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[Webby the Bear]

Hi ya,

Sadly my grandma of 95 passed away a month ago. The most wonderful polite and caring person you could meet. Been a horrible time especially for my ma. Finally put her in the wall of remembrance at the local crem yesterday.  Fortunately she passed away peacefully though so that's some comfort.

Anyways she kindly left me some money with the understanding I don't squander it which i'm most definitely not going to do. So I've decided that its time to invest in my tools and also register my own business so that I can say she started it for me. I think she'd really like that.

So. As per the title. I'm thinking a decent cordless impact gun will be the first step. Can anyone recommend a good one? I've got a Clarke corded one that said it would undo max torque 450nm. Well having used it a few times it cant even undo wheel nuts to 110nm  luckily it wasn't expensive.

I've read that the snap on ones are excellent but what voltage do you think's best? 18v on 1/2" ?

Cheers all

[Webby the Bear]

ps found this Makita one....

http://www.fastfix.co.uk/makita/Makita-DTW251RFE-18v-LXT-Impact-Wrench.html

Any ideas?

[minifreek]

Iv got a Sealey 24V thats supposed to be better than the Snap-On but it also doesn't undo anything tighter than 110nM, but it is good. Only thing is the charge doesn't last as long as Id want it to....

[Webby the Bear]

Iv got a Sealey 24V thats supposed to be better than the Snap-On but it also doesn't undo anything tighter than 110nM, but it is good. Only thing is the charge doesn't last as long as Id want it to....

Thanks MF,

TBH I want a cordless one that will buzz off wheel bolts with ease. I know they exist cos the guys at the tire shop use them...

[chrisgixer]

Cordless complicates matters in that you really want to choose the right battery set and charger, rather than the individual tool you currently need. Reason is almost all the popular cordless makers can supply a tool only option for almost all eventualities. From circular saws to torches, and impact wrenches and jig saws. So its the battery set that gives you the best options that you need to seek out for your needs.

Having said that, if your looking at a workshop only cordless impact wrench, then the snap off range knocks the spots of everything else when it comes to impact wrenches. The daddy. If looking at wheel bolts and high torque figures especially.

However, get some opinions on decent corded tools as they are cheaper.


I suspect though, for you personally, a good cordless tool would be very handy indeed, young bear


Ime, a progressive trigger is a must. Btw.

[chrisgixer]

I also suspect, that you may have a conundrum if choosing snap on, in that they do a range of sizes. Day to day, the larger impacts are good, but the smaller guns will probably get more use. But, they are different battery sizes last I looked.

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks Chris. Helpful as ever

Yeah it would for my circs be perfect.... don't have room or want for compressed air and corded is a bit of a pain tbh. I prefer just bunging the battery on charge and using that whilst the other's on charge.

Thing with the Strap-on ones is that they seem to just sell the bodies on-line. Cant find a Strap-on version with two batteries. Which is why I sought out that Makita one in the link.

At least 18v seems to be the way forward. Anything less and I've read they don't do owt!

[Marks DTM Calib]

Had the use of a Panasonic one at the weekend and it was very impressive, well worth a look.

[Webby the Bear]

Had the use of a Panasonic one at the weekend and it was very impressive, well worth a look.

LOL thought they only made TVs 

I'll check that out Mark. Any info on it you could give me? 18v? What it undid? etc? 

Thanks.

[Webby the Bear]

ps, I have stumbled upon the Makita's big bro 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Makita-BTW450RFE-Impact-Wrench-Batteries/dp/B0014Z0MUI#productDetails

[Andy B]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

[Webby the Bear]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

Good question Andy. The answer being hopefully yes. I've totally finished school and setting up as a sole trader 

[Andy B]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

Good question Andy. The answer being hopefully yes. I've totally finished school and setting up as a sole trader 

OK. Good luck then!     

[Webby the Bear]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

Good question Andy. The answer being hopefully yes. I've totally finished school and setting up as a sole trader 

OK. Good luck then!     

Thanks mate..... look out for the ''Car Bear'' franchise over the next few years 

[Andy B]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

Good question Andy. The answer being hopefully yes. I've totally finished school and setting up as a sole trader 

OK. Good luck then!     

