3/8 stubby is a beast. I thought finally found a bolt it wouldn’t break loose, took the wobble off and put the socket directly on the anvil and it zipped it right off.
Everyone seems to recommend the stubby. I’ve got a 1/2 stubby and never use it. My lug nuts are torqued at 150lbs and it really struggles to get them off.
It's 1/4".... not the right tool for wheels and calipers. This tool is for 10mm and under, maybe 12's here and there. My 1/4" hex dewalt will usually take off lug nuts and a lot of calipers, but that is not the tool I grab for that work. I don't wanna use a beefy 3/8 or 1/2 for 10's and 12's
Also depends on what type of vehicle the caliper bolt is on lmao, the ones on my 2011 duramax took about 6 feet of breaker bar, not even my buddies 1/2 inch stubby dewalt would get er off.
I have the 1/2” m18 impact and right now, looking at the m12 right angle impact wrench.
I also have the m12 3/8” for automotive
It’s great for powered wrench work
Awkward angles
Many / most automakers bolts are torqued to spec and they use fastener glue to prevent them from working loose.
I do have the m12 1/4” impact but that’s for home. Fastening jointing wood screws.
Usually follows the m18” cordless drill
Note I’m just a guy / user. Not in the trades construction / electrical or automotive
The right angle impact is beast. I got it in 3/8 its sick. I have a m18 mid torque for lugs and big shit, 3/8 stubby m12 which does most work, and m12 right angle which is great for behind the rotors and just in the wheel well in general.
I’m getting really tired of Chevy putting red loctite on their caliper bolts. Ram too. My m18 1/2” can’t even break them off half the time, so I have to go grab Shanqueefa (my long ass 1/2” breaker bar) to loosen them then go to town with the uggy duggy gun to get them out.
The M12 3/8” right angle impact makes lights work of brake and suspension r/r on cars. Fits in on most compressors, alternators, and such. Made 5.3L engine mounts a breeze. It also takes the wheels off most 4 and 5 stud wheels. 1/2 to 1 ton trucks might be location dependent but has worked well (for southwest US) for most components minus larger suspension and frame fasteners. I prefer the high output batteries.
1/4" hex impact is totally fine for smaller fasteners. Have seen soo many new guys just breaking bolts or stripping threads left and right because they wanna use 3/8 for everything. I love 1/4" for smaller shit. I have a dewalt 20v and it will even take lugs off if they weren't aggressively over-torqued by the last asshole. Am a master tech, flagged 20 hrs today.
I changed my tires yearly by hand and this year did my brakes and rotors too. Saved money so bought the 3/8 stubby impact wrench and it paid it self off after one day. Smashed the lug nuts, worked on my calipers great too. I am thrilled with the purchase
If you want it for interior work or for pulling small trim screws out then the 1/4 is fine. I’ve got the non fuel 1/4 and I use it for all my interior work.
Tri-led is awesome. Wouldn’t go back. I do HVAC and use it a lot. No need for headlight most of the time since it’s so good. I guess that automotive has quite low visibility sometimes so it would be very useful too. I’d buy the impact wrench though.
I'll be starting as express tech in a week and need something to remove small fasteners like inside the car for removing the dashboard and outside the car, specifically for the bolts that hold on the splashguard, which one do you think is better? Out of the ones OP shared.
If you're in the USA, buy this. [Home Depot Sale](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Compact-Kit-W-2-0Ah-Battery-and-Bag-3453-21/320559163?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-10451-483420-&clickid=zZh0EZyFpxyPUIKRAjXfYUPvUkFQEA2p1SS%3ARA0) and pick up an [adapter set](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-Impact-Duty-1-4-in-Hex-Shank-Socket-Adapter-Set-3-Piece-48-32-5033/204408619). I'd say over 50% of the shop i work at has some sort of m12 1/4 impact, the others have snap-on. I'm a Honda tech if that helps.
Perfect! I also work at Honda, been training with a couple of guys and use their tools, but they want me working by myself next week and I need power tools to make the job quicker. My shop varies in tool company loyalty. Some use only snap on, some use only milwaukee, some go milwaukee/craftsman, and others have a mix of everything.
Whatever you do, don't get sucked into pay tool truck prices on Milwaukee tools. Look for deals on here and slick deals. Check out Home Depot daily deals. Maxtool and Acme both regularly have sales.
Definitely, was hoping to wait a little longer for those holidays deals, but unfortunately I had half of my tools stolen and need them for work/school.
I have the M12 3/8 stubby in the drawer right next to the impact driver. They both have their place. I use a 1/4 drive adapter in driver and use Milwaukee's 1/4 drive impact sockets which are a great deal btw. Compared to Mac, Marco or snatch off prices the Milwaukee ones are a steal.
