smith7200

I'm thinking of adding a cordless impact driver to my trail tools and would like opinions on size. I have a 1/2 corded at home. I'd like to get away from the cord at home plus would like to have something on the trail. Do you think a 3/8" would suffice, or should I keep with the 1/2"?

I do very minor work on my jeep. Mostly taking wheels on and off. Maybe I'll try to tackle a lift kit in the future.

karls10jk

It depends on your plans, but I'd push for the 1/2". You'll want it for tire rotations and possibly track bar bolts, control arm bolts, and such in the future. I have a small cordless 3/8" and it's nice but I use it for interior trim removal....which isn't something I typically need to do on the trail.

icrashbikes

Agreed. I have both. I like the 3/8" better, it's smaller, lighter and it's my go-to for 95% of stuff in the garage, but it doesn't hack it on big jeep bolts. Even for wheel lugs I use the 1/2". If I had to pick one for Jeep duty, it'd be the 1/2".

ballistik_monkey

i have both as well....and can agree with this 100%. I like the 3/8" for being lighter, etc...but i often find myself using the 1/2" for the Jeep. if you can only get 1...look at it this way: the 1/2" can do what the 3/8 can do...but not the other way around.
Also, if you plan on tackling a lift yourself...that is where the upgrades just begin. You will probably end up doing a lot more...tweaking a lot more, etc....
just go with the 1/2"

smith7200

Thanks all! It looks like the 1/2 is the way to go.

rob_engineer

In both 1/2 and 3/8, there are very different cordless tools available depending on the torque. My brother does a lot of car work in his garage and uses the high torque Milwaukee 3/8 for most things, including lugs. Harbor freight has a line of high torque cordless drivers that I ve been tempted to try. It is called the earthquake XT and gets very good reviews.

resharp001

I'd submit that quality hand tools will never have a dead battery when you need them most! I'd pick the 1/2" though, cuz 3/8" isn't gonna be up to the task for most those bolts you want an impact for. Also though, much easier to use a 1/2" drive with a small adapter making it a 3/8" than going the other direction of trying to squeeze enough power out of a 3/8" using a 1/2" adapter.