX* 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil. This high-performance power tool packs up to 300 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and up to 450

www.homedepot.com

 

[finn]

A word of advice would be to look at the entire line of cordless tools and stick to one brand or battery.
I believe they are all about the same -



you can expand as time & projects allows!


I bought the DEWALT 12 volt impact and drill set they had some nice features and I kept waiting for more tools to come to market, ended up with the 2 tools and a radio.

after a year or so of waiting … M12 had all kinds tools out on the market, so I jumped ship !!
The m12 band saw & roto hammer is what SOLD me.

dewalt didn’t make those for the 12v line until a few years later after I made the move to red.

I have Bosch 12 & 18v; Dewalt 12, 20, and Flexvolt, and one 18v that runs 20v with a Dewalt adapter; Milwaukee M12 and M18; along with some obsolete Craftsman and a Skill left over from when it was owned by Bosch.

Both Dewalt and Milwaukee chargers handle the 12v and 18/20 v batteries. You probably will want multiple spare batteries, so a couple more or less isn’t a problem, at least for me. I tend to like smaller batteries for most tasks, as the tools are better balanced with them.

Having said that, I have refrained from adding newer Craftsman, Ryobi, Skill, Kobalt, Flex, EGO, Ridgid, Harbor Freight, MasterForce, or a half dozen more platforms, since I don’t feel they bring any significant utility to me beyond my Bosch, Dewalt, and Milwaukee platforms.

I’m not willing to become a Milwaukee, Dewalt, or Bosch fanboy, either though. A rough count of more or less current generation cordless tools is 6 Bosch, 6 Milwaukee, and 13 Dewalt.

One thing I won’t do is buy more non-fuel Milwaukee, because of a less than satisfactory experience with a non fuel M12 Hacksall. The fuel tools have been satisfactory, although I haven’t exactly been overwhelmed by the M12 Fuel high speed ratchet.

I don’t see more cordless tool purchases in the near future, but you know how that goes.

 

[JSutter]

It does not matter which you choose because before you know it, you will have another $250 to buy the other tool.



But since you asked, buy the big one.

 

[subroc]

What do we call mid torque?

 

[Rinspeed]

What do we call mid torque?

I call it the next step down from high torque.

 

[Rinspeed]

Dewalt Atomic blows away the M12. I have all 3 of the M18 impacts, but bought a pair of Atomics, a 3/8” and a 1/2”, because they outperform the Milwaukees.

I really hope Dewalt has stepped up their game because in my experience they have always been garbage compared to Milwaukee, not even close in comparison for tools that are used on a daily basis.

 

[subroc]

I call it the next step down from high torque.

I get it, and the next step up from low torque.

These days there are a lot of options. What is the min torque that the OP would consider mid torque? Any particular models?

 

[Rinspeed]

I get it, and the next step up from low torque.

These days there are a lot of options. What is the min torque that the OP would consider mid torque? Any particular models?

The $400 M18 Fuel is rated at 1400 ft-lbs so I would say 800-900 would be a decent mid number.

 

[subroc]

The $400 M18 Fuel is rated at 1400 ft-lbs so I would say 800-900 would be a decent mid number.

What model/s are you talking about for both high torque and mid torque?

 

[GTO]

If you're a DIY'er, (like me)
I would do the Stubby M12 1/2" and 3/8"...
I made the mistake of buying the M18 High Torque before the Stubbies came out.
I never use my High Torque now at all.
Good Luck

 

[bubinga]

I would go with the mid-torque if I were you. The modern brushless impacts are truly impressive and as dnschmidt says the new mids are equivalent to the older high torques. I have DeWalt myself and last year I replaced my several generation old mid and high torque tools with the new low and mid torque tools. I do not see the need for an electric high torque, but I don't live in the rust belt. On the very rare occasions the mid doesn't get the job done I do have a pneumatic that will.

Did you get the DCF 894 or the new mid-torque 891-892?

 

[Rinspeed]

What model/s are you talking about for both high torque and mid torque?

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200685183_200685183




https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200848164_200848164

 

[Lucid Moments]

Did you get the DCF 894 or the new mid-torque 891-892?

