Cordless impact tools

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2011, 07:20

Anyone found one of these they like?

I'm looking at the Porter Cable 18V version because I have a drill that uses the same battery and can get it for a lot cheaper without the battery.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_159330-79992-PC ... s%2Bimpact

I'm thinking it could be a big help if I need to start removing stuff; keep in mind I'm working on this thing in the parking lot with no access to air or an electrical outlet.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 10 May 2011, 08:28

Guess it depends on what you are looking to use it for? There is no specs on that particular model, but the Dewalt 1/4" impact driver, the max torque is measured in inch/pounds. Fine for smaller bolts, but it's not going to get the larger, really stuck stuff off. Something like this, with 300 ft/lbs of max torque is a lot more equivalent to an air tool: http://www.lowes.com/pd_269802-70-DW059 ... s%2Bimpact

We use these to remove wheels quickly for track days and have had good luck with them. Obviously a different class of price, but might be a lot more useful, too.

caz2773 · Post by **caz2773** » 10 May 2011, 08:36

i picked up a snap on cordlees impact and ill tell you this a bit pricey but really worth it removes any bolt anywhere that is stuck, hub bearing, wheel lugs, k frame bolt, motor mounts anything but be careful it has a lot of power so it can break bolts i mainly use it for really hard stuff lije steering rack it was a pia to get under the car and unndo the bolts but with this it took about 30 to 45 uninstall and intall good product tool # ct8655 18 volt impact wrench

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2011, 08:44

Oh. Duh, Justin. 1/4" are those little bitty sockets

Most of my sockets are 3/8" anyway; I have an adapter that will convert down from a 1/2". I'll stop through Lowes on my way back from the junkyard tonight and poke around. Harbor Freight might have some too and I need to make a stop in there for a few cheap wrenches and stuff, but I don't buy electrical tools from them.

Such an investment will probably come in handy for changing struts and other suspension things too.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 10 May 2011, 08:56

A couple more thoughts - those 1/2" to 3/8" adapters probably won't hold up to impact use - I've sheared them off just using a regular socket wrench. Impact tools really should use impact sockets anyhow - you are prone to destroying your sockets otherwise.

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2011, 09:00

Look what you've done; you've given me an excuse to go tool shopping

I broke 2 Craftsmen socket wrenches just trying to get a freaking hub bearing off (not the axle nut itself; that was a whole different story), so you're probably right!

Post by **anjill182** » 10 May 2011, 09:27

While you're at the jy, don't for get to pick up that extended elbow that connects the plastic tube from the oil seperator to the ptc from a 99 or 2000.

Post by **cn90** » 10 May 2011, 09:29

I have an air compressor and use air tools.

Do you think cordless is better than air tool?
Just curious!

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 10 May 2011, 09:32

No - the wrench is a lot bigger, and battery life is not all that great - but for those who don't have a compressor, or a place to put a compressor - or for things like track days, the battery powered units are great.

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 12 May 2011, 09:16

FWIW, if y'all want an impact wrench for automotive use, you want one with the 1/2" shank, not the 1/4". And you do want to use the proper sockets unless you want to destroy them. It is a handy thing.