Proper tools to purchase?

[OhReally]

I buy Ridgid for the lifetime warranties. Their new hydraulic impact driver is awesome. It is much quieter than a regular impact driver.

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[COBill]

So for a guy who has used a pneumatic impact for my whole wrenching life, y’all are saying that I’ve been doing it wrong? I’ve got tons of battery powered tools.

I’ve dabbled with the electric impacts and the question is “How patient are you?”

Where my pneumatic impact takes a second or so to loosen and spin off any nut, all the electrics I’ve tried have to hammer for 30 seconds or more before the lug nut starts to come off.

In short, I’ve always been more annoyed by electric impacts than anything else and in fact have a Makita 18v I need to remember to put on eBay as its useless for wheels despite having the torque specs that should make it perfect for the task.

 

[spurly]

Another for ridgid. I switched all my personal tools over from dewalt because of Ridgid's warranty and battery replacements. Plus big orange usually has better deals online than they do in the store. The Ridgid impact (tool only) was $149.99 in store but online it was $159.99 with a 4.0ah battery and charger. The only thing I don't have that's ridgid is my Milwaukee m18 cordless ratchet. I don't know how I've lived so long without one. Truly a life saver.

As for hand tools, don't waste your money on premium brands like snap on or Matco. I manage 35 large pieces of large construction equipment (my fleet ranges from $200k new to $2.5 million new) and my 7 mechanics use Tekton, Husky, Crafstman and occasionally Harbor Freight. Wait for Christmas to come around and shop the deals then. Usually find good deals on stuff they don't normally have in the store. I

 

[BrntWS6]

I work in the trades and no longer have any corded tools in my truck at all. I have used them all over the past 25 years and Milwaukee has been hands down the best. I also use them every day and I push them hard all day long. That being said for the average homeowner that does not rely on them on a daily basis it's not going to matter as much. I have several ridgid tools I keep in my garage that work great.

 

[1idrod]

I'm a contractor also and Milwaukee and Ridgid have served me well. They are the only ones you'll find that I carry.

 

[Dan S]

I’ve dabbled with the electric impacts and the question is “How patient are you?”

Where my pneumatic impact takes a second or so to loosen and spin off any nut, all the electrics I’ve tried have to hammer for 30 seconds or more before the lug nut starts to come off.

In short, I’ve always been more annoyed by electric impacts than anything else and in fact have a Makita 18v I need to remember to put on eBay as its useless for wheels despite having the torque specs that should make it perfect for the task.

I picked up the Milwaukee Mid-Torque impact the other day, after debating between it and the High-Torque... It banged for about half a second and spun the lug right off. Tightening took only slightly longer. The High-Torque would have been massive overkill.

The advice I would give the OP, always get the best quality tools you can. I've NEVER been disappointed because my tools we're too good. I can't say the same for the other way ...

 

[Hydroboy35th]

Milwaukee...Milwaukee anything. I’ve sold all my dewalt stuff and replaced it with Milwaukee haven’t regretted it one bit. I don’t use air compressors or regualr ratchets anymore (sometimes a small ratchet).

 

[wrangler-rob]

One more for Milwaukee, like the OP I wanted to build a wheelin' toolkit. for my power tools I ended up with the new OneKey 1/2" impact and a m12 1/2" ratchet.... Buy Once, Cry Once is all I will say after a bunch of research.... I setup memory 4 for doing tire lugs, and the other 3 for varying RPM (Slow/Med/Fast) Oh I also purchased the 12v charger which handles both the M12 & M18 for those "crap I forgot to charge" moments. I've now used that impact wrench for 1 rotation on my vehicle and a wheel change on my buddy's sahara. Also used it and the ratchet for my ATS stabilizer swap and will be using both again for my lift, trackbar and LOD Destroyer rear-end install (when it finally arrives). For the best deal I used Cooper Electric, they had a great promo for trade in an old tool and two batteries and get $100 off the one key impact kit. I still do verify with a proper torque wrench and do not solely rely on the settings of OneKey.

 

[maddscot]

I too, will be moving to some air, and Milwaukee. My home tools have always been for rebuilding and maintaining, motorcycles, the house, and general projects. Mostly Ryobi now due to the battery systems, but will move to Milwaukee or Rigid as my build and needs progress.

 

[BrntWS6]

Just an FYI Milwaukee, Ridgid, and ryobi are under the same company.

 

[Steveo]

Another vote for Milwaukee. I recently picked up the 1/2" mid-torque and it's perfect for most things, including carrying in the Jeep on the trail.

Mid-torque meets Big Bertha.

If you get the mid-torqe, get the friction ring model. The pin detent model requires you to stick a small screwdriver or the like in the hole (if it has one) of the extension or socket to release it. I keep that short extension on there to get a ball detent release.

 

[mic.rempel]

^ I have that exact system. I just purchased the 'Big Bertha' yesterday in anticipation of my lift install this weekend.

 

[Goin2drt]

Oh since this is now a tool debate, the Milwaukee m18 fuel system is legit. I’ve had it for several years now. The batteries last a ridiculously long time. I primarily use the impact, drill, and sawzall from their line.

Another fan here of these. I was a Dewalt guy forever and the batteries just suck in my opinion so I tried the Mil. Wished I would have converted years ago.

 

[Cthehentz]

My brand of choice is Dewalt, get what you can afford and look at the tool lineup for future add on's. Todays lithium batteries just rock and shelf life charge is phenomenal vs yesterdays nicad. Make sure you let us know what you get so we can pick on you hahaha....

 

[BuffaloBill]

Milwaukee.

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