Need 1/2 18V Makita impact, which one?

[RandyT]

I just acquired a 40vlt 3/4" drive makita. You gotta watch it or it will pop your wrist. Retailed around the 500ish range. But work supplied it.

730ftlbs breaking force seems like a lighter duty model for an 18vlt brushless 1/2" impact.

I have a Mac 1/2" impact that's rated for 1,100ft/lbs breaking force. 900 tightening. This gun is identical to the Dewalt 20 vlt heavy duty. That retails for around $340ish. Guns going on 5 years old and used daily for tightening and lossening large nuts and bolts.

Coworker has the light duty 1/2" Dewalt gun the retails for around $260. Less if you wait for a sale. Great for changing tires and most of your needs. And has a similar rating as the makita your looking at.

$300 seems a little steep in my book for the makitas with that rating. Especially if it's 700ft/lbs breaking force.

Edit: I checked the specs and looks like it's similar to that rating for my impact. 1100 breaking force, 700 tightening.

I say go for it, and try it.

It is 740 ft/lb forward and 1180 ft/lb reverse

 

[Dftodd]

It is 740 ft/lb forward and 1180 ft/lb reverse

I noted that in my edit at the bottom.

 

[Doofy]

I see that all the YouTube mechanics have gone cordless. They may have something there. I do tire of dragging around air hoses...

 

[Dftodd]

I see that all the YouTube mechanics have gone cordless. They may have something there. I do tire of dragging around air hoses...

I pretty much did that. Got a 1/4" to 3/4" drive. The only time I break out the air hose is if I need the consistency or booty of the pneumatic gun. And that's mainly for installs where it's mission critical that I reach a certain torque that's questionable hitting with a battery operated gun.

It's also super handy when having to work on something where you don't have access to an air compressor.

 

[ArlyA]

I see that all the YouTube mechanics have gone cordless. They may have something there. I do tire of dragging around air hoses...

And I only have a pancake construction compressor and already have 18v makita's that I like, so that's why I'm looking at there bran.

 

[Doofy]

And I only have a pancake construction compressor and already have 18v makita's that I like, so that's why I'm looking at there bran.

I usually do the final torque with a torque wrench anyhow. I'm sure the wife will let Santa know I'm going cordless on the impact wrench! Thanks for the nudge.

 

[ArlyA]

I usually do the final torque with a torque wrench anyhow. I'm sure the wife will let Santa know I'm going cordless on the impact wrench! Thanks for the nudge.

Ya, I believe I have 4 torque wrenches.... I inherited some impact sockets and just what to put them into service when i work on atv's and snow implements. Never onwed a impact wrench, but did use them at work so maybe nows the time to get one??

 

[ArlyA]

I usually do the final torque with a torque wrench anyhow. I'm sure the wife will let Santa know I'm going cordless on the impact wrench! Thanks for the nudge.

Do we need to send your spouse a Christmas needs note?

 

[ponytug]

FWIW: I use the 18V Makita drill/hammer drill for driving up to 5/8" sockets on 3/8" drive. I use it a fair amount because change the torque setting is so fast. It has more torque than I need for most assembly/disassembly. I use air tools for the 1/2" and 3/4" drive, as my service needs are all at my shop, not out in the field.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Doofy]

Ya, I believe I have 4 torque wrenches.... I inherited some impact sockets and just what to put them into service when i work on atv's and snow implements. Never onwed a impact wrench, but did use them at work so maybe nows the time to get one??

I am a labor saver. I'd rather a Tool do the work.