Dale wrote in, asking for a heavy duty impact wrench recommendation.
I am currently in the market for a 18-20v Heavy Duty cordless Impact Wrench. I noticed that you rated the DeWalt 20v Impact Wrench higher than the Milwaukee 20v when the Milwaukee has the highest pounds of max torque. I was wondering why? I’m gonna be using it for heavy duty use and to take lugs of tires. Need something powerful. Which one do you suggest for my needs.
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Looking back, I saw a comment where I remarked how Dewalt’s heavy duty 18V impact wrench is more powerful than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel model, but Dale is correct in how Milwaukee’s M18 heavy duty wrench best Dewalt’s.
In terms of sheer power, Bosch’s latest 18V heavy duty impact wrench has a higher torque rating than even Milwaukee’s.
These days I would NOT go with the Dewalt 18V NiCd model, based on how the 18V platform continues to fade into obsolescence As far as I am aware, Dewalt does not yet offer a 20V Max Li-ion heavy duty impact wrench, only a compact one.
Among the popular power tool brands, if I were looking for a heavy duty 1/2″ impact wrench for lug nut removal, I would go for the Milwaukee M18 2662-22 or 2623-22, with the only difference being the square drive style preference. My second choice would be Bosch, and the third choice would be Makita.
There are two main reasons why I would pick Milwaukee’s heavy duty impact wrenches over Bosch’s, despite the Bosch models having a slightly higher torque ratings.
- Milwaukee’s 2662-22 and 2663-22 kits are said to now come with higher capacity 4.0Ah battery packs
- The M18 impact wrenches are shorter than Bosch’s by 1-1/8″ (10″ vs. 8-7/8″)
An even stronger option is the Ingersoll Rand W7150, which looks to be the most powerful 1/2″ cordless impact wrench currently available. It delivers up to 780 ft-lbs of maximum reverse torque and up to 1100 ft-lbs of “nut-busting” torque.
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IR W7150 (via Amazon)
Milwaukee M18 with detent pin (via Home Depot)
Milwaukee M18 with friction ring (via Home Depot)
Bosch 18V with detent pin (via Amazon)
Bosch 18V with friction ring (via Amazon)
Makita 18V with detent pin (via Amazon)
Tom
W7150 owner here. Very happy with the tool. There is currently a free battery promo:
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/new-tools/IQV20-Cordless-Tools/w7150-rebates
alan
Length aside…….how about reliability ?
I’d choose a Bosch over a Milwaukee on a blind test, if I had to choose one for reliability.
Stuart
From a reliability standpoint, I’d say the two brands are usually evenly matched. I really don’t think any of the mentioned brands would be bad picks.
John S
I would be curious to see how Hilti compared… I know they are pricey but normally they compete with the top dogs in most of their tools
fred
I wonder if any of you readers or you have experience using any of these in construction driving big lags (1/2 x 5 inch or larger (15-20 in a series) in construction? We’ve been using corded tools – but are thinking of switching to cordless.
alan
Stuart. Mind doing a blog on COO of batteries. IMO, these play a HUGE role in the ROI of a cordless tool
TJ
I use my 18v makita high torque impact to run lugs all the time, I also use it on the Job to drive lags and absolutely love them (have 3 or 4) the Milwaukee is a better tool but I’m still find of my btw450. Though once they hear up on a job the batteries don’t last as long.
Ken
“As far as I am aware, Dewalt does not yet offer a 20V Max Li-ion heavy duty impact wrench, only a compact one.” Dewalt does: http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless-impact-driverswrenches-high-torque-wrenches-dcf889hl2.aspx
Jason Offret
I ordered a Dewalt DCF889L2 a few weeks back and my kit just came today, they gave me an M2 with the 4.0ah batteries. Haven’t used it yet but am excited to see what it can do. For the price I got on the whole kit ($137), I don’t really mind if it’s the “best” or not 🙂
Jason Offret
As a commercial electrician, mine will see both home and professional use, on our current project we are required by spec to use a “snake anchor” for securing to the concrete ceiling, these require a pilot hole be drilled with a rotary hammer then the anchor is driven in with a special tool requiring a 1/2″ anvil/socket so this is a perfect application
Tom
Alan: My W7150 batteries were made in Poland.