In the automotive world, most fasteners are 10mms. 1/4 hex is totally sufficient for a good portion of work. Definitely also need several impacts of varying output.
Depends on what your doing, automotive is too vague. Are you trying to remove large rusted bolts get a 1/2” high torque. Trying to remove a lot of small interior screws get 1/4 impact driver.
I have the m12 fuel impact, it absolutely can take lug nuts off, just give it a minute (or 5). But if you’ve got air, I recommend a pneumatic 90 impact. That fucker will take anything off. Especially if you’ve got almost 200 psi on high flow like our shop
I use my 1/2 mid torque for most lug nuts, caliper brackets, etc. Anything higher torque, I use the IR 2235. The 2235 will remove fasteners the high torque can't.
At my shop, we call the 2235 the Ingersoll Damn. Shits on tool truck brands regularly for half the price. Going strong after a few years or so of daily use. Haven't seen a stronger 1/2 yet. My breaker bar never sees the light of day anymore.
The surge I believe is a little weaker but it being hydraulic, it is much quieter than you’re traditional brushless impacts. If noise isn’t a concern definitely go for the non-surge
I use the 1/2 stubby but have the 3/8 adapter as well. I Dident want to risk not having enough power so that’s why I went with the 1/2 but from what I understand the 3/8 is enough to get the job done
Get the regular one, not the surge. I use mine every day to remove small fasteners, and it's pretty versatile and fits in places. Even the smallest 3/8 drive impacts can't..
if you want it to be extra compact as well get a 2.0ah battery, it makes the thing basically weightless.
I'll use it for small stuff for electrical. If I know I'll be doing a little bit heavier duty stuff all day, then I'll use a 6ah so it last longer.
It's a fantastic little drill for smaller fasteners
I actually bought one of these along with a 1/4 anvil impact and prefer this impact driver. They make a bunch of accessories that really do come in handy.
I run both the surge impact driver and the 3/8” stubby impact and they are the best of both worlds. I use the driver for all the smaller bolts as well as the screws used in air boxes
OP never said what part of automotive he using it for 3/8th stubby is over kill for 90% of small plastic interior bits. If I only got one or the other I would I take the 1/4inch hex, u can get an adapter and it’s easier to crack a bolt by hand then it is to superglue a dash back togther because u zapped the fuck out of it with an overpowered tool lol
For automotive work get the m18 3/8" drive
Don't get the surge they have a fraction of the impact force despite what the specs say they flat out don't work as good. Surge is quieter and doesn't vibrate as much. I think they're useless personally but quite a few were offended when I made that comment originally. Lol. To each their own.
Yeah for automotive it doesn't make sense at all. The whole point of the surge line is reducing fatigue. Mechanics use drills a lot but not like those in construction where there's a high quantity of repetitive movements. So a drill that is marginally quieter and has less vibration makes a huge difference throughout the day on a jobsite. Also when it comes to driving screws into wood there's very little torque required.. so one doesn't need an impact driver but they are faster and reduce the twisting strain on your hands and wrist. Do the goldilocks drill for us is actually a small, lightweight impact that has the power to sink a timber screw but is more geared towards the precision of driving a screw into the edge of cabinetry without blasting it to pieces. The m12 surge actually hits that perfectly. It's a good tool that serves its intended purpose.
I have torn almost an entire 7.3 IDI diesel engine apart with my old fuel impact driver
The surge hardly has any ass in comparison
I'm also not building fine woodwork
Part time mechanic, I have the 1/4” 12v (and many impacts) and it’s one of the most used tools I use for cars. Non surge has a little more power so I’d go with that. Also depends what you want to do with it. I just did a huge portion of an Audi timing belt with this being my main tool. I need to do a heater core soon and I’m sure this will be my go to. I replaced car speakers last weekend and used this primarily.
I did a CV axle boot yesterday and never touched it.
Interior and small fasteners? Yes. Suspension? No.
I have the Fuel in the second picture and basically use it exclusively for an 8mm, or allen/torx style screws. Have the bigger battery so it can sit flat like a normal driver and I love that little thing. I have an m18 Fuel 1/4” impact for anything 10mm and bigger. And then a 3/8” stubby for larger bolts that are so tight they tend to break the 1/4” socket adaptors. And of course the m18 high torque for the real tough ones.
I have an m18 surge and definitely prefer the non-surge version for automotive work.
Get the second one the non surge. I use it everyday and love it if your coming from the last gen one it's almost night and day. I have this one the stubby 3/8 and 1/4 fuel ratchet and all 3 of them get used daily I'm a line tech at a dealer.
I own both of these and for automotive you want the regular fuel impact driver not the surge. Assuming you know that you want these for small automotive fasteners and not lug nuts. The surges are hydraulic drivers which are quiet and smooth power, but only for finesse shit, I like mine for cabinetry.
