Impact Drivers

[pedroescobar]

Since it doesn't seem to be the single source for good impact drivers I figured I'd ask the question. I'm looking at the Milwaukee M18 Impact Driver that is included in this set and wondering if it would work for 16" 1/2 lags? I don't want to get down there and not be able to setup my shade because it would lack the power to drive them in.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M ... 846386-_-N

[Drizzt321]

Most likely, yes. Just make sure to get a socket adapter that's rated for impact drivers, and matches the socket you're getting. I know you can get some individual sockets at HD, but you might as well get a good quality set. Always useful. And get a 2nd socket adapter, just in case.

[Captain Goddammit]

It will absolutely do the job. I prefer Milwaukee cordless tools for two reasons, they’re what the best pro mechanics at the truck shops around here use, and they have the widest range of available tools that use their battery. They also sell a King Kong big daddy impact driver that will do truck lug nuts.

That’s a good set you won’t regret buying.
Close second choice is DeWalt, their equivalent set is just as good, but they don’t have nearly as wide a choice of other compatible tools. If these are all you’re ever gonna buy, either is fine.

[pedroescobar]

Thanks. I assumed I’d be fine with this but wanted to confirm. I’ll make sure to have a few spares of the adapters as well as 3 total batteries so I don’t have to worry about running out of juice.

[Drizzt321]

Yea, unless you're driving huge number you should be fine with 3 batteries. I think I lasted a full 4A battery on my Dewalt XR impact driver last year driving ~20 or so 3/8 x 14 in and also out at the end without having to change. Bring the charger _just_ in case, cause your neighbor might need to borrow it. You never know.

[Captain Goddammit]

Absolutely bring the charger.
Even if you haven’t got power, people around you will. Generally, if you just want to charge some batteries people with juice will be happy to oblige.

Multiple adapters and sockets is a good idea not only in case of breakage but things get lost.

I’d suggest since you’ll have that thing bring a full set of sockets. You never know what it might be handy for.

[pedroescobar]

Yea, unless you're driving huge number you should be fine with 3 batteries. I think I lasted a full 4A battery on my Dewalt XR impact driver last year driving ~20 or so 3/8 x 14 in and also out at the end without having to change. Bring the charger _just_ in case, cause your neighbor might need to borrow it. You never know.

Yeah I’m doing 10-12 16” 1/2 lags and 6 12” 3/8 in each conduit foot (1 in each foot) so having the smaller extra battery will be helpful. I’ve got power as well so once the shade is set up I’ll charge both and put them away unless a neighbor needs them. This is for a 10’ x 20’ 1” emt shade with 8’ verticals. I went over engineered with 5000lb climbing anchors and 3500lb ratchet straps as the guy lines. Again over engineered with simple pieces for easy build and takedown.

[Captain Goddammit]

Over-engineering shade structures = winning in BRC.
While bringing the charger and extra batteries is great, I bet one battery does all that with power to spare.

[BBadger]

I like their FUEL M18 line since it uses brushless motors. Also they seem much less expensive on Amazon than other places. Maybe they're pieced out kits or something.

[pedroescobar]

The one I got is an M18 Brushless, just not the Fuel class. 1500lb/ft of torque vs 1800lb/ft for half the cost. Otherwise they are basically the same. Home Depot has mine on sale for $199 vs $400 for the Fuel version (both come with a drill as well). You get 2 5amp batteries with the Fuel version versus a 2 and 4 but my neighbor is sending me with an extra 5amp so I’m not worried.

[jacquesio]

Sounds like a lot of us will be out there with the M18 batteries, I'll be happy to charge for anyone who needs (6:45 & B, I think).

Really looking forward to using my new big-ass M18 fuel 1/2" wrench and 1/2"x18" lags because it's definitely overkill that will last for years to come.

[Token]

Holy Mackrel,

Five hundred clams for an impact wrench!?

I can see myself getting one cuz it’s no fun swapping tires on a tractor or skid-steer but for this? Camping in a desert?

A $20 claw hammer, $20 Vise-Grip, 12 inch 3/8 nails are two for a buck, at worst a concrete form stake for $3 for the really big stuff.

Y’all are fucking rich!

More money in this than the ticket itself.

Funny stuff.

[pedroescobar]

Yeah that will probably drive 24" 1/2 lags with no problem. I'll stick with my $199 set (with drill).

[Captain Goddammit]

If you wanted the 1/2” drive impact anyway (they are pretty awesome) it’s a great tool.
But yeah, if it’s only for this, ridiculous overkill.
I’m gonna buy the big one myself, for truck lug nuts.

[Jackass]

I got some lags and chain links about 4 years back, I only use them for guy straps if and when the winds start to really sway things... My set up requires pounding 12 pieces of rebar 12"-15" deep, which isn't that hard.

