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Did not want to hijack the existing thread. But what are your thoughts on 3/8ths vs 1/2" varieties? Looking at the Dewalt cordless. Most use would be routine automotive applications. Appreciate all your knowledge and experience. Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark. “If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016 | ||
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| Member |
What are you planning on using it for? Driving screws is fine for a 3/8, but if you need it for things like lug nuts then you’d need a 1/2 inch. And if you can afford it, the more torque the better. I’ve got a Milwaukee that’s seen a lot of use and it’s done all I’ve needed it to do. No one's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.- Mark Twain | |||
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| Member |
I bought the DCF891 1/2" in '24. Been very happy with it; supposed to have 800# breakaway and 600# fastening. They've gone up about $30 since I bought mine. (+/- $200 now). | |||
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| Knowing a thing or two about a thing or two  |
I have both 3/8 (2554-20) and 1/2 (2767-20) Milwaukee and are worth every penny I paid. I believe they have been replaced with newer models. Not to spend your money but I suggest both 3/8 and 1/2. For me 3/8 gets more use but for lug nuts, spindle nuts, or anything that the socket requires a 1/2" drive the big guy comes out. Personal use only for me cars, truck, atv, and hunt camp work. Hray P226 NSWG P220 W. German P239 SAS gen2 P6 1980 W. German P228 Nickel P365XL M400 SRP | |||
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| Member |
I prefer a 1/4 drive for most routine auto work because it's lighter and more compact. I have adapters to take any size socket, but if I need big torque, I use my air gun. I used 1/2 inch cordless impacts years ago for lug nuts when I was racing cars, but I haven't needed one in a long time. The air gun works for almost everything I need a big impact for. If you already have any cordless tools, choose an impact that takes the same batteries. | |||
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| Son of a son of a Sailor  |
I'm a Milwaukee guy. and have the big 1/2" and the stubby 3/8". They both get used for working on the cars. My air guns are collecting dust. I would also take a serious look at the Harbor Freight Hercules line of cordless impacts. I have a 1/2" compact that stays in the car for tire changes and such. -------------------------------------------- Floridian by birth, Seminole by the grace of God | |||
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Member |
I have multiple DeWalt cordless 20V, I picked up a DCF880H 1/2" Impact about 10 years ago. It's not as powerful as the newer models, but has worked well for me. I like that it's compact, lets me get into places where a bigger one won't fit. It's been super handy, no regrets on that purchase. If I wasn't invested in the DeWalt platform, I'd look at Milwaukee too. | |||
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| St. Vitus Dance Instructor  |
Bought the Milwaukee 3/8 impact on Father's day 2 yrs. ago for a very good price. Will be on the lookout for the 1/2 this Father's day next month. | |||
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| Cogito Ergo Sum |
This made life much easier. Keep it in the rv when traveling, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P...t_b_fed_asin_title_3 | |||
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| Member |
I have Milwaukee 2962-20 mid-torque 1/2, 2569-20 3/8 cordless high-speed ratchet, and a 3453-20 impact driver I was previously invested in the Milwaukee battery platform from other tools. My kid uses Harbor Freight Hercules 1/2. All used for automotive. I've used on cars and pick-ups without any issues. I'm looking at getting 3/8 sub-compact. P229R - 9mm Kahr PM9 | |||
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Washing machine whisperer |
I'm on my second Milwaukee 1/4" impact driver. It's a great all around tool for general work. Hower it is a "driver" and not a 'wrench". For heavier stuff, I have a Milwaukee 1/2" drive 18 volt. I've only found one fastener that it wouldn't turn (lugnuts on a rusted out PT Cruiser). It's a great tool but it's heavy. __________________________ Writing the next chapter that I've been looking forward to. | |||
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Member |
Wait a minute. Depends on application. "the more torque the better" is not correct at all. Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | |||
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| Member |
To the OP: to help you tease it out we need to know what types of things you're working on. The range YOU need for "routine automotive applications", could mean anything from a 1/4 to 3/8 inch impact drivers or wrenches, up to 1/2 inch drive wrenches. But it depends on what you're working on. Is all your stuff no larger than a light duty full size truck (F15), or more along the lines of small to mid size imports, like toyota and honda sedans ? In that case you'd want a 3/8 impact for everything including wheel lug nuts, or if you're doing tons of work under the hood of an older vehicle, you'd want a 3/8 impact driver instead of a wrench, or even a 1/4 impact driver only for use around upper engine parts. If you're working on suspensions on full size SUVs or HD trucks, then you'd want a 1/2 impact wrench, and smaller less powerful units IF you're doing lots of work under the hood etc. If you list all the stuff you want to do, we can advise better. Sort of like guns. "I want a rifle what do you recomend ?" Same thing. 22 LR for squirrels or 375 H&H for large african plains game, 223 for action competition, or 50 BMG just for fun. I already made this mistake. I have a powerful 1/2 impact wrench that is WAY more powerful than I need, for six vehicles including an F150. If I could do it again I'd get a powerful 3/8 impact wrench or a smaller 1/2 unit. My guess is you may be in this category. Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | |||
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| Member |
For the routine small stuff, I have a dewalt 18V impact driver. What I'm looking for is something that can handle the tougher nuts and bolts up to and including lug nuts. Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark. “If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016 | |||
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| Member |
What vehicle for your lug nuts ? Small sedans run between 65 and 85 ft lbs, F150 Truck is 150 ft lbs, F250/F350 are more but I don't have those. Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | |||
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| Saluki |
I have an M-12 1/2” stubby from Milwaukee, it’s the high powered version. Power to weight ratio is very impressive. Average user will probably not need more, a farmer will not be happy if it were the only one he owns. Get the 5a battery ----------The weather is here I wish you were beautiful---------- | |||
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| Member |
I'm team RED. I have a 3/8 ratchet, a couple of 3/8 impacts, and a half each impact. All have their place and earn their keep around here. Open your wallet! Some people spread happiness wherever they go… some whenever they go. | |||
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Member |
I bought the Milwaukee 18V 1/2 inch around 2004. I’m still using it today at least weekly. I used to use it a ton wrenching on race cars, removing lugnuts etc. Now it’s used much less, but has never been replaced. Only thing I’ve changed over the years is batteries. | |||
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| Member |
I think you are correct. Primarily working on an 87 Corvette. Other vehicles include GMC Sierra PU and a Buick, mid size SUV. Boat Trailer wheels might justify the half inch, triple axle, tag along but that would likely be a rare occasion. Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark. “If in winning a race, you lose the respect of your fellow competitors, then you have won nothing” - Paul Elvstrom "The Great Dane" 1928 - 2016 | |||
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| Member |
There is your answer. You are already in the Dewalt system. You are not a professional your needs will be served just fine by the Dewalt offerings. Get a 3/8 wrench to start and if you run into a major job (unlikely) get a 1/2 later. All use the same batteries. | |||
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