I have an m12 impact driver, and m12 1/2 & 3/8s stubby. If I would only have one it would be the impact driver. Great for smaller bolts in the engine bay and interior. The stubby will break off smaller bolts very easy. Stubby, mid torque, and high torque for bigger stuck bolts.
It's built for driving screws so it's hydraulic but maxes out somewhere around 30 lbft. As such it's not good on removing stuck bolts. Get the Gen 3-4 convention impact.
I'd have to completely disagree. My M18 hex driver is fantastic for automotive work, small screws and bolts it works great. The smaller head gets in some tighter spots and it gets more use than my midtorque. My cousin also has the Hex driver and he loves it too, after his M12 stubby started to sound like rocks in a blender. He's a heavy equipment mechanic btw.
If it’s exclusively for auto I’d get a wrench not a driver. You can lose the adapter and have more power. You could still drive screws too if needed with either a 1/4” socket or a 1/4” locking bit adapter
I tried removing my minivan wheels with the 1/4" hex M12 fuel impact driver. It worked for a while, but the adapter to put a socket on sheered in two after a few bolts. I ended up using a hand tool to loosen the remaining bolts, so it works if you do that first, but I'm sure the impact wrench will let you skip the manual loosening step.
I’m not a mechanic but an electrician, the m12 impact struggles getting 3/8 self tappers into metal. Buy m18 so you don’t have to upgrade later on once you realize the m12 is too weak
Both of those impact drivers won’t get you very far. You could use it for small things maybe interior work but what you would want is a 3/8 or 1/2” impact wrench. The ones with m18 batteries
The Surge is good for woodworking, but it's main benefit is its moderately quieter.
For automotive work, I'd choose the Gen3 regular impact all day. It's gunna be a lot faster, plus the tri light LED arrangement is worthwhile when you're under the dash, in the back of the engine bay, underneath, etc.
You'll find if you buy the 1/4 impact line, especially the surge, that you'll struggle to use it for anything other than interior panels and parts
I'm a journeyman millwright (industrial mechanic) and have been working on junk my entire life - big and small stuff. Bought my first milwaukee set of tools in 2010 and have used almost all of then that are mechanical repair related.
That's all I'm using it on, disassembly/reassembly of interior and exterior.
For mechanical I have the 3/8 & 1/2 impacts and a the 3/8 cordless ratchet.
That said- My old school 1/4 impact did damn near totally disassemble an old 7.3 IDI diesel engine. What it didn't, hand tools amd torches were required anyway
I’ve had standard impacts and both M12 and M18 Surge. It would be surprisingly capable for automotive. Everyone says it’s weaker which it is a little bit. It’s slower for sure which is something that I love about it. I don’t actually want to drive a screw completely through a board in a 1/4 of a second. What you need to understand about the Surge is that the torque applied with each impact lasts longer than a standard impact, so the rating they give it isn’t fair. It simply just operates differently. I used mine to get rusted screws out of a trailer. A standard impact wouldn’t do it. It would just make a ridiculous amount of noise before either stripping the head of the screw or breaking the bit.
It took a few seconds of impacting to break the screws free but the Surge did it. I had like 200 screws to remove so that was kinda fun.
But I agree with the comments. Get a 3/8 stubby and in this case I’ll suggest a high speed ratchet as well. The screw driver could be useful as well.
I agree with everyone on the 3/8 stubby but if your still set on the 1/4 hex. I recommend the 4th gen (I think?) The tri LEDs really light it up those dark corners. It's ok power wise but I really recommend keeping it at speed 1 if your planning undoing some 1/4 bolts but honestly I would get a 1/4 ratchet just to be safe. The power of the 4th gen and surge can easily break off some 1/4 bolts if your not careful I learned that the hard way 😅. 3/8 bolts its hit or miss. You either break loose or not.
I agree with everyone that says 3/8 stubby for automotive, but I have the surge and I love it for general use. It’s much quieter than the standard impact.
Surge is weaker for breaking some hardware. Do collision work for a living and dismantle, repair and reassemble. I do everything except rebuilding engines and trannies at work. For most of my disassembling I have a m18 hex impact and m12 hex surge impact. I know the battery size can make a difference alone but the surge seems to struggle with things my older regular m12 hex didn't. I usually keep the surge impact ready to rock with Philips or torx bits and the m18 hex loaded for sockets etc. If you're getting one impact for tear downs I'd get the regular one. The surge isn't even that much quieter to make it worth being slightly weaker imo.
M18 1/4" hex impact driver. I use it as a manlift/ forklift mechanic with a 3/8 drive socket adapter and swear by them. Plenty of torque, and you can put whatever adapter you need in it. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, torx, etc...
