Cordless Impact

Dale,  I bought a DeWalt a few years ago, 18 volt.  Although I think the design could be improved, the basic unit is better then sliced bread.  I wouldn't be surprised if the newer models aren't better with longer battery life.  It has saved so much time while changing tires, adjusting planters and cultivators and changing tools on tillage equipment.
I can't imagine not having one.  I only have two batteries which it shares with a 4" grinder and sawsall but usually it has plenty of energy in one battery to do most jobs.  Takes about 20 min to recharge so even with a big job I can usually keep busy while the  one battery is charging and the other is out of charge.  If you haven't used one you will be amazed at just how handy they are.

I agree with John.JP

Were I work the dewalts don't last I quit buying them for the guys the bosh will out last 3 to 1 here but nobody takes care of anything like they should. I did just get a milwaukee compact 1/2" chuck just because we get into tight places only had it a little while so far I like it.the worst one we had was a makita I don't know if it was there cheap version or what but it was terrible.

I have several over the years and the best one I ever had is the one I own now, a 28v Milwaukee. Still won`t compare to a air of the same size but does a pretty good job.

The Snap On is the way to go. I have a 3/8 cordless, and it is the handiest thing around, and the battery charge lasts what seems like forever! I even bought mine used from snap on man about 8 years ago. It was like new, and well taken care of. It is a 12V.

Edited by injpumpEd - 29 Oct 2010 at 2:42pm

Makita or bosch.   At the factory where I work they have tried them all.  They use them on the production line 24 hours a day, 6 days a week and many other places.  The makitas especially will hold up for nearly 2, some times 3 years without issues in this enviroment where people really don't take care.  The batteries last a year with that kind of abuse.  Have 2 chargers for each impact and the batteries make it about 3/4 of the way through a shift depending exactly what they are doing with them. 

The dewalts were ok but not as powerful or lasted as long.  The milwaukee were junk, as all milwakee cordless tools are(I wonder why they make such good corded tools but piss poor cordless).  Cases would crack, just fall apart.   All the above used for smaller than 1/2 bolt assembly work, 18v.

The snap on I used was powerful, but cost wise?  The one I saw/used was used infrequent to judge is durability.  Snap on does not make them though, they don't make any of their power tools. 

As to an electric impact being more powerful than an air impact, what do you have for an air impact?  I have yet to see any thing have more power than a good IR titanium with a IR231 right behind, but the 231's are very long lasting.  We has some at the plant that are 15+ years old, again 24 hours a day, just keep rebuilding the vanes in the motor every year or so. 

Another vote for the snap on. Great piece. Pricey, but great none the less.

I have a funny story that I'll share.

Up here in da north, has been lots of reported problemswith lith/ion lasting in the cold. If your going to be using in the cold may want to consider NiCad.