Hot or Not? Electric Impact Wrenches
By Chuck Cage
Jeff T. writes: “I don’t currently have any air tools, but was wondering if in the meantime I could get away with one of the electric 1/2″ impacts that are sold at Harbor Freight, Lowes, etc. I was just wondering if they’re decent as I don’t have the money for a nice pneumatic impact and a compressor right now.”
We’ve got a test coming this week with Milwaukee’s V28 cordless impact, so we’ll let you know about that shortly, but I’ve never used other electric impact wrenches much. Back when I was autocrossing, I saw people using ‘em to speed up wheel swaps, but I was way too poor back then to buy one.
What say you? Are they decent? And if you like ‘em, what’s your favorite? Let us know in comments.
Electric Impact Wrenches [Froogle]
February 10th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I own a ridgid right-angle 12v cordless impact (it was featured a month or so ago here)…
I love it.
I bought it one night after fighting with the ball joints on my dad’s car for 2 nights. I couldn’t spend any more time on the car, I needed it done. It seemed spinning the bolt faster with more torque was the only thing that was going to make it spin up. It worked (probably just before the battery died).
I’ve used it everytime I need to spin bolts since then. In many cases you will have to hit it with half a turn by hand just to make sure it’s tight but it certainly cuts down on the time and wrist strain involved in taking things apart and putting them back together.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I’d be curious to know too.. MaxTools seems to have a decent deal on a DeWalt electric Impact Wrench PLUS a full SAE/Metric Flank Drive Impact Socket Set all for $169 - ::link:: (The impact socket set you can use down the road when you do get a compressor and air impact wrench)
The only thing I can see, admittedly just by looking at the specs, it seems that the electric models have much lower torque than the air powered versions. I would have guessed the battery powered models would be lower in torque, but I would think the corded electric models should be able to muster a decent amount of torque. The DeWalt musters only about 240 ft-lbs.. But from what I can tell the air powered models seem to have 1000 or more ft-lbs.
I’d be curious to hear what else others have to say about them.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
I’ve been using a 1/2″ Makita electric impact wrench for the past 10 years for everything from breaking rusty old truck bolts to driving lag bolts. Works great, especially when you need an impact wrench and you don’t have a compressor handy. I’ll be getting a Dewalt 18v impact next.
February 10th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
The DeWalt is great, you will be glad you have it. I just got one.
February 10th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Looking forward to the review–someone just featured a car kit with a mini electric impact wrench aimed at quick changing flat tires. I will have to dig that up–unless it was featured here and then I am feeling not too smart.
February 10th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I have a ridgid electric 1/2 impact and a 3/8 Snapon Cordless. The 1/2 does well, but when you need something with a lot of torque, there is no replacment for an air impact.
February 10th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
I would say warm depending on what else you have available. If you have an compressor and air tools, then an electric corded impact is NOT hot. However, it could prove handy if it’s all you have and you don’t mind the weight and overall size of it. I am surprised these corded impacts haven’t been updated with smaller size, more power, less weight as the cordless versions have been.
February 10th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
We have a full shop at work with plenty of air, but I still reach for a 20 year old Craftsman Electric Impact Wrench. It’s never failed and is easy to use. Another big plus is we can use it in the field with a generator. If you’re on the fence, electric impact wrenches are also very handy for mower blades and putting lag bolts into wood (decks). I’ve always been curious as to what the big fuss is about air-powered impact wrenches.
February 11th, 2007 at 4:09 am
well air powered impact wrenches are more powerful, but the real question is whether the electric ones are good enough. based on the specs as i only have an air wrench, the cordless electric ones are usually called impact drivers and are scarcely better than a corded drill and often have a quarter inch hex instead of a half inch socket. however the higher end cordless impact wrenches can often produce nearly as much torque as a low end air wrench. the bottom line is most should have no trouble with the average job, but i wouldn’t use one for any drivetrain or suspension jobs.
February 11th, 2007 at 11:00 am
I decided to go ahead and jump at the more expensive pneumatic option yesterday. I went down to Harbor Freight and since I had some in-store credit there, I got the “Earthquake” 625 ft-lb 1/2″ impact for ~$60 out-of-pocket. My birthday is coming up in March and I’ve already asked the wifey just for money to support the “compressor fund”. I chose the pneumatic because although now all I have is a really small mini-SUV, I used to have a really big Lincoln Town Car (yeah, I know). When I needed to replace the shocks one time, I had to use a friends air tools and if it wasn’t for them, I could have never got anything done. The car had been out all seasons for at least 1 year, so it was pretty darned rusty under there.
Most satisfying day of ever working on a car though - I got so much done and those air tools were so frickin powerful, I fixed all sorts of issues quickly. That was the most fun car ever too - V8 boat - I had a “truck box” in the trunk to haul tools around that trunk was so darn big, I would use it as my “luxury work truck.” It was a 92 with great paint, etc…
February 11th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Hot. And Cordless please! Makes tearing motorcycles apart on the lift go much quicker, especially for engine side covers, which are usually held in place with many 6×1 8mm hex head or 5mm allen head screws. zip zip zip zip zip zip… done!
February 11th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I have the Milwaukee electric impact wrench. It has a varabile speed motor, plenty of power and you don’t have to listen to an air compressor run to use it. It is usable anywhere you have electricity. It is also quiter than and air impact. It is no louder than a drill motor unless it is hammering.
It comes with a 5 year warantee and only cost a little more than the other brands if you shop around. Also, it is made in the USA!
I bought mine at CPO Milwaukee and got it in three days.
February 11th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
You guys might find this interesting. I just saw a 3/4″ electric impact on HF’s website for something like just $80. Rated at 400ft/lb and it uses a really large pin-clutch mechanism. Although cheap, it looks to be pretty darned powerful, especially for $80 or so.
