Good cheaper impact wrench?

chim · Mar 18, 2020

Not sure what different models Milwaukee may have, but DeWalt has a few different 1/2" impacts. The one I settled on is a DeWalt DCF899 Hi Torque to replace an 18V that had 300 foot pounds when I was switching from their 18V platform to the 20V Max. The DCF899 has 700 foot pounds of torque* vs either 150 or 400 with the DCF880 or DCF889.

*Spec also says 1,200# breakaway torque. Sounds impressive but didn't mean much to me so I looked it up Interesting:

THE BIG LIE! "Nutbusting Torque" | Real Tool Reviews

BoylermanCT · Mar 18, 2020

I have a Ryobi, Ridgid and HF Earthquake. The Ridgid is my go to impact wrench. Much stronger than the Ryobi. The HF Earthquake handles the big jobs .

California · Mar 18, 2020

Here's the extended-anvil version HF Earthquake I would buy today if I needed it. Rated 1190 ft lb breakaway.
And a $109 coupon. Your choice standard, or the extended anvil version that I would choose.

Coupon source:
Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - EARTHQUAKE XT 1/2" PRO AIR IMPACT WRENCHES

Responding to the original discussion, I should note I bought two unsatisfactory cheap HF impact wrenches before going to the Earthquake. As I recall $19 and $39 on sale. Useless. Rated 400+ ft lbs torque but no 'breakaway' rating. Those couldn't loosen car lugbolts plus they ate far more air than the red Earthquake. I had to wait for the compressor after a couple of bolts. Adding high-flow couplings didn't help. Avoid the cheap ones!

Gem99ultra · Mar 19, 2020

chim said:
Not sure what different models Milwaukee may have, but DeWalt has a few different 1/2" impacts. The one I settled on is a DeWalt DCF899 Hi Torque to replace an 18V that had 300 foot pounds when I was switching from their 18V platform to the 20V Max. The DCF899 has 700 foot pounds of torque* vs either 150 or 400 with the DCF880 or DCF889.

*Spec also says 1,200# breakaway torque. Sounds impressive but didn't mean much to me so I looked it up Interesting:

THE BIG LIE! "Nutbusting Torque" | Real Tool Reviews

The "Nutbusting Torque" article was very impressive. I've been disappointed for lots of years with my air powered IR impact. Back then, I paid something like $700 for it. Supposedly it would put out well over 400 pounds of torque, both on and off. Not so, never was so. It wouldn't even break the lug nuts off of my half-ton Chevy truck when torqued to factor spec of 140 pounds. I suspect I wasn't able to provide enough air for the Ingersol Rand to perform as advertised.

I did buy the HF Earthquake which has plenty of power. I do see that most professional mechanics go with Milwaukee brand though. I would too, if I could handle the price they're getting. I can't, e.g. won't.

searcyfarms · Mar 19, 2020

if portability is not a huge concern you will spend less on an air unit for sure - i have an earthquake 3/4 for using on tractor stuff that my aircat 1/2 unit wont move - need bigger lines for the 3/4 unit to get the realized potential of it, for you the 1/2 at HF come in 800, 950, and 1190 on their biggest - 99, 99, 129 for prices - i have two 1/2 inch guns, a milwaukee cordless and my aircat is a 1050 model, VERY strong they now have 1250 units in 1/2 inch and great customer service - highly recommended - ive used the heck out of mine and love it, had it probably 10 to 12 yrs, never failed me yet. That was teh largest model they had at the time and i gave 110 bucks for it, you can find them on fleabay for good prices and used i think northern tool even sells aircat units now

mikester · Mar 19, 2020

Fallon said:
My current impact wrenches have left me lacking on some recent projects. I have a Ryobi One+ 1/2" drive cordless, but it's not that serious of a gun. Neither is the Kobalt? Air powered one that came in a cheap tool kit. Both usually do ok for lugnuts, but I have to bust out the 18" breaker bar a bit.

At the moment I have a 20-30 year old generator trailer. Weighs 200-300lbs with 20-30 year old rims & tires. Neither impact gun cuts it & the trailer is to light to stay put with the breaker bar. No way to jam the rim against the frame either. I end up with similar problems a few times a year.

It would really only get used in the barn where I have good compressed air. So not terribly concerned about portability.

Any recomendations for a good cheap 1/2" impact gun to be used a couple dozen times a year?

I'd recommend buying a cheap tool if its from a place that gives you a no questions asked return policy. You get what you pay for.

I have an older version one of these 700ft.lbs torque
1/2 in. dr Heavy Duty Composite Air Impact Wrench | Princess Auto

I say older because I bought it 20 years ago and it still gives my cheaper 3/4 drive unit a run for its money. I've stopped buying cheap tools I have to throw away after a few uses.

Start checking out garage sales for better quality tools on the cheap.

mcfarmall · Mar 19, 2020

I just bought an "International Harvester" air impact from Menards on clearance and it kicks butt. Every bit as good as the Blue Point (Snap-On) one that I have. Got it off their clearance shelf for $25 bucks + 11% off that to boot. They currently sell the same on on their website. Easily takes the lug nuts off my truck that used to require a breaker bar and a 3 foot piece of pipe with my 250 lb son standing on it.

California · Mar 19, 2020

chim said:
...THE BIG LIE! "Nutbusting Torque" | Real Tool Reviews

He liked the HF Earthquake XT that I described:

Earthquake XT Composite Xtreme Torque Air Impact Wrenches! | Real Tool Reviews

"definitely a lot of impact for the money. For new guys & also seasoned mechanics if you haven't upgraded impacts in the last few years, most likely these will be a big jump in power for you."

bitternut · Mar 19, 2020

I bought the HF EARTHQUAKEXT 20V 1/2" drive last summer with a $40 off coupon. It is advertised as having 1200 ft-lbs of torque. My two year old HD Bush Hog needed to have the blades sharpened. The 2-5/16 nuts securing the blades are torqued at 600 ft-lbs. I tried my breaker bar with up to a 8' pipe. There was no way that I could bust them loose, even after soaking them a coup[e of days with PB Blaster. Made the trip to HF and came home with the EARTHQUAKE. Shortly after charging the battery fully both nuts were off and the blades were sharpened.

My farm is 100 miles from my residence and I haul my equipment back and forth on occasion. I don't have a large capacity air compressor at either place or a mobile unit hence buying a battery powered unit was a no-brainer. The impact kit stays in my truck at all times along with the bottle jack, tool box, ratchet straps, etc.

I am very pleased with my purchase and would not leave home without it.