Should You Maintain Your Impact Wrench? We Try It! [Milwaukee and Snap-On]

[@StreetRocketJoe]

Had a Milwaukee high torque 1/2” impact for 11 years and used it daily as professional tech. Only now has the impact started showing it’s age and that’s with no maintenance on my end.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

And then for....250 300 bucks? (Prices that i know of, Canadian dollars) you get a brand new one with 5 yr warranty. Sucks when it breaks, but man not that much for such a usefull tool.

[@connorjohnson4402]

@@baileyhatfield4273 Its gunna be more powerfull as well especially if you get the brushless ones. The newer generations are kinda crazy how much they've improved on their outputs

[@XerxezsX]

Just like a car 😂

[@Biaanca5036]

changing the brushes would usually work too We have a 9 year old 40v string trimmer that was running slow and the worn down brushes were its only problem. Now it's like it has a rocket shoved up its butt 😁

[@davidperry4013]

Take it apart, clean it, and lube it and it will be like brand new.

[@MattB90]

Coolest part of this video is that palm impact driver I didnt even know that was a thing!

[@hectorcuevas4587]

@arnulford66 does it have enough power to be used in automotive field?

[@paulmcwilliams5566]

These tools are expensive. Making them last longer is a great video

[@dannyv.7518]

That little palm impact is nice! I can see that being very useful. I think I will start a search for one

[@silentperformance]

Model# R8224K

[@dannyv.7518]

@@silentperformance Thanks for the info

[@xj1085]

Got 1/2 snap-on and 3/8 dewalt impact. Daily them for 6 years, still going strong. Don't think i will service them. it's already time for upgrades. New impacts are now 30% stronger and new features

[@reallyhappenings5597]

May I make a suggestion? Why not take that $500-800 and invest it in a simple instrument like a passively managed equity index fund? The classic choice is Vanguard 500 (VFINX on the exchange). You'd be owning tiny diversified slices of the 500 largest companies across the US economy. With a long-term investment horizon, that kind of fund is as foolproof (and aggressively oriented) as most investments ever get. Learn about the Vanguard 500 fund. Service the tools if you can get a few more years out of them. The money you save and invest today will reward you a year, or ten years, from now.

[@batsoup9260]

@@reallyhappenings5597 or buy an uga duga gun

[@josephdavis1087]

I just bought a kobalt right angle impact and I suspect it’s been sitting awhile because the oil is leaking. Im glad the Milwaukee doesn’t have an O-ring either. After finding this vid I feel better about the tool and plan on using some Mobil 1 synthetic grease. Thank you :)

[@TheToxiicLover]

thank you for taking the time and showing us. reminds me when I serviced my only matco ratchet.

[@HigherrConsciousness]

Remind yourself to not use any power tools when reassembling your power tools. ALWAYS use a screwdriver, as power tools can and will strip out the threads within the plastic shell and casing

[@prjab7339]

Great video! Have an 18v snap on stopped working about 3 years ago due to batteries, but had them rebuilt & maintenanced it like you explained now is running like NEW!!!

[@ryandrolet1825]

But it’s a SNAP-OFF, why would it stop working? They should never break at the prices you pay. Milwaukee lasts just as long as SNAP-OFF and you suckers keep buying SNAP-OFF.

[@apollomedia7210]

Use extreme pressure grease. NLGI #2

[@jasperdomacena6491]

I mean my cheap off brand cordless impact wrench last me for about 12 years now.. Proper Maintenance and Mechanical Sympathy really gave it that extra life..

[@Krankie_V]

I've got a Dewalt impact wrench. After a few years of using it without taking the head apart and greasing it, the front bushing wore out really bad and the anvil was very loose. After getting that repaired, I regularly take it apart and grease it up every couple months.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Hey, thanks for watching and a maintenance schedule sounds like a great plan.

[@homewrecker44]

The impact grease they use is Polyurea based and not compatible with some other greases. Any issues yet with mixing greases?

[@MrChow]

I did this to my DeWalt DA polisher. That was a night and day differenc to me.

[@Joethetoolguy]

This is such an important tip for gear heads. I can’t fathom shelling out $250 every few months, its just not feasible.

[@yy-xt4kw]

how are you breaking your impact every few months lol mine have lasted 10+ years before needing a new one.

