Which Impact Tool

[custodian]

I'm looking at buying a battery powered impact tool for working around the house and carrying with me when I travel with my travel trailer. When traveling, I would use it for lug nuts, when at home I would use it for lug nuts, ball joint removal, hard to remove bolts, etc... I've looked at several and would like to know if one with 750ftlbs removing/450ftlbs tightening or one with 1000ftlbs removing and tightening would be a good all around tool?

 

[ChuckN]

I used my buddy’s big Milwaukee a while back. It was stout! Very strong. And their batteries seem to be easy to find replacements for. That said, any of the reputable brands would work well. Seems like most folks get started with one brand and stick with them so the batteries are cross compatible.

 

[Sad Sack]

What he said ^^^^^
M18 Fuel. 1000 ft. lb.
Friend has one and it's a beast but not cheap.

M18™ FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ High Torque 1/2” Impact Wrench with Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18™ FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ High Torque 1/2” Impact Wrench with Friction Ring provides the Most Powerful, Most Compact, and the Most Repeatable Impact Wrench in the industry

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[legopnuematic]

Are you already invested in a particular battery ecosystem?

I have mostly Milwaukee stuff, my big 1/2” and my 3/8” stubby are about seven years old and still going strong. Make sure to go for brushless stuff, there is a pretty big difference.

 

[custodian]

What he said ^^^^^
M18 Fuel. 1000 ft. lb.
Friend has one and it's a beast but not cheap.

M18™ FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ High Torque 1/2” Impact Wrench with Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18™ FUEL™ w/ ONE-KEY™ High Torque 1/2” Impact Wrench with Friction Ring provides the Most Powerful, Most Compact, and the Most Repeatable Impact Wrench in the industry

www.milwaukeetool.com

That's one I looked at. The other two were Kobalt (Lowes Brand) and Dewalt.

 

[custodian]

Are you already invested in a particular battery ecosystem?

I have mostly Milwaukee stuff, my big 1/2” and my 3/8” stubby are about seven years old and still going strong. Make sure to go for brushless stuff, there is a pretty big difference.

I do have a Milwaukee 3/8" impact that I found under the seat in the 86 Dually I bought. Like it and use it a lot.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

M18 will do anything, but not fit anywhere.

M12 Stubby, will do a lot of things, and fit most places.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

It can be tough with only one size impact.
That 1/2" monster will break loose a lot of stuff... but you can't get it in a lot of places to do anything else.
A 3/8" impact is a lot more handy to me, even my small 1/4" gets more use than the 1/2" one...
Milwaukee is definitely a great tool but Dewalt or Kolbalt will do for home owners.

 

[Rustisbest]

I've had a 1/2" Kobalt for years. Lugnuts, crush sleeves, lawnmower and bush hog blades, its handled it no problem.

 

[custodian]

It can be tough with only one size impact.
That 1/2" monster will break loose a lot of stuff... but you can't get it in a lot of places to do anything else.
A 3/8" impact is a lot more handy to me, even my small 1/4" gets more use than the 1/2" one...
Milwaukee is definitely a great tool but Dewalt or Kolbalt will do for home owners.

I'm 70 and as I get older my strength has diminished along with my age. I mainly looking for one to remove lug nuts and rusty bolts, use on changing the ball joints in my 02 Silverado 4x4 and to be portable while traveling. I haven't looked into whether the batteries are interchangeable between the 3/8" and 1/2" Milwaukee.

 

[idahovette]

I'm 70 and as I get older my strength has diminished along with my age. I mainly looking for one to remove lug nuts and rusty bolts, use on changing the ball joints in my 02 Silverado 4x4 and to be portable while traveling. I haven't looked into whether the batteries are interchangeable between the 3/8" and 1/2" Milwaukee.

Punk a$$ kid!!!!!!........lol

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I'm 70 and as I get older my strength has diminished along with my age. I mainly looking for one to remove lug nuts and rusty bolts, use on changing the ball joints in my 02 Silverado 4x4 and to be portable while traveling. I haven't looked into whether the batteries are interchangeable between the 3/8" and 1/2" Milwaukee.

Don't go by the socket size, go by the battery size.

There are M18, 18 volt, 3/8 and 1/2. I don't believe they offer the 1/2 in M12, 12 volt. M18 and M12 batteries do not interchange.

With an M12 battery tool, you may still need a breaker bar to get things loose. With an M18, you will not.

 

[Sad Sack]

I'm 70 and as I get older my strength has diminished along with my age. I mainly looking for one to remove lug nuts and rusty bolts, use on changing the ball joints in my 02 Silverado 4x4 and to be portable while traveling. I haven't looked into whether the batteries are interchangeable between the 3/8" and 1/2" Milwaukee.

If $$$ isn't a problem, my vote goes to the M18.

 

[Terlingueno]

Don't go by the socket size, go by the battery size.

There are M18, 18 volt, 3/8 and 1/2. I don't believe they offer the 1/2 in M12, 12 volt. M18 and M12 batteries do not interchange.

With an M12 battery tool, you may still need a breaker bar to get things loose. With an M18, you will not.

Milwaukee makes M12 1/2" stubby...

I'm getting one when the next pension check hits the bank

 

[TotalyHucked]

I've been very impressed with my Earthquake XT 1/2" impact from Hobo Freight. It's done everything I've ever asked it to. Unfortunately they discontinued the battery Earthquake XT line (I got mine on the discontinued/open box table) so once my batteries die, I do plan to get a Milwaukee M18 1/2". All name brand 1/2s are fairly expensive so might as well go with the best