Tool Review: Chicago Pneumatic CP7748 1/2” Drive Impact Wrench
The Chicago Pneumatic CP7748 family of 1/2” impact wrenches offer 922 lb-ft of maximum real torque in reverse and extremely fast run off. The CP7748 offers 1,200 ft/lbs of breakaway torque, while the balance, contoured handle and lightweight composite housing make it easy to operate. The CP7748-2 is the ideal tool for the tire industry. With a durable, twin hammer clutch and high performance motor, these impact wrenches offer less operator fatigue because of lightweight, composite housing. The Thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR) handle provides additional operator comfort. Ideal for use with passenger vehicle tire changing, general mechanical and vehicle maintenance, and light industrial maintenance.
The Review
Phil Fournier, owner and technician of at Phil’s Auto Clinic in Hemet, Calif., and Daniel McGuinn, an independent tool reviewer with Real Tool Reviews, tested the Chicago Pneumatic CP7748 1/2” Drive Impact Wrench at their respective shops.
McGuinn primarily used the CP7748 for tire rotations, but he says the tool was “moved between the bays when needed to remove stubborn suspension bolts and crank bolts that some of the other techs’ truck-brand impacts would not budge.”
Fournier found the tool to have “adequate power to spin off every single lug nut and bolt we tried it on.” He discovered the tool even had enough power to loosen the crankshaft nut on a Honda vehicle during a timing belt job.
“We never had to go searching for a more powerful tool to do the job, and that is definitely a time-saver,” Fournier says.
According Fournier, the tool’s long trigger for changing direction of the tool is one of its most useful features, “especially when you make the mistake of attempting removal of a bolt with insufficient clearance, and you end up backing the tool into an immovable object. The long shifter makes it possible to get in there and change the direction on the wrench to crank the bolt back in and get your tool out.”
“The tool packs a powerful punch in a fairly lightweight package,” he adds.
The CP7748’s low price when compared to other impacts is one of the tool’s standout qualities, says McGuinn. He adds that the tool can be found online for less than $180, yet its power is comparable to $400 impacts.
An example of the CP7748’s power came about for McGuinn when a local shop had to service an AM General M813 5-ton military cargo truck. An older 3/4” impact wrench was used on the lug nuts on the front wheels of the 24,000-lb vehicle, but McGuinn says they would not budge.
“They rumbled onto our lot with it and asked if we had anything that could bust them loose,” says McGuinn, who responded by sending out one of the technicians with the CP7748. “The guys laughed and said, ‘What are you going to do with that?’”
The tech promptly proceeded to put a 1-1/2” socket onto the CP7748 and spin off the lug nuts on the wheels.
“We have more powerful impacts around here, even in the 1/2” range,” says McGuinn. “(But) for the money, you will not find a better impact out there than the CP7748. It is comfortable to use, very reliable, and it has a ton of power.”
Fournier says he would give the Chicago Pneumatic CP7748 1/2” Drive Impact Wrench a rating of 8.5 out of 10.
