JHZR2
Staff member
For unsiezed lugs, a 3/8" 18v will do. For higher torque or lugs that see salt, a decent 1/2" 20v is needed.
The 20v will be fairly big. Marital, dewalt and Milwaukee all make brushless 20v units that are roughly the same. I'd consider what tool ecosystem you like best first, though all three ecosystems have some tools that are best of...
18v vs 20v is just marketing. All are Ali-ion, and it's the only way you want to go. The big red all have great 20v guns and great batteries, but I'd probably rank makita=Milwaukee>DeWalt>Ridgid>>Ryobi (ryobi is partially rated that way because they use uber-low Wh rated cells).
I forget which is which, but I'm not a fan of the connection type that requires you to push in a pin to remove a socket.
A cordless will not replace an air impact for tight spots. It may for other jobs. All my cordless units have two torque levels and variable speed, so you can adjust how much torque and impact you're trying to apply within reason.
Lots of videos on YouTube using machines to verify torque rating of the various units.
Its a worthy purchase if you think you'll use it, but in many ways, a 3/8 or even a right angle 1/4 hex with adapter is more handy, so you'll probably find yourself getting other similar tools later in smaller sizes if you start with a 1/2".
Have fun!
The 20v will be fairly big. Marital, dewalt and Milwaukee all make brushless 20v units that are roughly the same. I'd consider what tool ecosystem you like best first, though all three ecosystems have some tools that are best of...
18v vs 20v is just marketing. All are Ali-ion, and it's the only way you want to go. The big red all have great 20v guns and great batteries, but I'd probably rank makita=Milwaukee>DeWalt>Ridgid>>Ryobi (ryobi is partially rated that way because they use uber-low Wh rated cells).
I forget which is which, but I'm not a fan of the connection type that requires you to push in a pin to remove a socket.
A cordless will not replace an air impact for tight spots. It may for other jobs. All my cordless units have two torque levels and variable speed, so you can adjust how much torque and impact you're trying to apply within reason.
Lots of videos on YouTube using machines to verify torque rating of the various units.
Its a worthy purchase if you think you'll use it, but in many ways, a 3/8 or even a right angle 1/4 hex with adapter is more handy, so you'll probably find yourself getting other similar tools later in smaller sizes if you start with a 1/2".
Have fun!
