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Hey y'all so I work in a shop n we have air impacts, I have two buldging discs in my lower back so bending over n running under the cars to make the hose reach can be painful I'm looking into battery powered impacts n wanted some opinions it's mainly going to be used for lug nuts but how does the torque stack up to air powered ect, thanks in advance

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

M12 FUEL™ 3/8" Impact Wrench


Changed my life, to be honest. Lug nuts and 90% of stuff on the car, zero problem. I still have to break the bigger bolts that are torqued 150+ ft/lb (suspension components,) but there are larger 18v impacts for that type of work.

Got it with a combo with a 3/8 matching electric ratchet for ~$200-250. Between those two, I barely have to touch the hand tools. Makes pulling parts at the junk yard super fast, too.



18v Version is a beast @ 1100ft/lb

SomeGuy25thZ

I got the electric (battery) version and its been amazing. no more back and arm pain trying to remove lugs and break open stubborn bolts. worth every penny for those who aren't looking to go full air compressor. never had issues with low battery yet.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

I have the M12 cordless 3/8 ratchet and I love it for assembly/disassembly before final torque. The ratchet isn't strong enough to break bolts loose over 20 ft/lbs but it can tighten to about 30. I have been looking at the 1/2" version of the impact, I think I wouldn't end up using the 3/8" enough. I think for daily work with bolts over 3/8" or 15mm a 1/2" impact is what you should buy. I also own the Milwaukee Fuel M18 drill and impact driver and have been very impressed. The battery life on the M18 Fuel driver with the fuel battery is impressive-- go with the fuel series if you'll use it often.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Just a note, the torque on both the M12 FUEL 3/8in and 1/2in impacts are rated the same. Since they're only good to ~120ft/lb anyways, I found 3/8in worked for my needs. Really fits in tight spots, and is a champ for engine disassembly (where the electric ratchet doesn't cut it on some stuff.) I think you'd be unimpressed using it on larger bolts that necessitate the need for a half inch driver, and reaching for the 18v tool may be better in that instance.

Couldn't suggest the M12 FUEL line any more either way.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Power is the other reason I haven't bought one yet. I'm undecided how much I really need. On the one hand I would like to buy the more powerful 1/2" for bigger and seized hardware but then again I have a torch for freeing those bolts. I've read that the 3/8 version has to neck down and isn't as strong or rugged, you heard anything like that?

jharrison5

I used to work in construction so all of my battery tools are Ridgid brand so I have a ton of batteries for it. It's a 18v 1/2" and has 325ft/lbs of torque. I use it in conjunction with the 1/4" ridgid impact I also own. The one thing I like about the ridgid stuff is that they guarantee the batteries for life. I have had my full set for over ten years and have had all the batteries replaced at no cost to me.

With that being said i use the Ridgid stuff at home, but at work we have all Milwaukee M18 tools and they all seem to work great too.

Dabesiv

iTrader: (1)

I have fallen in love with my 12v DeWalt impact drill, I haven't run into a bolt it can't handle yet and it was a decent price too

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

That is new to me, and I did lots of reading before buying. Doesn't mean it's wrong, just I have not heard about it.

It's busted off some seriously rusty bolts. Has been one of the best purchases made for my garage so far.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

I can't recall where I read it but the guy was saying that they used the same motor so the 3/8 had to use a smaller ratchet head so it's not as strong. I know nothing about small electronics (other than how to replace brushes) so I don't know either if it's a bunch of BS. Maybe Sofa will wander upon this thread.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

I havent used my pneumatic gun since i got this, 200ft lbs, variable speed, 1/2 dr.Although occasionally i do have to use the breaker bar.

Jbuchanan

I turn wrenches daily for a living and have a matco and snap on account. I've used my matco 1/2 impact daily for years but finally got on board with the battery powered tools. I bought a snap on 3/8 impact and ratchet and immediately got spoiled. I got the 1/2 impact the other day and this thing is hands down a beast. I highly recommend it.

$750 L98

I bought the Milwaukee kit when it was on sale. I have their M18 1/2 Impact, M18 Impact driver with 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 bits, and the M12 3/8 ratchet, as well as the M18 sawzall, M12 Lantern drop light and M18 Drill.


I teared up a little bit using them for the first time. They make jobs so much easier, batteries last a good long while and charge quick. I always have one on the charger for backup so I never run out of juice.

I can also now take a bag of tools on the road with me and have TONS of power and options to fix whatever I need on my car or my family members cars. These tools are a lifesaver.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

I literally just expanded my Milwaukee collection with the M18 1/2" impact this week. The impact with 2 5.0 batteries and charger was $344 @ Amazon. The M12 3/8 impact and 3/8 electric ratchet changed my life as previously mentioned, so I can't imagine this won't do the same again.

The Snap-on is twice as expensive for a similar product with a way lesser warranty. The Milwaukee has a 5 year warranty vs the Snap-on's 1 year. It's worth it for that alone imo. Us home guys don't have a truck rolling up to us to deal with warranties or repairs, so I don't mind reaching out to the company when I need it sorted.

Can not wait to bust off the front lower strut bolts off this weekend with the new impact.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Damn this thread! After posting above i saw ryobi had a newer version....so naturally.I had to upgrade, 300 lb ft on this one.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Just used my new M18 and oh boy.. was it a treat. Giggled like a school girl. Busted the bottom front shock mount nuts with ease. I couldn't budge them with a breaker bar!

$350 well spent. Going to be able to rebuild my wife's front end (jokes aside.. hah) in half a day at the very most, even with all the neglect from the POs.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Which M18 did you buy, the 2763 fuel high torque, the 2663 regular high torque or the 2860 fuel mid torque? After this thread started I got the itch (Just like 84 1LE) to buy a cordless impact and I had a gift card to Home depot so I bought the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2860-20


Haven't had a chance to really test it yet though. This new mid torque just sounded perfect for my hobbyist uses.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

I went with the 2763-20 High-Torque Impact. I already had the M12 2454 for lighter duty (up to 100ish ft/lb) so figured I needed a "big boy" to accompany it. Glad I did, as the nuts I busted yesterday were not moving with a breaker bar, but popped off like nothing.

Now that I am invested in the M18 line I'll probably pick up the mid-torque version at some stage to be the middle ground power wise.