• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

thinking about buying some air tools....


85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,192
Reaction score
17,488
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
My 2cents... I use DeWalt impact guns and Hammer drills on almost everything. While I was cleaning up my frame with a wire cup, I desperately wished I had AIR ( got tired of swapping batteries out and waiting for them to charge). So I got a compressor for the jobs that may take longer, because I didn't want to burn up my batteries and/or drills. So glad I did. Back in '04, when I worked at the brake shop, all we used was pneumatic tools and I thought that the Electric stuff was weak, BUT all the companies have gotten better at having more torque and longer lasting batteries. So a combination of both air and battery powered and maybe even corded tools will stay in my toolbox.
I am still 110v for most everything.

Not that hard to drag it within extension cord range and then I can rattle/wheel/grind as long as I need to without ever needing to swap a battery
 


alwaysFlOoReD

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
13,868
Reaction score
5,026
Points
113
Location
Calgary, Canada
Vehicle Year
'91, '80, '06
Make / Model
Ford, GMC,Dodge
Engine Size
4.0,4.0,5.7
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I should clarify what I do. My main job is residential exterior renovations. Lots of corded and air tools, and a cordless impact is essential IMO. I'm a hobbiest mechanic and have no garage. Dragging out air lines is a drag (hardy-har-har). Having the cordless impact makes things so much quicker when there is access. I have a HD corded impact that does the heavy stuff and if that don't work I break out the 3/4" drive and snipe. If I was starting new I would probably get a small compressor, say about 3.5 to 5 cfm, to fill tires and do minor jobs. I would invest in a cordless tool set as money lets me. I got into Ryobi when they were the only one that sold the tool seperate from the battery charger. I would probably go with another make, but Ryobi has kept the same battery style since the beginning and that is a good thing for saving money. I see lots of used dewalt on the 2nd hand market because they went with a different battery a few years ago. Switching to a new battery system would be very expensive for me as I have around a dozen different types of cordless tools. I've been very impressed with the new dewalt tools tho, they have lots of torque. I could go on but I'm boring myself now.
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 24, 2018
Messages
8,421
Reaction score
4,658
Points
113
Location
Tallahassee Florida
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
I should clarify what I do. My main job is residential exterior renovations. Lots of corded and air tools, and a cordless impact is essential IMO. I'm a hobbiest mechanic and have no garage. Dragging out air lines is a drag (hardy-har-har). Having the cordless impact makes things so much quicker when there is access. I have a HD corded impact that does the heavy stuff and if that don't work I break out the 3/4" drive and snipe. If I was starting new I would probably get a small compressor, say about 3.5 to 5 cfm, to fill tires and do minor jobs. I would invest in a cordless tool set as money lets me. I got into Ryobi when they were the only one that sold the tool seperate from the battery charger. I would probably go with another make, but Ryobi has kept the same battery style since the beginning and that is a good thing for saving money. I see lots of used dewalt on the 2nd hand market because they went with a different battery a few years ago. Switching to a new battery system would be very expensive for me as I have around a dozen different types of cordless tools. I've been very impressed with the new dewalt tools tho, they have lots of torque. I could go on but I'm boring myself now.
FYI DeWalt has an adapter for about $95, that converts the old style ( slide into handle) into the new style ( clip onto bottom of handle )
NOT ME IN THE PIC!!!
32396
 

91stranger

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
1,806
Reaction score
512
Points
113
Location
Whats round on the sides and hi in the middle-OHIO
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Gets Mo Chicks
Engine Size
4.2 straight six powered by gremlins, goblins and mudbloods.
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I've got 18v dewalt cordless impact, hammer drill, cut off tool, circular saw and the batteries last long in the drills but not the cut off tool or circular saw. I use my dewalt impact for damn near everything I can. It's even a hand me down from my father in law when their company got new tools he gave me some of the old ones that still worked. That was 6-8 years ago lol and still use the same drills and batteries. Other than the earthquake 1/2" impact I don't know what other brand I would trust. Milwaukee is good but you pay for it, big time. I'd like to find a name brand with a good deal AND 2 batteries! I hate how everything is sold separate. Now the other question no one has mentioned is oil or oil-less compressors?? I have both and both have their ups and downs. My ol' faithful oil-less is a worker with good CFM BUT it is loud as hell! My oil-less is a lot quieter but doesn't make the CFM like the oil-less I have. Both about the same size tank and psi.
 

