Electric vs pneumatic 3/8 impact driver
06-24-2014, 03:28 PM
#1
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Electric vs pneumatic 3/8 impact driver I am thinking about getting a 3/8" air ratchet to work on my car. I cant decide between a middle level pneumatic and a milwaukee or makita 18volt setup. Any input?
06-25-2014, 11:07 AM
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My air impact guns seem to not last, get weak with just
casual use. I am ready to take a chance on electric.
But i'd go 1/2" since all my impact sockets & paraphernalia
already are.
casual use. I am ready to take a chance on electric.
But i'd go 1/2" since all my impact sockets & paraphernalia
already are.
06-25-2014, 11:35 AM
#4
I use a 120v electric Milwaukee 9072-20 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench and I've yet to find a fastener on my car I wasn't able to loosen or break. I will warn you its not good for tight places...so I highly recommend an assortment of extensions, adapters, and universal joints. I've used it mostly on suspension parts, exhaust, and wheel lugs. My only complaint is that the directional toggle switch is easy to accidentally flip...bad design there. Other than that, the price is great.
06-25-2014, 11:52 AM
#5
My Makita 1/2" 18V LXT impact is a beast. In both senses.. It is a monster and weighs a fair bit, but it also breaks most stuff free with ease.
If I had a good air compressor though I'd be tempted to go with air because they are usually not as bulky or heavy.
If I had a good air compressor though I'd be tempted to go with air because they are usually not as bulky or heavy.
09-30-2014, 04:11 PM
#7
TECH Enthusiast
Since I first started seeing a few crappy Ryobi & whatnot !/4" impact screwdrivers on construction jobsites years ago, battery electric impact tools have become much more common place. Just got a 20v premium dewalt impact & hammerdrill set to start replacing my aging 18 volt tools. The entire generation of 20v dewalt line is lighter than the 18v line.
Electrics are also much improved now, commonly available pneumatics have done the opposite. Thanks for nothing on that one China. My 18 volt 1/2" impact does better than a cheap 1/2" pneumatic with a 10 hp compressor to back it up.
A decent brand of 1/4 or 3/8 battery impact would be a good investment for light to medium work with a 1/2" for the heavier stuff. Much much cheaper for the part time mechanic than a good compressor with good pneumatics. The 1/2" tools are uncomfortably heavy for much use where not needed.
Electrics are also much improved now, commonly available pneumatics have done the opposite. Thanks for nothing on that one China. My 18 volt 1/2" impact does better than a cheap 1/2" pneumatic with a 10 hp compressor to back it up.
A decent brand of 1/4 or 3/8 battery impact would be a good investment for light to medium work with a 1/2" for the heavier stuff. Much much cheaper for the part time mechanic than a good compressor with good pneumatics. The 1/2" tools are uncomfortably heavy for much use where not needed.
Last edited by jlcustomz; 09-30-2014 at 04:18 PM.
