Who's using cordless as their primary impact wrench?

[franzdom]

I am just using 19mm, 90 lb-ft usually. I guess the 3/8" really have the guts to remove them? Thing is though, the sockets I like to use are thin or plastic lined and they are all 1/2" drive.
It looks like that smaller 1/2" Fuel is not nearly as heavy as the High-Torque one, it really looks perfect for me.

 

[rice rocket]

Yeah, the 3/8" gun is fine w/ the 22mm socket. I've never had issues removing lugs with it.

I don't use the plastic lined ones, the plastic just gets eaten up in a year anyways. If necessary I'll cover it in electrical tape.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I am a few weeks into using my CT7850 as my primary gun. The gun looks like I have had it for years. I am so happy not having to fire up compressors, drag lines all over, and put it all away when done. I haven't had any power issues. It has handled everything I have used it for. I am thinking a 1/4 is in my future for small stuff. Not sure 3/8 would be needed if you already have a 1/2. The light that mine came with is great. It's super bright and lasts a long time.

 

[Jacobson]

M18 Fuel 3/8" is my most used one. Beefy enough to remove anything short of a crank pulley bolt or some rusty exhaust bolts, and it's just about 3 lbs w/ the smaller battery. That kind of power to weight is really nice when using it all day long.

I also have the M12 Fuel 1/4" hex, for driving hardware around the house and smaller items in the engine bay, it knocks about a pound off the M18 gun, but puts out "only" 100 ft-lbs.

The big M18 Fuel gun doesn't see daylight much. I'm probably selling it since I rarely need that much power. I'll buy the Honda crank pulley tool instead, and a big breaker bar.

Don't get M28 stuff, it's a dying breed.

Thanks for your reply. Here is more about my needs.

I guess I only need an impact to help break free stuck bolts where I can't get a breaker bar on. (Like when under the car) Smaller bolts, I prefer to do by hand with wrench and socket set. I don't work against a clock, b/c this is a hobbyist use.

I am not going to be going the heaviest duty work like removing a crank pulley bolt <-- I don't even know what that is! It will mostly be used for weekend automotive hobbyist use. Breaking free stubborn bolts would be nice (shocks, suspension, etc) I rarely work on bolts over 19mm, but it's nice to have the option to grow into that (basic suspension work like changing ball joints, struts, bushings, control arms)

It sounds like I want Fuel M18, right? Just don't know if 3/8 or 1/2. I assume 1/2 has more torque. With auto, sometimes stuff gets crowded. Is the 1/2 gun a LOT bigger than 3/8 ? Having 1/2" that can't fit anywhere is not going to help me.

Go with weaker but compact 3/8, or go with bigger bulky 1/2" ?

The next time a hot deal comes up on the Fuel M18 3/8 or 1/2, please post it here!

 

[AndeiH]

Crown, the Bosch 1/2" would suit your needs just fine. I take it with me on junkyard trips and I haven't had a lugnut it couldn't remove. Same goes for axlenuts. The reason I said I'd get the IR is because it has better numbers but it would probably be overkill for my needs. I just looked on the side of the gun and it says assembled in USA, I had never noticed that before .

 

[rice rocket]

It sounds like I want M18, right? Just don't know if 3/8 or 1/2. I assume 1/2 has more torque, but I guess it's a lot bigger. Is the 1/2 gun a LOT bigger than 3/8 ? With auto, sometimes stuff gets crowded. Having 1/2" that can't fit anywhere is not going to help me. Go with weaker smaller 3/8, or go with stronger 1/2" ?

If a good deal comes up on the Fuel M18 3/8 or 1/2, please post it here!

The M18 is definitely more versatile, especially with the selectable modes on all the new Fuel guns that lets you use it for tightening without destroying things, as well as loosening. Its seriously a game changer and doubles the overall usefulness of the gun. I'd recommend the Milwaukees over the IR guns for that reason alone.

1/2" compact Fuel only puts out 10 more ft-lbs than the 3/8", and that difference is probably just in the stiffness of the anvil, I bet it's the same motor on both. You need to step up to the big boy gun to get more torque, but its not nearly as useful for me because of its weight and the size, which limits your ability to maneuver in the wheel wells for suspension work.

There's nothing going on currently that I know of except the free battery offer, which I think is valid through any retailer. Northern Tool was throwing out some coupons which might be worth checking up on. There's always the 20-30% off at Zoro that comes about twice a month. Zoro is above MSRP on a lot of things though, so your net savings is closer to 10-15%.