alwaysFlOoReD

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
13,868
Reaction score
5,026
Points
113
Location
Calgary, Canada
Vehicle Year
'91, '80, '06
Make / Model
Ford, GMC,Dodge
Engine Size
4.0,4.0,5.7
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Now the other question no one has mentioned is oil or oil-less compressors?? I have both and both have their ups and downs. My ol' faithful oil-less is a worker with good CFM BUT it is loud as hell! My oil-less is a lot quieter but doesn't make the CFM like the oil-less I have. Both about the same size tank and psi.
You need to edit; which is oiled and which is oil-less.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,473
Reaction score
4,409
Points
113
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
I'd recommend against buying cheap air tools unless you deal with disappointment better than I do. I bought a set of Rodac air tools from one of the jobber reps when I first started in 1972, 1/2" impact, 3/8"air ratchet, air drill, and an air chisel that were all junk. They cost $39 each( about 1/2 a weeks pay at the time) and were a waste of money. Within a year I bought a CP734 1/2" impact for $120 that I'm still using and a couple years later I bought my current Bluepoint air ratchet. I would buy a better quality version of whichever tool you want most, it'll last longer and be much more enjoyable to use, then add others as you can. By the way, a 300 ft/lb 1/2 impact is gutless and you won't be happy with it at all.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,702
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
I will echo the sentiment posted earlier that you will be disappointed with that air tool set, particularly the impact. I've had half a dozen cheap impacts that were OK for small fasteners but met their match with lug nuts and anything rusty.

Right now I have a 60 gallon Rolair compressor and a bunch of air tools of various brands including all of the tool truck brands and Harbor Freight. My three most used, by far, are the 1/2 and 3/8 HF Earthquake impacts (the red ones) and a HF right angle die grinder. I also use my Cornwell long barrel air chisel quite a bit.

I really, REALLY like the Earthquake tools, the exception being the Earthquake XT and composite ones suck ass. If it's red, it's good. I've personally put them up against Snap-on, IR, etc and have found them to have as much or more power and every bit as durable. They are a bit heavy and kind of have a hair trigger to get used to. I would call myself a semi-professional user... I do a lot of light repair type side jobs at home.

Nice thing about these too is they have the HF reputation so you can pick them up cheap at pawn shops and stuff... think I paid maybe 1/4 of new price for mine and they were like new.

Keep air line and fitting size in mind too - I started out with 3/8 air line and 1/4 fittings. I upgraded to 3/8 fittings which are quite a bit more expensive but I could really tell a difference.
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
12,260
Reaction score
7,267
Points
113
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
Im hoping this spring to get the polebarn cleaned out at the old house so i can actually have a clean, dry, warm shop to do things in.

Most the tools ive had are scattered all over hell out there. I spent 20 minutes looking for a damn 3/8 wrench this afternoon im sick of it.

I want to begin working/building my old 77 LTD II next year. My plan is to get a engine hoist, stand, some high quality pittsburgh tools (sarcasm) and some decent air tools.

Im getting sick of taking everything to my mechanic just cause i dont want the hassle of trying to find shit out there. I had them change the lower radiator hose yesterday....a new low.
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,522
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
I will echo the sentiment posted earlier that you will be disappointed with that air tool set, particularly the impact. I've had half a dozen cheap impacts that were OK for small fasteners but met their match with lug nuts and anything rusty.

Right now I have a 60 gallon Rolair compressor and a bunch of air tools of various brands including all of the tool truck brands and Harbor Freight. My three most used, by far, are the 1/2 and 3/8 HF Earthquake impacts (the red ones) and a HF right angle die grinder. I also use my Cornwell long barrel air chisel quite a bit.

I really, REALLY like the Earthquake tools, the exception being the Earthquake XT and composite ones suck ass. If it's red, it's good. I've personally put them up against Snap-on, IR, etc and have found them to have as much or more power and every bit as durable. They are a bit heavy and kind of have a hair trigger to get used to. I would call myself a semi-professional user... I do a lot of light repair type side jobs at home.

Nice thing about these too is they have the HF reputation so you can pick them up cheap at pawn shops and stuff... think I paid maybe 1/4 of new price for mine and they were like new.

Keep air line and fitting size in mind too - I started out with 3/8 air line and 1/4 fittings. I upgraded to 3/8 fittings which are quite a bit more expensive but I could really tell a difference.
We had a guy that bragged about his Earthquake impact gun until he was blue in the face. I had the machine shop make us an adapter 1/2" to 1/2". We hooked his Earthquake up to my Matco composite... I spun that Habor Freight POS backwards like he forgot to pull the trigger.
 

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,702
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
We had a guy that bragged about his Earthquake impact gun until he was blue in the face. I had the machine shop make us an adapter 1/2" to 1/2". We hooked his Earthquake up to my Matco composite... I spun that Habor Freight POS backwards like he forgot to pull the trigger.
I would never make the claim that they are the best tool out there because they're certainly not, they have certain quirks that are quite irritating. But, for the price, they are one of the best options out there IMO.
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,691
Reaction score
13,147
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
I wish I could buy another MAC Tools IR 231 impact. I whooped my original for about 30 years. I now have one of the composite IR's. It probably has a little more guts then the 231... but I would rather have a good 231.
 

85_Ranger4x4

Forum Staff Member
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
32,192
Reaction score
17,488
Points
113
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
For what I do would I would rather have an ok impact and a good torch set than a super duper impact.

