Anybody ever used either of these?

I am looking at buying a a cordless impact just to have on my truck. It would kind of be a dual purpose for taking off tires in a time of need but also for just general turning of bolts. As I get older, I find myself less anxious to crank on a wrench when I can just pull a trigger.

This brings me to my question. Obviously a 1/2" is going to be better for swapping tires but I wouldnt expect that to be the activity I would most often use it for. So, will a 3/8" cordless impact be sufficient to pop a few lugs off? If so, I would prefer the 3/8" as for all reasons other than lugs, I feel like it would be the most practical.

These are the models I am looking at.
3/8"
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-3-8-in-Drive-Cordless-Impact-Wrench/3977523

1/2"
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-XR-20-Volt-Max-1-2-in-Drive-Cordless-Impact-Wrench/1000192195

Also, please help not have this turn into a Dewalt vs. fill in the blank argument. Im just comparing 3/8" vs 1/2".

 

You most likely wont be able to reliably remove the wheel lugs with the XR20 3/8" impact. At least from my past experiences. The downside to the 1/2" impact shown is it is the gear reduction model which means big torque numbers but increased tool length which can make it difficult to get into tight spaces. Both are good tools, but are in two much different torque ranges. Buy both and don't look back.

 

Hahaha. Those were my exact thoughts and I was kind of leaning that way anyway. I was just hoping somebody would convince me that the 3/8 would do it. For lugs, I like the long length to possibly eliminate the need for an extension. But for practically every other bolt on the truck that I would need to turn on the trail or at least not at home, the 3/8 would definitely be superior.

 

I have a snap on 3/8 battery impact that will do lug nuts on a fresh battery. The newer ones are probably better, I bought mine new about ten years ago and got out of the automotive industry.

 

My 1/2 battery powered will do lug nuts no problem though.

 

Well I splurged when I bought the truck so why not splurge on its toolbox.

 

A pneumatic 3/8 would do lug nuts. You would need an air compressor though.

 

I thought about it. Settled on a breaker bar because... Murphy.

 

We use a (Not dewalt) 1/2 inch drive cordless at work. It's main purpose is checking lugs on all the boats that go out as well as putting tires on when they come in on the truck with no tires mounted. The battery last quite a while for our purpose and it satisfies the torque spec for the lug nuts.
Get the 1/2 inch. If you don't need it right away, Lowe's always has some sort of sale during holidays such as memorial day and especially Christmas.
I keep in my toolbox a 1/4 inch porter cable impact and I use it for general purpose nut and bolt removal. Not high torque, but lightweight and small for tight spaces. Maybe something to consider, you could get a 1/2 and a 1/4 drive.

 

Nice idea about the holidays! Thanks. I have a 1/4 in the truck that actually does well on a surprising amount of bolts. Want the 3/8 for parts and the 1/2 for tires.

 

I’ve never used them in my 16 years as a tech always snap on cordless impact drivers. However a couple of the guys in shop have pots of these and these fu%%ers are strong. Mainly the 1/2 it’s removes axle nuts. Seat belt bolts and on occasions crankshaft pulley bolts. Oh and the warranty is better

 

As noted, get both... but if you can only get one (or just make it your first purchase), get the 3/8". I have one that accepts the 1/4 bits so you can use 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" or whatever sockets and adapters. I've had it for a few years and it's fantastic. I use it on every project. If you loosen the lugnuts first with a breaker bar, it'll get them off quick.
I do have a Milwaukee 1/2" drive for wheels and big jobs. It's a heavy beast and too big for most jobs. Great for tire changes and some suspension work though.

This is pretty much the one i have: https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-...d-Impact-Driver-1-Battery-Included/1000136219

 

Check the torque specs and see if they go high enough to turn the nuts to the proper range. No sense buying one that won't break the nuts loose or get them tight enough .

 

I have the 1/2” one. It’s badass. Don’t have the 3/8” one yet but I want it because, we’ll yeah the 1/2” isn’t so compact. It’s easy to handle, just doesn’t fit in tight spaces at all. Works great for removing mugs though. It’s real strong.

 

I have the 1\2 Rigid and it's a beast. Get the extended life batteries and they last a while. I rotate all my tires and it's still going strong on the same charge.

 

I have 1 of those too, it does a really good job.

 

Make sure you get at least a 5 amp hour battery

 

I vote get both

 

Go with a 3/8” drive Milwaukee M-18 Fuel. You will not be disappointed I promise you. Mine will bust lug nuts all day, no problem. I’m a heavy equipment technician and use mine everyday. By far the most useful tool in my box.

 

We use the Milwaukee impacts at work and I have to say they have an awesome warranty. If you break it they fix or replace it within two years and pay the shipping both ways. For my cordless tools at home I have been really happy with the Rigid stuff and I am a massive brand whore/tool snob.