Hey Racers! Or anyone that has experience using cordless impact wrenches to mount/remove wheels...

I wants one!

Google searches have lists of the Top Picks, but I'd like to hear from real world folks that have busted their knuckles (or saved their knuckles from being busted ) using these things.

Any favorites?
Ones to stay away from?

This, to me, wouldn't be a Harbor Freight kinda tool. Probably one worth investing a little more in... (?)

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

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You're right. Stay away from the HF one. The battery pack leaves much to be desired, and the impact is weak anyway. I got one some years back to keep in the tool kit for an enclosed trailer that the wife had for craft shows/sales, and it proved a disappointment.
The more recent ones, I have no experience with, but have no reason to believe the Chinese have improved the tool(s) if they can keep selling the same old stuff.

Roger

My buddy Bob has a 1/2" drive Milwaukee cordless 18V impact wrench that we've both used a lot. I like it for removing lug nuts, but for putting them back on I just run it up slow until it clicks once or twice (still well below final torque), then finish it off with a beam wrench. I like that it doesn't immediately hammer up to 100+ ft-lbs after a few clicks.

I'm currently the DeWalt guy, though. I've added a smaller 3/8" drive DeWalt cordless 20v impact wrench to my Christmas list, since it's currently part of a "free tool" deal at Home Depot when you buy a certain battery kit. Only rated for 150 ft-lbs, which should be enough for my purposes; makes it less likely to break stuff on accident. Will report on usefulness in the future, hopefully...

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Somehow I ended up owning three 1964 slant six A-bodies. I race one of them.
Escape Velocity Racing

Hand tools = better fitness....

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Makita "small" 1/2" drive has been hammered for 2 solid years by 2 mechanics. And I don't know for how long before that. I highly recommend it. (I have the same one at home too) I think it as about 225 ft. lbs.

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Mine is not "cordless". It is an Ingersol-Rand 12v that clips to the vehicle battery terminals. Been using it since 1966.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I like hand tools too.

For zipping racing stuff on / off i got a ryobi.. its the home depot house brand. I use their air inflator too. Same 18v (I think) battery and charger for both. Its not a makita or Milwaukee.. but worked so far and no more lugging air tank or compressor to races.

Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Charlie I can't believe you would buy such junk! Only lasted 53 years!!! I don't think my Makita will be around in 53 years! And neither will I!!

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

I wouldn't spend that kind of money, today. I've gotten "frugal". When bought, it was a little more then 1 weeks paycheck.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I have a Mac tools 18 volt cordless that works great. Rob I also carry an electric Mikita in my motor home that is real strong. I can use it on the road by using my generator for changing tires if needed on motor home.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

The Harbor Freight stuff is getting a lot better. I would not be afraid of their top line one.

That being said, I have a DeWalt mini impact I use at home. It won't break lug nuts loose, but it will spin them off and won't tighten them too tight.

We have a 1/2" Milwaukee at work that works very well. It must be good, it's been stolen and replaced twice.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Rob,

I have the Milwaukee 3/8 stubby impact number 2554-20. It will take all 4 wheels off a 3/4 ton Dodge truck with power to spare. I use the full line of M12 Milwaukee stuff everyday. They are the best from my personal experience. I torture the impact and the cordless ratchet for hours on end they never disappoint. If you take the plunge definately get the ratchet also. It is one handy tool. I use it for everything from interior to engine work. I like the lighter weight of the M12 stuff and the impact is rated at 250 ft/lb. Just keep the chrome sockets off it. They don't last long.

Which DeWalt mini impact? If the 3/8" drive 20V version (DCF890B) won't break lug nuts loose, I may change my Christmas list!

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Somehow I ended up owning three 1964 slant six A-bodies. I race one of them.
Escape Velocity Racing

I have the small 20V one that takes the adapter to hold a socket. It is considered more of a screw gun I believe.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.