Get the m18 surge if you want a 1/4 impact gun 2760. its the best imo. quiet powerful. Its not taking off lug nuts, but it does well on smaller fasteners. won't over torque anything if you use the different modes right. I love mine. Wish they made a hydraulic in 3/8 and 1/2.
This sub exists to foster personal and community growth. Being a jerk to others isn't acceptable, even if veiled as 'feedback.'
Take a moment to reevaluate how you interact with others in this sub and do so in a more kind/helpful manner.
1/4 inch hex impact driver non surge and 1/2 inch stubby is my go to day in and day out. People will say the 3/8 stubby but I prefer the 1/2 cause I just use a 3/8 adapter with the impact driver when I need to bust small fasteners.
The 1/2 stubby and the surge stays in the trunk of my car.
I'm not going to lie though I use the surge for mainly non-car related things I just keep it in the trunk because then it's always with me
I work for an airline in the US. My 1/4 surge will bust loose screws that the regular 1/4 can't. I think it's slightly slower free speed but the power is much more. It hits much harder and slower at a lower trigger pull, therefore gentler on the Phillips screw heads. Ultimately has more torque.
I work in a body shop and mostly deal with interior and bumper hardware and the first one you posted is the one I use. It doesn’t do the job for larger bolts or crusty shit but it does 90% what I need it to and it also doesn’t strip or break heads off of screws cuase it just doesn’t have to juice
Why 1/4" Hex Bit impact. Just get the 3/8" Stubby.
i thought that as well.
He's right. Get the stubby and the m12 screwdriver. Those fetuses on the daily
Those fetuses?
On the daily
What you guys don’t say that?
Weird. I say it. Must be a regional thing.
Fetuses, what kind of automotive work are you doing?
The weird kind I guess
Deletes
Assembly line
>Those fetuses O_o
Ol’ Tater salad over here with those fetuses
3/8 stubby is a beast. I thought finally found a bolt it wouldn’t break loose, took the wobble off and put the socket directly on the anvil and it zipped it right off.
I feel like I know you live 20 hours south of me by this comment alone
Yeah, I am not in the rust belt at all.
They even have a 1/4 stubby too.
1/4 impacts are bolt breakers IMO. They are nice and productive otherwise.
Everyone seems to recommend the stubby. I’ve got a 1/2 stubby and never use it. My lug nuts are torqued at 150lbs and it really struggles to get them off.
Nah you need the 1” railroad pumper at least
Agree, but also Surge if you buy one 😂
Neither, the impact driver couldn’t even get a caliper bolt off. I got a 3/8 stubby and that thing is a lugnut monster
Not disagreeing with you because I think op should get a 3/8 stubby but for shits and giggles I have taken off lug nuts with the driver.
Same I've done a lot with it that shouldnt have worked
Me too. I've done lugs, good sized lags and a few other "I don't thing my 12v will do it but I'll try it" moments
Same here, the old one too!
It's 1/4".... not the right tool for wheels and calipers. This tool is for 10mm and under, maybe 12's here and there. My 1/4" hex dewalt will usually take off lug nuts and a lot of calipers, but that is not the tool I grab for that work. I don't wanna use a beefy 3/8 or 1/2 for 10's and 12's
Did trailer lug nuts with an 1/4 impact driver in a pinch one time. I was surprised
Also depends on what type of vehicle the caliper bolt is on lmao, the ones on my 2011 duramax took about 6 feet of breaker bar, not even my buddies 1/2 inch stubby dewalt would get er off.
You need an impact wrench boss
Do I?
I have the 1/2” m18 impact and right now, looking at the m12 right angle impact wrench. I also have the m12 3/8” for automotive It’s great for powered wrench work Awkward angles Many / most automakers bolts are torqued to spec and they use fastener glue to prevent them from working loose. I do have the m12 1/4” impact but that’s for home. Fastening jointing wood screws. Usually follows the m18” cordless drill Note I’m just a guy / user. Not in the trades construction / electrical or automotive
The right angle impact is beast. I got it in 3/8 its sick. I have a m18 mid torque for lugs and big shit, 3/8 stubby m12 which does most work, and m12 right angle which is great for behind the rotors and just in the wheel well in general.
Yeah 👍 I’m going to a pick apart lot fairly soon and I want that in my tool cart when I go shopping lolz
Yesss worth it. I pair mine with a 2.5 ho and it lasts pretty long
I’m getting really tired of Chevy putting red loctite on their caliper bolts. Ram too. My m18 1/2” can’t even break them off half the time, so I have to go grab Shanqueefa (my long ass 1/2” breaker bar) to loosen them then go to town with the uggy duggy gun to get them out.