Anyways, I wouldn't have switched to lag bolts just for the addition of a guy line or two that I only use when warranted. But, I had already dropped $500+ on an electric Snap-On 3/8" impact gun that I use nearly everyday since I've had it, due to my profession...
In my experience these impact guns last 10-12 years with the first two batteries. By that time something greater an more powerful has come out, so it's usually not worth buying new batteries, just a whole new set-up...

[Token]

I must be old or something...

When I drop half a grand on a tool I expect a pull-chord and a choke on it.

[Captain Goddammit]

You know what’s cool, Milwaukee even has a weed wacker that uses the tool batteries. I’m probably gonna get one. One less thing I have to mess with, grab it in spring after putting it away wet last year, press the button and it goes.

[Jackass]

I must be old or something...

When I drop half a grand on a tool I expect a pull-chord and a choke on it.

Yeah, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on tools either if I didn't make my money everyday with them...

A $500 cordless impact gun is just the tip of the iceberg... I don't have much time or patience to dick around with failing, weak or half-assed tools. If they can't handle anything I throw at them, they're not worth buying.

[Kenshiro]

Pay attention to how hot the thing gets as you go. Even though most impact drivers may have the juice to put a lag bolt in just fine any given time, smaller units may accumulate heat more easily if you’re doing a bunch in quick succession and that can shorten the life of the tool considerably. I went and got a larger impact wrench (well...two, actually) as an insurance policy in case my camp ends up needing them and we end up putting down several dozen lags.

[Guard Dawg]

Gosh, I thought the whole BM experience was to temporary divorce ourselves from the bondage of elecktronix gadgetry?

I suggest a speeder wrench, lightweight, inexpensive and no batteries required.

https://m.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-in ... kgo.com%2F

[Captain Goddammit]

Wow, that could be the most inaccurate thing ever said about Burning Man!

Burning Man is and always has been packed with electricity... amplified sound... lights... lasers... sparks... motors...
There’s a HUGE amount of tech and electricity in Black Rock City.
I think you’ve mistaken the very high-tech Burning Man event with the Rainbow Gathering.

And by the way, that speeder wrench handle for driving lags into the playa is NOT a good idea. Have you ever driven 16”-18” lags into the playa with one?

[Token]

Whenever my Mrs. wants to hang pictures or mirrors in the house, something I just hate doing, she walks into the living room with a lag bolt and a hammer.

Works every time!

That look of horror on my face is classic comedy!

[pedroescobar]

That impact driver was plenty of power for the 16" 1/2" lag...

[Toe]

I had the same question but ended up coming to a different conclusion: don't use an impact driver if you can avoid it.

Fear of Murphy's law prompted me to invent a custom hand crank tool similar to a speed wrench. No electricity, no moving parts, essentially no chance of breaking.

Here it is: viewtopic.php?t=91834

[davr]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Vo ... /206736695
just for future reference, as I couldn't find a lot of good recs when I was searching before the burn: I bought this and it drove two dozen 14" 3/8 lag bolts without breaking a sweat. It was $100 for the set when i bought it, somehow it's on sale for $30 right now. It's rated at 300 ft-lbs of torque.

[Ratty]

Well, you can't pick it up in store. It's out of stock online. I use the same one and I'm very happy with it. I bought the big set of 5 or 6 tools for $200 at Christmas time. Perfect for around the home and garden.

[fireheadwhale]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Vo ... /206736695
just for future reference, as I couldn't find a lot of good recs when I was searching before the burn: I bought this and it drove two dozen 14" 3/8 lag bolts without breaking a sweat. It was $100 for the set when i bought it, somehow it's on sale for $30 right now. It's rated at 300 ft-lbs of torque.

That's an incredible bargain. I paid about $100 for the tool only and use it all the time driving lags on my property. Alas, looks like it's sold out.

[Kenshiro]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Vo ... /206736695
just for future reference, as I couldn't find a lot of good recs when I was searching before the burn: I bought this and it drove two dozen 14" 3/8 lag bolts without breaking a sweat. It was $100 for the set when i bought it, somehow it's on sale for $30 right now. It's rated at 300 ft-lbs of torque.

In my mind that’s one of the best options you can get for this purpose. Plenty of overhead power for the usual sizes of lags. And Ryobi in general just has a bunch of atypical tools that are awesome on the playa. Soldering iron, glue gun, mattress inflator...the list goes on. All powered by the same 18V batteries.

[Kenshiro]

I’m not sure that sale is real though they have plenty of inventory on all their other kits. It may be that particular combo of battery and charger that’s being phased out, but they haven’t had any inventory for it for months. Maybe a few straggler kits out there in Alaska or something.

[some seeing eye]

I think ePlaya can document the technical specs of impact drivers and roto hammers to drive lag screws of various sizes, just as the gentleman at Illumination Village originated the demolition hammer-ground rod driver-rebar technique: http://www.litebrite.org/rebarhammer/.

There has to be a lower limit in ft-lbs or Joules for the tool to drive them and remove them. What's the number?