If you look around at most of these ones online that are rated at ~250ft/lb, you notice they ALL have the exact same casing, just different color or packaging. I went to Lowes and checked out the Kobalt one above, and the HF one that I also saw seemed to be identical. The Kobalt was $140, the HF was $40. Weird.
February 12th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I picked up one at HF a few years ago for about $40. It’s pretty handy for changing tires, but won’t necessarily break the nut loose (especially if it was last put on by Conan the Mechanic). It sure beats spinning them off by hand though..
jim
February 13th, 2007 at 8:46 am
I LOVE these things, but I’d opt for one that has a decent warranty. I had one from Canadian Tire (Motomaster) and all their stuff has a lifetime warranty - I wrecked one by completely abusing it and just took it back for a replacement. I think I could probably do this until the end of time with this particular retailer.
February 14th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Joel Says:
I LOVE these things, but I’d opt for one that has a decent warranty. I had one from Canadian Tire (Motomaster) and all their stuff has a lifetime warranty - I wrecked one by completely abusing it and just took it back for a replacement. I think I could probably do this until the end of time with this particular retailer.
Ha-ha! That is great Joel! A warranty that is honored without a song and a dance is the mana all tool users dream about. It is what put Craftsman on the map.
I don’t have any electric impact wrenches, I do have some air ones, a 1/2, and 3/8s guns. Those and a couple air ratchets do make mechanical jobs move right along. I don’t think everyone’s concern about ultimate torque is such a big issue with how the tools are used over time. Really if the hardware is that stuck too much torque is just going to break the hardware on you anyways. You should really loosen up the hardware by hand, for better feel.
But stubborn, or long winded. or restricted access hardware is where power drivers really shine, saving you from wrist burn spinning wrenches. Getting the job done fast, while keeping you fresh.
March 31st, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I bought a HF 12V model on sale for $9.99 a few years ago. It plugs into the cigarette lighter but also has clips for direct connection to the battery. I bought it mainly to change tires especially when they overtorqued by impact wrenches at the local repair shop.
However, I have been impressed with it. While working on my car, it has come in handy more than a dozen times on super tight bolts that weren’t budging no matter how much I tried (rusted caliper bolts & motor mount bolts). Its not made for continuous use, but then I only pull it out when I have no other choice. It has its own case with 4 sockets to adapt to most lug nuts out there. BTW, one of these days I’m gonna use it on the infamous Honda Crank Pulley Bolt on my Accord and see how it goes. LOL.
Best tool investment I have made to date!
October 15th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I was wondering if I could ask Roscoe what model number Craftsman impact wrench he has. I’ve got a Craftsman model # 27511 Industrial impact wrench. I would like to know if he has one like mine and if he could send me a copy of the owner manual. Good response from Roscoe….
Roscoe Says:
February 10th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
We have a full shop at work with plenty of air, but I still reach for a 20 year old Craftsman Electric Impact Wrench. It’s never failed and is easy to use. Another big plus is we can use it in the field with a generator. If you’re on the fence, electric impact wrenches are also very handy for mower blades and putting lag bolts into wood (decks). I’ve always been curious as to what the big fuss is about air-powered impact wrenches.
December 10th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
I’m on a pit crew for a local dirt track racer. We are contemplating on buying a new 1/2″ electric or 1/2″ cordless impact wrench. I had seen that Craftsman makes a 19.2V attachment. I already have a 19.2V set for easy changeability but wondering if it is powerful enough for changing tires and stuff???
December 11th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Jim R. check out the goodyear 24volt impact wrench at pepboys
(170+ 200? torque) or the aleganey? 280lb torque.
goodyear was on sale 69 w/rebate now ? 100 I have had this model for last year no problem but only one battery with it. allegany looked interesting
also check out menards, had 24 volt with 2 batteries for 60?
2 batteries=backup when pulling parts at local pick and pull junk yard. (also menards toolshop warrenty…keep receit for tools)
April 13th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I have Habror Freight 1/2″ Model ($79.00). I bought it because the local “garage jockeys” jammed my F-250 lug nuts on so tight that jumping on the wrench wouldn’t budge them.
I used the HF wrench and it had to hammer on them in place for a while, but it did eventually bust them all loose. The HF was rated at 250ft/lbs, but I weigh 230 and even jumping on a long wrench handle that was over a foot I couldn’t budge them. I also like that it saves lots of time versus a lug wrench, as with eight lugs per wheel it can take forever to spin them off with a lug wrench.
October 4th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Tutus Pullo said, “I bought a HF 12V model on sale for $9.99 a few years ago. It plugs into the cigarette lighter but also has clips for direct connection to the battery… one of these days I’m gonna use it on the infamous Honda Crank Pulley Bolt on my Accord and see how it goes.”
Damn! That’s exactly what I was wondering if the exact same impact wrench from HF would do! I HATE that bolt! I guess I’ll try it and let y’all know how it goes.
October 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Okay, I bought it and tried it. I got the Chicago Electric 1/2″ Drive Heavy Duty Digital Impact Wrench, which plugs into a cigarette lighter and is supposed to put out 250 ft-lbs max. It’s HF part number 98701. It was $40. At first it wouldn’t deliver an impact in the loosening direction, only in the tightening direction. So I took it apart and turned around the little pawl that engages the anvil after the flywheel thingy spins up. After that it worked. The exploded diagram in the instruction manual shows the pawl in the orientation I changed it to.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Ive got Snap-On’s new 18V cordless, and love it. Use it all the at home. for smaller fasteners, ill usually break them loose with hand tools, and zip em out with an el cheapo black and decker 7V cordless drill and 3/8″ drive socket adapter. Sooner or later, Ill shell out for Snap-Ons 3/8″ cordless, or maybe DeWalts.