Thanks mate..... look out for the ''Car Bear'' franchise over the next few years 

Will do 

[Webby the Bear]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

Good question Andy. The answer being hopefully yes. I've totally finished school and setting up as a sole trader 

OK. Good luck then!     

Thanks mate..... look out for the ''Car Bear'' franchise over the next few years 

Will do 

......so you can avoid them 

[Andy B]

Are you going to use it enough to warrant spending that kind of money? 

Good question Andy. The answer being hopefully yes. I've totally finished school and setting up as a sole trader 

OK. Good luck then!     

Thanks mate..... look out for the ''Car Bear'' franchise over the next few years 

Will do 

......so you can avoid them 

 

[Sir Tigger KC]

Good luck Webby, I'm sure you'll make your Grandma proud!! 

[omegod]

I have the hunger for one but not the budget sadly , My mate's a joiner and swears by Panasonic cordless tools

[chrisgixer]

Had the use of a Panasonic one at the weekend and it was very impressive, well worth a look.

LOL thought they only made TVs 

I'll check that out Mark. Any info on it you could give me? 18v? What it undid? etc? 

Thanks.

They didn't seem to have an impact when I was looking a few years ago, but, if its anything like the rest of the range I saw in a local tool shop, it will be worth a look. I nearly went for the Panasonic set, but as I already had the hitachi, aging as it was, £75 plus import duty for the hitachi tool only from the states was the way to go for me at the time.
 Its pointless me describing how utterly brilliant/pleased I am with mine, as that battery set has been discontinued. But... the fact it has a small head, but only relatively low torque capacity means it can get in much tighter spaces than the snap on beast, but still (only just) undo a 110nm wheel bolt. If it only had a progressive trigger and new battery's to get that last bit of torque, it would be perfect for my needs. (Edit to add, it weighs very little as well, so your arms not falling off when holding it above your head under a ramp for half an hour etc)

I'm also unclear/forgotten the differences between lithium ion and ni-cad. I know li-ion are the most expensive, but some manufacturers have quite stringent charging restrictions on those as they are more volatile than ni cad.

[henryd]

Cordless complicates matters in that you really want to choose the right battery set and charger, rather than the individual tool you currently need. Reason is almost all the popular cordless makers can supply a tool only option for almost all eventualities. From circular saws to torches, and impact wrenches and jig saws. So its the battery set that gives you the best options that you need to seek out for your needs.

Having said that, if your looking at a workshop only cordless impact wrench, then the snap off range knocks the spots of everything else when it comes to impact wrenches. The daddy. If looking at wheel bolts and high torque figures especially.

However, get some opinions on decent corded tools as they are cheaper.


I suspect though, for you personally, a good cordless tool would be very handy indeed, young bear


Ime, a progressive trigger is a must. Btw.

I've just upgraded to the latest lithium ion battery Snap on half inch gun and its an animal,bloody expensive but they gave me a £250 trade in on my old one so that almost justified it

[Marks DTM Calib]

If your set on a Crap-on one, check out Ingersoll Rand as the Crap-ons are made by them

[lee4206]

Another thumbs-up for Ingersoll Rand   cheapest I've found them is on  MARMAX.CO.UK.

Well worth a look.

[b4ndit]

go for the snap on one they are great impact wrenches been using them for a long time and no problems

[chrisgixer]

If your set on a Crap-on one, check out Ingersoll Rand as the Crap-ons are made by them

I've had the privilege of having both in hand.

Snap off wins on performance, and physical size.
Ir wins on battery warranty. 2 years v the snap off 1 year.

Snap on don't warranty ANY electrics over a year, last I looked anyway.

[Webby the Bear]

Good luck Webby, I'm sure you'll make your Grandma proud!! 

Thanks mate! 

And thanks for all  the posts. They'vereally helped in my decision.

I have a tool on order based on what you guys said and also based on the reviews on the likes of Amazon and various tool comps....... not tellin' yet though  watch this space for a tool review vid 

[omega3000]

Good luck in your new venture Steve , if you need a tea boy im available 

[X30XE]

Is the compressed air one not were it's at any more then? Seems to be what most of the garages I've ever seen use. 

[chrisgixer]

Is the compressed air one not were it's at any more then? Seems to be what most of the garages I've ever seen use. 