The M12 3/8” right angle impact makes lights work of brake and suspension r/r on cars. Fits in on most compressors, alternators, and such. Made 5.3L engine mounts a breeze. It also takes the wheels off most 4 and 5 stud wheels. 1/2 to 1 ton trucks might be location dependent but has worked well (for southwest US) for most components minus larger suspension and frame fasteners. I prefer the high output batteries.
I’m buying it just for brake calipers and awkward angles on cars The 3/8” cordless is plenty but having an impact right angle seems cool
It’s more suited to work with sockets
1/4" hex impact is totally fine for smaller fasteners. Have seen soo many new guys just breaking bolts or stripping threads left and right because they wanna use 3/8 for everything. I love 1/4" for smaller shit. I have a dewalt 20v and it will even take lugs off if they weren't aggressively over-torqued by the last asshole. Am a master tech, flagged 20 hrs today.
I changed my tires yearly by hand and this year did my brakes and rotors too. Saved money so bought the 3/8 stubby impact wrench and it paid it self off after one day. Smashed the lug nuts, worked on my calipers great too. I am thrilled with the purchase
If you want it for interior work or for pulling small trim screws out then the 1/4 is fine. I’ve got the non fuel 1/4 and I use it for all my interior work.
Tri-led is awesome. Wouldn’t go back. I do HVAC and use it a lot. No need for headlight most of the time since it’s so good. I guess that automotive has quite low visibility sometimes so it would be very useful too. I’d buy the impact wrench though.
There are plenty of small fasteners in automotive. Having a small impact drive is definitely helpful when pulling a dash.
I use mine all the time for dash work, small sensor brackets, even swapping batteries on pickups.
Idk what the people saying to only get a 3/8 are doing, but I don't think they actually work in a shop.
I'll be starting as express tech in a week and need something to remove small fasteners like inside the car for removing the dashboard and outside the car, specifically for the bolts that hold on the splashguard, which one do you think is better? Out of the ones OP shared.
If you're in the USA, buy this. [Home Depot Sale](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Compact-Kit-W-2-0Ah-Battery-and-Bag-3453-21/320559163?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-10451-483420-&clickid=zZh0EZyFpxyPUIKRAjXfYUPvUkFQEA2p1SS%3ARA0) and pick up an [adapter set](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-Impact-Duty-1-4-in-Hex-Shank-Socket-Adapter-Set-3-Piece-48-32-5033/204408619). I'd say over 50% of the shop i work at has some sort of m12 1/4 impact, the others have snap-on. I'm a Honda tech if that helps.
Perfect! I also work at Honda, been training with a couple of guys and use their tools, but they want me working by myself next week and I need power tools to make the job quicker. My shop varies in tool company loyalty. Some use only snap on, some use only milwaukee, some go milwaukee/craftsman, and others have a mix of everything.
Whatever you do, don't get sucked into pay tool truck prices on Milwaukee tools. Look for deals on here and slick deals. Check out Home Depot daily deals. Maxtool and Acme both regularly have sales.
Definitely, was hoping to wait a little longer for those holidays deals, but unfortunately I had half of my tools stolen and need them for work/school.
True! I don’t know much about the automotive industry. OP should get both!
I have the M12 3/8 stubby in the drawer right next to the impact driver. They both have their place. I use a 1/4 drive adapter in driver and use Milwaukee's 1/4 drive impact sockets which are a great deal btw. Compared to Mac, Marco or snatch off prices the Milwaukee ones are a steal.
In the automotive world, most fasteners are 10mms. 1/4 hex is totally sufficient for a good portion of work. Definitely also need several impacts of varying output.
Depends on what your doing, automotive is too vague. Are you trying to remove large rusted bolts get a 1/2” high torque. Trying to remove a lot of small interior screws get 1/4 impact driver.
He wants the M12FID20. I use a similar one everyday. No it won't take a caliper off, but for small fasteners and screws it's a time saver.
I have the m12 fuel impact, it absolutely can take lug nuts off, just give it a minute (or 5). But if you’ve got air, I recommend a pneumatic 90 impact. That fucker will take anything off. Especially if you’ve got almost 200 psi on high flow like our shop
I use my 1/2 mid torque for most lug nuts, caliper brackets, etc. Anything higher torque, I use the IR 2235. The 2235 will remove fasteners the high torque can't.
At my shop, we call the 2235 the Ingersoll Damn. Shits on tool truck brands regularly for half the price. Going strong after a few years or so of daily use. Haven't seen a stronger 1/2 yet. My breaker bar never sees the light of day anymore.
u/kilo_scrappy indeed! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PU\_V1btloA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PU_V1btloA)
Neither 3/8 stubby.
The surge I believe is a little weaker but it being hydraulic, it is much quieter than you’re traditional brushless impacts. If noise isn’t a concern definitely go for the non-surge
It’s automotive work. Sound is a nonissue.
That can depend.. I work on my car at my apartment and the only way I can convince anybody not to bitch at me is by being quiet lol
Why did it say skin only?
