Hey everyone! I'm a DIY enthusiast and mostly work on my cars at home. I have a gift card from Home Depot that I want to use to pick up a 1/2" impact tool. I'm wondering which model would be the best fit and if there are any good deals available right now? Appreciate any advice you have!
3 Answers
For lighter tasks, the M18 mid-torque 2962-20 is my go-to; it's perfect for most jobs! The stubby version is nice too, but I find a 1/2" impact isn't always necessary compared to a 3/8". The high torque option feels a bit overkill for everyday use, mainly just pricier.
Honestly, if you don’t need a full 1/2", a 3/8" stubby might be all you need for working on your car. I usually only pull out the 1/2" for big bolts or suspension work, which isn't that frequent for me. My top tool for car work has been the M12 fitted with a 3/8" drive.
I already own a Milwaukee Fuel 3/8" gun that's about five years old, so I was considering grabbing a 1/2" to add to my collection.
You might want to check out the new M12 3/8" stubby! It's got double the torque compared to the last version and hasn’t let me down yet. There's also a deal going around where it’s $199 with two free batteries, which you can return for a better price.
If you're looking at the M18 mid-torque (model 2962-20) or the M12 compact (model 2563-20), both are solid choices. The M18 gives about 10% more power, but keep in mind it will be heavier. If you already have a battery platform, it’s worth sticking to that and going for one of these options.

Is price the main downside of the high torque model? I'm all about buying high-quality tools once.