Air Impact Wrenches

[OilPatch197]

I got a 5.7 cfm @90 psi air compressor in the shop, had a incredibly cheap impact wrench (Ingersoll Rand)(from wal-mart, cost less than 50 bucks) that isn't very strong, and is over 8 years old, almost useless.

I need a new impact used mostly to tear apart suspensions/axle nuts and lug nuts.

What torque rating am I looking at?

What are some good models?

Since I got a air compressor, I should be looking at an Air impact, or is an electric impact any good?

I got a ATV right now with frozen axle nuts that must come off, I tried the breaker bar with extension, and I can't keep the ATV still/axle from turning, even with soaking with penetrating oil. I would like to give a impact wrench a shot, and it can help me in other areas, especially with crazy tight frame/suspension bolts!

 

[Capt Jay]

I'd start at 450 ft/lb minimum. I have a Ingersol Rand and it's worked flawlessly for over a decade. They won't give you any problem if you take care of them and oil them regularly. I also have a 650 ft/lb (non Ingersol) and you have to be careful. It brakes bolts and strips threads. The problem is money. It all depends on what you want to spend.

 

[OilPatch197]

Any models in particular?

I'd start at 450 ft/lb minimum.

I am finding it hard to find a 450 ft/lb wrench, most are over 500 toward 600 ft lbs(Ingersoll-Rand thunder gun), and the lesser ones are near 425(like the Chicago Pneumatic CP734)

The difference is nearly a $100 bucks, is the thunder gun a quality product? Does Sears offer any good air wrenches to consider?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I got a Stanley from Wal-Mart a couple years back, I want to say it's a 550 ft/lb. I also got a 10 gal compressor from Harbor Freight and was not impressed with the performance. I started to think the impact was junk and I just needed a better one. Then I got to run my impact off a big shop compressor. Now I realize that it's my compressor that's junk, lol. But that's ok, my compressor works fine for nailguns an such and I've wanted a bigger compressor to use when I work on my trucks an stuff anyway.

I've heard that the Harbor Freight Earthquake guns are decent, but never used one yet.

 

[Ranger#1]

s&k pro gun 700 ft/lb about 250$ and worth it if not your cup of tea look into snapon or mac or ingersoll rand well worth it when u just wanna rip shit apart =]

 

[TheTopher]

I run a 17 gal compressor and I've got an Ingersoll Rand 2132G. Rated at 650lbs. I've had it two years and I've never gone up against a bolt it couldn't rip out (I'm sure I will someday though)


http://www.lowes.com/pd_226943-2830...151&Ntk=i_products&ddkey=http:CategoryDisplay


I got it off ebay brand new shipped for $105



I had a $40 Kobalt wrench rated at 350lbs that wasn't worth anything but taking off lug nuts...even then it wasn't that good, and it could never seat a lug stud all the way. I'd have to finish it off with a 4-way.


My IR wrench is much more powerful. It feels like a feather compared to the Kobalt one and it's also MUUUCH quieter which is good for the neighbors. I could not be happier with it.

 

[AllanD]

The Benchmark impact gun to which ALL others are compared is the
Ingersoll-Rand IR-231.

I own three of them.

If I had to buy new I'd probably go with the composite bodied IR-2131.

More expensive, but less fatiguing to use (it's lighter)

It's also a bit more powerful

AD

 

[OilPatch197]

That looks great TheTopher, I like it.

BTW are Lowes products decent? I mean does lowes do like Home depot does? (have Ridgid branded tools built to cheap inferior specs vs. the tool store products for example)

 

[trail B2]

The gun Allen D is talking about is awesome about $350 when I priced one.My latest 4wheel magazine had a coupon for a earthquake for $59 at Harbor mine works good and has good power but its not light and its ugly.

 

[LearjetMinako]

I have used an IR 231-H impact gun as a mechanic to remove lug nuts all day long. Used it every day for the past 3 years that I had it. Not a single problem with it. Just added oil in the air coupler before first use of the day. I got it at Steve's Wholesale store for $99 (mislabeled, orginal price is $129).

In order to get the full torque of an impact gun. You need to match the hose size and couplers. For the IR 231, 3/8" air line is needed. At home when I use it, I have a 1/4" air line. Lack of torque really shows between the two. Also an air compressor with a tank helps too. Unless you have a rotory comperssor.

 

[Bent Bolt]

By all means , get the best you can afford. DO NOT CHEAP out. Personally , I want my impact to either remove the bolt or break it off. A good impact is a very good time saver.

 

[TheTopher]

That looks great TheTopher, I like it.

BTW are Lowes products decent? I mean does lowes do like Home depot does? (have Ridgid branded tools built to cheap inferior specs vs. the tool store products for example)

Yes, Lowe's tools are fairly decent. Their inhouse brand is Kobalt, much like Home Depot has Husky.

Their crappy inhouse brand is Task Force. You can compare them to Sear's Companion brand tools.


Most Kobalt mechanic's tools, things like ratchets and sockets are made by the Danaher Corp who is the same company Craftsman outsources to. You get the same tool with a different name stamped on it for less money.


They are not as good as brands such as Snap-On or Mac, but they're certainly good enough for me.

 

[IR8NOTCH]

The Benchmark impact gun to which ALL others are compared is the
Ingersoll-Rand IR-231.

I own three of them.

If I had to buy new I'd probably go with the composite bodied IR-2131.

More expensive, but less fatiguing to use (it's lighter)

It's also a bit more powerful

AD

You cant go wrong with a IR-231. I bought one used about 14 years ago when I was a heavy equipment mechanic.I used it almost every day for 6 years and the only problem it ever gave me was the retaining clip on the anvil would wear out. I still use it in my shop.I also have a Snap-on IM 6100. Its also a nice impact gun if you run it off a 1/2 in line.I only have a 40 gallon compressor in my shop with a 3/8 line,and the IR-231 does just as good if not better then the Snap-on gun.
Chris

 

[Ozwynn]

I got a used MAC at garage sale for $25. it is a john force signature. Has 1 setting for reverse and 3 setting for tightening...... not sure of the torque, but it will even work with my crappy advanced auto 2 gal air compressor.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

IR 2131 Worth every penny!You will have it for years.