MTROIS wrote:Thanks for all the replies everybody! I am torn though: on the one hand I am definitely not rich enough to buy crap now and replace it several times over the course of my life, but at the same time, given that my needs are mostly about unscrewing / screwing the nuts on my (long) studs while still using my breaker bar and torque wrench, I am just not convinced that I need all the bells and whistles of these powerful and pricey options.
Still debating about cheaper stuff like this: http://autocarsuperstore.com/product/16 ... h-Kit.html
The batteries will go eventually regardless of the unit you select. And I highly recommend getting 2 batteries. 18v power is preferred. The kits available usually have a great package deal. I've been using an 18v dewalt compact impact wrench similar to:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DC822KL-18 ... 497&sr=1-7
But 7 years older battery tech. It was perfect for spinning on and off properly torqued lug nuts. It used to handle several tire changes per charge on a battery. Lasted 6 years of heavy use for autox's, and now track duty. The batteries are now down to one change with a breaker bar for the stubborn ones.
Milwaukee makes serious tools that can take a ton of abuse. We use them in our metal fab shop. Battery tech, however, is not any better than the others.
Snap-on may be great and take the abuse, but battery tech will age regardless.
18v IR, Dewalt, Makita.. are great units for basic usage and will last you a while. New Lion batteries should last you longer than my old NiCad unit. Full size units for breaking serious nuts. Compact ones are lighter and save space, but are primarily for properly tightened lugs.