What size impact?

Which size cordless impact more useful?

  • 3/8"

    Votes: 2 12.5%

  • 1/2"

    Votes: 6 37.5%

  • Bacon

    Votes: 8 50.0%
  • Total voters
    16
paradisePWoffrd

paradisePWoffrd

Recovering Project Junkie
Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Location
Newton, NC
I am looking at getting a cordless impact in the near future. Wondering what you guys tend to grab more/prefer: 3/8 vs 1/2? This will just be for a home shop.

The 1/2" units have alot more power but are bigger and heavier.

3/8" are smaller and lighter but not as powerful. Also I have many more 3/8 sockets/attachments.

Do you find that the 3/8 is too small for alot of what you do?

I also have 3/8 & 1/2 air impacts, and find myself using the 1/2 way more because of the torque.
 
Get the small one with 1/2" drive because adapting down makes more sense than adapting up.
I've got the Milwaukee small 1/2" drive version and it will take the lugs off of my truck (this is the "Fuel" series brushless, but the regular one is a bit cheaper):
http://www.toolbarn.com/milwaukee-2...60rJwYsk2KtlfKdcK4MmvSdRsOQrqPbSmyRoCrNTw_wcB

Eventually I will get the big cordless one, but I wanted something that was easier to handle and fit in more places and so far I've been very happy with it.
 
jeepinmatt said:
Get the small one with 1/2" drive because adapting down makes more sense than adapting up.
I've got the Milwaukee small 1/2" drive version and it will take the lugs off of my truck (this is the "Fuel" series brushless, but the regular one is a bit cheaper):
http://www.toolbarn.com/milwaukee-2...60rJwYsk2KtlfKdcK4MmvSdRsOQrqPbSmyRoCrNTw_wcB

Eventually I will get the big cordless one, but I wanted something that was easier to handle and fit in more places and so far I've been very happy with it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Matt.

I guess the biggest question is, how much torque has shown to be not enough?
 
Depends on what you want to accomplish. If you are constantly tearing down engines, transmissions, assemblies, powersports, etc...your best bet it the 3/8 drive. Smaller, lighter, and much easier on the arms. If you are pulling tires or swapping axles all day, the 1/2 is the way to go. I don't really think they are interchangeable or usage just based on size/weight. I would not want to carry my Snap On 1/2 all day long for doing small teardown stuff.
 
paradisePWoffrd said:
Thanks Matt.

I guess the biggest question is, how much torque has shown to be not enough?
Click to expand...
Well, Milwaukee claims 210ft-lbs, but my experience would be around 120-130ft-lbs is readily available (3/4-1 ton truck lugs), but definitely not pinion bolt loosening torque (175+). Also it depends on the type of torque needed. Something like a lug where a couple hits gets it free, it works great. But for a stuck rusted bolt, or something that requires high torque for multiple turns/prolonged period, it can be a bit lacking.
 
I voted 1/2". Biggest reason is because just about any 3/8" ratchet made I can break with my bare hands. 1/2"... Not so much. I'm assuming whatever cordless impact you buy should have more ass behind it than I do. :lol:
 
I voted 1/2" as well. You can get an impact driver (bosch, dewalt, makita, porter cable, etc) and throw in a 3/8 or 1/4 socket bit for the smaller stuff. I use my porter cable impact driver a lot more than I thought I would.
 
Skinny said:
Depends on what you want to accomplish. If you are constantly tearing down engines, transmissions, assemblies, powersports, etc...your best bet it the 3/8 drive. Smaller, lighter, and much easier on the arms. If you are pulling tires or swapping axles all day, the 1/2 is the way to go. I don't really think they are interchangeable or usage just based on size/weight. I would not want to carry my Snap On 1/2 all day long for doing small teardown stuff.
Click to expand...
This. I have used my 3/8 snap on everyday for... I think Ive had it 4 years. I only use my 1/2 snap on in the field. Changing tires, junk yard, wheeling, etc. My 1/2 electric is bulkier, weaker, and probably heavier than my 1/2 snap on air gun.
 
I voted bacon.
 
I keep my 1/2" SnapOn impact in the tool box of my truck. First time I used it, I broke a 5/8" u-bolt and was pretty much sold on it. Worth every penny! Lithium batteries and the little work light are snazzy too.
 
I've owned both sizes both corded and cordless in various brands and have used them a ton on the buggy, around the house, and when I was toting tools out in heavy industrial construction.

The one I (we) used 75% of the time was the 3/8". Sure it was nice to have the extra power of the 1/2", but for everyday use all the time, the ergonomics were just not there and it was just too heavy and bulky. I'd rather wrench 25% of the time and have a nice, ergonomic impact for 75% of the time rather than the other way around.

3/8" all the way!
 
All depends if you are looking at industiral grade or consumer grade stuff.... Our(snapon) 3/8 lith impact will do more than most box stores 1/2 drive and is made here in the great state of NC..
 
HIGH JACK ALERT....I have a snap on cordless 1/2 drive 18 volt and case I'll sell you cheep.....50$. Snappy or somebody with Snap On will need to hook you up with some new batteries. Have charger and case. Was the one offered with a light, just bought the gun though. Got it new and didn't use it enough over the yrs to keep the batteries good, I'm stuck on air stuff. PM me for details if interested.
 
I don't know what you using it for but I'll throw this out there. I use my 1/4 impact more than anything usually w a good 3/8 socket adapter. I've never broken an adapter. I use it for everything.
My half inch I generally just use it for lug nuts any more.
Mine are all dewalt
 
I use a IR 1/2 with lithium ion batteries and an 18 volt dewalt impact drill with 3/8 adapter. The dewalt can be found in a combo kit for $99 with a hammer drill, 2 batteries and charger. Great bang for the buck. It has more torque than my 3/8 air gun, doesn't cost much compared to dedicated cordless 3/8 impacts and can be used for everything around the house.
 
...and 1/2" and Bacon are tied!
 
lockedup5 said:
I don't know what you using it for but I'll throw this out there. I use my 1/4 impact more than anything usually w a good 3/8 socket adapter. I've never broken an adapter. I use it for everything.
My half inch I generally just use it for lug nuts any more.
Mine are all dewalt
Click to expand...

I have had the opposite luck. Even with the good impact rated adapters, I have found them to be consumable. It doesn't bother me much though. I just keep a couple at a time.
 
NCJeeplover said:
I have had the opposite luck. Even with the good impact rated adapters, I have found them to be consumable. It doesn't bother me much though. I just keep a couple at a time.
Click to expand...
i agree completly. I blow up impact rated adapters and bits all the time with my 18v lithium kobalt impact driver. Its from before they came out with the 20v though. Since they came out with it the 18v stuff is built differently.
 
1/2" you can always use less power but never can get more out of one. I bought a Ingersall Rand 7150-2, the most powerful cordless 1/2" on the market. I use it daily at work on Industrial Machines and its been flawless. 1100 ft lbs of nut busting torque.... Dewalt, Snap on, Milwuakee are good but are no comparison.
 
DWALK said:
1/2" you can always use less power but never can get more out of one. I bought a Ingersall Rand 7150-2, the most powerful cordless 1/2" on the market. I use it daily at work on Industrial Machines and its been flawless. 1100 ft lbs of nut busting torque.... Dewalt, Snap on, Milwuakee are good but are no comparison.
Click to expand...
Pretty sure snap on, mac, and Milwaukee all have guns rated at "1100" ft lbs. And I've heard from several tool truck guys that they won't sell the IR cause they were sending so many back for repairs. I want the Milwaukee 1/2 and 3/8ths set, but haven't pulled the trigger yet...
 
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