Looking to get an impact driver
 

I am looking into getting an impact driver so I can conquer those bolts that make my life miserable.

1/4" 3/8" 1/2" which one should I got for? What is the disadvantage of getting the smallest impact like 1/4"?

I am currently looking at the DeWalt 20v, but not sure which socket size to get.

I use a Makita 20V at work daily. They are awesome, just get the standard (3/8 i think it is) then you can get kits that have all the pieces you want.

Downside to buying non standard is that it's hard to find kits for it.

Hows the torque on the tool? I'd mainly using it for the really tight bolts like sway bar bushing jobs and removing rusty bolts in obscure places.

An impact driver and an impact wrench are not the same tool.

An impact driver is designed to drive screws, whereas an impact wrench is designed to drive sockets. As such, an impact driver is set up with a hex drive (female) and an impact wrench is set up with a square drive (male). The tools can be fitted with drive adapters, but the rmp, ipm, and torque ratings are very different. Therefore, buy the tool designed for your primary application. In your case, that's the impact wrench.

The downside to buying the smallest size impact wrench is that its the lightest duty, ie. lowest torque. A 1/4 drive impact wrench is suited to light-duty assembly. A 3/8 or 1/2 drive impact wrench is suited to medium-duty automotive work, which is what you'd be doing. The 3/8 drive will have lower torque than the 1/2 drive but will be smaller and lighter, and would be a better tool all around for your work.

Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Snap-On, etc. all make electric impact wrenches. The debate between over what one is better is largely personal preference. I like Milwaukee, but they're all pretty good.

Impact driver:
http://www.revscene.net/forums/69493...24250-obo.html

Impact gun (electric/cordless/air):
http://www.wrenches.com/wp-content/u...act-wrench.jpg
http://www.northerntool.com/images/p..._2000x2000.jpg
http://www.tooltopia.com/_img/CPT/CPT734H.jpg

if you have air, i recommend getting the ingersoll-rand 3/8 composite gun.. it's so light and strong
Ingersoll Rand | 2115TiMAX Series

i love mine..

1/4 offers better clearance to tight spots, but it the shaft might be too small and get warped easily under the torque from an impact wrench.

For tools like this identify the use of it is important, as some places are too small for tools like this. Personally I think 3/8 is about right.

its all the same shit. get whatever is most appealing.

I used to think this...

until I used a Makita 18/20V and a DeWalt 20V compared to a Ryobi or Mikwaukee. Theres a HUGE difference. I can compare the difference to using a Toy. You also have to think about the application, If its light duty use, you can go with the cheaper ones, but if you use them daily and for hours on the day, its best to go with a high quality one with great battery life.

It might be but shaft size dictates how much clearance you get.. nothing worse than assuming the magical tool you are going to buy will fit in all circumstances but it turns out it wont, especially when you are on the clock or worse when you have everything taken apart.. it affects your workflow and your mind.

3/8 is your best best, you can adapt up and down. I've used a 1/4" impact wrench with an adapter to 1/2" the jump is too big and you'll end up snapping the adapter when using bigger bolts.