Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Another great tool (Battery impact wrenches)
| Another great tool [message #256551] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 21:56  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Speaking of good tools....
When I was down at Ken Henderson's installing my Manny Brakes, he had a Dewalt 3/8" impact wrench on a 14V battery that was handier than a hip pocket. We used the heck out of that thing. No cords, great torque, good battery life. I had to have one but when I went to Lowes (where Ken had got his) they were not available. Looked around a bit locally but never found them.
A couple months later, I was up in southern Illnois at a family reunion (yeah, I'm from Chicago but I got over it.  ) and stopped at a Rural King, one of my favorite places and a must stop when I'm in the area. Kind of like a Tractor Supply on steriods.
Anyway, they had the impact wrenches in 1/2" and 3/8" flavors for $100 each, no batteries. They take 18V NICAD (old) OR lithium (new) and I have 18V Dewalt batteries and chargers so I bought one of each.
Dang, these things are great. I hate air hoses and power cords. I still have to fire up the compressor and get out the big air impacts once in a while to break things loose but for 90+ % of the time, these will do the trick.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p55348-dewalt-battery-impact.html
The photo chopped off the 3/8" end but at least you can see the part numbers. You can get these things off the internet.
Dewalt also makes a BIG battery impact with a jillion ftlbs of torque but it weights a lot. These things are light and have a built in light too which is handy.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #256571 is a reply to message #256551] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 08:13  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Kerry,
You had to one-up me! My DeWalt is only 1/4" -- and possibly MY most
useful tool. Since I've tossed, turned, dropped and generally abused it so
much over the past 8-10 years since in paid $40 for it off the demonstrator
sales table, I recently bought another one. This one, with lithium
batteries was about $100 on sale. It's not getting much use; I'm keeping
it clean for show while continuing to use the old one.
I've considered buying a 3/8" one, but the smaller size and lighter weight
of the 1/4 has dissuaded me. Usually its 80 ft-lb torque is enough for my
needs; if not, a quick touch-up with a hand wrench gets things moving in
the proper direction.
I did buy a Harbor Freight 3/8"s about 3 years ago. Its batteries quit
about 35 months ago; it's just helped fill the excess shop space since
then. Maybe I'll try KenB's battery source for it. It at least broke me
from ever being tempted by any more batteries from HF.
But you've still put me in the shade; I'll have to work on that. :-)
Ken H.
On Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 10:56 PM, Kerry Pinkerton
wrote:
> Speaking of good tools....
>
> When I was down at Ken Henderson's installing my Manny Brakes, he had a
> Dewalt 3/8" impact wrench on a 14V battery that was handier than a hip
> pocket.
> We used the heck out of that thing. No cords, great torque, good battery
> life. I had to have one but when I went to Lowes (where Ken had got his)
>
>
...
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #256573 is a reply to message #256571] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 08:21 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Ken,
BRILLIANT! I've got all the DeWalt 18 VDC tools in Sydney for which I purchased Lithium batteries (seriously expensive) but there
was no way I would invest as much for the tools I keep in the USA hence everything comes from Harbor Freight as they're "good
enough."
I have their drill and impact driver which work well. I charge the batteries fully before I leave but when I get back they're flat.
This year I've discovered they don't hold a charge.
I'm going to call Hoffa and see if he can supply Li batteries for the Harbor Freight tools.
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
Kerry,
You had to one-up me! My DeWalt is only 1/4" -- and possibly MY most
useful tool. Since I've tossed, turned, dropped and generally abused it so
much over the past 8-10 years since in paid $40 for it off the demonstrator
sales table, I recently bought another one. This one, with lithium
batteries was about $100 on sale. It's not getting much use; I'm keeping
it clean for show while continuing to use the old one.
I've considered buying a 3/8" one, but the smaller size and lighter weight
of the 1/4 has dissuaded me. Usually its 80 ft-lb torque is enough for my
needs; if not, a quick touch-up with a hand wrench gets things moving in
the proper direction.
I did buy a Harbor Freight 3/8"s about 3 years ago. Its batteries quit
about 35 months ago; it's just helped fill the excess shop space since
then. Maybe I'll try KenB's battery source for it. It at least broke me
from ever being tempted by any more batteries from HF.
But you've still put me in the shade; I'll have to work on that. :-)
Ken H.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Another great tool [message #256601 is a reply to message #256551] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 14:11 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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Have been using battery impacts for years. A very invaluable tool to have for light to medium work.
We all use them at work and the thing that is great about them is when they start to rattle you know you are getting tight, saves from burning the head out of a screw just using a battery drill.
I think probably the best use for them I have found is they replace the traditional hammer impact screwdrivers that would normally be used to tear apart a set of motorcycle cases.
I was actually using mine a few minutes ago to remove the wasp infested shroud on my rooftop AC. Gonna wait till sunset to douse them out with wasp spray.
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #256627 is a reply to message #256601] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 16:47 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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MAKITA
Only brand you need to know for cordless ( and corded for that matter )
I use the hell out of them daily. My $59 3/8" keyless chuck corded drill ended up being substituted for my 1/2" Milwaukee drill for mixing tile mortar when the Milwaukee started smoking on the first bucket. Mixed half dozen or more buckets with the Makita and finished the job. The poor little Makita got hot ( had to wear leather gloves as an insulator )and got noisier bit still works to this day.
Todd Sullivan
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
> On Jul 26, 2014, at 12:11 PM, Jared wrote:
>
> Have been using battery impacts for years. A very invaluable tool to have for light to medium work.
>
> We all use them at work and the thing that is great about them is when they start to rattle you know you are getting tight, saves from burning the
> head out of a screw just using a battery drill.
>
> I think probably the best use for them I have found is they replace the traditional hammer impact screwdrivers that would normally be used to tear
> apart a set of motorcycle cases.
