"This litle impact is one of the tools that after you own it you wonder how you ever got along without it.
We do boat repair, both in the shop and at the dock. In the shop we have 225PSI worth of air and the tools that it supports. On the dock we have the option to drag along a portable gas power air compressor or one of these.
This impact wins, hands down. It is short and light weight, being able to get into tight spots, easily supported with one hand, and has the power to remove all but the most stuborn rusted bolts that you encounter when changing an engine or a transmission in a salt water boat. The key here is that it is SHORT, front to back, socket to the back of the impact. Very handy. We also have its big brother for the tough stuff, but it is a bit ackward.
Draw backs: 1/2" drive. It would be better suited with a 3/8" anvill, an let the big 18.8V be the 1/2" gun.
:Positive Lock socket retention. In a produttion mechinics world, the anvil needs to have a ball (like a rachet) or a ring (like an air impact) to facilitate quick socket changes without the need to use a pick tool to depress the lock pin each time. This is a pain when you are upside down in a bilge, or standing under a vehicle. This is the only feature that I see that implys Dewalt made this tool for Suzie Home Maker, as we all know how to use an impact with out losing a socket, even my high school student parts washer.
That being said, this is a must have tool for anyone who does on the road, in the water, in the hills repairs.
PS It helps to put a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter on the tool. Now you have circumvented the lock pin and can swap sockets at will. It just makes the tool another inch longer.
Jon"
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
