Chossing a cordless impact driver

[orbot]

I have a ridgid impact driver and it works pretty good for the use i give it although it wont bust loose a wheel nut but its light weight and handy for other nuts and bolts. Id say the snap on for sure if you are really going to give it hell

 

[Tim A]

I have a ridgid impact driver and it works pretty good for the use i give it although it wont bust loose a wheel nut but its light weight and handy for other nuts and bolts. Id say the snap on for sure if you are really going to give it hell

No kidding? Do you know what the torque is rated at for that impact?

 

[orbot]

No kidding? Do you know what the torque is rated at for that impact?

Heres the specs
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R86031-Compact-Lithium-Ion-Impact-Driver/EN/index.htm

Dont always trust what the guy at the home depot says, believe me it works pretty damn good. go the home depot and ask for their warranty theres something about a 90 day satisfaction so try it out if you dont like it take it back, ask them first. bought it las november and have only charged the battery twice and i use it often.

 

[JamesDowning]

I myself would not use dewalt.
They have poor warranty and service. I work for a company that sells power tools and dewalt was designed for the home owner who's real need is not that of a blue collar.
All of their innards are plastic or low grade steel which fail ALOT. What they consider the end of your warranty is about 5 mins after you walk out the door with it. Yes the store you bought it from gives you a new one, but ask them if Black and Decker (who actually makes the dewalt line) gives them a new one to replace your old broken one.
I would go with a Makita, Bosch or Milwakee ... one with a 1/2 drive. Usually means 18.8v as opposed to the 14.4 or 12v which relates to more power, longer life and longer use. I use a Bosch 22618 which comes with a second battery, quick charge charger and carrying case WHICH most of them out there do not.

Not sure where this guy is coming from, but I have a LOT of experience with dewalt tools and have actually taken apart the impact mechanisms of both of these impactors. There are no plastic innards that take impact load... not sure where you're getting that they are low grade steel either.

Yeah i guess its called a hex drive, pretty much a collar you pull forward and when you release it, it locks your bit in place. works well, and is easy to swap between sockets/screw drivers/ allen bits as required. As for the post about DW being crap, it really isnt. own multiple DW tools and never had a problem, it will be plenty good enough like you said

I have a mini Dewalt impactor with the hex drive. Good for small bolts and nuts, but I wouldn't use it for a lug nut, it will probably fracture the hex-to-socket adapter.

I use the larger Dewalt impactor for my lug nuts... zips them off very quick. I just don't use it to tighten them, I seat them with the tool, then tighten by hand. I also use normal extensions with the big impactor and haven't had any issues.

For full disclosure, I do work for Dewalt.

 

[orbot]

. I just don't use it to tighten them, I seat them with the tool, then tighten by hand.

For full disclosure, I do work for Dewalt.

A while back we took an express trip and we "tighten" the lug nuts with a snap on impact and a few miles later damn wheels got loose....since that happened i preffer doing the job by and than using the impact for this

 

[Tim A]

Heres the specs
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R86031-Compact-Lithium-Ion-Impact-Driver/EN/index.htm

Looks about the same as the small DeWalt. Maybe I should go with the big dog...

I appreciate the discussion guys.

 

[Flagster]

I got a deal on a 36v Dewalt cordless at a local ACE Hardware... 200.00 OTD...
It has been great so far...

 

[NLXTACY]

Has never ever let me down:
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/IS/Product.aspx-am_en-30702