Cordless cover a wider range of situations, portability obviously, and not having to dick about with hoses and the noise of a compressor. For home use, a suitable sized compressor to run an air impact gun isn't really feasible, and that carries ver to workshop use to an extent. ESP of you already have a battery set capable of adding a cordless tool for under £100.

Although balancing some of that cost against batteries, you probably find most garages have both.

[biggriffin]

Is the compressed air one not were it's at any more then? Seems to be what most of the garages I've ever seen use. 

both have pro's and cons.
 air fed ones offer a better torque for undoing and doing up, also they will be more efficient in constant use, down side is the air pipe, restrices access in certain situations.

[r1]

iam surprised you don't rate the corded Clarke one as I have one and its fantastic undoes wheel nuts and drive shaft nuts easy.
I just find it to big and its so heavey.also got the Clarke 24v cordless and its rubbish wont touch wheelnuts.

[biggriffin]

iam surprised you don't rate the corded Clarke one as I have one and its fantastic undoes wheel nuts and drive shaft nuts easy.
I just find it to big and its so heavey.also got the Clarke 24v cordless and its rubbish wont touch wheelnuts.

i have the sealey 24v and find it does most jobs as long as it has a full charge..

[chrisgixer]

Iirc TB had a Clarke. I'm guessing its one of the tools he's not too upset about loosing. Maybe he'll be along later.

[Webby the Bear]

iam surprised you don't rate the corded Clarke one as I have one and its fantastic undoes wheel nuts and drive shaft nuts easy.
I just find it to big and its so heavey.also got the Clarke 24v cordless and its rubbish wont touch wheelnuts.

I have this one at the moment...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarke-CEW1000-Electric-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0039BQRUO

Was really looking forward to using it with its' *cough cough* 450nm max. torque.......

This cant undo wheel bolts. Martin will also confirm this tool is sh*te!!!! Fair enough that it is cheap. But now I have made this mistake I shan't again.

[Webby the Bear]

Good luck in your new venture Steve , if you need a tea boy im available 

Thanks matie. Bit scared if I'm honest but been working on customers cars for awhile now..... may as wel make some decent dough 

[omega3000]

Good luck in your new venture Steve , if you need a tea boy im available 

Thanks matie. Bit scared if I'm honest but been working on customers cars for awhile now..... may as wel make some decent dough 

Just take plenty of swear boxes with you if working on Puegeo's 

[Webby the Bear]

Good luck in your new venture Steve , if you need a tea boy im available 

Thanks matie. Bit scared if I'm honest but been working on customers cars for awhile now..... may as wel make some decent dough 

Just take plenty of swear boxes with you if working on Puegeo's 

Haha! I just come back from Cardiff...... my mate's Megane had the ABS light come on at 1pm followed by the airbag light at 2pm 

[henryd]

iam surprised you don't rate the corded Clarke one as I have one and its fantastic undoes wheel nuts and drive shaft nuts easy.
I just find it to big and its so heavey.also got the Clarke 24v cordless and its rubbish wont touch wheelnuts.

I have this one at the moment...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarke-CEW1000-Electric-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0039BQRUO

Was really looking forward to using it with its' *cough cough* 450nm max. torque.......

This cant undo wheel bolts. Martin will also confirm this tool is sh*te!!!! Fair enough that it is cheap. But now I have made this mistake I shan't again.

I know the Snap on gun is silly expensive but it's the only half inch gun of any type(air or electric) I've owned that will deal with transit and Landrover wheel nuts,cantbe used for doing up though through fear of snapping car wheel studs although that's no bad thing as should be done by hand anyway

[chrisgixer]

iam surprised you don't rate the corded Clarke one as I have one and its fantastic undoes wheel nuts and drive shaft nuts easy.
I just find it to big and its so heavey.also got the Clarke 24v cordless and its rubbish wont touch wheelnuts.

I have this one at the moment...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarke-CEW1000-Electric-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0039BQRUO

Was really looking forward to using it with its' *cough cough* 450nm max. torque.......

This cant undo wheel bolts. Martin will also confirm this tool is sh*te!!!! Fair enough that it is cheap. But now I have made this mistake I shan't again.

