Pneumatic Impacts

exalted512

I'm looking for a GOOD 1/2" impact. Suggestions? Budget is $300 or less.

Looking at this one:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/air-compressors-air-tools-accessories/air-tools/air-impact-wrenches/ingersoll-rand-1-2-in-composite-impact-wrench-3400110

Thanks!
-Cody

Joe08867

If you are a casual user this one is really good. And it's only 100.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-impact-wrench-2623.html

exalted512

I'm a fan of Harbor Freight, but not for this.
-Cody

Outfitter03

I've had really good success with Ingersol Rand at work. Price is largely dependent on the max working torque you are looking for. Short of real heavy duty stuff this one is pretty nice.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/INGERSOLLRAND-Pneumatic-Impact-Wrench-4YD62?Pid=search

gdb

The Chicago Pneumatic brand used to be be the one to get over all others, except Snapon & Blue Point, which are stupid expensive. I always liked the cp's arrangement for switching between forward & reverse. The model below is the one I use and it's within your $$ range.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRM5G/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002SW3S1G&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WG4MRCS1EW30AWS9AGA

gdb

Ingersoll Rand is better at making compressors, IMO

sucks2beme

gdb wrote: »

Ingersoll Rand is better at making compressors, IMO

IR is the way to go. They make a nice 600ftlb unit
that auto mechanics like. There's one out in my garage
until son #1 gets his house! I've got some of my own, but his is
nicer. There's a couple of variations, but here's one at sears.

http://ww.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915101000P?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15

Jstas

Outfitter03 wrote: »

I've had really good success with Ingersol Rand at work. Price is largely dependent on the max working torque you are looking for. Short of real heavy duty stuff this one is pretty nice.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/INGERSOLLRAND-Pneumatic-Impact-Wrench-4YD62?Pid=search

That's pretty much the same one he listed. The one he listed just has a composite housing that makes it lighter.

Cody, I've used all kinds of impact guns. I've had expensive Ingersoll Rands blow up in my hand just putting a wheel on and cheaper stuff like the Central Pneumatic from Harbor Freight crack a bolt head right off without a problem. It's more in how you use it that the tools will be durable or not. Beat on it and abuse it and none of them will last. Take care of it and the majority of the ones out there, cheap or not, will service your needs for years to come.

That said, the benefit of a big brand name is warranty and support. Then again, Harbor Freight stands behind everything they sell as well. But for you, unless you're using it professionally (i.e.: every day, all day) that $200 gun is more than adequate to your needs. That's not a bad price for it either.

One thing I will say about it is that the extra weight that a metal body has over the composites can come in handy when using a high torque setting. The composites are nice and light but they can kick right out of your hand and flail about if they bite hard on something. The composite cases also flex under high torque loads and in the ones I used that caused internal problems with them that often require rebuilds and a new case. Unless it's considerably cheaper than the metal bodied one, I'd recommend going with the heavier gun.

Timothy Smith

I hate to be picky but:

Shouldn't this one be on the already existing and separate Polk/ Pneumatic Impact Wrench forum section instead?

exalted512

Your jokes...

...I don't get them.
-Cody

Timothy Smith

exalted512 wrote: »

Your jokes...

...I don't get them.
-Cody

I guess that's understandable since they likely aren't very funny.

To quote Spinal Tap:

David St. Hubbins: "It's such a fine line between stupid, and uh....clever."

Polkersince85

A few years back I bought a used SnapOn off ebay for around $80. Does great on the car and tractor lug nuts. I lucked out and got a good one.

Jstas

Polkersince85 wrote: »

A few years back I bought a used SnapOn off ebay for around $80. Does great on the car and tractor lug nuts. I lucked out and got a good one.

The Snap-On ones, unless they are BluePoint stuff, are rebuildable. If you get it used though, the warranty doesn't transfer. The rebuild costs, unless the anvil inside is trashed, are usually a 1/4 the cost of a new one. New Snap-On guns usually go for $300 as high as $2400 I've seen. That was a massive 2 inch drive gun that was used by dudes doing industrial pipe work. Biggest I even had was a 1.5 inch drive that we used for the wheels on the trucks.

20hz

I use a matco composite frame looking one .
I bought it 15 years ago it was hundred+ less than snap on and did 625# of torque .
I needed a strong one to pull rusted hitch bolts/balls apart it was a 1" shaft rusted on , I sprayed oil clampted the ball and it turned the shaft , it got hot and when the nut came off all the threads were smooth , other impacts there could not do it .

Sherardp

I bought all my impacts from Craftsman and had them shipped out here. I had one fail, sent it back to the USA and had a new one in 4 days all for free. I'd recommend them in an instant.

TNRabbit

Chicago Pneumatic & Ingersol Rand are two very good brand, quality products. You won't go wrong with them. If you plan to keep it a long time, that's what I'd go with.

ALso, consider a used CP or IR. You'll need to be picky to find a good used one that hasn't been abused. Individual users over ones that have been used by a shop...

Harbor Freight tools are very hit/miss. Northern Tool I find to be slightly better in overall quality, USUALLY. I paid $4.00 for a Northern Tool impact hammer & I've used the crap out of it. It can go out any time now & I'll have gotten 10 times my money out of it~

Joe08867

Before you guys jump all over Harbor Freight I will tell you that the one I linked too is good. I have used it for years without fail.

My Brother in-law who runs a VW auto repair shop swears by that one. We have tried others but they were not that good just this one is very good.

I have had a Chicago before and it was good but they sometimes over rate there torque specs.

I also have used SnapOn, Matco, BluePoint and Craftsman and all were quite good. The SnapOn being the best of the lot. Metal bodied for all except the Matco.

Metal is better IMHO for the same reasons John stated above.

sucks2beme

I have a cheap Snap-on from a pawn shop for $5 that had issues.
A quick tear down, clean, and oiling brought it back to life.
I also have a cheap(useless) one that barely has enough power to get work done.
The 600 ft-lb ones will get it done. That is the one I reach for 1st.
Ratings vary wildly. You really want 500-600 to have the power to
do what impacts do best.

exalted512

I think I've limited my choices to either:
IR 2135ti or the CP7749

Both seem like great guns....leaning towards the IR
-Cody

DaveHo

I use an IR 2131A. No complaints. Not made anymore, but I'm sure the current equivalent is awesome also.

-Dave