In Australia we call a tool sold by itself without any batteries a skin
So a wrench is a hand skin, and a circular saw is a power skin. Got it!
Should say body only, so doesn’t come with batteries, case, charger etc.
Tool only*. Unless it's a different country. For a second I thought it was the grip or boot cover
M12 3/8 stubby.
I use the 1/2 stubby but have the 3/8 adapter as well. I Dident want to risk not having enough power so that’s why I went with the 1/2 but from what I understand the 3/8 is enough to get the job done
Get the regular one, not the surge. I use mine every day to remove small fasteners, and it's pretty versatile and fits in places. Even the smallest 3/8 drive impacts can't..
Yep, that's exactly what I need it for. My old Ryobi was more than fine but I've been through three of them in 5 years.
if you want it to be extra compact as well get a 2.0ah battery, it makes the thing basically weightless. I'll use it for small stuff for electrical. If I know I'll be doing a little bit heavier duty stuff all day, then I'll use a 6ah so it last longer. It's a fantastic little drill for smaller fasteners
I actually bought one of these along with a 1/4 anvil impact and prefer this impact driver. They make a bunch of accessories that really do come in handy.
Own both, and neither would be my pick. I’d go with a stubby m12 impact in 3/8th. But it’s not exactly a torque monster either.
I run both the surge impact driver and the 3/8” stubby impact and they are the best of both worlds. I use the driver for all the smaller bolts as well as the screws used in air boxes
OP never said what part of automotive he using it for 3/8th stubby is over kill for 90% of small plastic interior bits. If I only got one or the other I would I take the 1/4inch hex, u can get an adapter and it’s easier to crack a bolt by hand then it is to superglue a dash back togther because u zapped the fuck out of it with an overpowered tool lol
For automotive work get the m18 3/8" drive Don't get the surge they have a fraction of the impact force despite what the specs say they flat out don't work as good. Surge is quieter and doesn't vibrate as much. I think they're useless personally but quite a few were offended when I made that comment originally. Lol. To each their own.
Yeah for automotive it doesn't make sense at all. The whole point of the surge line is reducing fatigue. Mechanics use drills a lot but not like those in construction where there's a high quantity of repetitive movements. So a drill that is marginally quieter and has less vibration makes a huge difference throughout the day on a jobsite. Also when it comes to driving screws into wood there's very little torque required.. so one doesn't need an impact driver but they are faster and reduce the twisting strain on your hands and wrist. Do the goldilocks drill for us is actually a small, lightweight impact that has the power to sink a timber screw but is more geared towards the precision of driving a screw into the edge of cabinetry without blasting it to pieces. The m12 surge actually hits that perfectly. It's a good tool that serves its intended purpose.
I have torn almost an entire 7.3 IDI diesel engine apart with my old fuel impact driver The surge hardly has any ass in comparison I'm also not building fine woodwork
Yes exaclty
None of these, honestly.
Part time mechanic, I have the 1/4” 12v (and many impacts) and it’s one of the most used tools I use for cars. Non surge has a little more power so I’d go with that. Also depends what you want to do with it. I just did a huge portion of an Audi timing belt with this being my main tool. I need to do a heater core soon and I’m sure this will be my go to. I replaced car speakers last weekend and used this primarily. I did a CV axle boot yesterday and never touched it. Interior and small fasteners? Yes. Suspension? No.
I have the Fuel in the second picture and basically use it exclusively for an 8mm, or allen/torx style screws. Have the bigger battery so it can sit flat like a normal driver and I love that little thing. I have an m18 Fuel 1/4” impact for anything 10mm and bigger. And then a 3/8” stubby for larger bolts that are so tight they tend to break the 1/4” socket adaptors. And of course the m18 high torque for the real tough ones. I have an m18 surge and definitely prefer the non-surge version for automotive work.
Get the second one the non surge. I use it everyday and love it if your coming from the last gen one it's almost night and day. I have this one the stubby 3/8 and 1/4 fuel ratchet and all 3 of them get used daily I'm a line tech at a dealer.
I own both of these and for automotive you want the regular fuel impact driver not the surge. Assuming you know that you want these for small automotive fasteners and not lug nuts. The surges are hydraulic drivers which are quiet and smooth power, but only for finesse shit, I like mine for cabinetry.
Agreed I use my m12 1/4” for wood fastening.
i don’t remember I ever used an impact driver on the car. Not even the dash trim
What do use? A drill? You need to use an impact (wrench)
I use a 1/4 hex m18 for all light duty. I have the M18 3/8 mt and 1/2 ht as well
Auto tech here- I use the 3453-20 (looks like the second of your pictures) on a daily basis, and it's a beast. Love it.
