Measuring Power Difference Between 3/8' & 1/2' Impacts = WTF

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Torque of TTC is working for Astro Tools who also make impact wrenches (air). TTC is not the only testing out there, always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool!

[TorqueTestChannel]

Many in the comments are offering theories about or wondering why 3/8" is more powerful than 1/2" talking about mass and other things. Well I feel like we overall showed it's not (see 1822 nano and Hercules purchase using the same 1/2" and 3/8" sockets), but being the same is also interesting and new data. The anvil mass difference is after all less than 0.1lbs. The Milwaukee seems to be exception, and maybe a rare one as other channels have noticed. We (and apparently Milwaukee) have no idea why. 3/8" flies under the radar a bit but with the socket options now-a-days and the power some of these make it shouldn't. It's no longer your fathers power tools out there where smaller drive size means no beans. Here's hoping more brands offer 3/8" in mid size impacts (DeWalt, you listening?)
Torque of TTC is working for Astro Tools who also make the 1822 Nano impact in this video. TTC is not the only testing out there, always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool!

[MegaHomieJ]

just the fact that you guys went out of your way to make custom sockets deserves a like

[NemoConsequentae]

The next step I would be trying, would be swapping the 1/2 & 3/8 anvils between the 2 & see if the results follow the anvil, or the units. In the same way as you did with the air drive.

[apex]

The tool companies rate the 3/8” lower because it makes sense to the average Joe who therefore will buy both to round out his tool arsenal.

[edwardbaker]

Now try the 3/8” drive with an adapter and run the 1/2” socket. That’s what a lot of us would do to use it with big sockets

[ManCaverTools]

Love the shout outs your doing bro. You are helping this community grow

[cardo]

You guys are leaving me perplexed. I was always told the larger mass of the 1/2" anvil hits harder therefore delivering more torque. Apparently you proved that wrong 👍🏽

[teardowndan]

My guess for why 3/8" is better in some cases despite everything being seemingly the same is resonance: the smaller shaft has more springiness, which allows the anvil to have more rebound and hit harder once it gets in that zone while the 1/2" does better at rust-busting from the extra rigidity transferring more of the sharp initial impact to the fastener instead of being softened by elastic shaft deformation.

[ryanridgely]

Glad you guys took this to task. Never understood the myth of 1/2" hitting harder in the same tool. It's the same tool. I only went 1/2" with the M12 since my specialty tools fit that size.

[garyradtke]

I bought an M18 Fuel 3/8" impact 3 or 4 years ago and used it for most impact jobs Including outboard flywheel nuts, rusted wheel lugs and other rusted trailer parts. Salt water is to boat trailers, engines and other boat hardware as road salt is to automotive world. My 1/2" CP air impact is probably 45 years old, came with me from the auto industry to marine and has been rebuilt probably 4 times. Our shop air leaves a lot to be desired and I am a lot more mobile than in the past. I still needed the air for some situations. I recently replaced both with M18 fuel gen 3 I think they are called. I bought them because they are shorter and the added gain was more power. I also bought m12 Fuel screw gun, 1/4" impact driver and 1/2" drill with the smaller 3AH batterys. I wanted the 12 for the smaller size for tight access and the power and batterys have been more than adequate for my work. I almost never run down batteries before the day or the job is done. In my world battery tools are now king but in auto and heavy equipment repair I would imagine battery has it's place but air is probably still king.

[garypeterson]

As a retired mechanic I can tell you a 1/2" drive will last longer under high torque use than a 3/8" drive will. I've snapped the square drive off of many 3/8" drives. I have never snapped off a 1/2" drive. It boils down to the right tool for the job.

[Gunbudder]

as an engineer, sometimes you just look at an anomaly like this and say "fuck if i know" and you go home early and take a nap

[WilliamWonka]

Just found this channel. One 13 minute video had me sold. Subscribed

[eliadbu]

I bought the 3/8” mid torque gen 2 few months ago and it’s great, I had no idea it was any more capable than the 1/2” on the contrary I thought by sepc that the 1/2” is little bit better but I wanted it be used on wider range of bolts and nuts & 3/8 was better fit for me, nice to see it is the more capable version of the two (not that the 1/2” is weak by any means).

[kasuraga]

The only reason why I ever thought someone would choose 1/2in over 3/8in was so things don't break. I've definitely broken a number of 3/8 breaker bars but not equally cheap 1/2 bars. they always broke right at the end.

[matt]

I'd be curious to see you take the 3/8 and 1/2 Milwaukee and swap the anvils to see if the 3/8 gun is doing something that the 1/2 gun isn't.

[kenjohnson]

Good job !!! This channel has rapidly become one of my favorites! I hope you will be doing a "year end review" !

[StRM]

Milwakee makes M12 Impact Wrench in both 1/2" and 3/8". They are completely identical except the anvil, you can test that :)

[akharder]

I absolutely love my Milwaukee 3/8” mid torque. Used it for a long time and it’s my go to for 90% of jobs. I have the 3/4 with a step down adapter when I really need to give something the beans.

[userpike]

I use this 3/8 impact driver. I love it. I've removed 36mm axle nuts without an issue. I don't even own a 1/2" impact driver to be honest. I have the Snap On adaptor set. I'm good with that.