Cordless impact - thoughts?

HMP

HMP

Well-Known Member
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
39,587
Location
TRIAD
Rating - 100%
28   0   0
Im on the Ryobi One+ ecosystem of cordless tools.
Im a homeowner doing some basic homeowner things. Circular saw (it's ok, 1/2" OSB was meh to chew through, maybe a different blade is needed), string trimmer (great), leaf blower (works for me, I dont have a lot of stuff to blow though), and tire inflator (works great but I question the accuracy of the gauge on it (digital)).

Ive WANTED a cordless impact for a while...but why? I feel like I NEED one, but do I?
Obviously for home stuff, probably not, but working on the car, where would a 3/8" impact come in handy?
What do you use yours for?
It isnt that I just have another hundred dollars to blow on a tool,but I keep looking at them when Im at the HD and have some gift cards at home.
 
I have a Ridgid impact driver and it’s great but it really struggles with lug nuts and has no chance on larger bolts like control arms and steering knuckles. Since I do a decent amount of suspension work on my and friends’ vehicles, I bought a DeWalt compact 1/2” impact wrench and it’s awesome! Tire rotations are a breeze.
The only thing is wasn’t able to remove was 35mm axle nuts that get torqued to over 200ft/lbs. I haven’t even looked at my 3/8” air impact since. The convenience of battery is well worth it.
 
I've got everything in 18v Bosch, works great for me.
3/8" isnt big enough for changing tires. I use 1/4" drive and 1/2" drive for everything, 3/8" is basic useless.
 
Well Ive got a 1/2" drive air impact, and never see the 1/2 cordless at my local store, only the 3/8, didnt know they made a 1/2" (just saw it on their site)

How much different is an impact from a standard drill/driver? Just higher tq/power?
 
HMP said:
Well Ive got a 1/2" drive air impact, and never see the 1/2 cordless at my local store, only the 3/8, didnt know they made a 1/2" (just saw it on their site)

How much different is an impact from a standard drill/driver? Just higher tq/power?
Click to expand...
I bought a Milwaukee kit that came with a 1/2" impact driver and that thing is a beast. I'm not sure the numbers but there's quite a difference between that and a drill. It's a .50 cal compared to a 9. I use mine on the stabilizer bars on the camper which is a bit of overkill because I used to just use a drill. I carry it with us when we travel in case of a tire change or what have you.
 
I have seen a bunch used but have yet to buy one. I will either buy the Milwaukee or order on line a Ridgid in 1/2”. Any in 3/8” struggle on
lugs and large bolts/nuts. All my massive amounts of tools are Ridgid now(which is actually AEG orange with ridgid name). Most likely follow that battery BUT if I had a single purchase tool definitely the Milwaukee.
 
I've got a good bit of experience with cordless impacts, but from a auto repair shop perspective.

Milwaukee Fuel is what I've used for about 3 years or so. I've had their largest 1/2" model, as well as smaller 12v 3/8" models. Their large 1/2" model outperformed my air operated Matco impact...which was the strongest 1/2" air gun on the market at the time when I bought the cordless. Outperformed as in the Milwaukee would either break loose or break off bolts the Matco wouldn't even think about moving.

From what I've seen with my own eyes and heard from other auto and industrial mechanics, Milwaukee beats the competition badly. DeWalt is their direct competitor, and they simply do not last in auto or industrial settings.

For home use, almost anything of half decent quality will likely do fine.
 
All my cordless stuff is older craftsman 19.2. I've got a 1/4 driver that I use for almost everything. Driving deck screws, flooring. Bird feeders houses , working on atv and such. No way it's gonna remove a lug nut. But I've got a 1/2 as well. Works great on lug nuts mower blade bolts and whatever else I've tried. Didn't even know they made a 3/8.
 
Last edited:
TRaGiK said:
I've got a good bit of experience with cordless impacts, but from a auto repair shop perspective.

Milwaukee Fuel is what I've used for about 3 years or so. I've had their largest 1/2" model, as well as smaller 12v 3/8" models. Their large 1/2" model outperformed my air operated Matco impact...which was the strongest 1/2" air gun on the market at the time when I bought the cordless. Outperformed as in the Milwaukee would either break loose or break off bolts the Matco wouldn't even think about moving.

From what I've seen with my own eyes and heard from other auto and industrial mechanics, Milwaukee beats the competition badly. DeWalt is their direct competitor, and they simply do not last in auto or industrial settings.

For home use, almost anything of half decent quality will likely do fine.
Click to expand...
I recently found this YouTube channel that does dyno testing of impact wrenches, both air and battery powered. The Milwaukee Fuel is the gold standard in his tests with DeWalt being a strong second.

I haven’t watched this one yet but thought it was a good one to share since @HMP is a Ryobi guy.
 
