The ACDelco Power Tools “Your Complete Tool Kit”, No. ARI20170-3A, is designed to be the only bag technicians need to complete the toughest jobs, the company says. The kit includes: a 20V Li-ion 1/2” Impact Wrench (No. ARI20170T) that delivers up to 945 ft-lbs of max reverse torque and a nut-busting torque of 1,260 ft-lbs; a Brushless 3/8” Impact Wrench (No. ARI20138A1-3T) that offers three different torque settings for max control; one 3/8” Angle Digital Torque Wrench (No. ARM315-3A) that offers 5 to 99.5 ft-lbs of torque; two 20V Li-ion batteries; a charger; and a large ACDelco embroidered canvas bag for storage.
The review
When working in the shop, having powerful, reliable cordless tools makes working on vehicles easier and more efficient. Reviewer Phil Fournier of Phil’s Auto Clinic in Hemet, California appreciated that the ACDelco tools were powerful and offered a long battery life.
“The 20V battery has an incredible life,” Fournier says. “After using it intermittently for more than two weeks, the batteries on both the 3/8” and 1/2” show no signs of losing power.”
Fournier used the impact wrenches for the removal, disassembly and replacement of a Toyota Prius hybrid battery pack.
“I’ve done so many of them that I know every socket size, so I can climb in the car with the 3/8”, a 14mm, 12mm and 8mm socket, and have the battery ready to lift out in 15 minutes or so,” Fournier says. “This is exactly the scenario where these tools shine, reducing technician fatigue and getting the job done fast.”
Fournier used the torque wrench when removing 2003 Kia Sorento V6 head gaskets.
“The head bolts are 26 ft-lbs plus 92 degrees, and the torque wrench is wonderful for this kind of specification. [Although] judicious use of impacts for assembly is possible, without an adjustable torque, you have to be careful not to overtighten the bolts.”
The tools arrived in a convenient carrying case along with a battery charging unit accessory, Fournier says. There was also a manual included, and while the impacts were self-explanatory, Fournier referred to the manual when using the torque wrench.
Fournier’s favorite feature of the torque wrench was the display that shows how much torque is being used continuously. He says he appreciates the fact that the tool warns users as they move up on the required torque reading with flashing lights and vibration. Standout features of the impacts included the power disassembly, and the lighter weight.
“I used (and still use) the old ACDelco adjustable torque wrench,” Fournier says. “I like the old one, as I can set the torque and tighten lug nuts without using a torque stick. However, these newer ones are so much nicer and more powerful that I can’t really complaint that they no longer have adjustable torque for tightening.” *Editor’s note: ACDelco clarifies that the torque wrench is fully adjustable, but the 1/2” impact included in the kit only offers forward and reverse adjustment.
The new impacts, Fournier says, offered a huge improvement over the older ACDelco impacts he’d used previously.
“The old ACDelco battery impact would not remove lug nuts,” he says. “This one will and then some. It’s far more powerful, and lighter weight as well.”
Fournier found that the direction reversal switch was mounted a little too close to the hand grip for his liking, and would like to see that distance increased a little.
“While it makes it easy to switch directions, it also is easy to switch it by accident.”
Overall, Fournier found all the ACDelco tools easy to use.
“The weight and balance of the [3/8” and 1/2” impacts] is lovely, and the super long battery life is an extra advantage,” he says.