>
> I was actually using mine a few minutes ago to remove the wasp infested shroud on my rooftop AC. Gonna wait till sunset to douse them out with wasp
> spray.
>
> Jared
>
>
> --
> Jared & Tina Lazaron + 7yr old Daughter.
>
> 77 Eleganza II "Recherché" Winterfeldt 455, Holley ProJection, Doug Thorley Headers, 3in exhaust, Switch Pitch, Alcoas, ONAN 6.5 Emerald series, CMC
> Restoration
>
> GO SEAHAWKS!!
>
> Arlington, WA 98223
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #256630 is a reply to message #256627] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 17:45 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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sgltrac wrote on Sat, 26 July 2014 16:47MAKITA
Only brand you need to know for cordless ( and corded for that matter )...
I'm not aware of Makita making impact wrenches. Do they. I know Milwaukee makes some 1/2" ones.
Regardless, I'm not advocating DEWALT just the idea of the cordless impact tools being very, very useful.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #256633 is a reply to message #256630] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 18:20 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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They make an 18 volt lithium ion 1/4" impact drill and a dual range 1/2" keyless non hammering drill which can be bought as a set with soft case and charger. I keep one at work and one at home. There is enough room in the case for a complete drill index and various drivers for both drills. If you watch Home Depot they will eventually have the kit on sale for under $300.
I have never owned a dewalt so cannot speak either way bout them. The ergonomics of the Makita were better than the dewalts I did handle in the store tho
Todd Sullivan
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
> On Jul 26, 2014, at 3:45 PM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
>
> sgltrac wrote on Sat, 26 July 2014 16:47
>> MAKITA
>>
>> Only brand you need to know for cordless ( and corded for that matter )...
>
>
> I'm not aware of Makita making impact wrenches. Do they. I know Milwaukee makes some 1/2" ones.
>
> Regardless, I'm not advocating DEWALT just the idea of the cordless impact tools being very, very useful.
>
> --
> Kerry Pinkerton
>
> North Alabama, near Huntsville,
>
> 77 Eleganza II, "The Lady", 403CI, Manny Brakes, 1 ton, tranny also a 76 Eleganza to be re-bodied as an Art Deco car hauler
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: Another great tool [message #257936 is a reply to message #256551] |
Wed, 06 August 2014 00:10 |
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Jerry Sitzlar
Messages: 206
Registered: February 2013
Location: Lenoir City, TN
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Harbor Fright now has an 18V NiCd 1/2 in impact wrench. Their ad says it has 220 ft/lbs of torque but the box says 330 (?). Anyway I went ahead and bought one for $120 and of course I had my 20% off coupon, so it came to $96. It comes with a battery, charger, 3 in extension and a reversible 17 and 19 mm socket, plus a carrying case. The purchase of a spare battery for $15 was mandatory. It may not last long and of course the batteries will die, but for the time being, "I got mine".
Also, this is the first time I walked into a HF and they actually had an 18V battery in stock AND on sale.
Sitz
Jerry Sitzlar..... 77 Eleganza II, Twin bed, dry bath...... Lenoir City, TN (near Knoxville)
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| Re: Another great tool [message #257950 is a reply to message #257936] |
Wed, 06 August 2014 08:08 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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I have the Makita 1/4 inch impact drill. It is my go to tool for lots of stuff. I do have the DeWalt 3/8 and 1/2 18V cordless as back-ups, but the size and balance of the Makita does suit me quite well. Santa Claus was very good to me one year, and I received the entire DeWalt 18v line. So much, I had to return one complete set.
I carry the DeWalt 1/2 inch in the coach with the proper size socket for the lug nuts. A fully charged battery will remove the lugs and reinstall them on one wheel.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #257951 is a reply to message #257936] |
Wed, 06 August 2014 08:00 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Jerry,
Nice find!
I have their 1/2" drill and small impact screwdriver.
As I use them only when I'm in the USA (4 months per year) I've found that the NiCad batteries leave a lot to be desired. I charge
them fully when I leave but they don't hold a charge while I'm gone. Plus after sitting a year when they are fully charged now they
don't run the tools very long.
I intend to contact the guy that rebuilds batteries and see if he can replace the NiCad's with NiMh.
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Jerry Sitzlar
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2014 12:12 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool
Harbor Fright now has an 18V NiCd 1/2 in impact wrench. Their ad says it has 220 ft/lbs of torque but the box says 330 (?). Anyway
I went ahead and
bought one for $120 and of course I had my 20% off coupon, so it came to $96. It comes with a battery, charger, 3 in extension and
a reversible 17
and 19 mm socket, plus a carrying case. The purchase of a spare battery for $15 was mandatory. It may not last long and of course
the batteries will
die, but for the time being, "I got mine".
Also, this is the first time I walked into a HF and they actually had an 18V battery in stock AND on sale.
Sitz
--
Jerry Sitzlar....77 Eleganza II .....Lenoir City, TN
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Another great tool [message #258006 is a reply to message #257964] |
Wed, 06 August 2014 20:28 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Bruce,
Thanks for the heads up, I'll discuss this with the guy that rebuilds the batteries.
If he would rebuild them with Lithium batteries (at a "reasonable" cost) I'd be overjoyed! I have three of them for my DeWalt 18VDC
tools in Australia and they charge quickly and hold the charge for what seems FOREVER!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Hislop
Rob,
Check your charger for it's capabilities before you spend $$$ on NiMh batteries. NiCads are pretty easy to charge circuitry wise.
NiMh batteries require some smarts in the charger or you will damage the cells. LiIon require even more smarts from the charger to
safely charge it.
I believe NiCads should be stored with only a partial charge, NOT fully charged. NiCads are going the way of the tungsten lamp, so
get them rebuilt soon.
--
Bruce
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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