Tool Review: Matco Tools 1/2” Drive Dual-Flex Angle Pneumatic Impact Wrench

Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?

A: This flex head, low-profile impact wrench is a game changer. Being able to use the power of an impact wrench in areas where a traditional or even low-profile impact will not fit was a huge time saver.

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?

A: The best that I’m aware, there’s nothing like this on the market. Before this tool, we were forced to remove a lot more parts just so our tools would fit where we needed them. In some scenarios, we would have one person hold a device with one tool while the other individual tried to loosen a fastener. With this tool, we are saving time because we’re not having to do as much disassembly, and we are not having to rely on help from others to get the job done. Both situations mean more efficiency and more opportunity to make money.

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: Just add an air nipple, a drop or two of air tool oil, and get to work.

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: Anyone who has used air tools or pneumatic impact wrenches can use this tool without the manual.

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: The tool came in a cardboard box with a warranty form, wrench for adjusting the pivot bolt for the flex head, and product information paperwork.

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?

A: In the box with the tool is a product information form that addresses warnings for preventing injury (normal stuff that users need to keep us from hurting ourselves because we can be careless). This form also outlines the warranty, intended use for the tool, product information, and a parts list. The tool is intuitive. There’s not a user manual per se because there’s not a need for one.

Q: What features did you like?

A: I love how low profile the impact wrench head is and that the impact wrench head swivels. The trigger/switch is on the handle and the handle turns. In some situations, it’s easier when the trigger is facing the same direction as the wrench so you can simply press the trigger with your fingers. In other situations, it might be easier to turn the handle so you can press the trigger with your thumb or the palm of your hand.

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?

A: No, I like it just the way it is.

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?

A: We used this tool to remove drive belt accessory pulleys in very tight spots. We also used this tool when performing wheel alignments. One specific use was loosening and tightening strut to knuckle bolts for camber adjustments. We also used it for adjusting camber and caster at upper control arms when performing wheel alignments. In any of these scenarios, using traditional impact wrenches would’ve been more complicated, awkward, and time consuming.

Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?

A: It’s an impact wrench and I’ve used impact wrenches for nearly 30 years. Around 10 years ago, we started to see low-profile impacts hit the market. They were great but this tool has a lower profile than even those low-profile impact wrenches have, and it swivels with a trigger that can be moved to any position. There’s nothing like this tool that I’m aware of and that makes this a must-have tool.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: I give this tool a 10. It’s powerful considering how low profile it is, and it’s more versatile than anything else on the market right now. This tool is a problem solver for problem solvers.   

This article originally appeared in PTEN.