Which impact wrench to buy?

[Hobo,NC]

As of late I don't get good service out of a 231 what I mean by that is they ware slap out in as little as 2 years the quality has went to poop. I have went to battery impacts I have the monster 1/2" Milwaukee why I dunno. Its two heavy and will hurt you in a tight place. I have not replaced it yet with a mid size but gonna : ). The sockets you use on them, make all the difference in the world but a DIY guy is not gonna tool up with good impact sockets.

 

[Hobo,NC]

I've decided I really need an impact wrench. I've never had one, but starting to see how much better and faster it is.

I think I've decided on a DeWalt, I have one of their battery chain saws and I like it.

Here's something I'm trying to decide: Do I need the most powerful for farm use? Here are 3 options:

1. Dewalt has a Mid-Range Impact with 600 ft-lbs of fastening and 800 breakaway-DCF891B-$215 Amazon or $250 at Home Depot
2. They also have a High Torque Impact Wrench with 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway-DCF900B- $270 at Home Depot, but $225 at Amazon
3. Even better one with 1200 ft-lbs fastening and 1750 breakaway - DCF961B-$350

I would like to get your thoughts on which one I should get?
Is 1750 ft-lbs of breakaway substantially better than 1400?

Here's a couple of projects I had recently:
I had to replace the rear tire from my 1660 combine. When I put the new one back on, I didn't get the lug nights tight enough. Would I need the more powerful to do lug nuts on a tractor/combine/disk?
I need to replace the knives on a 863 corn head. Some of these bolts are very tight. Do I need the most powerful impact wrench to remove these?

It looks like the High Torque, with 1000/1400 is a better deal at $225.
The high end one is much more expensive, $350 (1200/1750)

What do you think? Is 1000/1400 enough for use on the farm/tractor/equipment? Or should I spend more, and get the better one for $350? I notice that this high-end one is kinda heavy.

Also, Can I set the correct torque on any impact wrenches, that I want it to tighten the nut to? I assume it would be possible/easy to get bolts too tight.

I brought a mid range 1/2" drive Milwaukee today (2962-20) with 6.0 battery it weighs in a whopping 6lb just 2 pounds short of the monster 1/2". I thought it would weigh less 2 pounds is 2 pounds its smaller so should fit the bill. BTW we have a Milwaukee store buy two battery's get the tool free. There prices are on the high side In the end that amounts to a free 6.0 battery. I use to shop around I found out they take care of all warranty issues so for a little more its worth buying from them.

 

[Hobo,NC]

I brought a mid range 1/2" drive Milwaukee today (2962-20) with 6.0 battery it weighs in a whopping 6lb just 2 pounds short of the monster 1/2". I thought it would weigh less 2 pounds is 2 pounds its smaller so should fit the bill. BTW we have a Milwaukee store buy two battery's get the tool free. There prices are on the high side In the end that amounts to a free 6.0 battery. I use to shop around I found out they take care of all warranty issues so for a little more its worth buying from them.

Update I used it today it worked great on removing lugs on a 1 ton truck. I doubt my monster Milwaukee will see much use as the mid range zipped them right off.

 

[Hemmjo]

I've decided I really need an impact wrench. I've never had one, but starting to see how much better and faster it is.

I think I've decided on a DeWalt, I have one of their battery chain saws and I like it.

Here's something I'm trying to decide: Do I need the most powerful for farm use? Here are 3 options:

1. Dewalt has a Mid-Range Impact with 600 ft-lbs of fastening and 800 breakaway-DCF891B-$215 Amazon or $250 at Home Depot
2. They also have a High Torque Impact Wrench with 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway-DCF900B- $270 at Home Depot, but $225 at Amazon
3. Even better one with 1200 ft-lbs fastening and 1750 breakaway - DCF961B-$350

I would like to get your thoughts on which one I should get?
Is 1750 ft-lbs of breakaway substantially better than 1400?

Here's a couple of projects I had recently:
I had to replace the rear tire from my 1660 combine. When I put the new one back on, I didn't get the lug nights tight enough. Would I need the more powerful to do lug nuts on a tractor/combine/disk?
I need to replace the knives on a 863 corn head. Some of these bolts are very tight. Do I need the most powerful impact wrench to remove these?

