1/2 vs 3/4 impact guns

[Nwcid]

With the big truck comes the need for bigger tools.  

I have a ton of Dewalt stuff and batteries so I am looking at their tools.  I was originally looking at their 3/4" drive but I do not have any 3/4" drive sockets, 

3/4" https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/impact-drivers-and-wrenches/20v-max-xr-high-torque-34-impact-wrench-w-hog-ring-retention-pin-anvil-bare/dcf897b

Then I saw their 1/2" drive gun has the same specs, 

1/2" https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/impact-drivers-and-wrenches/20v-max-xr-high-torque-12-in-impact-wrench-w-hog-ring-anvil-bare/dcf899hb

It looks like I can easily find 1/2 drive sockets up to 1-1/2", which should be enough to cover what I need to do on the truck.  So if they have the same torque rating why would someone pick the 3/4 over the 1/2 drive?

 

 

[Steve from SoCal]

I have 1/2, 3/4 and, 1" impacts    For wheels I suggest at least a 3/4 drive.    While the torque may be the same on the anvil of the two, there is more mass in the 3/4 sockets.      Just buy the sockets you need.

Steve

[NeverEasy]

If you want real torque out of a battery impact, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the way to go.  The new one will even communicate with a smart phone.  1400 ft/lbs nut removal.

The big jobs like truck lug nuts will need a torque amplifier.  They are relatively inexpensive and will safe you a lot of grief.  

If you get a torque amplifier then any make of battery powered impact will finish the job, allowing you to stay Dewalt.

[Darryl&Rita]

Torque multiplier:

[rickeieio]

1 hour ago, NeverEasy said:

If you want real torque out of a battery impact, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the way to go.

X 2.  I use mine more than I thought I would, but there are still times I need to get out the breaker bar and a long pipe.  I also have the little M12 Fuel in 3/8".  I like that it's small and fits in tight places.

[ARGO]

3/4" isn't really good unless you have more than truck air PSI to run it, I have one.

[Nwcid]

1 hour ago, ARGO said:

3/4" isn't really good unless you have more than truck air PSI to run it, I have one.

Only if you are using air tools.........

[Nwcid]

I know the Milwaukee has 200lbs more torque, but I am not investing in a whole different set of batteries and charger(s).  I am too deep into the yellow 🤔

 

I do appreciate the responses. 

 

Is there a difference in performance in impact guns with the same output, but different anvils?

I will look at the multipliers for sure.  I am just thinking overall, not just lug nuts.  I have to remove my commercial hitch still, do some add ons.  I can use it for other project too. 

 

 

[Vegas Teacher]

Did you see Milwaukee makes a one inch impact. I am saving up to buy one of those and will get impact rated adapters to go down to 1/2 inch.

[Steve from SoCal]

1 hour ago, Nwcid said:

I know the Milwaukee has 200lbs more torque, but I am not investing in a whole different set of batteries and charger(s).  I am too deep into the yellow 🤔

 

I do appreciate the responses. 

 

Is there a difference in performance in impact guns with the same output, but different anvils?

I will look at the multipliers for sure.  I am just thinking overall, not just lug nuts.  I have to remove my commercial hitch still, do some add ons.  I can use it for other project too. 

 

 

The extra mass of the 3/4 Vs 1/2 points to longevity and because of the greater mass, higher inertia.     If the wheels were put on with a 1" impact and have been on for a while, you will likely need a torque multiplier to break them loose.      The hitch bolts not so much, but rust is the enemy here.     The 1/2" guns at max output are at the limits of the metallurgical limits, a 3/4" adds a bit of cushion.

 

Steve 

[Moresmoke]

7 hours ago, ARGO said:

3/4" isn't really good unless you have more than truck air PSI to run it, I have one.

The air pressure is not the issue, the volume is the problem. Trucks aren’t plumbed to provide the volume of air a 3/4 impact will draw. Many of the newer trucks have compressors that can keep up, but you would have to be plumbed direct to the wet tank.

[Nwcid]

Also, none of the guns discussed so far even use air..........

Unless there is a way to use air to charge your batteries.......