[@ryandrolet1825]

You don’t switch impacts every few months unless you go swimming with it or bury it in the sand.

[@johnmeany7004]

Hey man was wondering why you didn’t grease those bearings? Also the dogs and the anvil I know you shouldn’t grease the anvil too much because the grease acts like a damper and lessens the blow from the the anvil but why didn’t you put maybe a light grease and grease on those bearings?

[@richierich5544]

Great video this helped a lot!! I had a rattle noise in my Milwaukee impact and after greasing it, that noise is gone! 👍🏾

[@larrycroft470]

Tim you are one of the most knowledgable and trustworthy tool reviewers on the net. Thank you.

[@markcollard9326]

I like that mini palm impact driver.

[@bobit8742]

nice, let me try this on my m12 stubby. I saw some grease sipping out on the anvil. Thanks

[@bnasty1728]

Thanks man, hope too keep my Milwaukee 1/2" working for a long time, appreciate it👍

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Only real issue I see with these is usually battery related they shake them to death it shorts the connector and eventually eats the battery

[@DevilDog_666]

Thanks for showing everyone that it isn't that scary.

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

I got an M12 stubby for free because it was making a squealing noise and the guy thought it was toast. Took it part. Greased the anvil area. Put it back together. Works like brand new lol

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Wow, thanks for watching! Have a great week.

[@CookieManCookies]

I am concerned by your choice of grease. I would most certainly choose molybdenum disulfide grease.

[@everettstormy]

while i agree, i just rebuilt mine with the red shtuff. the stuff milwuakee uses from factory is not moly and I think there is something different. also moly grease is typically used in heavy equipment that moves slowly and is frequently regreased. impacts definitely don't fit that description.

[@shotgunmurray6801]

I use Schaeffer's chisel paste on the dogs

[@everettstormy]

@@shotgunmurray6801 really? Do they like it? Ive never felt the need to grease my dogs they get dirty enough anyways

[@kswis]

Reminded me of AVE I've only pulled one miluakee apart it wasn't much. Folks that use em 3 times a yr could wait a very very long time

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Yeah First practice on your cheapest tool Then do it for your most used one

[@_P0tat07_]

Damnit, I had the Dewalt impact apart at work to clean out all the dust and crap from the motor and clean all the electrical contacts. And I completely forgot to add some grease to the mechanism.

[@bublik11]

Just bought a tube of graphite grease with molybdenum disulfide and lithium. Time to grease my new impacts lol

[@brianmason8400]

I've got an IR 1/2" impact, honestly, dumby me, I didn't even think servicing an electric power tools was a thing! My Ingersoll is about 8 yes old, daily professional use, and it's showing its age.

[@jimbomacintyre]

Did the switch ever burn out on your IR impact gun?

[@brianmason8400]

Jimbo Mac...no, I've never had any switch issues. Just slight loss of power over the years.

[@JohnLee-ed8yi]

Thanks for sharing this great maintenance guide. I just replaced a pin anvil to a friction ring anvil on my Milwaukee mid torque impact wrench (2962P-20) and realized I didn't see the steel ball inside the anvil. I disassembled again to check it and couldn't find it anywhere. I checked Milwaukee service part diagram, and it doesn't have the steel ball. I guess it is only on high torque impact gun.

[@NVS.Ghostz]

im trying to change my friction pin (2962-20), to the pin detent, could i do it? Do I need any parts besides the pin anvil? Do you still have your anvil with a pin?

[@bttfdmc1984]

I think by time you really need to take them apart for maintenance they are probably out of warrantee unless are using them every day and they are getting abused or you have a RIDGID and have the LSA active. That palm RIDGID screwdriver is nice but have seen so many mixed reviews on it almost a 50/50 split of people that like it and people that don't, but most agree it really needed a trigger not just pushing it down to drive in or remove a screw.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

I mean, the whole point of them is so that you just push against it just using your palm/hand

[@MrGcfsa2653]

I Like to see snap-on and Milwaukee impact wrench compare to each other on the gears

[@Dragonologist]

I took my brushless 18V Milwaukee impact driver apart after I took it into the sandblast booth and it got abrasive used for blasting in it. It was really easy to dismantle and reassemble. I pulled the rotor out and cleaned the grit off, then did the same on the stator. The surfaces of both the stator and rotor were lightly damaged by the abrasive, but it doesn't seem to have effected the performance. The rotor aligned itself in the stator and when I first reassembled it I forgot to put in the little plastic trigger. I think the trigger is for the switch that I believe reverses the motors polarity and changes the drivers direction of rotation at the chuck. When I put it back in I broke the little plastic nubber that the trigger has on it for engaging the switch. I glued it back on with gorilla glue I found in the shop at work lol.

