dewalt electric impact...... - Diesel Forum

dieseldirt · 04-14-2009, 12:16 PM

Anybody have one of these?

I recently bought one used. It is dirty and scratched but seemed solid.. previous owner of course said it works fine.

got it for 50 bucks so i figure you can't really beat that... but my question is:

do these get worn out and not have as much power / other problems? or does it either work or not work.

I was surprised at some of the nuts/bolts it couldn't crack. i know these electric impacts are easily beat by an air impact but i dont have a big enough compressor to run air tools.

just curious if i got a worn out piece of ......

chuckster57 · 04-14-2009, 12:35 PM

I don't know about that brand, but I had(have) an electric impact gun. IIRC they do not have a real high torque rating. Mine was rated at 150 but It didn't seem to do that good. You might want to check the brushes for the motor, they will wear out.

96P_Stroke4x4 · 04-16-2009, 12:40 PM

i have an 18v dewalt impact, but don't use it that often. by electric do you mean corded or battery? if it's battery powered, the trick would be to make sure the battery is fully charged before trying to break loose the really stuck nuts and bolts. on a full charge i can probably rotate the tires on my truck twice, but that's not as tough on the impact as some rusted bolts. if electric, i'd check the brushes and contacts. either way, $50 is a good deal.

dieseldirt · 04-16-2009, 03:09 PM

yeah i have seen them go used for way more than 50 bucks!

it has a plug in cord, not battery power and i think they are rated at 350 ft lbs

i havent really tried it on a ton of different stuff yet, but i was surprised at some rusted up bolts it couldnt break loose.

it just seemed a little worn out maybe.

with a deep impact socket on there if i grab the socket with my hand and pull the trigger the socket doesn't rotate it just makes that impact wrench noise and vibrates hard as if it were on a bolt... dont know if this is normal.... you would think 350 ft lbs of torque would still be able to turn with my hand grabbing it?

are the brushes/contacts rebuildable?

blackout · 04-16-2009, 05:51 PM

If you grab the socket and pull the trigger it should just about break your wrist. I'd say you got taken. Maybe a couple of brushes and it will be good as new...

dieseldirt · 04-22-2009, 04:30 PM

i have never taken apart an electric power tool before.....

so i just need to replace the brushes then huh?

when i take it apart will it be pretty obvious or will i mess it up for good...

does this look right?
#G11 BRUSHES-DEWALT DW290 DW291 DW296 IMPACT WRENCHES - eBay (item 220366581180 end time Apr-23-09 10:08:43 PDT)

96P_Stroke4x4 · 04-24-2009, 12:40 PM

sounds like the hammer mechanism works but the spinning mechanism is stripped. if brushes were the problem, i don't think it would power on at all. i think your best option is to take it apart before buying anything for it. i would think the hammer/rotation mechanism should be pretty simple to take apart and put back together. page 11 on this pdf http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...5999/45252.PDF is an example of what the mechanism should be like when you take it apart.

clamgulch · 05-01-2009, 06:17 AM

I've got one. I'm totally unimpressed with it's "unscrew" torque. Sure is easy to put things on too tight with it though.

dieseldirt · 05-01-2009, 10:53 PM

yeah i am not so sure if i want to buy another one.

this "stuff" starts to add up, i could have air tools by now.

GiraffeCat · 05-02-2009, 12:13 AM

I use a Dewalt 12v cordless 3/8 square drive impact at work everyday. It is the best way to get the small/medium fasteners on and off. The biggest factor in performance is the battery. After years of use the batteries get weak and performance drops off dramatically. Check around online to see if batteries are still available, and maybe pick one up.

For the tighter spaces you can pick up a cordless ratchet if needed. Just note that they are pricey!

GC

clamgulch · 05-08-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldirt

yeah i am not so sure if i want to buy another one.

this "stuff" starts to add up, i could have air tools by now.

Oh yeah, that reminds me! The lack-luster performance of my DeWalt plus the cost of replacement is the main reason why I bought the optional 15cfm air compressor to mount onto the Cummins under the hood of the Excursion. I realize that's not a bolt on option for Navistar engines, I'm just saying that I agree- why throw good money after bad and just end up with the same thing?

Realistically, I think I expect too much from the DeWalt. I also know that 15cfm will be plenty for taking off any bolt on the truck with a big air impact. Hopefully with the Cummins/Allison, I'll never need to do that.