I recently got a Dewalt 1/2" impact DCF899 that I use with a 5ah battery.
it's 'rated' at 700ft/lbs. I seriously doubt it, and it is 'hearing protection needed' loud.
20210522_152000.jpg
My coworker's Milwaulkee really outperforms it, so does my work 30+ year old air powered Ingersoll Rand.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: HMP
HMP said:
Im on the Ryobi One+ ecosystem of cordless tools.
Im a homeowner doing some basic homeowner things. Circular saw (it's ok, 1/2" OSB was meh to chew through, maybe a different blade is needed), string trimmer (great), leaf blower (works for me, I dont have a lot of stuff to blow though), and tire inflator (works great but I question the accuracy of the gauge on it (digital)).

Ive WANTED a cordless impact for a while...but why? I feel like I NEED one, but do I?
Obviously for home stuff, probably not, but working on the car, where would a 3/8" impact come in handy?
What do you use yours for?
It isnt that I just have another hundred dollars to blow on a tool,but I keep looking at them when Im at the HD and have some gift cards at home.
Click to expand...
While I understand Ryobi is ok for some people, after talking with a mfg rep at one of the tool stores in Tennessee, I'd not even buy a pen light that took AA batteries. He had a demo set up and the Hart brand outperformed their impacts. The lesser of that homeowner line I would even consider is the Rigid.
 
Love my milwaukee 3/8 18v mid torque And for those saying a 3/8 wont change lug nuts you must not have ever tried the fuel 3/8. Our tire guy we use on the farm was impressed with it when I took the tires off the our combine with my 3/8 he had put on several years ago and torqued to 350lb. They are rated at 450lb tightening and 600lb loosening the 1/2 high torques are a beast at 1000/1400 things usually either come lose with it quickly or you have two pieces. With that said i use it all the time working on equipent and changing tires and love the portablity over air tools to the point i never get out my air tools any more plus the battery ones are stronger. As far as 1/2 or 3/8 anvil sizes they are fairly interchangeable unless you get into bigger size bolts so look what you have socket wise already and what you would be working so your not buying new sockets. 90% of jobs i do I prefer the more compact mid torque since its not as heavy and fits in more areas. Yes i think milwaukee is great but if your already on another platform stick with it for the average homeowner it would be good enough and still accomplish alot of task, worst case buy a cheap harbor freight pull bar to go with it and be happy you will enjoy it.
 
I use it for anything and everything i can. I bought the 1/2 Kobalt one and it works great for me and all needs on my 2500 pickup and other cars i have. Tire rotations take way less time.

Go with whatever battery brand you already have for ease of use.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
OldSoldier60 said:
Bought a Rigid as part of a deal at HD. Buy the batteries and get free tool of your choice. Serves me well and has a lifetime warranty. For the average job It’s not bad.
Click to expand...
They're great tools especially considering the warranty. I have their 3/8 drill and a small impact that I'm well pleased with. Both batteries are still going strong.
 
#1 Milwaukee Fuel 18v for power.

They have the best in impact right now.

I use a DCF 894 Dewalt and I really like it, but I didn't want to have only 1 tool that uses a different battery. I've had decent experience with my Dewalt 20v tools.
 
Last edited:
ES44AC said:
#1 Milwaukee Fuel 18v for power.

They have the best in impact right now.

I use a DCF 894 Dewalt and I really like it, but I didn't want to have only 1 tool that different battery. I've had decent experience with my Dewalt 20v tools.
Click to expand...
I also have a DCF894 and it has worked well for me. So much more convenient than dragging air hoses everywhere.
 
We use dewalt in the roughest of industrial enviroments and have great sucess. That said milwaukee or rigid are both great tools. COMPLETELY IGNORE ANY TARD THAT SPEWS "MY FAVORITE BRAND IS BEST AND THE OTHERS ARE JUNK OR CAN'T SURVIVE IN INDUSTRIAL ENVIROMENTS"....
 
I have a Milwaukee 12v compact impact. I bought it for brake jobs and tire changes on road trips. Went 12v for size and to also have the tire inflator. So far it has been fine with what I’ve asked of it. Eventually I will also get some 18v likely but no need right now.
 
I have a Dewalt 3/8 20v Max that I use for about anything I would use a ratchet for. Makes jobs a whole lot quicker and easier. It's been pretty good so far, running on using about 2 years now.

Sent from my T770B using Tapatalk
 
I've been part-time wrenching at my friends bike shop, we have the Milwaukee 1/2 and 3/8 ones, not good for taking off wheels, but for about anything else on a Harley, beats the hell out of ratchets. Plus the battery life on them is great too.
 
HMP said:
Well Ive got a 1/2" drive air impact, and never see the 1/2 cordless at my local store, only the 3/8, didnt know they made a 1/2" (just saw it on their site)

How much different is an impact from a standard drill/driver? Just higher tq/power?
Click to expand...

I have DEWALT cordless stuff, and bought a cordless impact gun 1/2in from tractor supply
 
phideux said:
I've been part-time wrenching at my friends bike shop, we have the Milwaukee 1/2 and 3/8 ones, not good for taking off wheels, but for about anything else on a Harley, beats the hell out of ratchets. Plus the battery life on them is great too.
Click to expand...
If it’s the 12v models you can get battery operated ratchets. Not sure if they have them in 18v. The ratchet may be my next tool purchase.
 
