I carry a Harbor freight impact gun in my trailer. Makes for quick tire changes along the freeway.

Everyone's input as been extremely helpful.

Part of what's frustrating is when I see all the positive reviews for a particular brand / model, but I can still find enough negative reviews (and often very consistent complaints in those bad reviews) about the same unit that makes me think they're all just one lug nut away from .

You'd -- well, I would -- think quality control in today's manufacturing would result in higher quality. However, when there's still these performance and durability issues showing up, I believe it goes back to the companies' decisions to use sub-par components to save here and there. It's not even "designed obsolescence", it's selling a product that is likely flawed from Day 1.

For what some of these tools cost, nobody should have to and hope it works properly & lasts long enough to earn its keep.

You can`t believe all the reviews. Many times someone with a axe to grind throws a bad one in here and there.

Get a 3/8 cordless = less torque but will still work on 90% of what you have. I use the heck out of my 1/4”