It looks like the High Torque, with 1000/1400 is a better deal at $225.
The high end one is much more expensive, $350 (1200/1750)

What do you think? Is 1000/1400 enough for use on the farm/tractor/equipment? Or should I spend more, and get the better one for $350? I notice that this high-end one is kinda heavy.

Also, Can I set the correct torque on any impact wrenches, that I want it to tighten the nut to? I assume it would be possible/easy to get bolts too tight.

Totally depends on WHAT you need it for. I have an Ingersoll Rand 1/2” pneumatic and a DeWalt 1/4” brushless 20xr. The pneumatic is much smaller, lighter, and more powerful than any of my friends battery models. The only down side is the air hose.

The little 1/4” one is great for spinning in bolts if you have lots, like head bolts that you need to torque any way. It also stands out driving construction screws, etc.

 

[M-MAN]

I brought a mid range 1/2" drive Milwaukee today (2962-20) with 6.0 battery it weighs in a whopping 6lb just 2 pounds short of the monster 1/2". I thought it would weigh less 2 pounds is 2 pounds its smaller so should fit the bill. BTW we have a Milwaukee store buy two battery's get the tool free. There prices are on the high side In the end that amounts to a free 6.0 battery. I use to shop around I found out they take care of all warranty issues so for a little more its worth buying from them.

Bout time you got a round toit. Lol You'll love it!
I never looked at the weight but it feels like half what the big boy is. I use the 5.0 so that helps some.

 

[Texasmark]

air is the only way to go for impact wrenches, the ratings on the battery operated wrenches, are overrated, on their specs, plus if you don't get the biggest battery out there, then the specs are all off. when battery is weak, so are the specs.

My 3/4" electric is nothing like the pneumatic wrenches. It does the job but sounds clumsy in it's accomplishment, whacks are at a slower pace, and yes is is very heavy.....the top of the line HF sells, not the cheap one.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Bout time you got a round toit. Lol You'll love it!
I never looked at the weight but it feels like half what the big boy is. I use the 5.0 so that helps some.

My best guess the 5.0 battery weighs 12 oz less then the 6.0. I also brought a tire inflator (we are on a roll) the deal buy two 5.0 bats get the tool free. They grabbed four 6.0 bats and charged me for two 6.0 and two 5.0 bats when I got home he put four 6.0 bats in the box. Why I got the inflator, someone is always pulling up wanting to air up a tire I have to run outside turn the air on drag a hose out go get the inflator gizmo this makes me ornery and mean. I can now hand them the inflator and tell'em I like big tippers.

All my air tools are IR composites they are all a horse get'er done and lite. I never thought I would get off the hose once I did I don't plan to go back.

My advice to the poster the mid model is more convenient, the monster has its place once you get a mid model it will get the most use. With either have a back up. (breaker bar and pipe)

The king of the hill will always be AIR, it takes a ell of a compressor and the best air tools. Even with all those crazy high torque specs on bat tools sometimes air rules, sometimes you can not keep a battery impact on the nut and have to resort to air.

 

[Hobo,NC]

My best guess the 5.0 battery weighs 12 oz less then the 6.0. I also brought a tire inflator (we are on a roll) the deal buy two 5.0 bats get the tool free. They grabbed four 6.0 bats and charged me for two 6.0 and two 5.0 bats when I got home he put four 6.0 bats in the box. Why I got the inflator, someone is always pulling up wanting to air up a tire I have to run outside turn the air on drag a hose out go get the inflator gizmo this makes me ornery and mean. I can now hand them the inflator and tell'em I like big tippers.

All my air tools are IR composites they are all a horse get'er done and lite. I never thought I would get off the hose once I did I don't plan to go back.

My advice to the poster the mid model is more convenient, the monster has its place once you get a mid model it will get the most use. With either have a back up. (breaker bar and pipe)

The king of the hill will always be AIR, it takes a ell of a compressor and the best air tools. Even with all those crazy high torque specs on bat tools sometimes air rules, sometimes you can not keep a battery impact on the nut and have to resort to air.