I know the Snap on gun is silly expensive but it's the only half inch gun of any type(air or electric) I've owned that will deal with transit and Landrover wheel nuts,cantbe used for doing up though through fear of snapping car wheel studs although that's no bad thing as should be done by hand anyway

Indeed, with a Torque wrench young bear.

Which give a potential question, why pay for a mega bucks snap off orgazma gizmo wizzy, when you could just use the wrench to loosen them, as you have it out anyway, then use a cheaper wizzy just to spun the bolts out.

But then if it gets the use.... Etc etc.


But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

[Sir Tigger KC]

But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

Indeed and one of these is much cheaper! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-AK7302-CHROME-VANADIUM-BREAKER-BAR-750MM-1-2-SQUARE-DRIVE-/360994794391?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item540cf76b97

[chrisgixer]

But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

Indeed and one of these is much cheaper! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-AK7302-CHROME-VANADIUM-BREAKER-BAR-750MM-1-2-SQUARE-DRIVE-/360994794391?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item540cf76b97

Sorry, but I'm sure Doctor Opti said that Tigger fellow was "quite bright". Maybe a second opinion is in order

[NF]

 I have a, http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/gdx-18-v-li-33393-ocs-p/
not at that price though, mine comes with a case, 2 x 4.0ah batteries and fast charger, not failed on anything I have tried so far.

[chrisgixer]

I have a, http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/gdx-18-v-li-33393-ocs-p/
not at that price though, mine comes with a case, 2 x 4.0ah batteries and fast charger, not failed on anything I have tried so far.

Combined driver and wrench?

[Doctor Gollum]

But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

Indeed and one of these is much cheaper! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-AK7302-CHROME-VANADIUM-BREAKER-BAR-750MM-1-2-SQUARE-DRIVE-/360994794391?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item540cf76b97

Sorry, but I'm sure Doctor Opti said that Tigger fellow was "quite bright". Maybe a second opinion is in order

Second opinion you say...

Clearly as mad as a box of frogs

[Sir Tigger KC]

But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

Indeed and one of these is much cheaper! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-AK7302-CHROME-VANADIUM-BREAKER-BAR-750MM-1-2-SQUARE-DRIVE-/360994794391?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item540cf76b97

Sorry, but I'm sure Doctor Opti said that Tigger fellow was "quite bright". Maybe a second opinion is in order

Second opinion you say...

Clearly as mad as a box of frogs

Ribbet!! 

[chrisgixer]

But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

Indeed and one of these is much cheaper! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-AK7302-CHROME-VANADIUM-BREAKER-BAR-750MM-1-2-SQUARE-DRIVE-/360994794391?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item540cf76b97

Sorry, but I'm sure Doctor Opti said that Tigger fellow was "quite bright". Maybe a second opinion is in order

Second opinion you say...

Clearly as mad as a box of frogs

Ribbet!! 

Seems to of taken a turn for the worse, now mad as a bottle of fish.

What do you call a Fish with no eyes Tig?

[Doctor Gollum]

See, utterly certifiable 

[Doctor Gollum]

But then somebody said a Torque wrench shouldn't be used to undo...?

Indeed and one of these is much cheaper! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-AK7302-CHROME-VANADIUM-BREAKER-BAR-750MM-1-2-SQUARE-DRIVE-/360994794391?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item540cf76b97

Sorry, but I'm sure Doctor Opti said that Tigger fellow was "quite bright". Maybe a second opinion is in order

Second opinion you say...

Clearly as mad as a box of frogs

Ribbet!! 

Seems to of taken a turn for the worse, now mad as a bottle of fish.

What do you call a Fish with no eyes Tig?

A sperm

[chrisgixer]

Aha! I knew he had that Gollum account! Rumbled

[Doctor Gollum]

Er... gollum...

[Sir Tigger KC]

What do you call a Fish with no eyes Tig?

Dunno Ropey, but what do you call a deer with no eyes?   

[Doctor Gollum]

What do you call a Fish with no eyes Tig?

Dunno Ropey, but what do you call a deer with no eyes?   

I've a no idea...


Oh cock...

[NF]

Yes Dr.gixer driver and wrench, also got the 650Nm version.

[chrisgixer]

What do you call a Fish with no eyes Tig?

Dunno Ropey, but what do you call a deer with no eyes?   

Well, you can bet its not Fshhh.