Milwaukee 18V impact gun?

[jrsavoie]

I've been using that model Milwaukee for several months now. It is very heavy, especially if you stick a 6 AH or bigger battery on it. Heavier than my 1/2" IR air impact I've had for years - and also more powerful. It has 4 power levels it can be set at; the most powerful will bust off lugs.

If you are concerned about weight you might consider one of the smaller, lighter models. I also have a Milwaukee M18 1/4" Hex Impact that amazes me with what it can do. It is a fraction of the weight of the 1/2" drive M18 and I've been able to remove lug nuts with it.

I have the 3/8 square drive. I like it better than the 1/4" hexdrive.
They make good magnetic 3/8 square to 1/4" hex sockets to hold the bits.

Amazon.com

 

[jrsavoie]

The torque limiting extensions don't always work properly with the electric impacts.

Be careful. You can do some damage ina hurry.

 

[sixdogs]

This happens all the time PROVIDED the order was fulfilled by Amazon. Refund made by Amazon as soon as the item is scanned in by the carrier.

This is when the seller is a third party that is selling though Amazon and the refund is processed by the third party seller.

It has always ticked me off that any seller (except Amazon) takes my money instantly but it takes 30 days to refund it. I can understand them waiting until they see the product is undamaged but to take 30 days after it has been received (tracking) is unreal.

My order was bought and fulfilled by Amazon. I only buy pricey stuff that way. That's why I'm surprised.

 

[John0829]

My order was bought and fulfilled by Amazon. I only buy pricey stuff that way. That's why I'm surprised.

That is a surprise, I have never had that happen with anything bought from and supplied by Amazon.

 

[sixdogs]

That is a surprise, I have never had that happen with anything bought from and supplied by Amazon.

They could just be giving the standard language to everyone and will credit back as soon as they get it. I'm optimistic and Amazon has been more than fair dealing with me so far.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

The torque limiting extensions don't always work properly with the electric impacts.

Be careful. You can do some damage ina hurry.

HUH!! The torque limiting extensions are brute force simple engineering. The limiter acts as a spring, the torque is limited by the strength of the steel, and the diameter and length of the reduced segment. The only way it can be off more than a few percent, is if one of the parameters: steel strength, length or diameter are off.

I avoid the inexpensive torque limiters because while I can measure the length and diameter, I have no easy way to check the strength of chiwanese steel. And again, the Torque Test Channel on YouTube, has tested the torque limiting extensions, and if you’re buying a set, it is worth the time to watch their review.

 

[tomplum]

Enjoy your new impact!

 

[LouNY]

HUH!! The torque limiting extensions are brute force simple engineering. The limiter acts as a spring, the torque is limited by the strength of the steel, and the diameter and length of the reduced segment. The only way it can be off more than a few percent, is if one of the parameters: steel strength, length or diameter are off.

I avoid the inexpensive torque limiters because while I can measure the length and diameter, I have no easy way to check the strength of chiwanese steel. And again, the Torque Test Channel on YouTube, has tested the torque limiting extensions, and if you’re buying a set, it is worth the time to watch their review.

I've had good luck with my torque sticks on my Milwaukee M18 and my pneumatic wrenches, they have been within 10 ft lbs when I checked them.

 

[Oldbinder]

Enjoy your new impact!

View attachment 1315014

And don’t forget the 12v Milwaukee grease gun

 

[sixdogs]

I have a high torque dewalt impact gun. I’ve only used it a few times so far, but it impressed me. I thought nothing would compare with my Aircat 1/2” or my 120v dewalt, but it works great. I also have a bunch of Makita stuff in my work truck for home repair/general construction. They all work great.

I have the dewalt stuff in the garage because when I bought them, dewalt was offering discounts if you traded in old tools. So I got a drill kit and the 1/4” hex impact kit. I’ve added a 3/8” square drive impact, the 1/2” impact, and a couple flashlights. Traded in an old 12v NiCd dewalt drill and an old Metabo drill. I don’t even use a corded droplight anymore.

For the Makita stuff in the truck, I have the drill and impact drivers, circular saw, sawzall, buzz cutter, vacuum, hardie board shears and most recently added a jigsaw to replace my 30 year old dewalt corded. They all work great.

Whichever you choose, they’re all good quality.

Look at the amount of torque you need, I have a Milwaukee 3/8 drive that I use for lug nuts on my truck and it takes 160lbs. of torque, the 3/8 handles everything that I need an impact for.

If the need should arise, which has not yet, that I need more there is always the air impact or my SIL's 1/2" Milwaukee

I'll bet a 3/8' M18 would handle all your needs.

In re-reading this thread, I keep seeing your comments on 3/8", espcially Makita. In my life, 3/8" air tools used to be useless. They are obviously better today but how good are they and how do you use yours? What do you do with it and what is too much for it?

 

[slckeys]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a 3/8 impact along with my current 1/2 inch because I have 3/8 inch impact sockets and the adapter has made it difficult in certain situations. I wish now I went with the 3/8 on my mid torque only because I have the half inch high torque.

 

[John0829]

In re-reading this thread, I keep seeing your comments on 3/8", espcially Makita. In my life, 3/8" air tools used to be useless. They are obviously better today but how good are they and how do you use yours? What do you do with it and what is too much for it?