My 350lb-ft powers out before it brakes solid decent sized hardware. When dealing with stuff that has been sitting out side and haven't been apart since it was assembled in the 40's I rather prefer that. Then I put heat to it, walk it back and forth with more lube and heat with the impact... and usually I can save the period heavy duty hardware.

Probably 75% of the time my impact will get it though. And it rattles apart most anything apart I point it at on my trucks too.
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,522
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
I wish I could buy another MAC Tools IR 231 impact. I whooped my original for about 30 years. I now have one of the composite IR's. It probably has a little more guts then the 231... but I would rather have a good 231.

I'll have to check... I may have a few 231s left that need to be rebuilt if you're interested. They were "cleaning up" a few years ago and we kept all the rebuildable air tools that were about to get thrown out.
 

Josh B

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
3,956
Reaction score
1,957
Points
113
Location
Oklahoma
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
When I started to pull the transmission in the 93 Ranger in 2006 I didn't have an impact or compressor, and soon as i put some real twist into the first exhaust manifold bolt felt it begin to twist. I knew then if it didn't get an impact that I'd quickly have a broken stud in the exhaust manifold, so went looking for one.
Wound up with a Craftsman single hammer 350ftlb impact and a Craftsman 125psi 3gal 1.5hp/oil type motor 3.5scfm portable compressor. It broke those exhaust bolts with no problem, and I was sure glad it hadn't left one broken off.

over the next 12 years it saw light to medium duty at best, almost entirely aimed at lug bolts some shop had hammered in with a 700-1100ft lb hammer, usually forcing me to use a heavy 4way and 5ft cheater along with some choice terms for the tire "tech" who'd done it. I learned to tighten my own lugs when they'd change a tire.

More recently I had to once again tackle the transmission, and danged if I hadn't used never-sieze(although I knew to) due to needing to wrap it up in preparing for a major move, and i had also likely hammered them in good as well. After 12 years hammering on stuck lugs the ol hammer didn't come close, altho it's still good for a lot of things, simply doesn't have the gusto it once had.
I got a new stronger hammer at wmart that also failed, swapped it up to their strongest 1/2in 550ft lb (about $80) which again failed to break them. Figured it needed more cfm so got a larger compressor(also at wmart, HD was too absent when I'd go there looking for help) 8gal 150psi 4.0cfm also 1.5hp oil-less motor. Still no go on the bolts.

Went to HD looking for another impact and found a 650ft lb (almost $90) and it still didn't back em out!
I was having to lift the truck into a transmission pulling state, and put it back together and on the ground each time I had to go retool!
Put a 1/2in ratchet on there with a 4ft cheater pipe and said I'm gonna back ya out, or break ya off! Put both hands and eventually added a foot to the equation. It broke, the entire chain of pipes, ratchets, and extensions exploded into pieces falling on the ground in front of me. I saw the bolt head beside the socket, started to look at it but hesitated picking it up because I'd been using a heat gun to get it warmed up much as possible, touched it to check but it was cold. Pulled it from under the tools that were on top and it was a whole bolt, not even the one from the exhaust.

Shined a light up there and the bolt was still in, put the string of extensions together and "broke" it again, this time it popped twice. That thing was popping sometimes a dozen pops each bite, but it finally got backed out intact.
I had wound up with 2 compressors(one oil and one oil-less) and 3, 1/2in impacts. I had only tried the wmart impact once but after swapping fittings onto the Husky had used it in a dozen other attempts, so kept it and returned the Wmart one(even tho I liked it better than the Husky due to much smoother operation). Wound up with a new Wmart B&S oil-less compressor and Husky 1/2in impact. I'll give the old Craftsman compressor and impact to a nearby nephew.

I truly don't believe the oil-less compressors are any real improvement, but are only a selling point to attempt concealing the manufacturers cheaper construction. Whenever they say "new and improved" look for cheaper construction and a higher price tag ;)

One major point about the newer ones, all had 3 forward settings but only one for reverse (which they wrote off to "you don't really need it anyway" but the Craftsman I got in 2006 had three both ways, low-med-hi.
 
Last edited:

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
My current "big" air impact is the HF 1 inch rated to 1500 ft/lbs. It's "ok." the Dewalt 20v 1/2" does most of the heavy lifting, and I rarely hit a bolt it won't touch.

I'd buy a snap on, Mac, Cornwell, etc. But um... my kidneys aren't worth a whole lot as trade bait.
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,691
Reaction score
13,147
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
I'll have to check... I may have a few 231s left that need to be rebuilt if you're interested. They were "cleaning up" a few years ago and we kept all the rebuildable air tools that were about to get thrown out.
If you have one that can be salvaged... I would be interested. I spent so many years working with one of those... even after owning my current IR for probably 8 or 9 years... I miss the feel of the 231. I even miss the sound they made.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top