alan
I wish there was a edit button, but to clarify my OP, it’s not the COO but the technology that goes into the battery, cooling, charging, etc (the brains) that is part of the ROI of a tool. Granted for this thread, which is strictly about MORE POWEEERRR as this is about Hi-Torque Cordless Impact Wrenches, to me a tool is combination of the intended application for the tool, the balance of the tool and also the power system of the tool. These 3 things are the *tri fecta* when I look at a tool in general.
fred
I’m guessing that the batteries are spec’d to work with their respective chargers. I don’t know COO of many brands – but our Milwaukee M12 batteries come from both China and Korea – while the chargers all seem to come from China.
Our 18v Makita batteries all seem to come from Japan while the battery chargers come from China
Fred
I only use the HF 18v impact hex driver when I take off my wheel lugs.
In all seriousness, I would go with the Bosch not just because I already have Bosch 18v setup, but because the ergonomics of both the others I’ve tried don’t feel balanced to me. Maybe the 18v Fuel will follow the updates we’ve seen with the M12 Fuels. That 20v linked looks like it would be just like the 18v one.
I’ve held the makita but never used it. Haven’t had any others to compare.
mnoswad1
If this tool were just for garage/tire use, then the Ingersoll version night be better. Unless there is an expectation to use the impact wrench in construction or in conjunction with other cordless tools, then there in no reason to have an impact wrench share batteries with any specific cordless platform. its kind of a stand alone tool.
Seems like Ingersoll is the only company building garage specific cordless, so prob the best choice for future compatibility in that case.
Jason Offret
More of the IR line
http://www.coptool.com/ingersoll-rand-20v-cordless-tools-welcome-their-new-additions/#more-2157
dave9
There is a very clear reason to have it share batteries, same as always.
1) You already have enough batteries so are only paying for the tool.
2) You want to keep using the tool once the battery in it gets low so you need a 2nd battery. See #1, you already have more than one battery.
Frankly it makes little sense NOT to get one that uses a battery compatible with your other tools. Everyone wants to pretend that we should all gravitate towards “what is best” when the truth is, you pick based on the true torque you need and if it’s a cheaper tool, you replace it more often, but it costs less to do so. If you can get it as a bare tool, then you are only replacing what you need to.
alan
don’t laugh fella’s but I’ve yet to dive into the Red Kool Aid. When I think of Milwaukee, I think of good ole corded high amp tools like their sawzalls, hole hawgs…..and I guess their corded drills.
Never bought, owned or used a cordless tool from their lineup yet.
I DO have to say, their array/lineup of tools in all power levels, propex, pvc shear, etc is quite a ARRAY of tools..
Phil
I’d be willing to use the IR if one were to suddenly fall into my lap. 😉
For the past few years since its release, I’ve been using the Bosch IWTH180 and love it. Even after using various Snap-On 14 and 18 volt guns, it’s my favorite of all of them. Power, quiet and rugged as hell.
DeWalt disappointed me with their big 18 volt gun. I’ve had one for years, but it never lived up to my expectations. I use it for light duty disassembly duties and for driving lag screws and such, and in the summer it rides around in the travel trailer to be used for raising and lowering the landing gear. I’ve used the 36 volt version and it was marginally stronger. The 20V version seems to be built using the same mechanism and overall design as the 18 and 36V, so I expect it to be about the same, especially since the specs are in line with the previous models as well. Not having tried the Milwaukee Fuel versions, I’d mostly assume they’d be close or on par with the Bosch, and the extended run time of the Fuel series and the extra power would make for a great tool. I have the Fuel 18V hammerdrill and it’s a beast that babies the batteries. I am seriously thinking of getting the tool-only version of the Milky and consigning the DeWalt to full-time trailer duty.
I’m still watching and waiting for the IR to drop into my lap, though…
ColinV
You’ll be hard pressed to find a gun beefier and stouter than a snap on w/ li-ion packs… only downside is the cost.
Jordan
I’ve got the Craftsman C3 1/2″ impact and it’s fine for me. At least it was after I got a li-ion battery. It’ll pull off lugs, axle nuts and engine mount bolts. I’ve also used it to sink some lags.