I have the DCF923 3/8" low torque and the DCF891 1/2" mid torque.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have both the M18 Mid Gen2 and the Stubby, both in 1/2". My recommendation is the Mid Gen2. It's a little bigger and heavier, but asks no questions on just about anything I've done.

Semi-lugs, F250 suspension or maybe the Honda Crank bolt might give it trouble, but I kinda doubt it. Big, high-torque stuff with rust is probably where the fun ends. I had the previous Mid, which is why I got the Stubby - that Mid was too big for a lot of places. The Gen2 gets just about anywhere the Stubby does.

As an example, I was pulling the caliper off the family Mazda3. The Stubby was an easy fit:


That's a pretty tight spot, and I wondered if the Mid Gen2 would work:

No worries at all.

If I had to keep one, it would be an immediate and easy call for the Mid.

 

[Marvin Berry]

My situation is similar to you, mostly a hobbyist that works on my own cars.

My thoughts are, I don't mind turning a ratchet, but I need the impact wrench for the nuts and bolts I absolutely cannot get off by hand. Based on this alone, I suggest the one with the most torque, because the fanciest 1/4 or 3/8 Milwaukee is still not going to be able to get that damn Pitman Arm nut off--- but the $50 Harbor Freight half incher will.

 

[M635_Guy]

dupe - apologies

 

[bubinga]

I have the DCF923 3/8" low torque and the DCF891 1/2" mid torque.

Good deal! Yeah, the DCF891 1/2" mid torque is the newer better one.
I have the older mid torque DCF894, but it's a good impact too, especially with a 5 or 6 mh battery!

 

[Lucid Moments]

Good deal! Yeah, the DCF891 1/2" mid torque is the newer better one.
I have the older mid torque DCF894, but it's a good impact too, especially with a 5 or 6 mh battery!

Just for shits and giggles I slapped a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and a 22mm impact socket on my DCF923 and it took the lugnuts off my Ram 2500. I was surprised so I re-torqued them to 130 ft-lbs and the damn thing did it again. I won't speak for anyone else, but I don't need any more out of a 3/8" impact. The only thing I have run into that the 891 hasn't taken off was a crank pulley bolt on a BMW M20 engine. But to be fair my Astro Thor impact didn't do it either until it had sat with some PB Blaster on it for a bit.

 

[Sumboodie]

If you can get 210 ft-lb out of a 3/8" ratchet you're a better man than I am. The stubby can take off lug nuts on any car that I know of unless a gorilla impacted them on with an ASTRO Thor. Anything under 100 ft-lb it will zip off. That's a lot more than a faster ratchet.

I have the "high torque" M18. It's not taken lug nuts off cars several times. Stuff that the air gun zipped off without much fuss.

 

[bubinga]

My situation is similar to you, mostly a hobbyist that works on my own cars.

My thoughts are, I don't mind turning a ratchet, but I need the impact wrench for the nuts and bolts I absolutely cannot get off by hand. Based on this alone, I suggest the one with the most torque, because the fanciest 1/4 or 3/8 Milwaukee is still not going to be able to get that damn Pitman Arm nut off--- but the $50 Harbor Freight half incher will.

I don't "mind"turning a ratchet or a ratcheting wrench but I don't know I guess I've gotten spoiled and just so used to impacts and air ratchets trust me if I can get an air ratchet or an impact on it that's what it's getting taken off with

 

[bubinga]

Just for shits and giggles I slapped a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and a 22mm impact socket on my DCF923 and it took the lugnuts off my Ram 2500. I was surprised so I re-torqued them to 130 ft-lbs and the damn thing did it again. I won't speak for anyone else, but I don't need any more out of a 3/8" impact. The only thing I have run into that the 891 hasn't taken off was a crank pulley bolt on a BMW M20 engine. But to be fair my Astro Thor impact didn't do it either until it had sat with some PB Blaster on it for a bit.

Heck yeah that's pretty impressive for the 3/8 impact!
I forget what my DeWalt 3/8 inch impact is, I forget the model number, I got it as a kit from Lowe's on sale when I got my DCF 894 but it's pretty impressive. It's real nice for like tie rod ends and stuff like that.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Working on PU and E450 HD vans suspension Dewalt Mid Torque more than enough.