[@samholt4139]

I like that rigid tool you used

[@IndianaDiy]

I thought about doing that but I was looking at some equipment grease from Amsoil and trying it.

[@JavierRomero-n9g]

Can any grease be used? Like multipurpose or white lithium?

[@victorortega5158]

That’s awesome thanks bro for showing us how to maintain our impacts

[@Arthurjr16]

Hi could you possibly do a video on the Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachment / hole hawg how to grease them etc I'm a new construction rough-in plumber so sawdust is always getting in between the cracks and to make sure it is working correctly without issues that would be awesome 👌

[@abuvibes8950]

using an impact to take your impact apart... that ought to the be the most impactful thing ive seen all day

[@ngtatsang7690]

Thank you for the video! Can you do one for their sawzall? I need to desperately clean and grease it.

[@Barbaratio]

Milwaukees?

[@joe9345]

Can you do tear down of the 1/4 inch snap on impact

[@jonathan0o0dawKins]

I don't service my own stuff; however I do repairs when needed

[@comment943]

Is cooper based grease bad to use been so close to the dc motor?

[@locostse7en]

Very cool....never really considered maintenance on my ugger duggers

[@dylaningle8204]

meh, i tore my 9010 down when the light quit working and gave it to my snap-on rep still torn down for them to refurb it under warranty and had zero issues whatsoever. no questions asked, replaced the motor, bearings and other wear items and light and sent it back. was only a few months old anyway.

[@robertfrate9738]

Hi Tim, I absolutely love your confidence with tool maintenance your very thorough and step by step instructions, very helpful, you make it look so easy ty, is the dcf894h anything like that? I’ll try it myself lol, idk when to maintain it, I use it all the time and it delivers excellent quality service, I use the 5ah battery, I’d rather do the maintenance than get a new tool, your a very talented mechanic Tim, ty for such a quality video, regards, Bob,

[@blades3850]

Yes it's very similar. It's saved me alot of money taking it apart and just cleaning inside. Had an intermittent trigger issue that was solved by cleaning the contacts where the wiring connects that was full of dirt and corrosion from years of use. I have the dcf899 and the 894 as well

[@johnmeany7004]

Hey I personally maintain all my tools Avery time I maintain my car do the car then take care of the tools after

[@AndrewBrowner]

Leave it alone, dont fix whats not broken.. impacts are silly durable they dont require this.. especially in todays tool world where everyone replaces their tools with the latest and greatest every 5 years.. which i understand because tools are so much better with even just 5 years of technical advances.. this milwuakee hightorque design must be their longest running m18 design i have to imagine a gen 2 is coming down the pipe very soon

[@Krankie_V]

@@AndrewBrowner the front bushing wears out on the Dewalt if the grease isn't kept replenished. It only takes 4 screws and a few minutes to lube it up. Definitely worth it.

[@CHRIS_NYC]

I just picked one up. I have a concern though, without hitting the trigger if you shake it from front to back do you hear the anvil clunking? Mine does and idk if it's supposed too.

[@heckeepagan2012]

Like that little ridgid tool.😁

[@warbleypb]

Where can I find this large planetary spring to buy?

[@mg8720-u7j]

Didnt see you put any grease in the bearing part?

[@hhattingh]

Very useful information. Thank you

[@BRENDAJASON1]

Wow the small snap on inside looks like the older one I have took it to snap on they said they couldn’t fix it saying it was discontinued on parts. it’s weak even with a new battery is their somewhere I could have it fixed they said it was the hammer part was bad

[@marchelanonymous3633]

does any type of grease works with impact driver?