I would say, if you’re going to be using your impact for anything more than occasional home use, go with something a bit more heavy duty. I didn’t have the budget set aside to get something bigger at the time and I kind of regret it now. The Craftsman keeps up with what I ask it to do, but now I’d probably save up and go with the Bosch. Bosch tools have treated me really well and while the Bosch may be a little less powerful than the IR, Bosch has the wider platform. There’s a lot of Bosch tools that’ll use the same battery.
Ira
I also have the Craftsman C3 1/2″ Impact Wrench. I use it with Sears’ 4.0AH XCP lithium ion battery. It takes off and fastens lug nuts to spec torque easily. It is also a beast at easily driving and removing large lag bolts. Having had the battery already, I picked up the tool only/add-on for $72. It is only rated to #200 foot pounds of torque, but I don’t have need for more. I am an advanced DIYer.
Jason
What about the AC Delco line of tools? This impact wrench has some pretty good spec’s and they have have other tools on the battery platform. http://www.acdelco-tools.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_69&product_id=53
chad
Keep in mind Milwaukee also makes a 3/4″ drive rated at 525 ft lbs torque. I own it and highly recommend over the 1/2 simply because you have more busting torque. On top of that you just use a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter for sockets. Works great. Home depot carries it. Model 2664-22
Ross
Hopefully Milwaukee will update the heavy duty impact with a Fuel version to bring it a bit closer to the W7150. I still think there’s a big benefit to a system with shared batteries. I can go on ebay and get all kinds of used M12/M18 tools to go along with my battery collection; not so much for the IR tools.
Dan Richards
Detent pin retainers are an enormous pain in the ass. To remove a socket, you need to get a punch or other small tool inside the socket’s retainer hole to release the pin. Stuck a chrome socket on there? You’re pretty much screwed there, get out the big pliers and get pulling.
If your buddy Dale is looking to build a deck, detent pin is where it’s at. Otherwise, automotive use should be ring or ball retainer anvils. If Dale wants to just rotate tires with his tool, the Craftsman C3 impact will do that easy for $100. A corded impact wrench could be an option for the home user if he’s concerned with longevity vs battery tools’ lifespan and later costs of replacement batteries. Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Craftsman all sell similar tools for $125-200. Realistically, if he’s a home user and just trying to get past that his pancake compressor can’t run an impact wrench, I’d strongly advise using a plug-in tool over a cordless model. He’ll get more power for his dollar and no bills for batteries later.
Javier
Dewalts got a non compact 20v impact wrench, the DEWALT DCF889HL2 20V Max Lithium Ion 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench with Hog Ring. Its nearly identical to the 18v but with different trigger and handle and a few minor changes to the look of the back of the tool but has the same 300 ft/lbs torque. I think you knew about it but didn’t consider it “heavy duty” since it has the lowest torque ratings of the bunch.
Jerry
I have a DeWalt 18V impact (the full size one), and while it is fine for my uses, it does not have a variable speed trigger. It either goes full speed, or not. For my uses, I preferred that, as my last 2 impacts all failed in the variable speed part of the trigger, and I felt the on/off of the DeWalt would be less prone to failure, and cheaper to fix (nothing like finding out a replacement trigger switch is over half the cost of a new gun, plus you pay shipping for parts and not a new tool).
If I drove a lot of lags, I’d want variable speed, as mine is not all that suited for it. For lags just a little too big for my impact driver, it can be hard to find that balance between not tight enough, and “oops, I snapped off the lag”. A variable speed (or even two speed) trigger would help that greatly.
Justin
Milwaukee just announced a BRUSHLESS m18 impact wrench trio: 1/2″ (2 models), 3/4″, and 7/16″ quick change (big brother version of ubiquitous 1/4″ impact driver, primarily used to auger 1-1/2″ holes through utility poles). Don’t recall torque ratings, but they’re on par with IR’s i think yet more than twice the runtime.
Conductor562
For Lug Nuts, Milwaukee’s compact impact wrench would do just fine I would think. Most lugs have a torque rating under 100 ft. lbs. The compact Milwaukee is rated at 187 ft. lbs.
