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Buying An Air Impact Wrench


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Hey, as you should already know, I am going to buy an air impact wrench and I'm not sure what to get. I have started shopping around, and as usual I start out cheap (ebay) and then drove to Sears to check it out.

 

I just wanted to know what the difference is in a higher RPM compared to a lower RPM model, and also how many ft/lbs of torque do I need? I probably wont use it on anything other then my shee, and maybe some random jobs like lawnmower repairs and whatnot.

 

I found a model on ebay that is really cheap, but only gives 250 ft./lbs of torque. Hell I know thats still a very good amount, but I dont want to spend the money on something and then have it not work for me when I REALLY need it to be strong.

 

I'm just open for suggestions. The one I looked at @ sears was like $125 and I think offered 400 ft./lbs and maybe 500 max. and then on ebay there is a 250 ft/lbs model that comes with the sockets B)

 

Sockets are expensive as crap too, so would you suggest I get the one on ebay for $50, or spend $150 and get the one at sears...?

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Who makes the one on ebay? Chicago pneumatics and Ingersoll Rand

are good if you are talking air impact. Craftsmen would be fine, air or electric. Obviously snap-on, mac or matco doesn't sell junk.

If you are buying electric, get the 400ftlb model if you want to be sure

to get the job done. If it is an air impact, a 1/2" drive 250ftlb impact

will get most jobs done. The electric ones don't hit as hard, I don't care

if they are rated the same.

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I have had very good luck with Ingersol Rand inpacts. I have the composite 1/2" and 3/8" guns. lots of power, light weight too. I would definitely recommend impact sockets.( I had the chromies explode- high velocity chunks flying everywhere :o )

I strongly agree! These impacts are great, their composite casing makes 'em light yet they are very durable and can crank out plenty of torque. Also many impacts allow you to adjust the torque setting depending on what job you're working on.

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I'm probably going with air, just because they seem cheaper (as far as I've seen) and I have a 14 HP air compressor B)

 

Cordless seems like it would be extremely nice to have, but I dont think I want to spend that kind of money.

 

Here is a link to the one on ebay.

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Ingersol Rand are definitely very nice. The nice thing about the higher quality air tools is they use less air to do an equal job. You can't go wrong.

 

One thing, if you are on a budget, they Campbell Hausfield from Tractor Supply really aren't that bad. They might not be IRs, but they will definitely get the job done, and much easier than old fashioned sweat. You can probably get a couple tools there for the price of one IR gun. I use a CH 3/8 impact and I like it very much. Only thing, like I said before, they're not as efficient as some high quality guns so they might use a little more air than the IRs.

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I have had very good luck with Ingersol Rand inpacts. I have the composite 1/2" and 3/8" guns. lots of power, light weight too. I would definitely recommend impact sockets.( I had the chromies explode- high velocity chunks flying everywhere :o )

All of us at the shop use them, there badass, and definitly BUY IMPACT SOCKETS, or if you don't at least were some type of eye protection. the first time you break a socket your eye's will be thankful!!!!!!!!!!

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QUOTE (zilladude @ Apr 17 2004, 01:21 AM)

I have had very good luck with Ingersol Rand inpacts. I have the composite 1/2" and 3/8" guns. lots of power, light weight too. I would definitely recommend impact sockets.( I had the chromies explode- high velocity chunks flying everywhere  ) 

 

The IR 2131 series are the composite ones. We use them here at the shop, one nice feature is that they vent exhaust out the bottom, not out the front. No brake dust in the face is always nice, plus the composite models are lighter than the steel models.

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i personally would go to sears just in case something were to happen to it. if you buy off ebay then something goes wrong, you might be screwed. i think i got mine at lowes. its a Campbell Hausfield and it works pretty good. plus i know that if it breaks lowes will take it back. i think i paid like 90 bucks for it.

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being an auto technician i have spent hundreds of dollars on these things just to find out that the IR you can buy at sears is buy far the best buy but if you want instant lug nut snapping power i recommend the mac nitro cat 1000 ft/lb of torque and ill tell you they dont lie. but just for an average user and not someone who has to live buy them the econmical way would be the IR from sears or where ever they are sold. at all costs stay away from chicago pnumatic, a guy at work bought a brand new gun from them and it cracked the case where the hammers are.

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