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1/4 drive impact wrenches were used by body and fender craftsmen and are still popular with them as far as I know. Cordless impact wrenches may be replacing them nowadays. Motorcycle mechanics seem to be using cordless tools today.
3/8 impact wrenches are a time saver.3/8 impacts are also useful for doing sway bar end links also if you dont have much room to work with.
Thanks Dreamer, I did not even think of that. I am very conscious about getting tools. The first thing that comes to mind is ” Do I really need that tool ” . I do not like to get tools unless they are justified.
1/4 impact wrenches are used for engine work too,valve covers are one application.IR including Matco make the best 1/4 impact wrenches.Cordless impacts can’t take off very tight bolts.Buy a good impact wrench,IR is one and Snap On impact wrenches are junk.I see the Snap Ons in my Matco tool dealer’s tool truck as trade ins and no one wants them.
Thanks for your information. I will keep it in mind. The last thing I want is to get tools that are not effective.
I really like my 3/8 impact. It’s appropriately underpowered, which makes it less likely to strip threads. Not sure I’d ever find a reason to have a 1/4 — all my 1/4 sockets are not rated for impact drivers.
Great information. I have a 1/2 impact wrench, 3/8 ratchet and now I need to get a 3/8 impact wrench. The more I do in this field the more excited I become. Thanks again to everyone for their input. What does everyone think about tools manufactured by Hyundia. I have an air ratchet and a tire guage from them. Please let me know.
Oh by the way. What do you think about the cordless impact wrenches ? My concern is that if something happens to the battery it might be to expensive to repair wheras pneumatic tools can be fixed more easily.
I don’t have any experience using any cordless impact guns as all i use are mainly air impacts.
However, here is a pretty good review video on MATCO vs Snap On cordless impact guns –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6PBV99 … e=youtu.be
And no, i am not bias towards brands but this is a pretty obvious review on performance.
I use 3/8 impact for most of the time. Like spelunkerd said, I haven’t stripped single thread, and is small so you can use in places 1/2″ would not go in. Also it is also air efficient compare to air ratchets so I can work comfortably with my 30 gal craftsman air compressor without warring about running out of the air. At full power, my 3/8 impact can even remove lug nuts (if torqued properly)
I use my 3/8″ impact wrench more than my 1/2″ to be honest with you. I’ll take a transmission out of a 4×4 truck with only my 3/8″. Buy a good one like Matco or IR. They have nearly 400lb ft or torque.
That is a good question. At work I use 1/2″ both air and cordless for quite heavier than automotive stuff. But for at home I am wondering for automotive if a 3/8 or even 1/4 will be just fine? If you know please let me know. I am sure there are niches for them all.
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