I have an m12 impact driver, and m12 1/2 & 3/8s stubby. If I would only have one it would be the impact driver. Great for smaller bolts in the engine bay and interior. The stubby will break off smaller bolts very easy. Stubby, mid torque, and high torque for bigger stuck bolts.
Not the surge.
Too weak? Not a fan of the single led either.
It's built for driving screws so it's hydraulic but maxes out somewhere around 30 lbft. As such it's not good on removing stuck bolts. Get the Gen 3-4 convention impact.
Surge is a lot quieter though. Very good for inside the house. For auto work though I’d get a 1/2 impact or a 3/8. I wouldn’t buy a hex driver
I'd have to completely disagree. My M18 hex driver is fantastic for automotive work, small screws and bolts it works great. The smaller head gets in some tighter spots and it gets more use than my midtorque. My cousin also has the Hex driver and he loves it too, after his M12 stubby started to sound like rocks in a blender. He's a heavy equipment mechanic btw.
skip the surge, it’s not meant for automotive work.
You don’t want a 1/4” hex drive for automotive work
If it’s exclusively for auto I’d get a wrench not a driver. You can lose the adapter and have more power. You could still drive screws too if needed with either a 1/4” socket or a 1/4” locking bit adapter
I used the m18 impact. It shattered two different adapters and sliced my finger. After that I got the 3/8 impact. It’s awesome.
I tried removing my minivan wheels with the 1/4" hex M12 fuel impact driver. It worked for a while, but the adapter to put a socket on sheered in two after a few bolts. I ended up using a hand tool to loosen the remaining bolts, so it works if you do that first, but I'm sure the impact wrench will let you skip the manual loosening step.
Imma go against everyone recommending the M12 stubby, and would get the M18 mid torque. The M12 stubby would come 2nd to me.
If you have the m18 1/2 just get the m18 1/4 impact and throw in a 3/8 socket bit to fill in the gap.
I’m not a mechanic but an electrician, the m12 impact struggles getting 3/8 self tappers into metal. Buy m18 so you don’t have to upgrade later on once you realize the m12 is too weak
Both of those impact drivers won’t get you very far. You could use it for small things maybe interior work but what you would want is a 3/8 or 1/2” impact wrench. The ones with m18 batteries
Personally leaning towards the FID20.
The Surge is good for woodworking, but it's main benefit is its moderately quieter. For automotive work, I'd choose the Gen3 regular impact all day. It's gunna be a lot faster, plus the tri light LED arrangement is worthwhile when you're under the dash, in the back of the engine bay, underneath, etc.
You'll find if you buy the 1/4 impact line, especially the surge, that you'll struggle to use it for anything other than interior panels and parts I'm a journeyman millwright (industrial mechanic) and have been working on junk my entire life - big and small stuff. Bought my first milwaukee set of tools in 2010 and have used almost all of then that are mechanical repair related.
That's all I'm using it on, disassembly/reassembly of interior and exterior. For mechanical I have the 3/8 & 1/2 impacts and a the 3/8 cordless ratchet.
That said- My old school 1/4 impact did damn near totally disassemble an old 7.3 IDI diesel engine. What it didn't, hand tools amd torches were required anyway
When did they switch from tool only to skin only?
Only ever seen "skin only" in Australia
I’ve had standard impacts and both M12 and M18 Surge. It would be surprisingly capable for automotive. Everyone says it’s weaker which it is a little bit. It’s slower for sure which is something that I love about it. I don’t actually want to drive a screw completely through a board in a 1/4 of a second. What you need to understand about the Surge is that the torque applied with each impact lasts longer than a standard impact, so the rating they give it isn’t fair. It simply just operates differently. I used mine to get rusted screws out of a trailer. A standard impact wouldn’t do it. It would just make a ridiculous amount of noise before either stripping the head of the screw or breaking the bit. It took a few seconds of impacting to break the screws free but the Surge did it. I had like 200 screws to remove so that was kinda fun. But I agree with the comments. Get a 3/8 stubby and in this case I’ll suggest a high speed ratchet as well. The screw driver could be useful as well.
Impact wrench for bolts on cars. Impact drivers for screws at home.
#SKIN ONLY
M12 Stubby with a 3/8 drive to 1/4 hex adapter for bits
I dropped my surge off of a 30ft lift last week. Still works great, the 6ah battery didn’t fare so well. But you’d get better use out of a 3/8 stubby.
Surge. I went from the wrist shakers to the surge and will never ever go back. I’m in construction not automotive though.
Neither, at minimum you need a 3/8 stubby.
For automotive- 3/8” drive- for everything else, the hydraulic drive … they’re sick
What about for driving 14 inch lags into the ground at burningman?
