Handheld Torque/impact wrench (which is the best?)

[Sneakymedic]

So I had a set of the Hitachi tools that had one of the impact wrenches with it. I've been bustin nuts loose on a International 1466 and killed it. I need to replace it. I hear the Milwaukee Fuel is the best, what says the group?

 

[BlackGun]

So I had a set of the Hitachi tools that had one of the impact wrenches with it. I've been bustin nuts loose on a International 1466 and killed it. I need to replace it. I hear the Milwaukee Fuel is the best, what says the group?

Depends on your needs of course. I purchased a Ridgid R86211 1/2” with 1500 lbs break away and 1100 lbs fastening that is a monster. 6 modes, lifetime warranty if registered. I have a truck load of Ridgid battery operated tools and all are super. The top Milwaukee unit is just as good even though rated power is lower. Milwaukee products have less warranty but they are the preferred tools of pros. I have used both impacts. You can’t go wrong with either.

 

[heavydoc]

I had the Dewalt line for years. Then one died and the next about 2 weeks later and so on and on. I replaced them with the Milwaukee line and they have yet to disappoint. A friend is using the kobalt line and he really likes his.

 

[Jp8819]

Milwaukee fuel are beast. Love ours for farm use. 1/2 high torque for tough stuff and mid torque works well for getting in tighter areas and use it 90% of time just cause its lighter.

I will say add one of the fuel grinders as well its very handy as well on the farm but they do pull a battery down pretty quick so couple batteries is handy.

If you want used you can find some on ebay sometimes as well.

 

[Junkyard dog]

Milwaukee is what I run, I have 4 impacts. Bunch of other tools. I've used the dewalts and don't like em as good. They would probably be my second or third choice. Milwaukee has a huge selection of tools available for the M18 line.

 

[Scsmith42]

The “best” is Hilti. Ungodly expensive though.

for the rest of us it’s hard to beat the Milwaukee Fuel 18v.

 

[BowWow]

Milwaukee for performance, Ridgid for the battery warranty.

 

[BowWow]

I found this interesting..... some of those numbers didn't sound right for an electric, but they are still strong enough!!

 

[Trevillian]

I usually vote, go with whatever battery brand you already have invested in. But darn are the Milwaukee fuels impressive.

If I weren't so heavily invested in the DeWalt universe, I'd probably start switching out to the fuels. Have been running a new XR on our bridge job, pulling out the rusty bolts to replace I beams. The DeWalt "will" pull them but it fought for some. The fab shop guys broke their XR and showed up with the equal Milwaukee. Whole other world. That thing busts them right out. From the grease guns to the grinders and now the impacts. Milwaukee has something figured out.

 

[Old Soul]

Milwaukee all the way. I’ve used most of the major brands over the years. My company provides us with Hilti and I went out of pocket for Milwaukee. My truck looks like a shrine to big red!

 

[heavydoc]

I usually vote, go with whatever battery brand you already have invested in. But darn are the Milwaukee fuels impressive.

If I weren't so heavily invested in the DeWalt universe, I'd probably start switching out to the fuels. Have been running a new XR on our bridge job, pulling out the rusty bolts to replace I beams. The DeWalt "will" pull them but it fought for some. The fab shop guys broke their XR and showed up with the equal Milwaukee. Whole other world. That thing busts them right out. From the grease guns to the grinders and now the impacts. Milwaukee has something figured out.

I was heavily vested in Dewalt too, but I am glad i made the switch to Milwaukee.

 

[Carolinatlc]

I'm just a homeowner and an occasional shade tree mechanic working on my own vehicles. I already had a bunch of Dewalt tools so bought one of their impacts and have been completely satisfied with it. I have a set of Milwaukee fuel 12V stuff including a ratchet that I love. As my Dewalt stuff starts showing its age, I'll probably swap over to Milwaukee.

 

[Fullboost21]

I like the Dewalt compact 3/8" impact and midrange 1/2" impact wrenches. The newer XR versions are rated higher than the Milwaukee equivalent, IIRC.
I just started investing in the Milwaukee M12 system for the smaller tools like the die grinder, 3/8" ratchet, etc.

