Air Impacts

Being a little new here I wasn't sure where I should post this but here it goes. I'm looking to buy a decent quality air impact gun. I'm a weekend wrencher so it won't see daily use. I'm only getting it for a few tough jobs like axle nut removal and crank bolt removal. I'd like to keep it under $200 but then again I haven't started price shopping yet.

I'l be using it with a little electric compressor with small tank if that matters. Thanks.

 

$169 AIRCAT Pneumatic Tools 1150 1/2" Composite Impact Wrench : Compact & Low Weight Power Tool : Impact Tool for Automotive Repairs & Maintenance

http://www.amazon.com/AIRCAT-1150-K..._sbs_hi_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=07YQ5R7ZTE2KPSADM1SV

 

Ingersoll-Rand's 231C impact driver makes a nice home garage piece, easy on the pocketbook too. I've had one for years with never a problem, plenty power for lug nuts, rusted bumper bolts, etc...but that Aircat does look pretty impressive!

$130 Ingersoll Rand 231C 1/2” Drive Air Impact Wrench – Lightweight, Max 600 ft-lbs Torque Output, Adjustable Power, Twin Hammer, Silver, 3.4 x 8.2 x 8.8"es

http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-231C-2-Inch-Super-Duty-Impact/dp/B0002SRM3I

 

I have had the Kobalt 50-Piece Air Tool Kit for about a year and it has been a great buy to get started with air tools and you can't beat the $99 price tag.

 

Thanks guys. The kobalt is attractive with the kit it comes with. Not having to buy sockets but that's an awful low price it seems. Anyone else?

 

I still had to buy two set of sockets and a few chisels since it comes with very few options as far as accessories. $100 dollars worth of extras and you you are set for about anything. If you are looking for a light home use I recommend this set. I'm pretty sure it came with a decent warranty as well.

 

I've got Kobalt and Harbor Freight air tools. They are all a couple of years old and still work fine for this weekend warrior. My Kobalt is like the Aircat in that it only has one reverse torque. 95% of the time that is just fine, but every once in a while I'd like to take something off gently. (like trying to remove the oil fill plug that the last jerk put on with an air gun ) If I were buying again I'd look for that feature.

 

I went through three harbour freight impact guns in less than 2 years (actually princess auto here in kanyada but same tools) when I used to work on vw's a lot. I then bough an ingersoll rand gun with a composite body and it's held up for the better part of 4 years now.
It also uses WAY less air for the torque it makes in comparison to the cheaply hf ones.
Which is something important to consider when u are running it off a small compressor (I have an 8 gal for instance)

For what it's worth my gun is basically this one:

$186 Ingersoll Rand 2130 1/2" Drive Air Impact Wrench, 550 ft-lbs Max Torque Output, 7000 RPM, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Use for Changing Tires, Auto Repair, Black

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002UNR6W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1397577094&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40
But to be honest the model or brand doesn't much matter. Just try to get a quality one first. I would skip the hf tools or the kobalt.

 

I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm using a little 1.5 gallon electric (don't laugh). Basic all just using it to zip off a single, stuck bolt or nut. I still like my long handled breaker for things that don't spin when you try and turn a nut or bolt.

 

Ya that's a puny little guy! U should be able to get 1-2
good pulls out of it if it can charge up
To 125 or 150 psi and output at 90 psi. My 8 gal does one wheel before the compressor kicks on. (6 lugs nuts)

 

So now I'm wondering if the kobalt has the power. What's a good ft/lb rating for removing a crank pulley bolt on the 3.4 since truth be told, that and the axle nut are my main reasons for buying.

 

Don't waste money on the Kobalt. I love my IR guns but the aircat is a good gun too, and pretty cheap. FWIW I have 2135 TI max, 2115 TI max, and an older 231, oh and another older IR. You can get good deals on the IRs, it's worth it to me but the AirCat would serve you just fine too.

Go with HF impact sockets. Also, crank your air compressor regulator to max PSI, not 90, I run mine at 145.

 

There's always the used market too. MG725 snap-on is one to look into used.

 

I've got the IR-2135. Picked it up off ebay for $100 and its impressive. The only issue I had was when my regulator crapped out. It likes air

 

Are used air impacts a good idea? I'm not sure what's in there to wear out.

 

Depends if they oiled them or not. If it's a good brand like IR or snap on, my guess is they took care of them.

 

Vanes and bearings.

Good impacts are pretty robust. Rebuild kits are 30$ if need be. If I bought a used one I'd just run a bunch of air tool oil through it and give her hell.

 

I'd go for the Aircat. One of my coworkers bought one several years ago when he was still in the Army and couldn't afford a name-brand 1/2" drive gun. He's still using it because it's as powerful and durable as the expensive brands. I have seen it take worn down rusted cutting-edge bolts off a loader bucket as fast as a pricey Snap-On or Ingersoll-Rand Titanium.

 

I'm going to stop by HF on my way home and have a look. I read about a HF impact called the hurricane or tornado? Not sure but a couple people suggested the HF guns. Thanks everyone!