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Another vote for the Milwaukee 18V. Indestructable, variable speed, and the battery lasts an amazingly long time (if you get the larger of the two options). Just get the friction ring model. The pin retainer model I have requires a small tool to push that in to get sockets off, which is a minor pain.
Whatever you do, do not go Ni-Cad. I've got a 1/2" C3 Craftsman with Ni-Cad and it was decent at first (meeting the OPs requirements), but within a year a single set tire change was pushing it and I now have to keep the battery in the charger or it will go flat quickly. Still, it wasn't a bad deal for 100 bucks.
I had the same experience with the Craftsman NiCad. It wouldn't even break lug bolts free on a full charge and the batteries wouldn't hold much charge after a season. I almost went with the Craftsman Lithium batteries but wasn't sure if it was the batteries or the tool that sucked.
I know this will go against the grain here, but after some recommendations from others I ended up going with the Harbor Freight impact. It's so cheap that I don't care if it breaks or gets lost, but honestly, it has been excellent. It only comes with 1 battery but I haven't needed a second. After a full autocross season it still works great and lasts over 3 events without a recharge.
With a 20 or 25% off coupon you can get it for under $100. Replacement batteries are only $15. I was planning on buying a fresh one every season but I haven't seen the need yet. A friend has been through 3 seasons with the original battery. http://www.harborfreight.com/18-volt...nch-60380.html
Matt, the Dewalt 20v Lithium Ion impact is what you want. 400 ft-lbs, variable speed trigger, led light, hog-ring anvil, two very powerful long lasting 4Ah lithium batteries with led battery gauges, great balance in your hand. I've had mine for over a year, and each battery charge lasts a long time, and does not self discharge when not used for months. Note, some packages only give you 2 or 3 Ah batteries, and/or only one battery. 4Ah is the largest, ideally you want the package that contains two of them. You will not be disappointed.
Matt, the Dewalt 20v Lithium Ion impact is what you want. 400 ft-lbs, variable speed trigger, led light, hog-ring anvil, two very powerful long lasting 4Ah lithium batteries with led battery gauges, great balance in your hand. I've had mine for over a year, and each battery charge lasts a long time, and does not self discharge when not used for months. Note, some packages only give you 2 or 3 Ah batteries, and/or only one battery. 4Ah is the largest, ideally you want the package that contains two of them. You will not be disappointed.
I have the Longacre Racing model, works well, comes with great carrying case. I do still break the lug nuts by hand....save the battery...I think.
It would be the best case if the impact wrench eliminated that step and the batteries lasted a long time!
Since this thread is 4 years old and interest by the original party has certainly waned, I'll post anyway, because that's what I do. . I still have the Longacre Impact 4 years later, and I have evolved to the point where I do NOT break the lug nuts by hand. Note, when tightening the lug nuts down, the Longacre has enough torque so I have very little range of motion needed torquing to 95 Foot Lbs. It has worked very well for me. Never an issue with the batteries holding as charge. SnapOn is another great choice.
What do you guys use for enduro race?
At daytona, a couple weeks ago, we were told that we cant use our electric impact(i knew) but didnt have any backup plan in case **** happends.
That's always been the case with PCA but interestingly enough, they are waiving that rule for the 6 hr enduro at High Plains. If it's "safe enough" for that race, why not for other enduros?
This Craftsman Lithium Ion has worked great for me, including my 165 ft lb F250 wheels. On sale for $140 and free shipping. I keep one at home and one in the trailer.
My Milwaukee has been working great for the past 4-5 years. Harbor Freight now has a cordless impact with 1200ft lbs of torque which has good reviews. I'll probably pick one up when my Milwaukee dies.
Whatever you do, do not go Ni-Cad. I've got a 1/2" C3 Craftsman with Ni-Cad and it was decent at first (meeting the OPs requirements), but within a year a single set tire change was pushing it and I now have to keep the battery in the charger or it will go flat quickly. Still, it wasn't a bad deal for 100 bucks.
Now debating on going Li-Ion for the Craftsman or just getting a Dewalt.
I've got two smaller Li-Ion impacts for the house, one Milwaukee and one Ryobi and they are fantastic. The Milwaukee is tiny and is perfect for honey-do jobs like hanging window blinds. Li-Ion lasts a long time and charges quick.
-Mike
I have the same one -- replaced the NiCads with 2, and always have one on the charger -- but would consider Li-Ion if you have a link.
11-16-2014, 09:43 PM
. I still have the Longacre Impact 4 years later, and I have evolved to the point where I do NOT break the lug nuts by hand. Note, when tightening the lug nuts down, the Longacre has enough torque so I have very little range of motion needed torquing to 95 Foot Lbs. It has worked very well for me. Never an issue with the batteries holding as charge. SnapOn is another great choice.
