1/2" drive. what do ya got and how do u like it?

-spenc

 

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless...-dw059k-2.aspx

I do not leave home without it.

 

I have this Dewalt, but with the Nano (Li-Ion) batteries. Seems Dewalt have discontinued the Nano technology batteries?????

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless...s-dc820ka.aspx

 

i have a nasty dewalt at work that i like but the pin that holds the socket in is a pain in the ***. you have to push it in with something to get the socket on/off. im assuming the others arent like this. maybe a normal rounded pin or a locking ring like pneumatic guns.

 

canadian content
mastercraft
18v litium ion, came with 2 batterys, even use it to jack up my car with the sicssor jack. no compaint $80 on sale

 

i have a bosch one and i love it
the 14v nicad, 135 ftlb one works for everything but crank pulley bolts

 

I have had a Dewalt with that dumb little pin for many years, and it is fine, but nothing like the new Makita stuff I have bought over the last 2 years. 18V Li-Ion batteries that charge super fast and last much longer than my Dewalt batteries, both in terms of holding the charge and battery life.

Plus you can buy individual tools for cheap without the batteries, but kits with 2 tools and 2 batteries are expensive. All of them are great so far. They have multiple impacts, in 1/4" hex (great for small stuff, use it all the time on the car), 3/8" (don't have one), and 1/2", (ended up buying 2 of them, one for general car work and another double the size for wheel nuts and such)

Big 1/2" BTW450Z 325 ft-lbs! Big and weighs 7.5 lbs with battery
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/....aspx?ID=24033

Small 1/2" BTW251Z 170 ft-lbs (not good enough for some tight wheel nuts) but great for car work. Small and weighs only 3.8 lbs with battery.
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/....aspx?ID=24027

LXT 218 Kit with BTD141 1/4" hex impact and BHP454 1/2" hammer drill, 2 large batteries and charger
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/....aspx?ID=26666

These are the best battery tools I have ever bought, and I've bought many, since very time the batteries die, I bought a new tool on sale with 2 batteries rather than just straight batteries. Bought all my Makita stuff from Amazon with free shipping.

Also bought these 1/4" hex shank impact nut setters for the small impact driver:
Durston Manufacturing Co NSM100-03 Metric Nut Setter Kit with Recessed and Magnetic Nut Setter.

 

have the Dewalt 18v. Love it, but dont love the pin. I have a notion to try and round it down with a dremel.

 

I got the Goodyear impact gun from Pep Boys for $80 about 3 years ago. Still holds about 75% charge from new. It has been one of the best tools I carry with me to the track. I don't use it for torque, only to spin nuts on/off. Saves me tons of time when changing wheels/brakes/etc.

 

I had the goodyear for a long time but the battery finally gave up.
Anypone use the longacre?

 

I have the 18v Milwaukee and love it.

The pin lock for the socket is a PITA, but I'd rather not have the socket fly off when I'm trying to do something.

It can even break axle nuts loose!

 

++++ 10 million for Makita!

i use the little LXT impact driver and if my lugs are torqued properly can remove them no problem.

best tool purchase i have made. comes in hand for many many things, and the batteries charge on ly 15 minutes and last months.

 

Spenc,

I did a lot (way too much) of research about a month ago including going out and talking with many suppliers, contractors, car people, online reviews, etc. The Makita 450 Impact is the new king, Dewalt used to be the one to beat, and not had any reason to switch, so they still claim Dewalt is best. Makita did a revamp of their line 3-4 years ago, which included going to brushless motors on some items, creating an amazing Lithium battery, and they have since been amazing. Even the good ol' boys are not transitioning to running the Jap stuff. I remember quotes like "I won't buy a foreign car, but I finally just had to switch away from my Dewalt and Milwaukee tools, the Makita is just that good" as I peer out the door at his raised F-350 diesel. And as for the impact driver, Makita 144 is the best, Makita 141 if you're looking for a budget version.

And there ya go, dozens of hours of research summed up into a few sentences

 

I'm a tool (pun very much intended), and have owned a Snap-On 1/2 and 3/8 for almost 6 years now, still works great. Same battery too.

Very expensive, however, I've really not ever had a lick of trouble with it.

sander.

 

I had the Harbor Freight when it was the crazy, lasted me about 5-6 years before the battery stopped charging. Went to see if I could get another and HF discontinued it.
I purchased the Goodyear at Pep Boys too on a whim about 2 years ago. So far so good. But I only use it to save me time with lugs going on and off.

 

I have a Snap-On 1/2" CT4850 cordless impact, and absolutely love it. Came with 2 batteries, and they charge quickly (30 minute full charge). I use this thing for everything, engine swaps, suspension, wheels, etc. On a full charge, this impact can gun off a crank pulley bolt in about 3 seconds..

 

does the makita hve a locking ring or pin to hold the socket in place?
i HARE that push-in pin. my dewalt has it at work and i cant stand using it for that reason.

 

I might have to come up w/ some money soon..I was looking at the Snap On ones since I get 40-60% off tools. Hopefully I'll get it sometime soon and put it to work!

 

X2 I have the good year one also but mine is probably 5-6 years old and the battery still holds a charge.

I debated on buying the craftsman but didn't want to spend three bills.

 

The Goodyear from Pep Boys is great for the money, and so is the one that Northern Tool now carries. It's about the same price, but includes 2 batteries. Both will remove lug nuts.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2878_200342878

 

also using the snap on gun and it works great

 

thats the one I use... It works pretty dang good for a cheap guy

 

It was pricey, but Snap-On FTW! http://www.motherofallcordlessimpactwrenches.com/

 

I have both Snap-on 1/2 and 3/8 impact and love them. I got them when they first came out with the latest generation. So about 3+ year now. They get heavy use daily as I am a Acura tech. The 1/2 takes about everything off even some civic crank bolt. Never had a issue with either. They been drop and beaten to death but still runs like a champ. Have other at work with the makita and dosent compare to the Snap-On impact.

 

i just picked up a 1/2 inch craftsman the other night. i hope i didn't make a mistake! i'll be giving it a whirlwind this weekend with a suspension swap etc..