The Kobalt cordless 3/8″ impact wrench is a very different beast from their high-torque model we looked at last week. Living under the model number Kobalt KIW3824B-03, this one is much more compact and doesn’t carry as much power – nor should it.
The 3/8″ model comes in with 150 foot-pounds of torque. That converts to 1800 inch pounds if you want to compare it to the impact driver class. Clearly, it’s a light-duty tool in the realm of impact wrenches and there are a ton of applications where you’ll find it useful.
On the construction side of things, 150 foot-pounds will handle most of your large lag screws and bolt fastening duties. Landscapers and deck builders will find it much more convenient for driving long timber screws instead of adding a converter to an impact driver. On the automotive side, it has enough power to tackle a lot of engine work, though you’ll want more for lug nuts and such.
Anytime you’re considering a compact tool and trading off less power, it’s always for the convenience and comfort of lower weight. The Kobalt cordless 3/8″ impact wrench delivers that with an impact driver-esque bare weight of 2 pounds, 7 ounces. Add a 4.0 Ah battery and you’re up to just 4 pounds, 2 ounces.
Kobalt Cordless 3/8″ Impact Wrench Key Features
- Brushless motor: Extends life and runtime while allowing for more power.
- 3-speed motor: Dials in the power and speed you need for the applications
- Finish mode: Reduces the power as you get close to finishing the drive to avoid damage to the fastener and work surface.
- Variable speed trigger
- LED light
- Reversible belt clip
- 5-year tool warranty
- 3-year battery warranty
Price and Value
Kobalt also dials it up several notches in the value department with a $99 price point. You’ll need to add a battery and charger unless you’re already on the Kobalt 24V Max battery platform, but that’s not as painful as it may sound. The charger will run you about $40 and your battery choices are $10 (1.5 Ah), $20 (2.0 Ah), and $50 (4.0 Ah). Looking around at other brands, those are incredible prices.
One downside is that there isn’t a kit option, at least not yet. That’s because a 3/8″ impact wrench is more of a supplemental tool to fit between your impact driver and 1/2″ impact wrenches. It’s a dead useful tool to have, but not one that most Pros look at as a primary one.
Final Thoughts
As a lighter weight choice than your 1/2″ impact wrench and with a better-suited drive for working with bolts and long hex screws, the Kobalt cordless 3/8″ impact wrench is a compelling option to supplement your other 24V Max tools. You get the advantages of a square drive for sockets, near impact driver weight and size, multiple speeds, and a brushless motor for just $99. Backed by a 5-year warranty, that’s pretty hard to pass up.
The guys over at Shop Tool Reviews have this in their hands right now. Keep your eyes open for their full review soon!
Kobalt Cordless 3/8″ Impact Wrench Specifications
- Model: Kobalt KIW3824B-03
- Power Source: Kobalt 24V Max battery
- Max Torque: 150 ft.-lbs.
- No Load Speed: 0 – 2300 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 3500 IPM
- Weight: 2 lbs, 7 oz (bare), 4 lbs, 2 oz (with 4.0 Ah battery)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $99
