When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
You don't know what you're missing.
I have found that I use pneumatic tools more frequently the older I get.
But I recently purchased a Milwaukee M18 1/2 mid-torque impact wrench.
It's not too bad.
Definitely great for road-side use.
The M18 mid-torque is about like my 3/8" Snap-on impact wrench torque-wise. (usually enough, but just barely)
For the tough stuff I always grab my 1/2 Snap-on MG725 impact wrench.
I have never had it NOT be able to get something loose.(unless it couldn't fit a tight workspace)
Wow M18?! I use the M12 stubby almost exclusively. I freakin love that thing. M18 seems like a tad too much “ugga dugga” for some M8-12 sized bolts. I even use it to bust lug nuts free. Although the M18 would be sweet to have for suspension work.
I have never had it NOT be able to get something loose.(unless it couldn't fit a tight workspace)
A DeWalt 1/2" 20V impact gun took the rear axle nuts off my targa. Yes air might make more torque, but I'd imagine that you're working in semi tractors at that point. Battery stuff has come a long, long way.
Don't let them scare you too much. Sure it's nice to have all that stuff but mine were fine with a standard ratchet and socket. Primitive but more than adequate. I didn't have to spray them beforehand either. It's an easy enough job. If you run into trouble then you can reconsider.
Impact will save you time, but you don't need it for this job.
Get a good torque wrench. If you need more grunt, buy a rubber mallet to bang on your ratchet, and remember you can always take the end of your jack handle off and put it over the end of your ratchet if you need more leverage.
Happy wrenching!
Edit: I still feel like the $3 rubber mallet is the most bang for the buck tool you can buy haha
Wow M18?! I use the M12 stubby almost exclusively. I freakin love that thing. M18 seems like a tad too much “ugga dugga” for some M8-12 sized bolts. I even use it to bust lug nuts free. Although the M18 would be sweet to have for suspension work.
I originally bought the M18 1/2" drive impact for the crank bolt on a Honda SUV for a timing belt change. My pneumatic impact couldn't handle it. I also have a M12 1/4" drive impact for the small stuff.
Originally Posted by Turbodan
Nice to see people still listen to cassettes!
I have to confess that I don't really listen to cassettes anymore. I was feeling nostalgic and had dug out a bunch of mix tapes that I made back in the day. The cassette player is in keeping with my old school audio theme in the workshop.
You should have spent the extra money and gotten Milwaukee's big boy version. It will do anything your pneumatic Snap-On can.
I haven't touched my air tools in 7-8 years. I've pretty much gone all in on Milwaukee M12 and M18 stuff.
1200 ft/lb is tough to beat.
But I do like the M12 and M18 line.
I can also use torque sticks on the Snap-on pneumatic impact wrenches.
Electric impact wrenches don't work with torque sticks. (impacts are too quick for the torque stick to reset)
The mid-torque M18 is fine for track use/away from home.
That and a 1/2 ratchet with a cheater pipe and I'd probably be set for most bigger repairs.
Although if the mid-torque can't break it loose, I'm likely towing home to fix it there.
01-20-2023 | 06:50 PM
You don't know what you're missing. 
