I need to do some basic mechanical work on our RV. (Install Steering Stabilizer and Front Sumo Springs). A local mechanic quoted me 4 hrs of labor @ $125/hr and $125 service call fee. That will be $625 for a 4 hour job. I watched tutorial at Etrailer and it looks like with the proper tool and some patience, It can be done at home.

So, I would like to spend that money and invest it at some tools that I will be able to use someday.

I want to buy a decent Impact Wrench and Cordless Electric Ratchet (preferably with attachments, battery and charger). Most of the items I saw at Lowes and Home Depot are sold individually (no battery and charger). The ones that have battery and charger goes for around $350-500 range (Impact Wrench).

Looked like "Milwaukee Brand" is the best quality out there. As well as "Craftsman" and "Makita".

Does anyone know any SPECIAL Sale going on right now, or any Discount Promo?

Any recommended brand?

Are you looking for a cordless impact as well?

I went with Dewalt for a cordless impact.

I bought this unit from Amazon for $385 a few months ago.

Made in the US which swayed me over the Milwaukee.

Not sure if you need a big 1/2" though....

Dewalt DCF899HP2

.

Always buy [new] tools to do it yourself (and a book). Don't ever regret learning something new.

Absolutely. Thats why I have decided to go this route. There are some things that I am not comfortable doing (anything electrical). Turning a wrench and some basic mechanical work, I am willing to learn. Just need the proper tools and knowledge in how to.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Always buy [new] tools to do it yourself (and a book). Don't ever regret learning something new.

Looking for cordless. The more torque, the better. I need to take the tools with me when we travel, in case we have a flat tire in our RV (and no road side service available).

quote:

Originally posted by maxxpower:
Are you looking for a cordless impact as well?

I went with Dewalt for a cordless impact.

I bought this unit from Amazon for $385 a few months ago.

Made in the US which swayed me over the Milwaukee.

Not sure if you need a big 1/2" though....

Dewalt DCF899HP2

.

Don't forget a decent set of jack stands that can support the weight of the RV.

I have all dewalt and my impact is a great unit, but if I didn't already have a battery base, I would buy a Milwaukee M18 Impact. They are beasts.

For a wrench, I'd go with the Milwaukee long neck cordless ratchet. I really want one, just haven't been able to justify the price yet.

If you do go with the Dewalt, make sure you know which socket holding mechanism you are getting.

Some have the "hog ring" where you can just pull the socket on or off (that is what I prefer).

Or they come with the detent pin where you have to push the pin in with something to remove the socket (pain in the ass if you are changing sockets out).


....

I you have a decent air compressor there are some good, high torque pneumatic impact wrenches for around a $100. I have an Air cat that's small enough to get into some really tight spaces but still has over 500ftlbs of breakaway torque.

My advice: definitely go with brushless.

I have a Milwaukee 1/2" mid-torque impact and the 1/4" impact. The 1/2", even though it's their mid-torque, is a beast. It's heavy, though. The 1/4" is the one I use for everything inside the house. I stick with Milwaukee because that's what I first got and now I'm too many tools in to change the battery/charger system.

You can't go wrong with Milwaukee or Dewalt. Pick one and stick with it so you can standardize the battery system. Home Depot has some great deals on those brands now. Sign up for their daily deals and you can save some good money.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...torque-impact-wrench

Link does not feature product - SKU #64120

If your not going to use this frequently you might consider this.
I bought one to keep in my Motorhome.
I have air tools and 1/2" and 3/4" drive air powered impact guns. This relatively cheap electric impact is plenty powerful for most tasks. I have not found an electric or air ratchet that really has some umph. I always seem to grab my 1/2' hand ratchet and an extension bar or breaker bar.

I have a Dewalt corded 1/2" impact wrench, a Makita cordless 3/8" impact wrench, and Milwaukee cordless ratchets (1/4" and 3/8"). I also have a Harbor Freight "Earthquake XT" branded 12v cordless ratchet. I'll say this unequivocally, it's better than the Milwaukees.

It's longer. It's more heavily built. Harbor Freight's "Earthquake" cordless tools are rebranded A C Delcos. A C Delco cordless tools are well made, and well regarded. Battery life on my Earthquake is as good as my Milwaukees, it has more torque, and when I release the trigger, it stops. The Milwaukees don't stop immediately, they slow down to a stop. That can be a pain int he ass under the right circumstances.

If I needed a cordless impact wrench and ratchet, I would not hesitate on the Earthquake XT tools at Harbor Freight.

You don't need impact sockets for a cordless ratchet. You can use your regular sockets with that. You will need impact sockets for a impact wrench, though.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...rench-kit-64196.html

quote:

Does anyone know any SPECIAL Sale going on right now

Most of the big tool sales happen every year around 11/25 - 12/25 so you migh be a little late.

One of the problems with buying a big ass Impact Wrench is they don't fit in many areas. Especially in engine compartment and suspension systems so they can be somewhat limited. I must have 6 or more working impact wrenches around (battery and air). One of my go to impacts these days is a HF earthquake xt 1/2 in ultra compact xtreme torque stubby air impact wrench 700 ft. lbs. of bolt breakaway torque.

For the over 18-20V stuff, Milwaukee really takes the cake with their big impact drivers and such. But 18-20v it's a toss up between Dewalt and Milwaukee. I'm married to Dewalt as I like their variety of tools. But a light user of them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jimmy123x, December 31, 2020 06:54 AM

I have the Makita for a battery impact wrench and its quite nice. I would expect the Dewalt or Milwalkee to be similar, but you should check the torque specs. There is simply no reason to spend money on an electric ratchet that I can see.
If you have access to air and don't already have an existing battery supply any number of good air impacts will be fine and a lot cheaper. I happen to like IR stuff rather than some of the other junk, but most of it will work fine. A great air gun is the 2135.
FWIW>

I would recommend the Dewalt without hesitation

I got this on a ridiculous sale for about $108 total. But it's worth the full price. It breaks my lugs right off like a monster compressor would. I can't believe the power this thing has.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RY..._M1_CA-_-Product_URL

I’m a true believer in Dewalt. That said, I have a Milwaukee 18v impact wrench that my in-laws gave me and I freakin love it.

quote:

I got this on a ridiculous sale for about $108 total

It might be a good price, but that's not even in the hunt for real torque jobs. The spec I see is 300 ft/lb. The Makita I have is 780. That's a big difference. I didn't look but I would guess that you can even get bigger with Dewalt.

Not sure how much torque you need but the Milwaukee M12 stubby impact and M12 3/8 ratchet are about $160 each for the bare tools.