A Good Enough Cordless Impact Wrench

[cactusjk]

I have looked through older threads and am seriously considering a Craftsman C3 cordless 1/2" impact wrench. Not the best but good enough.

Generally the DiHard NiCads are easier to find, much cheaper, and have typical NiCCad problems. DiHard Lithium batteries seem to be hard to find and the reviews are not that good.

I consider this tool more of a emergency use tool and will not routinely use it.

Considering the latter, need battery recommendations and overall agreement with approach vice Craftsman bashing...

[Pedro]

if it is occasional use, get the lithium. The charged shelf life is MUCH longer.

I use the 1/2" Ryobi 18v with a lithium battery. I can run a typical rally service schedule with one battery. I bring a second battery with me in the case we have major failures. The pricepoint on this tool is quite good too.

My best suggestion would be to buy what you already have batteries for. It makes the purchase of an extra battery or tool much easier to justify.

[cactusjk]

I am also considering the Ryobi! Unfortunately I only have one other Makita cordless drill so I am essentially starting new. I do like their in vehicle Li charger.

if it is occasional use, get the lithium. The charged shelf life is MUCH longer.

I use the 1/2" Ryobi 18v with a lithium battery. I can run a typical rally service schedule with one battery. I bring a second battery with me in the case we have major failures. The pricepoint on this tool is quite good too.

My best suggestion would be to buy what you already have batteries for. It makes the purchase of an extra battery or tool much easier to justify.

[magaw]

Porter cable, I swear by them, I've been hearing good things about hitachi too, maybe worth looking in to?

[Antichrist]

Considering the latter, need battery recommendations and overall agreement with approach vice Craftsman bashing...

I really don't get carrying the extra weight of a tool that will rarely be used and, when it is used, could be done with another tool you have already. A 200lb/ft impact isn't really going to undo anything that couldn't be done by hand with not much effort.

[edlaffoon]

I love my Ryobi, and with the lithium battery its a beast, and batteries can be found at any Home Depot in the US, Mexico and Canada. Going on 6 years now and the original batteries are just now failing.

I don't carry it in my tool kit though, it stays at home usually.

[TFRI]

I have the Ryobi. Works great! you can use 18V Lithium or the NiCad batteries in them. I also carry the Ryobi 18V chain saw in my kit. Same batteries.

[RangeBrover]

I have a snapon. They cost more but they work when you need them most.

[bfdiesel]

I find reliability trumps good enough. Most things I have bought because they were good enough ended up letting me down when the need for it to work was highest.

With battery operated stuff buy something with a battery size you will use enough to keep it alive. Setting and discharging not in use seems to kill batteries prematurely which also seems to manifest itself at the most convenient time .

[cactusjk]

Good advice. All the tools mentioned here are good and reliable options.

I find reliability trumps good enough. Most things I have bought because they were good enough ended up letting me down when the need for it to work was highest.

With battery operated stuff buy something with a battery size you will use enough to keep it alive. Setting and discharging not in use seems to kill batteries prematurely which also seems to manifest itself at the most convenient time .