[@Danielxperez14]

I don’t really need to do this but my Milwaukee 1/2 inch has horrible battery wobble so it loses contact with the battery at times, and the friction ring isn’t holding anymore, do you know where I can get a new friction ring? Thanks!

[@nicoalfaro348]

what was the bit called that you used for the hand impact? I’ve been looking for some but don’t know the name of them.

[@cataldonucaro7394]

what kind of grease did you use, i put petronas tutela mr3 nlgi 3 grease in the dewalt dcf 887 what do you think is good, i have and wrong

[@brandonwilson5727]

I use synthetic spline grease

[@railfan8895]

Why no grease on the anvil dogs and their associated area of the drum? You have metal parts impacting and sliding against each other. It should be lubricated.

[@antonioandaya6856]

How often should you do this?

[@IDABAYAREA650I]

*Does this Void Warranty for opening it?*

[@kartboarder22g17]

Once in a while I'll get a quote at the dealership. Last one i got was $1800. I'm expecting to do it. Under $300 in parts. Then just my time. Then 80-150 to have someone program one of the sensors. Man what am I going to do with the $1350 saved.... Wow they are cheating people.

[@BS-zc4zo]

After 6 years, my impact daily driven 1/2" Milwaukee impact would need more than grease to revive it. It owes me nothing. Just picked up a new one.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

It sounds like it did well for you. Hope the new one performs as well and as always, thanks for watching.

[@LudwigVonSaxon]

Does this void the warranty?

[@reallyhappenings5597]

You bet your rectum it does But you won't usually need it during wty period, better to wait the 5 years

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

Not as long as the manufacturer cant prove you made the problem by tearing it apart

[@fumanpoo4725]

Can you dismember a body with an impact wrench in a pinch?

[@jacksmith2315]

$800 for only 250 ft lbs!?!?! What a rip off!!! Why would anyone spend that kinda $ for something so weak? Every company makes something more powerful for far less. Like dewalt and ridgid you can get 250 or 450 ft lbs for $135 or $150-179 and they are way more compact. Milwaukee 250 ft lbs for $179-229 for the stubby. Snap on is out of their trees for the prices they come up with. I get it your paying for the name and the fact that they come to your shop every week, but come on either charge less or make it more powerful for the price. Or at least do a lifetime or 10yr warranty for that price. They arent even trying to be sensible or competitive.

[@upnorth5465]

The price he gave was for a full kit. The bare tool is only around 300 and is rated for 325ft lbs not 250.

[@maeseven106]

Strap on guys demand only the highest prices

[@roberthughes9494]

Dose it void your warranty?

[@procrastinator1842]

I'd there is no sticker across the clamshell halves, hell yeah it comes apart for a look/clean. Gotta maintain that warranty tho...

[@thaton3guy100]

Those warranties are void if broken stickers are not valid

[@procrastinator1842]

@@thaton3guy100 That's what I said...some of them have the sticker on the side...so you can open them...

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

@@thaton3guy100 that's illegal

[@thaton3guy100]

@@Alucard-gt1zf here, let me add some punctuations. Those "warranties, void if broken" stickers are not valid

[@AndrewBrowner]

these last forever.. they dont need greasing or disassembly, the average person is far more likely to cause an issue disassembling and reassembling them than they are not "maintaining them" not to mention that any fasteners that had lock tite on them no longer do, and the torque of them all is changed, wouldnt be surprised to have fasteners working loose after doing this adding extra grease will lessen the power the impact mechanism has.. its just a hammer impacting an anvil, theres no way for that mechanism to wear out.. these typically have insanely large bushings on the front snout that will also outlast the tool.. your issues are going to come from electronics, or the bearings on the motor neither of which youre going to maintain.. chances are youll kill it with wire ingress or itll be stolen before it breaks.. the impact mechanism just needs a whisp of grease in it, as long as no one cracks it open and brake cleans it out its not going to run dry some tools may need "maintenance" likely grinders wanting fresh grease but even that is unlikely, they have bearings, bevel gears, and bushings in there they do need adequate grease not just a whisp but i dont think that grease will ever get worn out or contaminated enough under normal use to require replacement.. if the seal goes bad and it starts to leak out or allow dust in it could require replacing.. but were talking like once every other year with daily use.. not twice a year under homeowner use RULE #1 : DONT FIX WHATS NOT BROKEN

[@mak450]

Im actually now really interested to see someone take apart a Hitach- uhh Metabo HPT impact to see what specifically they do for those IP56 ratings

[@jacksmith2315]

When you first started the vid i was guna say isnt taking them apart to maintain them going to void the warranty? Then you brought it up haha

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

It isn't At least in the USA since its illegal to say that taking apart an item voids the warranty unless its something like a hard drive where they need to be essentially a clean room

[@paultyler1125]

Great video!

