3/8” battery impact driver

[fletcherson]

I’m about to buy a new 3/3 cordless impact. Looking for input on brands, batteries, etc.

 

[Rip VW]

I try to keep all my battery powered shop tools the same brand and voltage that helps keep batteries charged and only one charger needed BTW I use RYOBI 18volt tools.

 

[LongJohn]

I use 20V Dewalt.

 

[rbsWELDER]

RYOBI 18volt tools & I love them! Gift from my bride!

 

[409T]

For over 25 years I would buy a dozen or so cordless drill motors each year for my shop employees to use. At one time or another I probably bought at least one of everything on the market. Makita always lasted the longest, Dewalt was second.

 

[choppedtop]

I have DeWalt and Kobalt. I favor the Kobalt.

 

[fletcherson]

I’m surprised no votes for Milwaukee. It seems to be the popular one. When we built houses we used Milwaukee saws but they were eclipsed by makita and I still use them. I have a lot of dewalt stuff, carpentry tools. Makita and hitachi too. I have a dewalt 1/2’ impact that I was gifted with and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve only used it once or twice. I always grab my pneumatic stuff but I can see where cordless would be useful for smaller stuff, plus my wrists and hands give me a lot of pain from arthritis from the injuries in ‘97. I had both of them reconstructed, my left had to be reattached. Not whining just reality. Thanks for your input.

 

[Indycars]

Keeping in mind that the brushless models are typically better in many ways than a brush type device.They will most likely cost more, but with Black Friday coming up maybe a good deal can be had.

Should You Get a Brushless Drill?

Brushless cordless drills are taking over the drills market. Consumer Reports explains what to know before you buy one.

www.consumerreports.org

On the subject of batteries, you can rebuild the battery packs. Not too hard if you can solder.


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[fletcherson]

Yes sir, you can go through some old packs and test each cell. Usually only one or two are bad. You can fix two if you have three dead packs. My friend bought a rigid impact and claims they have a lifetime battery warranty. I haven’t investigated that claim yet.

 

[Indycars]

I bought new Sub-C cells from Amazon, They are not too expensive and might have a higher capacity than the originals. You do need a pretty hefty soldering iron. I used this 300w Wellers soldering iron.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TDGI18/ref

For an 18v you will have to buy 2 sets at $24 each or $48 total.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009WXZMIG/ref

 

[Bill Pedersen]

I have a Rigid 3/8” impact and both the tool and battery have a lifetime warranty. I also have a 3/8” Milwaukee impact. For the stuff I do, they both work about the same. I bought the Rigid stuff 15 years ago and use it quite a bit. It still works great, even the batteries.

 

[RPM]

I have all Ridgid in our shop also. It holds up well. We have been using some of the drills for more than 15 years.

 

[raidmagic]

I have all Milwaukee Fuel. Amazing tools. I recently bought an AC Delco 1/4 rachet because it was cheap. $89 with battery and charger. It's a really nice tool. I usually reach for it first when not doing hard stuff.