Teach me about cordless ratchet wrenches

[Radshooter]

It is time to admit it....I'm getting old. My shoulders, elbows, and wrists are shot, but I'm not ready to hang up the tools. One of my projects is a '63 CJ5, but in my shape getting a differential cover off is a half day project!

What kinds of battery powered ratchets do y'all use and like? I am guessing a high voltage Lithium Ion setup would be best? Any favorite brands? Or would I be ahead getting a battery powered impact wrench? How controllable are they? I don't want to be twisting off small bolts.

I have an air powered impact wrench with a 20 gallon compressor. It is the cat's meow for lug nuts and the like, but not sure I trust it on the small stuff. Plus the air hose is always in the way.

Anyway, I thought I would check in with the guys that actually use the stuff before I bought anything.

Thanks for your consideration.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

For 1/2" or smaller bolts/nuts, I don't think you can beat lithium powered 1/4" drive impacts. Some come with selectable speed settings, while others have to be controlled with your trigger finger. I have two in my tool cache - Makita and Bosch. I like them both in grip feel and weight. Only thing that burns my rear end is how the lithium batteries don't give a warning that you're about to lose battery. They just go full tilt and then fall flat on their face out of the blue.

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks JHawes.....do you use standard sockets with the impact drivers or impact sockets?

 

[jhenderson]

I've switched to Milwaukee M20 fuel tools. 3/8,1/2, guns and 1/2 drill. Buying just one brand makes it easy. Buy one kit ( tool, battery and charger) then buy bare tools. There's even a factory authorized reman center ( CPM) with good deals. eBay is your friend with Milwaukee.

 

[TFucili]

I bought a Snap-On cordless screwgun, and it has turned out to be one handy little devil. BTW, I am not preaching Snap-On, as there are plenty of others. With the adjustable slip clutch you can run small stuff up snug without fear of snapping it off. We also run a Snappy 3/8 cordless impact that is super handy without being bulky, but has enough oomph to minimize having to drag out the 1/2" nut buster.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Thanks JHawes.....do you use standard sockets with the impact drivers or impact sockets?

I use both, but if I''m lucky enough to be in my shop, I reach for the impact sockets. But then again, I'm guilty of using regular Sears sockets in my Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" drives

 

[fox]

I have a Dewalt impact 18 volt. It has about 1/2 the power of a friends Makita that is about 1/2 the size.
Dewalt says it has 330 ft. lbs. I'm sure I haven't seen but 100 from it. Last Dewalt I ever buy.
The Makita has twisted off wheel studs on his ford!!!!!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

The Makita has twisted off wheel studs on his ford!!!!!

Not really that hard to do

Something I noticed over the last 10 +/- years is that Dewalt, Makita, Bosch, & Milwaukee have products geared towards the Home Depot, Lowes etc customers (cheap) and then they have other (more expensive) products.

 

[jhenderson]

My Milwaukee 1/2 gun is supposed to make 600 ft lbs. in rev and 450 in forward. I believe them.

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like Milwaukee deserves a serious look. I will check them out next time I get to Home Depot. I am not a pro mechanic. Just basic vehicle maintenance and home projects.

 

[jhenderson]

You're not going to find what you want from Milwaukee in Home Depot. Tool store or online only.

 

[Radshooter]

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[Radshooter]

Other than convenience and portability (which is a lot) is there any advantage of battery over air?

 

[TFucili]

Other than convenience and portability (which is a lot) is there any advantage of battery over air?

I guess I would add they are generally quieter than pneumatic. Air ratchets are noisy as heck.

 

[jhenderson]

Other than convenience and portability (which is a lot) is there any advantage of battery over air?

Thats it. Battery tools have cut my maint time in the woods by more than 1/2. Belly pans and inspection covers are much easier to deal with using power tools. The only down side is higher power tools weigh a little more because they use a heavier hammer to generate higher torque. I would never go back.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

You're not going to find what you want from Milwaukee in Home Depot. Tool store or online only.

Ya, a lot of people don't know that HD, Lowes etc have lower end tools specifically built for the cheap crowd. Even their lawn mowers, leaf blowers, irrigation valves.............