So I was flipping through the latest daily Harbor Freight sale catalog (I receive about 10 of these a week) and noticed the Chicago Electric cordless 1/2" impact driver was maked down.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46701

Regularly $149.00 on sale now for $119.00. Too good to pass up and 180 bucks less than the Milwaukie and Makita models...so I got one.

The only thing I didn't realize is the HF driver does not have a variable-speed trigger like you would find on the Snap-On or the other $300 drivers listed in the catalog. There are two speeds - 0 rpm or 2000 rpm.

After a few practice wheel changes in my garage last night, I realize the extra $180 for the variable speed driver might be worth it...

BTW the bright orange plastic casing reminds me of my neices' fisher-price toys.

I think I'll inquire on the exchange/return policy at HF later today.






[Modified by bulldog_RS20, 6:51 PM 2/28/2003]

 

Hmmm, I got lucky and got teh 18V Milwaukee for Christmas, so far I really like it.

Anyhow, you have answered my question about the cheap harbor freight one.

Sounds like it would be good for taking the tires off, less convienient for putting them on. I can start the lugs with the Milwaukee without fear of stripping them, just a light pull on the trigger to get them threaded then a quick blast to seat them.

If you start yours by hand and invest in a torque stick, then you can blast all day and not worry about it.

That reminds me I need to order a torque stick...

Scott

 

i have the snap on one, and i am totally satisfied. i like that i can start the lugnuts with the gun, nice and slow then hammer the nut on. of course, i got it as a present so the $ really didn't matter...

 

I just got myself the Milwaukee 18v Impact Wrench as well. Rotated my tires last weekend in less than 20 minutes. I had considered that Chicago Electric model, but nobody I talked to knew anything about Chicago Electric products or if that wrench would really have enough torque to loosen the lugs. Everyone I talked to said to go with the Milwaukee product. I've heard of 5 cars having wheels changed before the battery starts to go.

By the way, the alumninum racing jack from Harbor Freight also kicks ***. I highly recommend it. It's currently priced at $179.

 

For some reason that tickled the old funny bone. Hella funny! Hard to be a serious racer when it looks like you get your tools from Fisher-Price, Little Tikes, Match Box, Hot Wheels, etc....

 

I too use the SnapOn cordless impacts. I've tried the 14.4V and 18V and never had a problem with either. The batteries last forever (used them for a 12 hour endurance race and didn't recharge all weekend). The cost quite a bit more than the other brands, but the battery life and extra torque are well worth it IMO.