[@dumyjobby]

The snap on seems designed to be serviced

[@n6dl321]

why no lube on the dogs?

[@chickenwings5429]

I just put sum WD 40 in the collet and leave it be😂 I think I might have a problem with it but who knows only time will tell if WD 40 will ruin it.

[@ramrodsautorepair338]

I need a pinion for the Milwaukee

[@Mrdealornodeal618]

Good video. Thank you

[@mickkelly2229]

All worth doing 👍

[@DoRC]

In the United States a company cannot legally avoid your warranty because you took your thing apart.

[@illustr8phee100]

My Milwaukee lost strength??? Why

[@alanchanthavisouk8557]

I need a matco impact review pls

[@connorjohnson4402]

Just check out Torque test channel to see and then buy a dewalt or a milwaukee.Save a mint for basically the same thing

[@gradyhernandez4699]

How about air impact?

[@jonathanryan2915]

The insides of these tools looks a lot like the insides of an automatic transmission

[@thanhnguyenvan2298]

Upgraded from an older 18v kit. kzbin.infoUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv I independently chose the drill and impact tool, before I came across the kit.I like the 3 speed impact gun. It seems more powerful than my older one, and it can be set to be really gentle. The drill is more appropriately sized for my use. I used to have a hammer drill, but I did not like that it was so big and it was not a great hammer drill. I rather have a smaller drill like this, and then get a corded hammer drill for the odd case I need that.

[@jacobkoz1835]

Do you do this on 1/4” impacts too or no?

[@Barbaratio]

You can, I'm sure that it's good for the tool.

[@jacobkoz1835]

@@Barbaratio okay thanks:)

[@ramonassence1875]

When you listen before and after you guys can understand the difference

[@timblack33]

Anybody on here know where to get brushes/a brush card for 18v snap on 3/8 impact

[@stevenbrooks1243]

Ridged taking apart a milwaukee

[@jakeleslie97]

You forgot the dowel pin

[@johnbailey9682]

Good video .

[@dsmasynergy]

Love to see similar video for cordless angle grinders. thx

[@paulteran6924]

I have a set of tools that I service

[@DanielGarcia-mw8zg]

'Don't lose the ball bearing' proceeds to smash it.

[@ZeroGHome24]

Why is stripping an engine a piece of cake but doing open heart surgery to my gun put me off 😂

[@boosted2.4_sky]

4:24.. from the have-nots?...🤭

[@patricklim909]

most tools came barely greased

[@jacksmith2315]

Let me jus put the ridgid out if the frame/picture. Lol

[@rodpotts2666]

Cool

[@ryandrolet1825]

This is completely unnecessary. I mean, the first reason I know that is because you greased a brand-new snap-off impact wrench that was already greased at the factory, cuz why not I guess. That’s like me pouring a seventh quart of oil after putting in the factory recommended 6 quarts during routine maintenance. I’m all for replacing parts if they’re bad on an impact, and maybe every couple of years you can grease it up - IF YOU WANT TO. It’s not a high-ticket item like a car, where it makes more sense to go to greater lengths to maintaining it. No, I don’t leave my impact outside. I treat it with respect and do my best not to drop it. I’m very careful with my impact gun. But if I can get a quality Milwaukee impact (better than snap-off) for $100, and it lasts for years and years without maintenance, why the hell would I take it apart and grease it constantly? They’re only $100. Treat them with respect, maybe grease them gears up sometimes, but you’re way overkill with it. I guess you are because you would spend $800 on an impact 😂

[@jsin22366322]

Poor little snap on.

[@Biaanca5036]

Why maintenance? because its a manly skill. Simply throwing it away is for the handicapped and the _old_ 😏

[@Thebiggestgrimreaper]

This is some alien 👽 💩