Hey all, I just have a quick question regarding cordless impact wrenches that are on the market.

First, a quick back story;
Last winter I pulled the front subframe out of the EVO for an overhaul of the front suspension (control arms, bushings, tie rods, etc). I came across a nut that was pretty much seized in place. I tried everything I had in my tool box; 1/2 breaker bar, 1/2 air impact, various lengths of pipe for extra leverage.. I even borrowed a friends corded impact to no avail. I soaked the nut in penetrating oil, homemade concoctions of ATF fluid and acetone... and I couldn't get it to budge. Long story short, I ended up having to use a nut splitter to break it.

I've done some research and have been looking at some of the cordless impact wrenches that are available now and wondering if they are worth the investment to remove stubborn bolts/nuts and whether or not this tool would have saved me from having to break the nut.

My interest in an impact wrench has somewhat piqued more in the last week as I'm removing the rear subframe and...wouldn't you guess it... I've come across a stubborn bolt that I just can't turn loose! 6/7 came out with a 1/2 racquet and some elbow grease. I tried the same procedure as the seized front subframe nut (air impact, breker bar, etc). It's currently soaked in penetrating oil while I contemplate my next steps.

Here are the ones that seem to be the most popular:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2763-22
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless-impact-driverswrenches-high-torque-wrenches-dw059k-2.aspx
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.co...qv20/w7150-1-2-20v-high-torque-impactool

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guy

I'm guessing that heating the nut is not a feasible option? Assuming your trying to avoid burning a rubber boot or something.

I can't say I have much experience with those impacts, but I have been extremely impressed with some Panasonic impacts, which tend to be difficult to find and quite pricey. I also like many of the Bosch impacts, easier to find and I believe good value for the money.

Heat didn't really work well for me during the removal of my front subframe. I can't use heat at all on the rear because it's aluminum and I don't want to distort the metal.

If it's just aluminum, propane might get it hot enough if you don't have Oxyacetylene.

I've yet to buy one but I hear the M18 is the cats meow. 1,100 ft. Lbs of torque from a battery operated half inch impact is pretty damn good.. But expensive.

Should actually check out boxing week deals.

A second vote for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. 1,100 peak for undoing bolts. It takes axle nuts and crank pulley bolts off without breaking a sweat.

I have the regular M18 1/2" Impact (the Fuel didn't exist at the time) and even though it is only rated at a 'mild' 450 ft-lbs it has never come across a nut/bolt it can't undo. Jeremy has the M18 Fuel and I know he has never come across anything that it can't undo either.

My vote based on experience would be the M18 Fuel. The IR Gun would be good as well but the advantage of the Milwaukee product (besides fantastic quality and durability which the others may or may not have) is that it's a common battery/charger system between all M18 products from Milwaukee. I personally have a good 7 or 8 different M18/M18 Fuel tools from Milwaukee in my collection and it's wonderful.

Only thing my M18 Fuel had a problem with was a front subframe bolt that was rust welded to its sleeve. Took some doing, but the gun finally just ripped the sleeve right out of the bushing to spin the bolt free.

I've had the gun for about a year, used it to take apart the Talon's entire front end, and have used it for myriad jobs since. About a month ago, I finally had to charge my first battery.

Definite +1 from me.