Electric Impact Feedback

[Tony_SS]

I'm in the market for a 1/2" electric or possibly battery powered impact. Any users want to recommend one? I'd like it to be strong enough to handle loosening 100lb torqued lug nuts.

[ErikLS2]

Makita, Makita, Makita. They have a 3/8" cordless 18v Lith-Ion that kicks but, may be pushing it to take off those lug nuts though. Best prices I've found is on Amazon.

[parsonsj]

For general assembly and non-suspension work: check out the Li-ion 12v stuff from Bosch and Ridgid:

http://iimuchfabrication.wordpress.c...up-for-humans/

[Tony_SS]

What sort of battery life can I expect from an Li-ion 12v? The recharge time sounds nice... also the portability for trips might be a bonus too.

I've always been partial to DeWalt, but their 110 corded 1/2" impact didn't get great reviews so far... and I'm not sure I want to go with 110 corded..

[parsonsj]

battery life? You mean before you have to replace the battery? Or how much work you can do on a single charge? I've not been disappointed with work per charge. I've never had a case where I had to wait on a battery to charge. I suppose if you were installing drywall or drilling dozens of holes you might run out of battery.

As for the overall battery life, I don't know.

One more thing: I was prompted to look into the Bosch impact driver because the DSE folks have them all over their shop.

jp

[Tony_SS]

I meant charge life... I'm sure it would be fine for light duty which is what I'd use it for.. I'll checkout the Bosch ones. Thanks

[parsonsj]

I love mine. Small, light, surprisingly powerful (it'll break 1/4" bolts if you're not careful). Perfect for assembly/disassembly.

[79-TA]

I've only borrowed my cousin's electric impact a couple of times, but it makes the process of putting wheels back on much much faster. It's almost worth it just for that.

[KacyZ28]

Makita, Makita, Makita. They have a 3/8" cordless 18v Lith-Ion that kicks but, may be pushing it to take off those lug nuts though. Best prices I've found is on Amazon.

agreed

[MuscleRodz]

I got buddies with Snap Ons and they swear by them. Not cheap though

[JustinB]

We have the Snap-On. Love it.

[ErikLS2]

The Snap On is great but way overpriced and not Li-Ion either I don't think. Other's are good too I'm sure but I've seen multiple mechanics beat on these Makitas all day long literally for years and they keep on going. I have one of the originals and the tool is still going after prolly 10 years, the batteries (Ni-Cad) are about worn out though.

[Tony_SS]

What do you think of:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/2271384708.html

it says 1/4" hex shaft though??

[ErikLS2]

You want the 3 amp batteries, more power is better (with most things right?) and the triggers are variable so it's not hard to be easy. I would say you want a 3/8 or 1/2 square drive too. The 1/4 hex is better for smaller stuff. I just got a 10.8 volt set at Home Depot for $180 . It has a little 1/4 hex impact driver and a 1/4 screwdriver/drill with a clutch and I love them. The little LED on them is very handy too.

[Bigblue73]

We use all Milwaukee stuff here - Corded and Lithium Ion. Thumbs up from me cause they work. High priced however.

[Tony_SS]

You want the 3 amp batteries, more power is better (with most things right?) and the triggers are variable so it's not hard to be easy. I would say you want a 3/8 or 1/2 square drive too. The 1/4 hex is better for smaller stuff. I just got a 10.8 volt set at Home Depot for $180 . It has a little 1/4 hex impact driver and a 1/4 screwdriver/drill with a clutch and I love them. The little LED on them is very handy too.

I guess its a keyless chuck and you put w/e adapter in there for what socket you'll be using.

[ErikLS2]

Since you originally mentioned removing lug nuts that's just going to be too small and I doubt it would even loosen them anyway. I think you'll be disappointed with anything smaller than the more powerful 3 amp batt and square drive. These cordless tools are great, but when they won't loosen something you put them on you want to throw it out the window.

[67 ls1 vert]

I really like my Dewalt 1/2 impact. Never had any problems removing lugs even on my 1 ton truck.

[go-fish]

We had the Milwaukee in Iraq. It did it's job and took abuse from people who don't give a rats as's about taking care of tools.

[Tony_SS]

I really like my Dewalt 1/2 impact. Never had any problems removing lugs even on my 1 ton truck.

Which model is it? I love every Dewalt tool I own.