Tool review: Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 Stubby 1/2" Impact Wrench

Chicago Pneumatic offers the CP7732 Stubby 1/2" Impact Wrench, an ultra-compact and powerful impact wrench designed for difficult work in confined spaces. At only 4.4" long (112 mm), this tool is ideal for transmission, engine and brake work and features an exceptional power-to-weight/size ratio. Offering 450 ft/lbs of torque, and weighing only 2.9 lbs, the CP7732 allows techs the ability to quickly change tool orientation for either right- or left-handed use. This user-friendly feature complements the single-handed trigger with three power settings in both forward and reverse. The Jumbo Hammer impact mechanism offers both exceptional power and durability at 9,000 rpm. The steel and aluminum construction of the CP7732 provides ultimate tool durability.

Eric Moore, co-owner of DeMary Trucks in Columbus, Ohio, and Lou Fort, lead tech at Huntingburg, Ind.-based K.A.R.S., Inc. recently tested the Chicago Pneumatic CP7732 1/2" Stubby Impact Wrench at their respective shops.

After employing the tool on a number of repairs where he would normally be forced to use a ratchet, Moore found that it provided substantial time savings due to its ability to fit into tight spaces.

“I quickly became a fan of the Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" Stubby Impact,” says Moore. “The weight and overall length of the tool were the features that really set this tool apart from the rest.”

Moore tested the tool by using it to replace sway bars on a 1997 Ford F150 pickup truck. The vehicle also got upper control arms and lower ball joints. While he found the Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" Stubby Impact Wrench to be “a bit under-powered for the ball joint press,” Moore says it made for it by being able to effectively loosen the top control arm eccentric bolts without the need for a ratchet or a long extension and swivel socket.

He also employed the Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" Stubby Impact Wrench to assist with multiple repairs on a 2003 Yamaha YZ250F motorcycle. Moore replaced the swingarm bearings and linkage bearings for its rear suspension, changed its tires and removed the engine “for freshening up.”

“I liked the extra punch instead of using the 3/8” butterfly impact I normally use,” he adds.

Fort put the Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" Stubby Impact to the test by using it to do some work on a 5.9L diesel engine and transmission in a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500. It also has been employed to service a variety of front-end components on Ford and Chevy trucks and helped when completing alignments.

“I found the CP7732 to provide a wide range of time savings all depending on what type work was being done,” says Fort. “The savings ranged from just a few minutes to well over an hour on just one job.”

Because he owns several different 1/2” impact tools, Moore says he has a few thoughts on how the tool could be improved. More than anything else, he notes that he is “not a big fan” of the torque selector wheel or the direction switch being located behind the trigger.

“Being behind the trigger made it very easy to nudge either of them and lose a few moments straightening out what you needed to have happen but didn’t,” he says.

Moore feels like he would have preferred a directional switch on the back of the tool, but he readily admits that he’s not sure there’s enough space there to make it work.

However, Moore emphasizes the Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" Stubby Impact Wrench’s length, weight and ability to work well in tight spaces make it the first impact he grabs on many occasions.

“This one is a home run in my ballpark,” he says. “For the versatility and less fatigue, I am giving it a 10.”

Though he says the CP7732 has “a rather loud voice,” Fort is willing to deal with a little extra noise because of the power the tool provides. Like Moore, he also gives it a rating of 10 out of 10.

“I have used different Chicago Pneumatic Impacts over the years,” says Fort. “Never have I used a 1/2” drive impact that was smaller and more powerful than most 3/8” impacts.”