Back to my air rules, The grip on air impacts are set back weight forward. Battery is a balance act to balance the weight of the battery the grip is more forward. You lose the advantage of the head weight keeping the gun on the fastener.

 

[M-MAN]

My best guess the 5.0 battery weighs 12 oz less then the 6.0. I also brought a tire inflator (we are on a roll) the deal buy two 5.0 bats get the tool free. They grabbed four 6.0 bats and charged me for two 6.0 and two 5.0 bats when I got home he put four 6.0 bats in the box. Why I got the inflator, someone is always pulling up wanting to air up a tire I have to run outside turn the air on drag a hose out go get the inflator gizmo this makes me ornery and mean. I can now hand them the inflator and tell'em I like big tippers.

All my air tools are IR composites they are all a horse get'er done and lite. I never thought I would get off the hose once I did I don't plan to go back.

My advice to the poster the mid model is more convenient, the monster has its place once you get a mid model it will get the most use. With either have a back up. (breaker bar and pipe)

The king of the hill will always be AIR, it takes a ell of a compressor and the best air tools. Even with all those crazy high torque specs on bat tools sometimes air rules, sometimes you can not keep a battery impact on the nut and have to resort to air.

You'll really like the inflator too. The preset is what really saves time but keep an eye on it. Mine has went over about 5lbs a couple times before shutting off. I can air up the mower tires and tractor tires faster with it than with an air hose and a gauge.

 

[Hobo,NC]

You'll really like the inflator too. The preset is what really saves time but keep an eye on it. Mine has went over about 5lbs a couple times before shutting off. I can air up the mower tires and tractor tires faster with it than with an air hose and a gauge.

I hope so, my next Milwaukee tool is gonna be a cordless wet vac.

 

[farmersamm]

Yeah..........nut won't come off with the little impact...........grab the Gorilla Impact..........hit that sucker again..........then settle in for the job it's gonna be, when you ruin the nut, or snap the stud/bolt

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats a hot wrench. Unless you like ruining stuff. Yeah, I know there's places that aren't fire friendly, but in most cases, you're better off heating the fastener.

Sometimes it takes a few heat cycles. Sometimes heating, then dousing the fastener with water, will cause thermal shock that breaks the rust bond(replace the fastener when done). The impact will, many times, need help. Don't just pound away until you ruin something.

Electric?????? Go for it if you really must. Personally, I don't want to be hostage to non standardized batteries that may become obsolete. Or having to buy multiple batteries to have on hand when the one in the tool dies.

Electric(battery) has a place in field work, if you don't have a portable compressor.

In addition, to be fair............................air tools can be expensive to run too. Big compressor. Wear on that compressor over time due to high CFM draw rate.

The King of The Hill is a corded tool that will do what your air tool, or battery tool, will do. No down time. Higher current motors. More power.

Being on a budget, I look at bang for the buck. An expensive battery operated tool ties up money that could be used for mill/lathe/welding tooling. It's a cost/benefit thing.

We have too many choices in this country. Marketers hot after the money in our wallets. Don't be a victim. Decide what you REALLY need.

 

[WNYBill]

I am just a DIY'er and I have all Ryobi 18 volt cordless tools. I am happy with my brushless 1/2 in impact. It will twist off a 3/8 bolt. I know there are much better tools, but Ryobi works for me.

 

[VicS]

The only advice I have is this: If you buy online, be sure the seller is a legit dealer. None of the tool companies will warranty tools bought from sources not recognized by the maker as a dealer. Just because it's from Amazon one cannot be sure of this. Look into actual seller.

This is true most things, not just tools. I guess it protects DeWalt and others from getting stuck with fixing broken tools that walked out the door at a retailer.

