Impact wrench / driver recommendation?

[Mikeyut3]

Looking for somthing compact but nice that's good for general all around use throughout the JL. I like dewalt but doesn't have to be that. Want something that doesn't limit me. I dont get if I should get 1/4in or 3/8in or is there something universal? Hex?

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[D60]

I only know Milwaukee. Probably the 2555-20 M12 stubby impact. That's 1/2" dr; there is also a 3/8" which I think is the 2554

If you want more oomph the M18 mid torque 2861 still isn't HUGE.

Impact drivers are 1/4" hex and meant for driving screws. Yes, you can get adapters but there's significant losses running thru a tiny 1/4" hex shank, plus impact drivers don't put out the power of square-anviled impact WRENCHES because you don't need lugnut-removing-power to drive a #8 wood screw.....

 

[plex]

You need pick up an ecosystem since you will just add more power tools later. Personally I am a big fan of Makita, but Milwauke is good too. Dewalt is kind of overpriced IMO.

Or you can go straight Habor Freight Tools if you only occasionally use them.

 

[Pipewench]

I only know Milwaukee. Probably the 2555-20 M12 stubby impact. That's 1/2" dr; there is also a 3/8" which I think is the 2554

If you want more oomph the M18 mid torque 2861 still isn't HUGE.

Good recommendations. I'm very fond of Milwaukee myself.

Impact drivers are 1/4" hex and meant for driving screws. Yes, you can get adapters but there's significant losses running thru a tiny 1/4" hex shank, plus impact drivers don't put out the power of square-anviled impact WRENCHES because you don't need lugnut-removing-power to drive a #8 wood screw.....

While all of this is well-stated and true, I'll also say that I've used a 1/4" hex impact for torquing seismic supports on plumbing lines using 1/2" hardware (so 3/4" socket on an adapter) to 50 ft-lbs, all day every day for weeks. So they have a fair amount of oomph. Not the kind of oomph you'll get from a "real" impact, no. But it's what I keep on hand for most light duty stuff.

 

[BCalvin]

I agree with Plex on the idea of looking at the big picture of battery compatibility with more tools down the road.

I'm a big fan of Bosch tools but think Milwaukee 18v fuel is winning the game these days.

 

[bryan]

I have years of positive experience with Milwaukee tools, but totally line up with the ecosystem comments. If you've already invested in Dewalt 20V, don't be afraid to stick with it. I have no regrets with my Dewalt gear. On the other hand, I'm not a bran-x-or-nothing kind of guy. For and electric ratchet, I'm buying Milwaukee--different sized battery is a different ecosystem.

 

[Mud2Sno]

I have the Milwaukee 2863-20 1/2" impact driver, may be overkill but I know I will be able to remove any bolt

 

[txj2go]

I have DeWalt, if I was starting over I would consider Milwaukee. I think they are pretty much equal except that if you are using the tool continuously for extended periods the Milwaukee is more durable. For automotive use I would pick 1/2" drive. Anything less and you can just use a hand ratchet instead. Of course it depends on what kind of work you are going to do- for suspension work and engine disassembly you would want 1/2". For doing a lot of lighter work it would make sense to use 3/8" drive or even 1/4" hex.

When I was a mechanic we had 3/8" and 1/2" drive air tools. I didn't have much use for the 3/8" drive, I preferred to do those by hand, but I used the 1/2" drive for suspension work and for engine disassembly. These days with compact cordless tools I think I would use them more. I know people that like the 3/8" drive ratchets, I never cared for them that much.

 

[LHuffman47]

I love my little dewalt 1/4 with adapters. Helps with running things off. I’ll usually crack the bolt with a breaker, then give it the impact

 

[MarkY3130]

I’ve got the Ridgid 1/2” impact wrench and their 1/4” impact driver. Both have worked really well for me and I wrench on my Jeep/others quite a bit.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

I have the Dewalt 20V impact wrench and impact driver. Bought on sale. No regrets. I have the circular saw and sawzall too.

 

[OBJLU]

I have dewalt 1/2 inch DCF899B and my buddy has the milwakuee equivalent, they both get the same bolts off. I wouldnt go smaller than 1/2 inch but it really depends on your style of work. I have both impact and electric ratchet. The rachet I use more often but the impact saves me a ton of time breaking bolts, etc.

 

[Williamwim]

I bought this 1/2" 18V electric impact wrench driver, it works well for me.

 

[Whiskey 13]

I use Milwaukee 1/2" Impact tool and it a Hoss. I also have the Milwaukee 1/4" impact driver which is more powerful that most would think and it can get into very tight spaces. M18 Fuel versions for both.

 

[jmacricx]

For the last 3 years, I use a lot of impact/wrench drivers. All of them I saw the DEWALT 20V MAX as the most compact and easy to hold. It's extremely manageable and easy to use.
Today, when I've googled about the best impact driver in 2020, find this review very informative.

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