Mackie

I'm planning on getting a new cordless impact and I'm not sure what to get - which would be better for me. The choice is between the 3/8" square drive head or the 1/4" quick-change head.

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/ingersollrand/W150-LSP/

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/ingersollrand/W150QC/

I do electrical work mostly on commercial utility vehicles from Toyota Priuses to big-ass Freightliner bucket trucks, but I'm planning on getting into electrical work on 'structures' in the semi-near future.

The quick-change would probably be more convenient but I'm worried that it's not strong like the square head. I have a square head to quick-change adapter but that is another thing to add on to the tool and it makes it a little bigger and a little more unwieldy.

So, any recommendations, tips, comments, stories, anecdotes, etc.?

-thanx

__________________
2 Cor 13:14

gilbequick

I've got 2 impact drivers and they're both 1/4'' quick change. I use a couple of adapter for different size sockets, but that's only at home working on the rail buggy (non electrical). For electrical work I rarely ever use the sockets on the impact driver, only the 1/4''.

I'd imagine the ones with the 3/8 drive are heavier to carry around also.

randomkiller

There is no one impact that is going to suit all your needs. I use 18v and 28v (DeWalt/Milwk) with 3/8" and 1/2" square drives for running in lags bolts and on hex bolts on equipment and that type of thing where you would normally use a ratchet and have good results.
For everyday stuff I use the Bosch 10.8v impactor and haven't pulled the higher voltage units out in several months now and that includes driving 1/4" lags into trusses for hanging strut.

The issue I see with the square drive you posted is the large size for normal fastener driving, it's over kill and fatiguing to use.

The only negative about the smaller model is that it isn't so small front to back and may not get into tight places that a Bosch or Makita would. The heads on most impacts are very stubby and fit in places a battery drill never would. I see that the price is tempting but think you should see if anyone you know has the little Bosch and will let you try it. I have purchased all three of the 10.8v Bosch drivers for personal use and think they are one of the best tool purchases I have made in ages.

There is a Bosch service center near me that has the factory reconditioned impactor models for @ $120 and they have the same warranty as new units but have been gone over for problems, so to me that means they should function better. I am thinking of an out of the box firearm compared to one that has had the once over by a gunsmith looking for issues.

__________________
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life."

"One Nation Under God"

randomkiller

Truer words have never hit the screen. The DeWalt 18v and Milwaukee 28v are killers, I think the Milw. weights as much as a corded model. Neither are fun for driving hangers overhead all day. Recently I have started drilling pilot holes with a 12v drill and running in the hangers with a much smaller impact (14.4v or 12v)

__________________
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to and including my life."

"One Nation Under God"

Adam12

I would stick with a more well known brand like Milwaukee, Dewalt or Makita, ( doesnt that other brand manufacture generators and commpressors?) with a 1/4 inch drive. A 12 volt is a nice all around size for electrical work, try and go with the lithium ion battery type, very light.

I own a Bosch Impactor 10.8v like RK, that thing kicks ass for its size. I dont get to use it a work though, i wish I could. Our contractors provide our power tools.

MechanicalDVR

We usually get what we request at work, I have th impactor and it works great with Greenlee drill taps, and all types of teks and self tappers. Size and weight for performance cant be beat.

KayJay

Everyone knows Ingersoll Rand made their name with air tools, but I haven’t heard anything about their cordless tools, although the torque rating on the specs look good.

I use a 1/4” Dewalt DW056 18V impact driver for everyday fastening. It works great with small nut drivers or socket adapters as well. Best $100.00 I ever spent. I don’t think I have stripped out a screw head or bit since I bought it. I also have an impact chuck adapter for it too, but hardly ever use it.
For those bigger jobs, I use the 1/2” Dewalt DW059 18V impact wrench. I have a 3/8” adapter for 3/8” drive sockets if needed, but normally just use all 1/2”. This one is great for anything from sinking lags for riser straps on poles to rotating tires on the truck, but probably not something you would want to carry on your hip for any longer than necessary. If you’re in the market for one of these, the Sunex 5153DD 29-piece, 1/2” drive, deep Metric/SAE master set is an excellent accessory, for under $95.00. Also, McMaster-Carr sells Proto 2”, 5” and 10” impact extensions for a very reasonable price.

Mackie

Well, the question was should I get the thing with the 3/8" square or the 1/4" quick-change. Y'all had very good advice, though, and it's very appreciated.

As I'm not going to be using the thing for changing tires (that's where the pneumatic comes it - not that that's in my job description...), the quick-change should do just fine.

I'll take IR and never look back! If their cordless stuff is half as good as their air tools, they'll be twice as good as everything else!



-thanx

__________________
2 Cor 13:14

Adam12

Hitachi makes great electronics and Kawaisaki makes great dirtbikes, but I dont think I would buy their powertools.

They may make a good cordless tool you wont know until you try it. If you click on the applications tab it looks like its geared towards automotive work, not sure if that would make a difference though. Give us a review if you pick one up, I would like to know how it holds up.

KayJay

[quote=Adam12;36965]Hitachi makes great electronics and Kawaisaki makes great dirtbikes, but I dont think I would buy their powertools.
[quote]

I don’t know about that. Hitachi’s 10” sliding compound saw set a new industry standard when it came out back in the late 1990’s and is still very highly regarded and copied, today. Lots of builders like their new cordless tool line as well.
Their rotary hammers are also very durable and well regarded, even though they are notorious for being wrist breakers, because of the high torque release for the clutch at lockup. I’ve watched a couple of apprentices elbows do almost a full 360 when the bit locked up while coring a 2-1/2” hole in a concrete wall. I guess I could have warned them, but figured they already knew, since they seemed to ” have all the answers”.

Kawasaki on the other hand, I think that may be geared towards the DIY/homeowner market, like Delta’s “Shop Master” line of stuff.

MechanicalDVR

Maybe some of us missed the question (not knowing your mind was already set on brand) but at the same time I think you missed the points being made. If you are set on IR than the 1/4" is the way to go of those two. If you want an impact that will serve you better over time, I feel as others do that you would be better off with a brand that has already made a positive impression on seasoned mechanics over time. When spending ones hard earned money most experienced guys will be conservative and go with a known workhorse.

Mackie

Nope, I got all the points and thank you all very much.

I'll give a review when I pick it up and use it for a while.

-thanx

__________________
2 Cor 13:14

Mountain Electrician

I've owned a Hitachi cordless set for 4 years, and for the money I've been happy with it.