Best Cordless Impact Wrench?

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
I was chatting with Josh-man about tools and tool boxed this evening and the subject of cordless impacts came up. I want to replace my so-so Ryobi impact with something with much more torque. What do you have to say?
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
The Snap On one is the most powerful, but I think the Milwaukee one is a better value. The Snap On impact is twice as expensive but not twice as good. Both are ridiculously powerful for electric impacts.
 

FlyersFan76

Well-known member
I have the DeWalt one.

Family member is a dealer so I get good pricing.

I probably don't use it as much as a lot of you but when I did it worked great. 18v style. DW059
 

stu454

Well-known member
Callsign: KN4CBB
I have used a Milwaukee 18v and it was very nice. It hammered loose the 250 ft/lb hub nuts on the LR3 like it was nothing. I think they're less than $300.
 

Uncle Douglas

Well-known member
Callsign: delete
I have a couple
I have the dewalt 18v 1/2 and have been disappointed with how powerful it is although it seems to be getting stronger as it wears in, have actually broken/sheared a couple bolts with it lately. I'm constanly replacing triggers on dewalt grinders and motors on dewalt drills so not a huge fan of dewalt, although like an old john deere, you can buy any part for any tool, and keep them working. Just had to replace the trigger on an 18v drill in the past couple of weeks. Parts are expensive but always cheaper than a replacement tool. I guess I'm guilty of using homeowner grade stuff commercially.

I also have the Snap On 3/8 lithium monster. The thing is awesome. This is the most frequently used tool in the shop. Have two batteries but they last for a week so thinking about buying another tool only.
Pricey and like Jimmy not sure they are worth it but damn they work well and save time
https://store.snapon.com/CT8810A-Se...ive-MonsterLithium-Impact-Wrench-P760541.aspx

Like most things Snap On the ergonomics of the tool are incredible
 

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
I'm thinking of grabbing this. Any thoughts?
Milwaukee HD Link

fcee49f4-d64b-4768-8db3-a0692096a2b0_1000.jpg
 

AdamSanta85

Well-known member
Looks good. My only comment is why 1/2? Unless you take wheels on and off all day, what are you really doing with it that requires the extra size and weight? I find the 3/8's can fit in many places that the 1/2 can't, and most things don't require that much torque. My 3/8 Milwaukee is powerful enough to break nearly any nut or bolt on these trucks as it goes up to 210ft lb. A few of my mechanics friends says the same thing, they use their 1/2 but for the most part their daily driver is the 3/8. I would be scared to use a 1/2 gun on 10mm bolts. Not that their is anything wrong with a 1/2" gun, but I feel that a 3/8 will see a lot more use.
 

Uncle Douglas

Well-known member
Callsign: delete
For me, whats cool about a battery impact is the ease of getting it into tight spots without
the hassle of an air line etc. The smaller and more powerful the more useful it is.

edit: and the less room it takes up in the road trip tool bag
 

JohnsD90

Founding Member
I have the newer version of the Ryobi 1/2" impact, it says it's around 300 ft/lbs and it has 3 speed settings. I have been more than happy with the power for my needs on the 110's and its more compact than the more powerful 1/2" guns produced by the pro brands.
 

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
Since I am all Ryobi I took JohnsD90's advice and picked one up for $119. I slapped in a charged battery and it effortlessly spun off a lug nut from my truck.
 

FlyersFan76

Well-known member
Looks good. My only comment is why 1/2? Unless you take wheels on and off all day, what are you really doing with it that requires the extra size and weight? I find the 3/8's can fit in many places that the 1/2 can't, and most things don't require that much torque. My 3/8 Milwaukee is powerful enough to break nearly any nut or bolt on these trucks as it goes up to 210ft lb. A few of my mechanics friends says the same thing, they use their 1/2 but for the most part their daily driver is the 3/8. I would be scared to use a 1/2 gun on 10mm bolts. Not that their is anything wrong with a 1/2" gun, but I feel that a 3/8 will see a lot more use.

I actually have a few. The 1/2" is only for lug nuts for me. At this point anyway.

I also have the quick release chuck and a 3/8" anvil. I sadly have a corded 1/2" because the cordless was either too new or didn't exist yet.

Totally agree on the weight though. Can be a bit cumbersome.
 

The Dro

Illustrious
I have the Snap-On 18V one and the Dewalt... I'd suggest to save your pennies and buy the Dewalt.

The Snap-On is awesome but I don't use it as much.
 
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