Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: Lapham3
I don't see the 3/8" Makita with AC power-any link? Too bad so many compete in the same battery products while leaving another area alone. I have a DC Dewald variable torque driver, but really don't care to deal with batteries for occasional use.
its actually discontinued.
The new model is a hex impact driver 88ft/lb and
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-2-8-Amp-1-4-in-Impact-Driver-6952/203162021
my 2 year old porter cable 20v impact driver does 150ft/lb and with li-ion batteries its very dependable. The self-discharge is also low.
IIRC I paid 65$ for the tool with 1 battery
If you do go with a hex impact driver make sure you get impact rated adapters. the cheapo ones are dangerous.
http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCCK640LB-20-volt-4-Inch-Lithium/dp/B009JBBF0K
That is the one I have it goes on sale at lowes for 99$ with 2 batteries a couple times a year.
or 129$ with an additional tool.
I have this impact as well. It works good for what I do, I can remove 100's of bolts on one charge. That being said, I'd rather have an M12 Fuel 3/8 for automotive work. I don't believe the 150ft lb rating for a second, maybe when lightning strikes it, but not in real world use. It won't remove lug nuts that are torqued to 75 ft lbs.
Corded 3/8 impacts don't exist because they aren't practical. An AC motor that develops sufficient torque would make it very large, mitigating the appeal of a 3/8 drive. Look how much bigger and heavier the 1/2" drive AC impacts are compared to their pneumatic counterparts. Air impacts are a lot more powerful too.
Go cordless or air. Milwaukee M12 for cordless, Aircat or IR for air.