OGRacing

from a former professional tech, the 3/8" 12 v Makita is VERY useful. it is perfect for so many tasks and very reliable.

i still use a breaker bar and torque wrench, but the makita makes the job a little faster and easier.

another great battery powered tool is the 7.2 v dewalt drill/driver, strong and light weight, it is compact enough to get into tight spaces. about $99 from most hardware stores.

Tom

JPhillips-998

Depends on what you want to do with it. If you are looking at breaking lug nuts then you need and 18v and that limits your options. The Snap-on has been referenced as well as the Dewalt. I have the Dewalt, if you go that route make sure you get the DW059 not the DW057. The DW059 is rated at 240 ft. lbs.

SGOGT4

FYI for you guys that are looking into this. I just bought the big DeWalt (DW059) off of Amazon for $260 shipped. They are currently running a special, $25 off coupon on power tools over $200. I think this makes for a good value purchase as Home Depot had the smallest DeWalt Impact wrench for $230 in the store last weekend (although you could get 10% off if you signed up for a HD credit card).

Bill Verburg

I like the 18v Dewalt 057, Its still 1/2" drive and is lighter than the 059 and still is rated for ~135ftlbs. It easily breaks the nuts loose even when the battery isn't fully charged

1999Porsche911

I use my buddy who has a 26 inch bicep that has 350 lbs. of torque.

JPhillips-998

There is an 18v Snap-on with 2 batteries on ebay now. I think it was at $200.00

ltc

This ad would seem to indicate that an 18V Milwaukee has plenty of torque

http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/Movies/drill.wmv

mikew968

I have the bigger Dewalt and it works well and te battery as great life. It easily takes the lugs off.

Mike

Tonydec

Have you considered corded electric? I have a Craftsman Professional, specs out at:

1 HP, 7.5 amp 1/2" drive.
No load speed of 2,100 RPM, 240 ft./lbs of torque.
$179.99