Battery vs. air impact wrench

I have had the 18V stuff for years, Many of them are about 15 years old by now but I have not had one fail yet. I did replace the batteries with Lithium Ions.



Now the 20V max collection begins.

 

I have the big 18v set too. My 1/2 inch hammer drill died after 8 years or so, but the others going strong. Just got the adapter and li on batteries. Dewalt says they're not making nicad batteries or 18v tools anymore soon. I did the switch (battery type) for $150 or so...tools still good so why change?

 

Yeah.
Cordless tools and batteries are relatively expensive and generally less powerful.
And if you care, disposal of dead batteries is problematic.

I'd usually go for that if there was power on site and I didn't want to run hoses (or an extra hose) for whatever reason.
I wore out a couple of those over many years of heavy use.
Used it mostly for running in lags when building decks.
And yes, I wore out several pneumatic impacts over the years as well.

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I was a trim carpentry subcontractor for most of my working life (now retired).
Cordless tools have their place.

I had a couple Paslode cordless nail guns (fuel cell and battery) for second trim.
Second trim is when you come back after the flooring guys are done and you lay shoe mold and do odds and ends.
In that situation, it was worth it to not run hoses all over the place.
But it was a very expensive tool for the job.

For installing locksets and bifold doors, etc, a cordless drill was the tool to use.
You're all over the house doing that and overall it's not a big draw on the battery.
One can cite similar scenarios for other trades.


You want a cordless tool /combo toolset for keeping in your truck or for occasional jobs?
By all means, get cordless.
But no cordless tool is an adequate replacement for serious work and prolonged heavy usage.
And they're expensive by comparison to their counterparts, particularly the batteries.

 

I have a large compressor in my garage, but since I got the electric impact I rarely use it. It’s just too convenient having a battery powered impact vs waiting for the compressor to fill up to take off a couple bolts. This is the one I use and I haven’t found a bolt yet that I haven’t been able to get off. Best advice I can give is find one brand you like and stick with it so you can use one type of battery in all your tools.

Ingersoll Rand 1/2" 20V Cordless Impact, 2 Battery Kit, W7152-K22, (2) Battery Kit

$620 Ingersoll Rand W7152-K22 20V 1/2" Drive Cordless Impact Wrench 2 Battery Kit - High Torque, IQv Power Control w/4 Modes, Brushless Motor, LED Light Ring, Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L1LXQKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x7hhEbRYMPCDB

 

Personally I know a lot of mechanics who purely use electric Impacts now. Working out of my garage I have snapon 1/2" and 3/8" guns and there hasn't been a nut they couldn't budge. Considering I got them for free, if I was in a position to buy I would go with the new Milwaukee stuff.

 

I’m looking at the Milwaukee M12/M18 cordless impacts for general garage use. Will I be happy with the M12, or is the M18 worth the extra $?

 

Put my Ridgid 18v to work today. So nice not to have to worry about the compressor or hose.

 

I ditched pneumatic tools a LONG time ago. I hate dragging a hose everywhere. The big brand cordless tools all produce impacts that are more than capable and have great battery life. Ditch the compressor... you won't regret it. I'm partial to DeWalt myself.

When you pair them with a high capacity battery (like DeWalt's FlexVol), the tool gets noticably heavier, but lasts through a full subframe drop, suspension and control arm change, sway bar swap... I.E. you can replace a metric crap ton without concerns of a hose or swapping batteries.

 

The M12 1/2" produces 250 ft-lb; it does 90% of my work. That said, the M18 1/2" high-torque is a beast, and I have yet to find ANYTHING that won't break free. If all you're working on is automotive, then the M12 should be absolutely fine. It's also relatively compact, and can get in to a lot of places a bigger unit couldn't.

 

Thanks, that’s good to hear! I’d just be doing general automotive work at home, so the M12 is looking like a good choice.

 

Those 18v tools look they've never been used! If you get the adapter, you can use your 20v batts on those 18V tools too

 

Haha they have been used plenty (look at the chucks). This stuff works as well on your tools as it does on your hands.

 

Noted. I saw the chucks and was reluctant to say anything... but dang, those are clean for 18V tools!