I bought a 600 ft. Milwaukee battery impact. From Amazon,It got to where wouldn't take a pickup wheel off. Took it to local NAPA store. They scaned the tag and it said was warranted for ,5 ,yrs. Sent it off for me. Came back in a couple weeks. With paper work saying they replaced everything inside. Workes good. My son has the 1100 ft. Pounds one. But its to heavy for me. Unless the 600 won't work. I also have a old craftsman 1/2 ,battery impact. 200 ft lb. With a Milwaukee. Fuel battery. I use it the most.

 

[Watthour]

I do a lot of work with stainless. In fact, almost everything is stainless, cast iron, or cast steels (including stainless). If you really want to create a nightmare, cut someone loose with an impact on an assembly with some flavor of 18-8 or 316+ SS. When it starts to gall in the threads and your only clue is that it begins to slow down, it's probably already too late. Nothing does as well as hand tools and someone with a sense of what galling threads feel like. To develop that "sense" let someone get themselves in too deep, teach them how to use a plasma cutter, cut-off wheel, sawzall, and a center/through drill to remove the damaged fasteners. They'll probably never forget, especially if it's into or through an expensive assembly.

Impacts have a place, but that place is not everywhere. I don't believe that even a 1" impact will unstick a 1"-8 309 cap screw galled into a mating full nut. Bigger only gets worse.

 

[Caryc]

I love my Millwaukee tools. I have the big impact and the smaller impact for driving construction screws. Then there is the drill motor that does everything i ask it too. I also have the heat gun. A cordless heat gun comes in very handy. It works great when repairing garden hose. Sometimes those repair ends a very hard to get into the hose. Just use the heat gun on the hose and those ends push in easily. Of course they're all brushless FUEL.

 

[Farmall m farmer]

I would get the mid torque and a 3/4 1 in air if you have a big enough compressor the mid torque is what we had it will do 80 percent of jobs and the big boy for everything else and light enough not to be a pain

 

[Hemmjo]

I've decided I really need an impact wrench. I've never had one, but starting to see how much better and faster it is.

I think I've decided on a DeWalt, I have one of their battery chain saws and I like it.

Here's something I'm trying to decide: Do I need the most powerful for farm use? Here are 3 options:

1. Dewalt has a Mid-Range Impact with 600 ft-lbs of fastening and 800 breakaway-DCF891B-$215 Amazon or $250 at Home Depot
2. They also have a High Torque Impact Wrench with 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway-DCF900B- $270 at Home Depot, but $225 at Amazon
3. Even better one with 1200 ft-lbs fastening and 1750 breakaway - DCF961B-$350

I would like to get your thoughts on which one I should get?
Is 1750 ft-lbs of breakaway substantially better than 1400?

Here's a couple of projects I had recently:
I had to replace the rear tire from my 1660 combine. When I put the new one back on, I didn't get the lug nights tight enough. Would I need the more powerful to do lug nuts on a tractor/combine/disk?
I need to replace the knives on a 863 corn head. Some of these bolts are very tight. Do I need the most powerful impact wrench to remove these?

It looks like the High Torque, with 1000/1400 is a better deal at $225.
The high end one is much more expensive, $350 (1200/1750)

What do you think? Is 1000/1400 enough for use on the farm/tractor/equipment? Or should I spend more, and get the better one for $350? I notice that this high-end one is kinda heavy.

Also, Can I set the correct torque on any impact wrenches, that I want it to tighten the nut to? I assume it would be possible/easy to get bolts too tight.

Does not matter how strong the wrench is if the sockets cannot transmit that torque to the bolt or nut. You need impact sockets also.

It is very easy to get things too tight and to twist off bolts. You should tighten with a torque wrench.

Both my 1/2” pneumatic and 1/4” have 3 settings but those cannot be be counted on for accurate torque values. They just keep from twisting things off. I always install on the lightest and tighten by hand.

 

[ASE guy]

I like the Milwaukee. We have a 1/2 in drive and it takes loose almost everything we've asked it too. We purchased it for our school and the students have dropped it several times and it works well. I have a Dewalt at home (birthday present), but it's for small stuff. If I were buying, I would buy Milwaukee.

 

[Caryc]

That smaller Milwaukee impact driver that I pictured above is great for building projects when using the construction screws pictured below. No drilling or screw driving needed.