Cordless Impact - Whats a good option?

[kl3640]

For the 18V 1/2" drive: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=power&Group_ID=19913&store=snapon-store

For other sizes (14.4V 3/8" drive, etc.): http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/catalog2.asp?tool=power&Cat_ID=121069&Cat_NAME=Power+Tools%2C+Cordless&Sub_Cat_ID=121070&Sub_Cat_NAME=Impact+Wrenches&store=snapon-store

How much you will actually wind up paying depends on how good a break your local rep gives you.  If you don't already do a lot of business with Snap-On, you might try to find a friend who does and see what deal he can get from his local rep.  They are also on eBay, but I wouldn't do that as you're better off having a relationship with a local rep in case it ever breaks while under warranty (I don't remember the SnapOn warranty term for cordless tools).

SnapOn is the best, but personally, I wouldn't spend a lot on a cordless impact wrench for the pits for motorcycle racing, as smaller/less expensive units get the job done, I don't need monster torque for bikes (and I use a torque wrench for high-torque apps anyway), and I'd hate for a $500 SnapOn to walk away in the pits, where as I wouldn't care about a $100 Panasonic.  Of course, if you're going to be using this at home/shop and not just the pits, then that's a different story.

Another thing that I've seen done, for the kind of money that you're talking about spending, is getting a small portable compressor.  That can be used not just for impact tools and other pneumatic tools, but also for tires, etc.  I've seen small electric ones that put out sufficient CFM for pneumatic tools, and they're fairly inexpensive.  Same with the small gas powered units.

I'm not recommending that to you, unless you think that you're going to use a lot of air tools; I'm just pointing it out as an alternative.

[cardzilla]

Before you buy a Snap-on...

I'm a tech for a living and I almost every tool in my Snap-on box is a snap-on tool, however, I don't recommend the cordless impact.  First, they are known to shear their shanks off regularly.  Second, I don't believe it will take off a front sprocket consistently... nor do I think any cordless will.  I researched for a while and realized that for the heavy duty stuff you really just need a real impact gun so throw top end torque out of the equation.  Now what you need is something with a reasonable amount of torque that's lightweight, easy to use and is preferably inexpensive.  I ended up with the Ryobi one series cordless impact and I have to tell you I've been impressed with it.  The drive shank is removable (quick coupling) so you can use a 1/4", 3/8" or a 1/2" drive, the torque is enough to take off most any bolt 14mm or under (about 75 ft-lbs), it's taken a severe beating for over a year and it's never quit... and perhaps most importantly: it is UNDER $100 for the tool and a double charger at Home Depot.  Add another $5 and it's warrantied for 3 years.  This is just my .02, but another tech at our shop bought the Snap-on and was just consistently disappointed when he couldn't take off lug nuts (or anything else in that catagory) and was reduced to using it for the same things I use my much smaller (and cheaper) Ryobi. 

[tzracer]

Do you really need one?

I race  125 and probably change front sprockets more than most people. I just use a large 1/2" ratchet, and place a rag covered piece of wood or metal bar through the rear wheel to hold it in place. I have used this technique on every bike I have ever owned. Never had a problem.

[Z-man]

Do you already own a cordless drill?  Is it 18V?  Many times the batteries are interchangable.  I have a DeWalt drill, shop vac and impact wrench that all use the same 18V battery.  Snapon stuff is pretty expensive, I have had good success with DeWalt products.  Only thing I wish I had on the impact wrench would be a variable speed.  It almost clicks on and off, so when I try to remove bolts on my clutch basket it is the same torque and speed as when I try to remove my axle bolt.

Think about what brand you are most comfortable with and start filling your garage with their 18v products.

[dahustler]

If you want a good strong cordless whose battery is interchangeable with other good strong tools the Milwaukee is the best. I have the new 28v Lithium cordless impact. Bang for the buck its the best. Front and rear sprockets no problem. I work on semi trailers It takes the wheel nuts off no problem. Its the best to I own period! I own Makitas, Dewalts, and Snap-ons. I like the Milwaukees the best.

[benprobst]

If you want a good strong cordless whose battery is interchangeable with other good strong tools the Milwaukee is the best. I have the new 28v Lithium cordless impact. Bang for the buck its the best. Front and rear sprockets no problem. I work on semi trailers It takes the wheel nuts off no problem. Its the best to I own period! I own Makitas, Dewalts, and Snap-ons. I like the Milwaukees the best.

The Milwaukee's are pretty good. I dont know about 600 ft lbs good, but they are pretty good.