 

[Sneakymedic]

So I bought the Milwaukee. And a 9 amp battery and charger. I got the big one, not the mid torque.... I hope I don't ring crap off. I've never heard too many people say " you had too much gun"... So.haha

 

[Jp8819]

So I bought the Milwaukee. And a 9 amp battery and charger. I got the big one, not the mid torque.... I hope I don't ring crap off. I've never heard too many people say " you had too much gun"... So.haha

Great choice but Be careful on important things till you learn it as you can have two pieces very easily if something doesnt move. My broken bolt extraction methods had to get a bit better a few times from one to many uga duga’s

 

[Jp8819]

The newer XR versions are rated higher than the Milwaukee equivalent, IIRC.

Thats comparing dewalt to the gen one milwaukee’s the gen two is 200-300lbs more than largest dewalts. Havent seem anything dewalt close.

 

[Fullboost21]

Thats comparing dewalt to the gen one milwaukee’s the gen two is 200-300lbs more than largest dewalts. Havent seem anything dewalt close.

These 3/8 impacts are the gen 2 of both brands if I'm not mistaken. I do not see a 200-300 lb difference?

ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil (Tool Only)

The ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil was designed easily to handle various fastening projects. Get up to 300 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 450 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque with this compact power tool that offers easy maneuverability without sacrificing...

www.dewalt.com

M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring offers the most access in tight spaces with up to 250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[Jp8819]

These 3/8 impacts are the gen 2 of both brands if I'm not mistaken. I do not see a 200-300 lb difference?

ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil (Tool Only)

The ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 3/8 in. Cordless Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil was designed easily to handle various fastening projects. Get up to 300 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 450 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque with this compact power tool that offers easy maneuverability without sacrificing...

www.dewalt.com

M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring offers the most access in tight spaces with up to 250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque

www.milwaukeetool.com

That is there smaller one the mid range now matches up to it better and is much higher torque at 600lbs. And it almost matches Dewalt's large one milwaukee’s large one is 1400

M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring offers the most access in tight spaces and a faster removal speed. This 3/8" Impact Wrench is the most compact in its class

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[Fullboost21]

That is there smaller one the mid range now matches up to it better and is much higher torque at 600lbs. And it almost matches Dewalt's large one milwaukee’s large one is 1400

M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 3/8" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring offers the most access in tight spaces and a faster removal speed. This 3/8" Impact Wrench is the most compact in its class

www.milwaukeetool.com

Ok, I haven't seen the new midrange yet.
So, Dewalt for compact and Milwaukee for mid range.
Either way, both are stronger than the 3/4" air impact wrenches that we used to lug around at work.

Edit: looks like the Dewalt gen 2 mid range impact is about to release.
600 lb forward, 800 lb reverse.

20V MAX* XR® 1/2 in. Mid-Range Impact Wrench Kit with Hog Ring Anvil

When you need the perfect balance of high performance and size to get tough jobs done, use this new 20V MAX* XR® Cordless 1/2 in. Mid-Range Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil. This power tool delivers 600 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs. of max breakaway torque for challenging...

www.dewalt.com

 

[9outof10mms]

If you’re already running Milwaukee M18 then I’d stick with it.

I just picked up their impact. The one that goes to 1400+ ft-lb. It’s got four modes of power. That sum-beech will rip your arm off!

There’s some open box/transit damaged tools place down by Carrowinds. Buddy of mine was down there and picked up my gun for $180. I already have a few batteries so all I needed was the gun. Of course there was another $100 in some impact sockets…

Here’s the open box place: https://www.extramiletools.com/pages/fort-mill-sc

 

[Jp8819]

Ok, I haven't seen the new midrange yet.
So, Dewalt for compact and Milwaukee for mid range.
Either way, both are stronger than the 3/4" air impact wrenches that we used to lug around at work.

To your point all the mfgs have come a long way on them in a short period. Since they have come out and I switch to battery tools I rarely use a air tool anymore other than just blowing something off or putting air in a tire.