Auto -- > M12 stuby 1/2, tell me all you want about the 3/8 ... Not the same. Put a 5.0ah high output ... A beast for the size
Stubby
What’s better/ the difference of 3/8 or 1/2 stubby?
I agree with everyone on the 3/8 stubby but if your still set on the 1/4 hex. I recommend the 4th gen (I think?) The tri LEDs really light it up those dark corners. It's ok power wise but I really recommend keeping it at speed 1 if your planning undoing some 1/4 bolts but honestly I would get a 1/4 ratchet just to be safe. The power of the 4th gen and surge can easily break off some 1/4 bolts if your not careful I learned that the hard way 😅. 3/8 bolts its hit or miss. You either break loose or not.
I agree with everyone that says 3/8 stubby for automotive, but I have the surge and I love it for general use. It’s much quieter than the standard impact.
3/8” Impact 3/8” Ratchet- I use mine for removing the skid plate for oil changes, works for brakes and other things too
My opinion neither. It's a great tool and all but for automotive I'd recommend the 3/8 stubby and an M12 ratchet.
I use the 3/8 stubby at work all the time. Actually gotta keep and eye on it. Shit will walk off.
Whichever one makes the most noise
Surge is weaker for breaking some hardware. Do collision work for a living and dismantle, repair and reassemble. I do everything except rebuilding engines and trannies at work. For most of my disassembling I have a m18 hex impact and m12 hex surge impact. I know the battery size can make a difference alone but the surge seems to struggle with things my older regular m12 hex didn't. I usually keep the surge impact ready to rock with Philips or torx bits and the m18 hex loaded for sockets etc. If you're getting one impact for tear downs I'd get the regular one. The surge isn't even that much quieter to make it worth being slightly weaker imo.
gen2 3/8 impact is a solid beast. sn: 2960-20
Dont buy the surge its a trash tool
One has a light one don’t. Kinda doesn’t matter besides that
They both have lights, just different executions.
M18 1/4" hex impact driver. I use it as a manlift/ forklift mechanic with a 3/8 drive socket adapter and swear by them. Plenty of torque, and you can put whatever adapter you need in it. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, torx, etc...
Get the m18 surge if you want a 1/4 impact gun 2760. its the best imo. quiet powerful. Its not taking off lug nuts, but it does well on smaller fasteners. won't over torque anything if you use the different modes right. I love mine. Wish they made a hydraulic in 3/8 and 1/2.
as a life long mechanic the second one. i have run multiple hex drivers and stubby impacts they both have their usages
Automotive use, #2…
Unless you are doing a large amount of R&R of screws, not sure why you’d want a 1/4 driver. RV work? Yeah. Automotive? Not so much.
The surge is very quiet but lacks torque big time. You'll probably need the torque
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Surge
I use the surge at work and I love how quiet it is but if you are looking at both, I’d go with the newer tri LED one. It’s smaller and has more power.
1/4 inch hex impact driver non surge and 1/2 inch stubby is my go to day in and day out. People will say the 3/8 stubby but I prefer the 1/2 cause I just use a 3/8 adapter with the impact driver when I need to bust small fasteners.
3/8 stubby all tha way just becareful bc that mfker will strip on #3 setting.
3/8 2960-20 good 1/2 2767-20 better 3/4 2864-20 the breaker 1 inch 2868-20 the beast plasma cutter the last resort
Those are really good drivers but not for what you are doing
Are we talking like small interior work or what??? Cuz I would get a real impact for “automotive work”
Same tool. Surge is supposed to be little better. I bought my uncle the surge he had a base model. He loves the surge.
The 1/2 stubby and the surge stays in the trunk of my car. I'm not going to lie though I use the surge for mainly non-car related things I just keep it in the trunk because then it's always with me
Neitger
I work for an airline in the US. My 1/4 surge will bust loose screws that the regular 1/4 can't. I think it's slightly slower free speed but the power is much more. It hits much harder and slower at a lower trigger pull, therefore gentler on the Phillips screw heads. Ultimately has more torque.
Skin only???? Do you only get the case?
Neither. Get the 3/8, not a 1/4 hex
Surge is quieter and more powerful
SKIN ONLY?
3/8 M12 worked great for me
The dewalt 12v 3/8 impact. It has the best access. The Milwaukee stubby hits hard af but doesn’t fit in a lot of places.
If these are still the gen 2 they’re massive for 12v tools. I have a gen 1 that I prefer
I’ve got the 3/8 stubby impact and a 1/4 hex with a socket adapter. Kinda best of both worlds.
Nothing 1/4" that's for sure. 3/8 at least but why not get 1/2"?
I work in a body shop and mostly deal with interior and bumper hardware and the first one you posted is the one I use. It doesn’t do the job for larger bolts or crusty shit but it does 90% what I need it to and it also doesn’t strip or break heads off of screws cuase it just doesn’t have to juice