Cordless Impact Wrench Recommendations?

[itskingsteelo]

ive been wanting to buy one too but didnt really know which brand to go with, but i think i will go with milwuakee.

[Eric]

I carry this one in my track box. Works like a champ and torques to roughly 90 lb/ft - perfect for lug nuts.

I carry this one in my track box (and around the garage). Works like a champ and torques to roughly 90 lb/ft - perfect for lug nuts and last an entire weekend taking dozens of wheels on/off.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-CLPK232-181-Compact-Slimpack-Batteries/dp/B005GT0IXO

[george graves]

I went with craftsman c3 - just because I wanted other tools for home improvement stuff. I'm really happy with it. The batteries last forever. I did a full suspension rebuild (front/rear, shocks springs, and every bushing including subframe) all on one charge with plenty to spare.

[Das Delfin]

^ I bought the new craftsman C3 with the giant 4ah lithium battery for my suspension work a few months ago but returned it after it wasn't powerful enough to remove my lug nuts. It worked on the shock bolts just fine but didn't seem to have the power to get the lug nuts off and I figured if I was going to have 200 bucks invested in an impact wrench it would be better off going toward a more powerful gun. Sucks too because it was a fast 45 min charge and worked with my C3 drill gun.

[george graves]

Mine will get my lugs off - just barely - but it does. It just takes holding the socket tight to get the most out of it. Other then lugs and crank nuts(that I don't need very often), I haven't had any complaints.

[ccsdo5]

I bought myself a dewalt 20v 1/4" impact gun and drill kit probably 2 years ago now (I know it isn't actually 20 volts). I probably would've bought the milwuakee 18v kit but I saw home depot mismarked the sku number on the box so I got the 20v kit for the 12v price. I gotta say that's been one good impact gun, I use for rigging installs and dropped it a good 20 feet from a lift and it was totally fine.

[reelizmpro]

I got a cheapo $60 TradePro 1/2" 24v electric impact that has served me well but it uses a NiCad battery. I use it sparingly for basic jobs here and there but it doesn't have the juice to do heavy jobs. I also have a plug in electric impact but it's too bulky and obviously isn't as versatile. If I could go back I'd just pay more and get a Snap On or similar LiIon battery powered cordless and call it a day.

[jlevie]

I went through an earlier DeWalt in one year of racing. I replaced it with a Milwaukee that is still going strong after 7 years of racing. The 18v wasn't available then and I have had to replace the battery pack (they don't last forever). I have replaced other DeWalt and Porter Cable corded tools over time with Milwaukee and couldn't be happier with the quality and performance.

I've known other racers who had the SnapOn tool and frankly could not tell any difference as compared to my Milwaukee. For most things on an E30 either would be more than adequate. When in the shop I do have air powered impact wrenches, but find that I generally just use the Milwaukee to avoid having to deal with the air hose. Well except for things that need a lot of torque. In which case I'll pull out my 600ft-lb 3/4" drive wrench.

They can have my Milwaukee tools when they can pry them out of my cold dead fingers.

[meanEG]

I have had my Snap-On 1/2" impact for about 8 years now and it is just now have battery problems. I could get the batteries replaced or new one and it would be good to go. They offered a new version now that has a different battery and a brake. They are expensive so be warned. I don't have my shop anymore, so it would be hard for me to justify $500+ for just the impact when like you read about you can get a Milwaukee kit.

[Kershaw]

I love my Milwaukee m18 tools. Can't say enough good things about them.

[240trainee]

I got the whole line of milwaukee M12/M18 stuff that was auto based when I was dealership mechanicing. Loved em, from the 1/4 battery ratchet to the 1/2 fuel impact. I actually use the 3/8 fuel impact for my lugs, second setting is 80 ft/lbs, then torque wrench from there.

[mitchlevy7]

milwaulkee. have the m18 drill, driver and 1/2 fuel impact. Use them professionally every day.

Also recommend their cordless ratchet.

Some deals can be found on ebay. Also, sometimes, if you find the right deals, the battery, charger and gun can be cheaper separate rather than in a kit.

[jim325]

I think im a little late to the party but I just bought the Dewalt 1/2 inch electric impact. I love it even tho I have only used it a few times. I got just the gun from Home Depot, was $168. It uses the 20v lithium-ion batteries that my Dewalt small and big 3/8 impacts use. Took of my trans output flange nut in 2 seconds, and I know I installed it with a new mac tools air impact.

It doesn't seem to heavy, obviously kinda bulky but it didn't feel any bigger than the Milwaukee they had at home depot. I was going to try the Milwaukee but since I already had batteries that would fit the Dewalt it made a lot more sense to go with the Dewalt. Only reason I wanted the Milwaukee was for the extra 50ftlb rating, but I don't think ill need it.

I'm a fan of Dewalt tools, ever since I was doing some roofing with my dad and he dropped his impact driver off the roof and it fell 36 feet to the gravel/dirt driveway. Went down to get it and we used it the rest of the day. No problems out of it after that fall, impressive. He buys all Dewalt tools for work(he does construction) and I was starting to buy all Dewalt tools for my past job(was a auto tech). I have a Dewalt angle drill, 2 3/8 impacts, different battery sizes, and now the 1/2 impact. I like that the bigger 20v batteries have a charge gauge on them. And if my experience with my dad has shown me anything about these tools its that as long as they are taken care of they will last a very long time.

When me and the wife finally buy a house ill be buying all Dewalt cordless tools for the around the house type things.

[ST1G]

My room mate has a Makita that has been great. Survived a 40 foot fall onto concrete when he was working construction. Now I just use it for car stuff.

[Mr. Burns]

bumping this up.

looking at getting rid of my air tools and getting a Milwaulkee M18 1/2" and 3/8" combo set (on sale for $199)

for those running the M18 gear, is it still holding up?