[usbusin]

Good catch Nwcid !

[lappir]

Only once have I needed to remove a wheel and could not. It cost me $100 to have a service truck to come out and replace my valve core. I have since fixed that issue. It's nice to have all the tools necessary to preform the various things, but is it cost effective? I don't think so. My Humble Opinion Only. 

 

Rod

[rynosback]

On 12/21/2020 at 9:03 PM, Nwcid said:

With the big truck comes the need for bigger tools.  

I have a ton of Dewalt stuff and batteries so I am looking at their tools.  I was originally looking at their 3/4" drive but I do not have any 3/4" drive sockets, 

3/4" https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/impact-drivers-and-wrenches/20v-max-xr-high-torque-34-impact-wrench-w-hog-ring-retention-pin-anvil-bare/dcf897b

Then I saw their 1/2" drive gun has the same specs, 

1/2" https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/impact-drivers-and-wrenches/20v-max-xr-high-torque-12-in-impact-wrench-w-hog-ring-anvil-bare/dcf899hb

It looks like I can easily find 1/2 drive sockets up to 1-1/2", which should be enough to cover what I need to do on the truck.  So if they have the same torque rating why would someone pick the 3/4 over the 1/2 drive?

 

 

More heavy duty. 

[rynosback]

4 hours ago, lappir said:

Only once have I needed to remove a wheel and could not. It cost me $100 to have a service truck to come out and replace my valve core. I have since fixed that issue. It's nice to have all the tools necessary to preform the various things, but is it cost effective? I don't think so. My Humble Opinion Only. 

 

Rod

But it saves you hours on waiting on that service call. 

[lappir]

14 hours ago, rynosback said:

But it saves you hours on waiting on that service call. 

Got lucky and didn't have to wait even an hour. I stopped at a Service Station and they knew who to call when I explained my issue. The truck came right away from a neighboring town. 

Rod

[Nwcid]

As much as I hate extra batteries/systems, it really looks like the Milwaukee 3/4 dive is the way to go.  Also it seems more available at the moment. 

[bigredhdt]

3/4 sockets from HF are not too expensive, haven't torn them up either.

[Chalkie]

For what it is worth, my son works for a general contractor outfit and the only power tools they allow in their toolboxes are Milwaukee (both corded and cordless) because they are the most reliable and durable.

[Nwcid]

For now I am on hold with this one.  I think it is more a want than a need.  

At the moment that ~$500 can be better spent on getting the HDT setup.  

[steiny93]

6 hours ago, Chalkie said:

For what it is worth, my son works for a general contractor outfit and the only power tools they allow in their toolboxes are Milwaukee (both corded and cordless) because they are the most reliable and durable.

or the more likely scenario... the contractor gets the best spiff on Milwaukee

we've been in construction for decades, the top tier tools are very close to each other; kickbacks typically are the deciding factor in determining what color of tool rides in the trucks

[Chalkie]

39 minutes ago, steiny93 said:

or the more likely scenario... the contractor gets the best spiff on Milwaukee

Whatever. You must be right and I must be wrong.

[Parrformance]

4 hours ago, Nwcid said:

For now I am on hold with this one.  I think it is more a want than a need.  

At the moment that ~$500 can be better spent on getting the HDT setup.  

Can I break 60 lug nuts loose by hand in the hot Florida sun?  Yes, do I ever want to do it again? Nope.  I have the 1/2 drive Milwaukee Fuel with the friction ring, it will break them all loose. I just have to hold on tight.

[rickeieio]

On 1/25/2021 at 2:41 PM, steiny93 said:

or the more likely scenario... the contractor gets the best spiff on Milwaukee

we've been in construction for decades, the top tier tools are very close to each other; kickbacks typically are the deciding factor in determining what color of tool rides in the trucks

I have a brother who works for a large plumbing contractor.  Hundreds of employees.  All they use is Milwaukee, because my brother does the tool ordering and he gets  lots of "demo" tools, some of which are proto-types they want to test.

That said, I too have a M-18 Fuel in 1/2".  It won't always break the lug nuts on a big truck.  That's when the breaker bar and the 6' pipe come out.