belteshazzar wrote: maybe dewalt or IR, though either one will be pushing the outer edge of your price requirement, and probably still inferior to the used Snap-On taiden recommended.
I'm going to disagree here. We have an18v Snap-on at the shop, and my 18v IR is a much better tool in my opinion. In the price range given, however, lies disappointment. They'll spin lugs on, but will struggle to break them loose. Get a cord and you'll be happier. Especially if that cord is an air hose.
Woody wrote: I have an 18V DeWalt that I love, but they're pricey. But like MW said, if you already own cordless DeWalt tools, you can buy bare tools and use your existing batteries and charger. $109 plus shipping http://www.tools-plus.com/dewalt-dc820b.html
I've got one of these (well, the prior version, which I converted to 3/8-inch drive with parts from a different model -- yay for tool modularity). Using one of these for the first time was sad because of all the time I realized I'd wasted without it!
I've used the hell out of it and has held up well. The detent system is a PITA on the 1/2-inch drive (better on the 3/8-inch). It's got enough grunt for lugnuts, but sometimes takes a few seconds to knock them loose. If you start putting 1/2-to-3/8 converters plus extensions on it, the torque goes way down at the socket, as torque its absorbed at each joint.
The larger 18V DeWalt is heavy and has a rocker switch that's easy to inadvertently trigger, but this gun is nice to have when you want to, say, zip off an axle nut or are using the gun mainly for swapping tires. If I didn't already have DeWalt batteries and needed a big one, I'd probably look elsewhere due to the switch and detent designs.
Keith wrote:belteshazzar wrote: maybe dewalt or IR, though either one will be pushing the outer edge of your price requirement, and probably still inferior to the used Snap-On taiden recommended.I'm going to disagree here. We have an18v Snap-on at the shop, and my 18v IR is a much better tool in my opinion. In the price range given, however, lies disappointment. They'll spin lugs on, but will struggle to break them loose. Get a cord and you'll be happier. Especially if that cord is an air hose.
It is looking like I need to be in the $200-$300 range to get the ones claiming 300ft lbs. I have air and it is really nice, but I would like a tool for track days, hauling to friends houses, etc... I was given a $160 or so corded Kobalt from Lowes for Christmas (misunderstanding about what I was asking for), so I basically have a store credit of $160. I also have $50 worth of Lowes cards. It looks like I need to spend another $50 or so to get any heavy duty enough to do what I want.
In reply to procainestart:
Does the rocker switch ever come in handy or is it just a nuisance?
In reply to MrJoshua:
For me, it's more of a nuisance. The tool is pretty burly, so while I'm trying to hold onto it, my fingers are on the trigger, which I always seem to be setting off. It also seems a bit tougher to control how much juice I give it, compared to the trigger on the smaller gun.
If you're interested in one, I'd check it out first. My buddy doesn't seem to mind it much, but his nickname is Mongo, and I'm not a real big guy, so maybe should hit the gym before whining about a power tool's design. 
I have a Snap On 18v (the older model) that I've had for 6 or 7 years now (and bought used from a buddy for $150). After about 5 years the batteries didn't hold a charge very well, so I sent them to be rebuilt at voltmanbatteries (an ebay seller) for like 40 bucks each (IIRC). SnapOn no longer sells the batteries that fit this model, so it was my only option.
The rebuilt batteries are better than the originals and really hold a charge. This impact has never met a nut or bolt it couldn't break free. And that includes some pretty gnarly stuff.
highly suggest, if you can find one cheap.
This will only cost you about $40, and you can then use the impact wrench you already have:
Woody wrote: I have an 18V DeWalt that I love, but they're pricey. But like MW said, if you already own cordless DeWalt tools, you can buy bare tools and use your existing batteries and charger. $109 plus shipping http://www.tools-plus.com/dewalt-dc820b.html
If you have other DeWalt 18v tools, Lowes is selling the better version of this that is rated for 300 ft lbs for $135 in the "tool-only" (no battery or charger) version.
I'll +1 on the Dewalt and the Milwaukee. I've got an 18v Dewalt and have been happy with it for a number of years. Also my brother recently picked up a refurbished 24v Milwaukee for about the same money, I still like my Dewalt but I've been trying to find a way to snake his. Milwaukee uses a much better motor were as Dewalt seems to rely on gear reduction to get to the same torque rating (they both have the same 300 ft-lb rating but drive the dewalt spins a bit faster and his Milwaukee will crack the lugs free almost instantly where mine might take a couple hits). Also for battery conservation I usually crack the lugs with a breaker bar when at the track, something about 90mm studs that seem to take a toll on battery life...
irish44j wrote: ...so I sent them to be rebuilt at voltmanbatteries (an ebay seller) for like 40 bucks each (IIRC). SnapOn no longer sells the batteries that fit this model, so it was my only option.
It is rather easy to rebuild a battery pack that uses standard cells.
HStockSolo wrote:irish44j wrote: ...so I sent them to be rebuilt at voltmanbatteries (an ebay seller) for like 40 bucks each (IIRC). SnapOn no longer sells the batteries that fit this model, so it was my only option.It is rather easy to rebuild a battery pack that uses standard cells.
yeah, but it's also on the list of "things I just don't want to deal with and would rather just have someone else do" lol...
Or you can get a kit.
But I bought mine in 2004 and it hasn't failed me yet.
Also: http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools-Combo-Kits/Ryobi/h_d1/N-5yc1vZar5vZ1awZ12l2/R-203203719/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I guess the Depot is doing a deal where you buy an eligible Ryobi tool and you can get a battery for free. 100 bucks gets you a starter kit plus a free impact wrench.
Or you can get the old version impact wrench for 60 bucks and an upgrade kit for the better battery: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202564061/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
If you are looking for something for times when you dont have access to 110V or air then in my opinion the solution we used to employ (when we rallied in the mid 2000's) ends up being quite economical. We rented a nitrogen tank and made up a regulator so we could just use our pneumatic tools at service.
I also bought the old HF 19.2V 1/2" impact to keep in the car while out on stage. It works fine for removing wheels, operating the jack quickly etc. and I still use it for wheel changes at hillclimbs. The only problem this ever gave me was the original battery died ($70 replacement) - largely I suspect because I kept it on the charger when not in use. I only charge the replacement battery before I pack for an event and at the end of the day if I have used it significantly and that has worked well for several years. The model I have (96448) looks like a Milwaukee knockoff and nothing like the currently available product.
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