Sean John
Can anyone tell me why these cordless models seem to have higher torque than the corded models yet the corded models seem huge in comparison? For example, I have the Milwaukee 9070-20 and it is rated at 1800 RPM, 2600 IPM, and 300 ft-lbs torque. These cordless models (including Milwaukee’s) that are popping up seem to have 450 ft-lbs plus.
I’m not at all unhappy with the corded model because I try to keep cordless tools to a minimum. (I’m one of those dreamers who still hopes that my tools and everything else I own that requires electricity will still work 50 years from now because I like to collect things and I hate the idea of consuming products designed to fail after X amount of time like it was my job.)
Anyone have any experience with both cordless and corded impact wrenches?
Side note: Anyone know why impact wrenches in general are SO much bigger than impact drivers when (as far as I know) they have essentially the same mechanism but designed for different fasteners?
Stuart
That’s a good point about cordless vs. corded tool sizes. My thoughts are that could either be a limit as to how small the AC motors can be built, or that the corded tools are rated at continuous torque and the cordless models for peak torque. I’ll see if I can find a better answer.
Impact drivers and compact impact wrenches might have the same motor and with similar gearing and impact mechanisms, but heavy duty impact wrenches will have beefier motors presumably with more robust gearing and impact mechanisms.
Think about it – a standard impact driver will be rated at up to 1,600 in-lbs. An impact wrench such as Milwaukee’s 2662-22 is rated at 5,400 in-lbs. To get such an increase in power, an impact driver design cannot just be modified with a square drive chuck; the impact wrench has to be designed and built completely differently.
Sean John
Ah, inch lbs vs. ft. lbs. That clears a lot up for me. That distinction honestly didn’t make it to my brain until that post, Stuart. Thanks!
I know it’s not empirical data, but after using a corded impact for awhile then simply holding various cordless models (which have a higher torque rating) I don’t think it’s possible that the cordless model could do something my corded couldn’t. Maybe your theory about continuous vs. peak is right.
I’ve searched and searched but there isn’t much data on impact wrenches compared to many other power tools. Seems like a fairly specialized tool but now that they are more affordable it seems like everyone is finding a reason to get one. For example, about 90% of people posting about wanting to get one ask how it will do on their lug nuts 😉 Don’t worry – I am not an auto mechanic, and I definitely include myself in this group.
RICHARD DECKERT
Since I don’t do construction or heavy wood working, only a car owner. For my needs, I use an impact wrench only to change tire perfect answer to my needs. I also bought, possibly foolishly, an air wrench for any other needs.
Rudy
I know iaiis an old topic but I have 2 of the IR7150’S and these things are animals. I also have a craftsman with the lithium ion battery. It does well on most home things as stated before by others. The Ingersolls are really good. Especially for either jobs with lots of bolts, they have really long run times and can stand up to lots of use and abuse. They brake bolts rusted on, tractor and dozer blade bolts that haven’t ever been removed and are rusted on. Really, every single bolt I have tried. I have 2 because I have a small car lot and the guys use them. Much stronger than my 1/2 inch air tools .
Mike
i have the Milwaukee 18v 1/2″ impact and use it to lag bolt guardrail to railroad ties for cattle pens. Using 3/4 x4″ lag bolts I can put between 15 and 20 in without a pilot hole and have twisted the heads off a few lags in the process. The great thing about Milwaukee is the vast number of tools you can get. I have the grease gun, wide mouth band saw, sawzall, angle grinder, drill and impact driver, circular saw and caulking gun. Used all of them at different times and have yet to encounter a problem with any one of them. Not to mention the propex expansion tool for wirsbo. I wouldn’t think twice going red when buying a cordless tool.
Sunny Naidoo
Cordless 1/2 drive impact wrench to use to car wheels .
STEVEN ZACHERL
What is the “nut busting torque” of the bosch hth181 cordless impact wrench I own one but can’t find this spec
STEVEN ZACHERL
What is the “nut busting torque”of the bosch hth181 cordless impact wrench I just bought one but can’t find this spec
Chris L
I believe the HTH181 is rated at 500 lb-ft of torque. I kind of wish they would release a brushless version of it to compete with Dewalt’s newest impact wrench.
The latest generation of Dewalt DCF899 uses a 20V Lithium Ion Battery Pack and Brushless Motor is rated at 700 ft-lb of torque. I think it’s made in the US.