As I said I use mine mainly for the lug nits on a ton dually 4x4. Lugs torque to 160 lbs. and the 3/8 Milwaukee zips them off very easily. Since buying it I have not had any reason to get the 1/2" air impact out... the 3/8" Milwaukee has handled everything. But then I am not doing as much as I did in the past.

 

[tomplum]

And don’t forget the 12v Milwaukee grease gun

I have the M18 and work the dickens out of it. I'm at the age that I realize the more tools I get, the less time I have. Isn't that backwards?

 

[Midniteoyl]

In re-reading this thread, I keep seeing your comments on 3/8", espcially Makita. In my life, 3/8" air tools used to be useless. They are obviously better today but how good are they and how do you use yours? What do you do with it and what is too much for it?

At one time, like a couple years ago, the Milwaukee m12 fuel 3/8" was just as strong as the 1/2" version, if not stronger, so that doesnt always hold true..

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

At one time, like a couple years ago, the Milwaukee m12 fuel 3/8" was just as strong as the 1/2" version, if not stronger, so that doesnt always hold true..

You could order the repair part for the size you didn’t have and switch them over from 3/8 to half, and vice versa.

 

[sixdogs]

It showed up a few minutes ago and I couldn't wait to open it. Sadly and with deep disappointment I realized the original box was opened, crudely, and had been taped shut, also poorly, and resold to me. I opened the box the Makita package was in, realized what was going on and wife will wrap for return. It's going back. Why would Amazon ship this way and resell returned items as new?

Basically that amounts to a used item at nearly the street price for it. Not for me so I'll advise when I get another from someone local. That would have to be an Amish store and I'm not going that direction for a week or two.

This is why I try to buy local. Sure, local is $20 more but it supports people that also have the odd hardware parts I need.

.

I hope you're right. Their print on my return days up to 30 days before credit and 7 days to have it posted. They give dates when my credit will hit and it's 30 or 37 days out.

Here it is below:

Your return was dropped off​

Your return is in-transit
Your refund will be issued once the return is processed at the Return Center
We will issue your refund within 30 days from the time you have dropped off your return. Once we issue your refund, it takes up to 7 days for your financial institution to make funds available in your account. A partial or zero refund may apply based on returned item condition as per our policy. Learn more

Initiated
Sep 23

Dropped off
Oct 7

Received
Oct 23

Refund Issued
Oct 30

Refund Credited

I got my credit back to my card today, Oct 4th. So two weeks.

 

[Racer4]

In re-reading this thread, I keep seeing your comments on 3/8", espcially Makita. In my life, 3/8" air tools used to be useless. They are obviously better today but how good are they and how do you use yours? What do you do with it and what is too much for it?

I like my 3/8” for anything smaller than a 1/2” bolt. It’s way more compact and fits into tighter places. Haven’t tried it on lugnuts yet.

 

[sixdogs]

I am going to buy a 1/2" drive impact gun and likely a Milwaukee 18V. Trouble is, I'm confused by the many choices. This is what I think I want:

Amazon.com

My use is lighter farm work, mostly for lug nuts and cultivator shovels. I'm tired of dragging around an air hose. I don't want one that's too heavy. Does anyone own this or other 1/2" Milwaukee impact gun that can offer advice or experience?

It would be easier to buy Makita things, because I already own plenty, but I'm not sure the quality is still there.

I'm the OP and that's my original post in wanting to buy a 1/2" drive 18V impact gun for basic farm, auto and tractor work.

After all the very helpful comments and because I had Makita things already, I wound up with the 3/8" Makita 18V and it's perfect for me. I mail ordered from Home Depot after Amazon sent me an open box return I didn't want.

Makita USA - Product Details -XWT16Z

18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-Speed 3/8" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring Anvil, Tool Only

www.makitatools.com

It's lightweight, shockingly powerful and easy on the battery. Just for chuckles I tried on my 150 ft lb Tundra wheels and it zipped them off. no problem. It has multiple power settings so I use the lightest when putting nuts back on and now I can easily hold the difficult "hubcap" in place while installing.

1/2" impact would have been too much for my use. Sure, for tough stuff I would need it and if I still had big equipment it would be a universal tool for all of that and everything else. For that I have a 1000 ft lb air gun so that's my backup. FYI

 

[kenhar]

I have several Milwaukee 28 volt tools. Don't understand why "M" discontinued them. They are great tools. When you pull the trigger, they work. The 1/2" impact is heavy and bulky but it gets the job done. If it doesn't get the bolt lose, I have to go to the 3/4 sockets and 36" break over. If that don't work, the heat wrench.

 

[sixdogs]

I have several Milwaukee 28 volt tools. Don't understand why "M" discontinued them. They are great tools. When you pull the trigger, they work. The 1/2" impact is heavy and bulky but it gets the job done. If it doesn't get the bolt lose, I have to go to the 3/4 sockets and 36" break over. If that don't work, the heat wrench.

For a lot of ag work you're often in an awkward position or arm stretched out and a big tool is too heavy. A great combo with be a powerful 3/8" and a HD 1/2 battery powered. My 3/8" now does lots of things I used drag an air hose out for. No more.