Looking at getting an impact wrench

[SwampNut]

I have the Dewalt DCF899 and have used it a lot. One of my friends has both Dewalt and Milwaukee tools, and the Dewalt definitely beats his Milwaukee in several ways. But, that doesn't matter, since you already have Dewalt, stick with that. How much power? "More" is always the answer. I started with a smaller version and upgraded, don't regret it one bit. Never need to use a breaker bar at all. I toss it in the Jeep for any trips.

Be careful and DO NOT buy the detent pin version, it sucks. I got it because it was on sale, but swapping tools is a huge pain. This version is OSHA certified to never let a tool drop when working at heights. So it holds sockets really hard, usually had to use a pin tool to remove the sockets.

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[jbmdux]

I've been looking at them too, because the way they put lug nuts on these days, it's way easier to use an impact wrench than the tool they give you under your back seat. I'm getting the impression that I need to get something with at least 700 ft-lbs of torque, so that I never have an application that it's not powerful enough for. I'll also stick with the 1/2 inch connector, I think 3/8'' is just too small and you have a hard time finding one that has the foot-lbs torque that would be adequate.

Also....you would need to decide whether to buy one that is battery operated, or is used on your compressor. Typically, a compressor impact wrench needs at least 90 psi and higher to use them properly. If you're talking battery operated, then you need to probably standardize on whatever other power tool manufacturer you're already using, because it will require lithium-ion batteries that are as expensive or more so than the impact wrench itself. This is what I'm getting hung up on, I'm trying to decide which brand I want to standardize on.

If you need an impact wrench for removals, you need half inch

 

[ShadowsPapa]

To me there's no argument at all DeWalt vs. Milwaukee. Both are great tools.
I went Milwaukee for two reasons - my DeWalt tools are old - I mean I have to special order batteries or find them on the web. My oldest DeWalt drill dates back to about 1999-2000. And I've dropped it from a 6' ladder twice. I figured it was going to die on me and I found another DeWalt, a bit smaller in physical size, otherwise the same - uses the same batteries, etc. and guess what - the oldest one has STILL not failed! So I have 2 DeWalt drills that take the same battery you can't buy in a store and I figured that left me wide open to get any impact I wanted. I bought the Milwaukee because of seeing how a friend who restores classic cars uses and loves his Milwaukee. There's no way I was going to buy a DeWalt that uses the 14.4 volt batteries my drills use so there was nothing to even think about sharing batteries or chargers.

My Milwaukee has taken things apart I've even struggled with with a breaker bar and does it without needing room to swing a bar or get my old arthritic arms into a crowded area.
I also have a power grease gun that will use the same battery my Milwaukee impact uses.

I have a DeWalt planer in my upstairs woodworking shop - it's great, too.

So - DeWalt vs. Milwaukee? Meh, who cares, buy what you want, what you need, what works best for YOU and your battery and/or charger situation. Either will be fine. None of this "my impact is better than your impact simply because I bought it and I always make the best choices". Nope, not here.
If there was a hands-down winner, the other would not be selling product very often other than to people who already had batteries and chargers, eh?

 

[SwampNut]

My friend has both because his company does heavy road construction and electronic/electrical roadway systems. They have found that within each brand, one specific tool shines for a specific task, and then on another, it's the other way. So his company invested in both systems. For consumers, pick one. Can't go wrong unless you have ONE specific need in mind that one brand does well. For example, there are no electric ratchets from Dewalt; the battery isn't a good shape for it. So what? I need one about four times a year, probably less. I bought a $70 Husky with built in battery. Side by side, with a torque wrench, the husky and the Milwaukee were pretty even.

For the impact, we both agree that the Dewalt beats Milwaukee's best (heh). But on other tools, it can go the other way.

 

[MPMB]

I've been looking at them too, because the way they put lug nuts on these days, it's way easier to use an impact wrench than the tool they give you under your back seat. I'm getting the impression that I need to get something with at least 700 ft-lbs of torque, so that I never have an application that it's not powerful enough for. I'll also stick with the 1/2 inch connector, I think 3/8'' is just too small and you have a hard time finding one that has the foot-lbs torque that would be adequate.

Also....you would need to decide whether to buy one that is battery operated, or is used on your compressor. Typically, a compressor impact wrench needs at least 90 psi and higher to use them properly. If you're talking battery operated, then you need to probably standardize on whatever other power tool manufacturer you're already using, because it will require lithium-ion batteries that are as expensive or more so than the impact wrench itself. This is what I'm getting hung up on, I'm trying to decide which brand I want to standardize on.

Just get the DeWalt. The usefulness of a cordless impact wrench only goes so far. Unless you have a drawer full of wobblies and extensions.

Pretty much any top-name tool will work, the specs don't matter to some people.

Also interesting is the conglomeration of tool companies.

For power tools:
Ryobi and Milwaukee are owned by the same HK company.
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman, Porter-Cable and DeWalt.
Makita is Makita.

Too bad none of them have the foresight to make the batteries standard. Cheap decision to anger the consumer.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

LOL - I do have a collection of extensions, adapters, flexes, etc..
One drawer is nothing but extensions, not to mention the extensions in two other tool boxes, then the entire top of two boxes is sockets, and other sockets and adapters sit in a box in another drawer. A lifetime of being a mechanic.

Some of my impact sockets, metric sockets and specialty sockets. There's at least 3 times that still back in my shop. This doesn't cover the 3/4" drive, 1/4" drive, and probably some I've forgotten about as they are special purpose sockets. Oh, an O2 sensor socket, OP sending unit socket.........

Impacts have their place - there's times that other tools, hand tools or power tools, are better. I have 3/8" drive air ratchet, 1/4" drive air ratchet, 3/8" air impact, CP 1/2" impact, and each has their best use places.

 

[anavrinIV]

Makita.

 

[seven30]

This is what I have. Things a beast. It made my bumper swap in winch install much easier.

I have both Dewalt and Kobalt, I got Kobalt back when there "24v" batteries were only $20. Bought five packs. Kobalt is pretty good quality. Just a bit bulky and lacking some of the refinements of higher priced stuff.

 

[seven30]

Oh and the gal has Makita XLT(?) the smaller black Makitas that rocks. Fits her hands better but still very powerful.

 

[tommyp]

Starter kit

 

[Tuggernuts]

I have both Dewalt and Kobalt, I got Kobalt back when there "24v" batteries were only $20. Bought five packs. Kobalt is pretty good quality. Just a bit bulky and lacking some of the refinements of higher priced stuff.

It is definitely bulky especially compared to the Milwaukee of equal power.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Starter kit

Yeah, but have you ever used any of them? LOL J/K - look well used (or used well?)

 

[tommyp]

Yeah, but have you ever used any of them? LOL J/K - look well used (or used well?)

a bit yea. I have a desk job but wrench “for fun”. The m12 stubby i got pretty recently. Its great. The 1/4 fuel impact is pretty new my m18 one has taken a beating. I have been moving to m12 stuff i like not having the big battery hanging underneath unless i want to.

 

[Shiloh JT]

... absolute nonsense.
Suck it up buttercup, and get a Snap On 4 into 1 torque converter.
Taken care of, you will use it for the rest of your life.

 

[betsy]

I have the Dewalt brand , quite a few, I worked in a papermill store house ( like a parts store ) we also had the tool crib, the Dewalt battery tools took a real beating in an industrial setting, that made up my mind. I also have air tools, don’t use them much anymore, the battery tools have really come a long way, also have a Milwaukee 3/8 battery ratchet, it’s great, I haven’t tried yet but I believe you could probably plug the charger into the inverter in the truck and keep a battery all charged up.

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