Matco Tools’ 1/2" Impact Wrench, No. MT2769, offers a breakaway torque of 1,300 ft/lbs. An exclusive easy-change muffler design allows for effortless servicing and sound level adjustment. A one-hand forward/reverse push-button design, reinforced clutch mechanism, rear housing power adjustment and a tip valve variable speed throttle provide techs with power and speed. Textured housing provides an ergonomic grip, which promotes comfort and durability when using the tool, resulting in less user fatigue and more comfortable operation for the long haul.
The review
Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, IN, said that the Matco 1/2" Impact Wrench, No. MT2769, was quite respectable in terms of torque, coming in at 1,300 ft/lbs of breakaway and between 50 and 850 ft/lbs of working torque. He also appreciated the ease of use and ability to switch from forward to reverse using the feather trigger.
"The feather trigger is a 'true' feather trigger, unlike some other guns I have used," says Fort. "The ability to switch from forward to reverse, with the same hand you’re holding the impact with is handy."
This impact’s forward torque and lighter 4.6-lb weight proved to Fort that it is an extremely versatile tool. With a forward working torque of 50 ft/lbs, "This impact has a lower forward torque than most," he says. "With such a wide working torque range in a 1/2-inch gun, I can see it being used in place of a 3/8-inch on several different common jobs."
Due to the impact’s versatility, Fort found that he was able to use it on a range of tasks, from simple tire and brake service, to much more demanding tasks such as suspension repair, and engine and transmission jobs.
Even though it was versatile, one feature that Fort would like to see added, not only to this particular impact, but to all impacts of this style, is a longer handle for technicians with "XXL hands," he says. "The directional switches on the rear would rub and pinch my hand. This was not a problem for the other guys in our shop, though, just me."
The MT2769 came with its picture and features cleanly displayed in a standard-looking box. The included manual had a full parts-breakdown. The only question he had regarding the tool was about the statement, "Increased durability with reinforced clutch mechanism." As he didn’t see anything listed as a ‘clutch’ in the parts-breakdown, he wasn’t sure where that applied.
This was the first Matco impact gun that he has used in several years, and Fort was able to compare it to other impacts in his shop.
"There is only one other (impact) that can go toe-to-toe with it. That one impact does not have a one-handed directional switch like the Matco (tool)," says Fort. He also advised the MT2769 worked faster than most impacts in his shop.
Overall, due to the tool’s low weight, high power and versatility, Fort rates the MT2769 at a perfect 10.