We use 3/4 drive Milwaukee 18 at work daily. For doing mold changes. We have 4 on the floor and we are torquing them to 260 ft pounds and they pull them right off. Sometime if a fresh battery it actually over tightens them. All my work and home tools are Milwaukee. Buy once cry once.
 
dman24 said:
If it’s the 12v models you can get battery operated ratchets. Not sure if they have them in 18v. The ratchet may be my next tool purchase.
Click to expand...


You wont regret it I have the fuel 1/4” one of those as well and its very handy and nice
 
Get Off My Lawn said:
I recently got a Dewalt 1/2" impact DCF899.
it's 'rated' at 700ft/lbs. I seriously doubt it, and it is 'hearing protection needed' loud.
View attachment 336451
My coworker's Milwaulkee really outperforms it, so does my work 30+ year old air powered Ingersoll Rand.
Click to expand...
I had an air compressor and air impact when I had Jeep Wranglers. Previously had the electric Dewalt impact that wasn't as powerful as the air impact.
When I replaced the calipers in my 2010 Frontier recently, I bought the Dewalt 20V impact. Just like every impact driver I have used, hearing protection is needed. Is advise anyone who values their hearing to use hearing protection whenever they use power tools, even Sanders.
As far as how it worked? It worked as well and any air impact I have owned.
Plus is comes with the biggest 20V variety they make. Buying just that battery costs almost as much as the tool plus battery and bag. Since I have many Dewalt 20V tools, this is a plus for me.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
 
I’m not a pro mechanic, but +1 for the Milwaukee Fuel M12 stubby impact. I got the 3/8” and a Titan (O’Reilly, Northern Tool) low profile adapter to run 1/2” sockets. 3/8 is same torque rating as 1/2 so this gives me more socket options. It’s really small and light and has been able to handle most all I’ve thrown at it.
 
Battery size is critical to power output. By size I mean Amp/hrs. I bought a Kobalt compact 1/2 impact and found that with a 1.5 or 2 amp/hr battery it would not remove the lug nuts from my service truck. However when I switched to a 4 amp/hr battery it would zip them right off. These lugs nut had been installed with a 1/2 in snap on impact.
 
So this is sort of near and dear to me right now. I had one of the sets that you get with a cordless drill and impact driver. have not used the impact driver since I got the set, its been two years. My buddy was telling me about the adapter you can buy for the impact sockets. I've never felt like I needed it. I just bought one of the adapters the other day. Holy crap... I used that thing every day for a week doing little odd jobs. Wonderful to do my tractor work with, throw it in the truck with a socket that fits my trailer lugs in case of a flat.... Love that thing.
 
Sneakymedic said:
So this is sort of near and dear to me right now. I had one of the sets that you get with a cordless drill and impact driver. have not used the impact driver since I got the set, its been two years. My buddy was telling me about the adapter you can buy for the impact sockets. I've never felt like I needed it. I just bought one of the adapters the other day. Holy crap... I used that thing every day for a week doing little odd jobs. Wonderful to do my tractor work with, throw it in the truck with a socket that fits my trailer lugs in case of a flat.... Love that thing.
Click to expand...

Not sure what brand you have but just becareful using the adapters on larger lugs or bolts. The adapters break if you hammer on them much or atleast with a milwaukee it will. Thats the reason i ended up with a true impact got tired of my 1/4 impact driver breaking the adapters after breaking about 10 all diffrent brands. The milwaukee ones hold up the best but still will not last long term if you try using larger than about a 1/2” socket with them.
 
Jp8819 said:
Not sure what brand you have but just becareful using the adapters on larger lugs or bolts. The adapters break if you hammer on them much or atleast with a milwaukee it will. Thats the reason i ended up with a true impact got tired of my 1/4 impact driver breaking the adapters after breaking about 10 all diffrent brands. The milwaukee ones hold up the best but still will not last long term if you try using larger than about a 1/2” socket with them.
Click to expand...
It's the Hitachi set from Lowes. The adapters I found were Dewalt. I was skeptical about those adapters, as they were pretty thin. Not twisted one off yet. Yet being the operative word. Lol
 
Milwaukee fuel. 18v

It is the baddest impact I have ever used.
Has four torque settings never needed the fourth largest but it’s busted is 1 3/8

Tried a 3/4 pull bar and 3’ pipe and it was all I could do to break one loose I had my wife to bring the Milwaukee to work after making a bet with some guys it would chew them off with no problem needless to say I won the bet real easy.
It’s got around1400 lbs of nut busting power. It’s crazy strong.
 
I ordered the Ryobi One+ 1/2” brushless impact from the earlier posted video. Picked up a a couple more 4ah batteries and the little air compressor too. Thank you Ryobi days!

CHRIS
 
CHRIS_WNC said:
I ordered the Ryobi One+ 1/2” brushless impact from the earlier posted video. Picked up a a couple more 4ah batteries and the little air compressor too. Thank you Ryobi days!

CHRIS
Click to expand...
The little compressors are nice. I recently bought the Milwaukee version. It saved my bacon this weekend at the boat ramp. Some dirt daubers had plugged the water outlet on the outboard. I unhooked the line and held the nozzle in the hose and it pushed the nest right out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom