Electric impact wrenches

[buck91]

I have been using a Harbor Freight 1/2 electric impact (A/C not battery) for a while now and while it has been working GREAT its definitely not a long-term investment. For your average enthusiast/DIY'er for primarily automotive but also the occasion lag bolt and whatnot, what are some good options for plug-in style electric impact wrenches?

The Dewalt units have caught my eye and are priced well on some websites but I'm not sure what to make of the various models available( DW292, DW292K, DW293)... Any strong competitors to the Dewalt? This will likely never see professional or "job site" use but I also want to look at units with decent performance and durability. Weight/bulk really isn't a concern for this.

 

[Donald]

I bought a Milwaukee M18 Fuel High Torque impact wrench.

Its got:
Superior performance: Delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque, up to 1,100 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque and up to 2X more runtime

I guess that means 700 ft lbs forward and 1100 ft lbs in reverse?

I had the Dewalt impact wrench with 18V XPR battery.

The Milwaukee is far superior.

One needs to pick a brand and battery size and get tools that fit the same battery. If you have to buy a battery and charger for each cordless tool, it will cost a fortune.

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

Milwaukee M18 Fuel for the win!

 

[JHZR2]

I first bought an AC impact... A Milwaukee. It worked fine for lugs, but I soon realized that while Im no fan of the lifecycle cost of batteries, lugging a cord around wasn't a lot better.

So I bought an IR. Love that thing, had two batteries, LED flashlights that fit on the same, etc.

Then I got some Milwaukee battery tools. Started using Fuel and I got the M18 for Christmas.

End of the day, all the claims don't add up to much, IMO. A seized lug bolt can't be handled by any of them, been there, done that.

So you really need to ask what you do use it for and what you'll plan to use it for. Im not advocating air, but do consider its capabilities too. You don't necessarily need a TON of air if you're not doing overly strenuous and continuous things.

But regardless of how you go, Id look at Milwaukee.

 

[royesses]

Take a look at this review of the new Kobalt 110 volt impact by garage journal member Woodstock VA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CY3F1c6aBQ

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: buck91
The Dewalt units have caught my eye and are priced well on some websites but I'm not sure what to make of the various models available( DW292, DW292K, DW293)

I've had a plug-in DeWalt DW293 for about ten years and have been very happy with it.

The DW293 has ALWAYS removed EVERY bolt I have EVER used it on; NOTHING has ever defeated this tool. And that means everything from crank-pulley bolts to suspension bolts to brake bolts to rusted wheel lug-nuts, you name it.

Of course, being electric means the DW293 makes its 350# of torque all the time, and is not dependent on sufficient compressor-airflow to generate its power.

The only issue with the DW293 is bulk and weight (which you say doesn't matter to you, and didn't matter to me either): The DW293 is about a foot long and about 10 lbs. It's too bulky for use inside an engine compartment, and you do end up using a U-joint frequently when working under a car that's on stands.

 

[Vikas]

One huge advantage of an electric impact wrench is that you could let it hammer for minutes if needed.

 

[Donald]

One of the reasons I do not want to use an air impact wrench is having to drag an air hose into my drive/parking area. Most of the things I work on are not in my garage. So I do not want to have to drag an extension cord either.

Cordless works fine for me. Li-Ion keep a pretty constant voltage until they die.

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
One huge advantage of an electric impact wrench is that you could let it hammer for minutes if needed.

Sometimes time is all a stubborn bolt needs. Sometimes lots of time under the hammer. With an electric, you never have to worry about the compressor running low if you hammer too long.

I also dislike dragging around a cord (which is why I have a gas mower), but you sure can't beat the power and sustainability of a good, corded electric.

 

[LubeLuke]

I also vote for the Ingersoll Rand battery operated tools.
I have the battery ratchet wrench and impact wrench from them.
They are obviously one of the best in air tools, and their new line of battery tools also appears to be great. Comparable to other top quality companies such as Bosch, Hitachi, Milwaukee, and Hilti.