 

[Jacobson]

You're saying the M18 Fuel 1/2" only offers marginal more torque than the M18 Fuel 3/8" ?
The specs say 3/8" is 200lbs. and 1/2" is 700lbs. That's a huge difference.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2654-22
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2763-22

When you say "compact Fuel", is this different than "High Torque Fuel" model?
I am basically comparing 2763-22 vs. 2654-22

All my impact sockets are 1/2", so I will have to use the 3/8" adapter. Not a big deal?

Not sure. For medium level auto stuff on the weekends...
$329 3/8" M18 Fuel 2654-22
or
$429 1/2" M18 Fuel 2763-22

 

[rice rocket]

Here's what's available in M18 Fuel.

2653-22 - 1/4" Fuel hex - 133 ft-lbs., quick change hex
2654-22 - 3/8" Fuel COMPACT - 200 ft-lbs., friction ring
2655-22 - 1/2" Fuel COMPACT - 210 ft-lbs., pin detent (don't get this one for home use)
2655B-22 - 1/2" Fuel COMPACT - 210 ft-lbs., ball detent
2763-22 - 1/2" Fuel HI TORQUE - 700 ft lbs/1100 ft-lbs reverse., friction ring

Note that the compacts are available in -22CT versions as well, which is $70 cheaper but less battery runtime (and the battery is 1/2 the weight). I use the compact batteries almost always on my the compact impacts, and they last a very long time. No reason to lug the extra weight around, just always have the second battery sitting on the charger ready to go.

The 2762 is a pin detent as well, avoid that. The 2764 is 3/4" drive friction ring, does 1200 ft lbs, but is 3/4" drive. 2765 is 7/16" quick change hex, which is for giant drill bits and such.

The 2763 is great when you need big power, I just don't need it that often, so it collects much dust.

 

[Jacobson]

I wasn't aware of the CT option.
Wow, M18 3/8" 2654-22CT is only $259.
And you get the same 200lbs torque.

I think I'm fine with compact batteries, b/c the main reason I'm buying is just to break bolts free. The most I'll ever see in a single project is like 10 bolts ? So, if compact batteries can break loose 10 bolts, that's fine. I'm used to using sockets and wrenches anyway.

Ok, so it's either the $259 3/8" Compact (200lbs) or the $429 1/2" High Torque (700 lbs) This is starting to get easier! That 1/2" unit looks a lot bigger, so I might go for the 3/8" until that's not good enough. That day may never come. Are most auto bolts for suspension under 200lbs ?

 

[rice rocket]

The only nut/bolt on any car large enough to handle 200+ ft-lbs is the axle nut/bolt, but sometimes rust adds in some extra fun. I've had zero hangups around my car, but I also don't have too much rust (yet).

 

[Jacobson]

For a guy doing one thing in a given day, I think compact batteries are fine. A pro using his impact 8 hours a day might need full batteries and a few of them. If most car stuff is under 200lbs, then I think Fuel M18 3/8" 2654-22CT for $259 is the right move. Thanks for all your help, Ricer.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I just got this one a while back, I have no issues with the pin, works great thus far!
<table id="smallID" summary="Table displaying your shopping cart contents. Information includes quantity, item with the coupon or loyalty card information if applicable, options and price of the each item." cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" align="center" border="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr id="smallEmphasisID" bgcolor="#ffffff"><th scope="col" align="center" width="8%">Qty</th> <th scope="col" align="left" width="45%">Item</th> <th scope="col" align="left" width="30%">Options</th> <th scope="col" align="right" width="17%">Price</th></tr> <tr class="shippingRow" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td class="rtlOverridecenter" scope="row" align="center" width="8%">1</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="45%">Milwaukee 2655-22 18V Cordless M18 FUEL Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Pin and XC Batteries
Item # miln2655-22</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="30%">
</td> <td align="right" width="17%">$329.00 USD</td></tr> <tr class="shippingRow" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td class="rtlOverridecenter" scope="row" align="center" width="8%">1</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="45%">Milwaukee 48-11-1840 M18 XC 18V 4 Ah RedLithium 4.0 Lithium-Ion Battery
Item # miln48-11-1840</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="30%">
</td> <td align="right" width="17%">$129.00 USD</td></tr> <tr class="shippingRow" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td class="rtlOverridecenter" scope="row" align="center" width="8%">1</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="45%">
</td> <td align="right" width="17%">-$129.00 USD</td></tr> <tr class="shippingRow" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td class="rtlOverridecenter" scope="row" align="center" width="8%">1</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="45%">Basket Discount</td> <td class="rtlOverrideright" align="left" width="30%">
</td> <td align="right" width="17%">-$49.35 USD</td></tr> <tr class="shippingRow" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td colspan="3" scope="row" align="right" width="83%">Amount </td> <td align="right">$279.65 US</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[928'er]

Meh, you get used to it I thought it would be great for road calls... Nope Most of the winter is a nice balmy 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. When it get's down close to 0 on the cold days the wind picks up... Now that's cold.

