Ingersoll-Rand recently unveiled what they feel is the most powerful 14.4V, 3/8”-drive cordless impact wrench available, their 2512K model. Features include:
- A new performance-tuned twin cam mechanism that helps generate up to 3,000 impacts per minute and 150 foot-pounds of torque.
- A more ergonomically designed, textured grip.
The cordless impact also comes with 2 rechargeable batteries and a 1-hour charger. To see how the new power tool would hold up under the demands of everyday shop use, we put the 2512K 3/8"-drive cordless impact in the hands of our Innovation Award panelists. This group comprises a collection of ASE-certified Master Technicians and shop owners from across the country. Here's what they had to say.
The Review
The panelists were nearly universal in their agreement on two things:
1. All were very impressed with the power generated by this cordless tool.
2. Many felt that the battery pack limited access under the hood and dashboard, and at 5 pounds, some felt the tool was a bit heavy.
However, the positive sentiments seemed to outweigh any negatives. Joe Marconi, owner of Osceola Garage in Baldwin Place, NY, offered these comments.
"In today’s automotive shops, quality and productivity are of utmost importance to technicians who make a living with their hands. So the tools we use must be of high quality and make our job more efficient. The IR 2512K cordless 3/8" impact achieves this status.
"It’s well-built and rugged enough to stand up to the harsh environment of the typical shop. If you’re looking for an impact wrench that frees you from the limitations of an air hose, this is the cordless impact for you."
Marconi also felt the tool could be extremely useful for shops that do road calls, or when work needs to be performed outside the shop. Chuck Svitak, owner of Auto Tech in Boca Raton, FL, echoed this sentiment.
"These cordless impacts seem to have become the tool of choice for wheel service," he stated, "because of the speed involved with not having to worry about air lines." He also liked that the tool's power was consistent throughout the battery's charge, and didn't drop off until the very end.
In writing his Innovation Award-winning nomination, Mike Steptoe, owner of Reliable Auto Repair in Fort Atkinson, WI, described the impact as "very handy inside the car, because you don't have to deal with extra hose."