Coldest I've ever felt was the winter I spent in AF Tech School in Biloxi Mississippi (I'm from PA so I'm not unaccustomed to winter). 35-40 F degrees coupled with 100% relative humidity will chill you to the bone...

Spent a year in Biloxi - ain't never going back. Best thing that ever happened to Biloxi was hurricane Camille - too bad they rebuilt that shithole.

Back on topic.

I use cordless almost exclusively. I'm constantly changing wheels and tires, but my cars have alloy lug nuts - so I break the lugs loose with a breaker bar and then spin them off with the impact - spin them back on with the impact, but do final tightening with a torque wrench - always!

Impacts (cordless or air) are fine for dis-assembly, but assembly is always (mainly) by hand with final tightening with a torque wrench.

 

[rice rocket]

Impacts (cordless or air) are fine for dis-assembly, but assembly is always (mainly) by hand with final tightening with a torque wrench.

This is one of the reasons I ponied up extra for the Milwaukee Fuel stuff.

Lug nuts get pounded off w/ the full torque, and when reattaching, the medium mode will limit it at 75 ft-lbs. Then put the car on the ground for final go around w/ the torque wrench. It's seriously makes the gun twice as useful as a normal cordless impact.

Beats trying to "feather" it on w/ variable trigger...which never works out right because you'll think it's seated flush against the hub, and then move to another and you'll realize it wasn't...then you gotta go feather the other ones again...

 

[durallymax]

I'm all cordless for the most part, aside from die grinders, air hammer, air sanders, and the 3/4" Impact work.

I use all M18 and M12. Fuel versions whenever possible and those little guys just rip. I will say the 1/2" is too clumsy to use all day, but I really don't need it a lot because the compact 3/8 is so powerful. I already sold my air ratchets and may even sell both my MG325 and MG725. The MG325 is a perfect size gun, but my cordless keeps up with it for everything I do so I never use it. I have not run into a spot where the M18 fuel high torque could not move a bolt and the MG725 could. Always seem to end up grabbing the big 2145 IR. Not to mention the MG725 is just big, heavy and loud. Its nicer than the cordless if you have a job that requires you using it for hours on end, but when those jobs come up I prefer a 2135 IR over the MG725 any day.

The worst part of this story is that I just installed 6 new reelcraft air reels and 6 of their 45' electrical cord reels. They will all get plenty of use I just find it a bit ironic.

 

[Ign]

Funny this came back up as I've finally had time to use my 2763 under vehicles on the lift. My immediate discovery was that it's damn heavy & bulky compared to an air gun. I know this seems obvious but becomes far more evident in actual use. Maybe I need a good 3/8" gun as mentioned....

 

[JKennedy]

My shop is 90% electric impacts and 10% air.
We have all the Milwaukee stuff 3/8 and 1/2.
Works great just buy extra batteries!

 

[larryforce]

For those that use cordless a lot, are you guys full time techs or weekend warriors? I need a 3/8 impact and am looking at the milwaukee. I like the snapon one but not for double the price.
I have a makita that I night in 2001. That thing has been great I have dropped it in ****** fluid, off lifts, basically beat it to death and it has worked well until recently.
I am a full time tech so need something that can take a beating, I know the snappy will but don't want to spend $500 on the 14.4 v

Thanks


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I have the 2763 and have been using it daily on medium duty trucks for over 6 months with hardly a hiccup. I did wreck 1 battery I believe it was due to vibration the casing fell apart. I wish milwaukee sold a battery boot. But I have herd the new 5 amp hour batteries are supposed to hold up to vibrations better.

 

[stikman56]

Looking at getting the Milwaukee 2763-22 to mostly replace my IR2131 in the shop w the added benefit of having that power on the road. I know many here love the 2763 including woodstockva and truckdriver.

But I'm still hesitant to take that step; conventional wisdom says cordless can't match air guns. I'm looking for MORE power than my 2131 and I know woodstockva felt the 2763 was as powerful as his IR2135TiMax, but I'm still skeptical.

I know cordless is physically larger, not so worried about that.

Thru today the 2763 can be had for $365 thru CPO with an extra (3rd) free battery.....

Thoughts?

I use my Snap-On CT6850 and CT4410a every day at work. I have lots of pneumatics that will do the job when they can't, but most of the time I don't need air. Cordless is great.