tips for selecting an impact wrench (1 Viewer)

[wussyPup]

I finally have a decent compressor and am now researching impact wrenches.

I don't need the best, just one that will work reliably for 20 years or so. What should I look for? What should I avoid?

First project for the impact wrench is to install skid plate - am hoping that an impact wrench will be gentler removing stuck bolts than a breaker bar.

Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" CP7748
Ingersoll Rand 1/2" 231HA
are both in-stock locally - thoughts?

Thanks, -Steve

 

[KLF]

You probably won't like this answer, but my choice would be None of the Above.

I have an IR 2131 gun, it works well, does the job on rare occasions that I use it. But, I'm sick of dragging around the damned hose, and the noise. When it does quit (or I'm finally fed up with it), I'm going this way:

I just gave away my 3/8" air ratchet wrench and a 3/8" impact gun to my brother, replaced with a Makita impact gun that I've had for years. I can't remember the last time I had them out of my tool box, they were just in the way.

It won't be long before air-driven impact guns go the way of film cameras.

 

[Tapage]

Cordless all the way ..

I'm Dewalt ... but either you choose, you will never go back .. I have a big 1/2 and small with interchangeable shanks can be used as a driver or impact from 1/4 to 1/2 for fast and small jobs ..

 

[climber8483]

I have a Nitro Cat 3/8" a really old CP 1/2" and an IR 1/2" I love the Nitro Cat. The CP is now only used when in dirty/muddy conditions. The other thing I really like about the Nitro Cat is how quiet it is.

B

 

[Rambrush]

Keep in mind Pawn Shops here have quite a selection of impacts, Air Ratchets etc.

 

[jynx]

You probably won't like this answer, but my choice would be None of the Above.

I have an IR 2131 gun, it works well, does the job on rare occasions that I use it. But, I'm sick of dragging around the damned hose, and the noise. When it does quit (or I'm finally fed up with it), I'm going this way:

I just gave away my 3/8" air ratchet wrench and a 3/8" impact gun to my brother, replaced with a Makita impact gun that I've had for years. I can't remember the last time I had them out of my tool box, they were just in the way.

It won't be long before air-driven impact guns go the way of film cameras.

^^ Agreed. I have the Makita pictured and I LOVE it!! I have several batteries and usually keep the freshest one on the Impact. If it won't break it loose then it needs a breaker bar and a 3 foot piece of pipe usually.

It is not for tight spaces, but it has done everything I asked of it. And for a guy who didn't have a good compressor, it has been a life saver.

Now to your original question, when I do get a shop and a proper compressor, I do intend to pick up a good air wrench. Probably something in the IR Titanium family, but for now I have stopped researching them and can't offer any real world advice, except to say don't buy the Sears Craftsman special... it isn't even heavy enough to be a good boat anchor.

 

[LostAfrican]

Can these battery operated ones take off the wheel nuts, and does the battery last long enough do the 20 of them on and off?

That would be really impressive for me, but I don't have a good feel for the power needed in impact mode?

Andy

 

[KLF]

Yes, and yes.

 

[FJ60Seth]

I've got the 19.2v IR impact gun. I think 20 lug nuts would just warm it up.

 

[tclark]

I just picked up the Dewalt 1/2" 18v impact the other day at TSC for $165, great deal. Only 300lb/ft but I have the corded version and it works for like 99% of everything I've done. Uses the same 18v batteries as the rest of the Dewalt stuff.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi all,

I vote for the IR231.

If you need to remove long struck bolts, soak 'em in a good penetrating oil (such as Aero-Kroil or PB Blaster) and/or hit 'em with heat (butane torch) before trying to make them come loose.

Regards,

Alan

I finally have a decent compressor and am now researching impact wrenches.

I don't need the best, just one that will work reliably for 20 years or so. What should I look for? What should I avoid?

First project for the impact wrench is to install skid plate - am hoping that an impact wrench will be gentler removing stuck bolts than a breaker bar.

Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" CP7748
Ingersoll Rand 1/2" 231HA
are both in-stock locally - thoughts?

Thanks, -Steve

 

[alia176]

I finally have a decent compressor and am now researching impact wrenches.

I don't need the best, just one that will work reliably for 20 years or so. What should I look for? What should I avoid?

First project for the impact wrench is to install skid plate - am hoping that an impact wrench will be gentler removing stuck bolts than a breaker bar.

Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" CP7748
Ingersoll Rand 1/2" 231HA
are both in-stock locally - thoughts?

Thanks, -Steve

Can't go wrong with either one. I have an old Mac and bunch of IR composite (1/2" and 3/8") rattlers and love them all. Truthfully, I usually reach for the lighter weight composite units vs the grandpa Mac heavy mofo unit.

They all came from Craigslist - good quality used tools that can be rebuilt. I prefer older, non Chinese made tools vs the newer, shiny units!

 

[motorcoach123]

Hey Steve

I have used the IR231 for about eighteen years now and its a great gun....having said that, I recently purchased a 2115QTiMAX and I love it....for a 3/8'' drive gun it has lots of grunt, and I really enjoy the reduced noise. If you need the 1/2'' gun, I would strongly recommend the 2135QTi-2MAX as it seems you want the extended anvil style.
If you do go to a cordless, I would only consider the new brushless motor models....more money, but if you really want longevity they are the way to go.....http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2763-22
Just my .02

Cheers,
Gord

 

[alia176]

Hey Steve

I have used the IR231 for about eighteen years now and its a great gun....having said that, I recently purchased a 2115QTiMAX and I love it....for a 3/8'' drive gun it has lots of grunt, and I really enjoy the reduced noise. If you need the 1/2'' gun, I would strongly recommend the 2135QTi-2MAX as it seems you want the extended anvil style.
If you do go to a cordless, I would only consider the new brushless motor models....more money, but if you really want longevity they are the way to go.....http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2763-22
Just my .02

Cheers,
Gord

I have a similar version from Milwaukee in the 3/8" size and I can't tell how often I reach for that thing! It came with the cordless drill combo set so it's not a fancy impact like the 1/2" unit, but it's uber handy.

It goes w/o saying, use impact (soft) sockets with impact guns in order to protect the anvil.

 

[bsmart82]

Here is what I have: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WMR8H4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1383877951&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

My first one lasted about 7 years of daily use with minimal oiling. Any ingersol will be a good tool in my opinion.

 

[bmorefj40]

I have the nitro aircat 1/2" and it has never let me down. Would love to have a cordless, but got this for $165 when the cordless versions were double that. It's light and has tons of power(as long as you got the air to put behind it.) if you don't have enough continuous cfm, doesn't matter how good the gun is. That said, if/when it dies, going cordless- I might have been neglectful of the oiling the last few years...

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[snobdds]

Yea, once I got some M12 airless ratches...I will never go back. It is a pleasure working on things with these little guys...

 

[gregnash]

Ok how about for those of us that are looking for a battery operated one that does not break the bank? I have an old B&D 24v screw driver from years past that is still going today but I want an impact for those special jobs where I dont want to risk stripping a screw.

 

[gregnash]

Been looking around lately and trying to determine between an impact DRIVER and an impact WRENCH... Looks like the driver will give me more versatility because this will not replace my 24v B&D screwdriver but will be used in conjunction with it and probably see more grunt work (like building veggie gardens next spring, removing lug nuts, removing stubborn bolts, etc.).

My dad was always a B&D guy but from what I have been reading their tools have really gone south in the last decade or so. This is why I am looking at something like the Makita BTP140 (on the very high end) or something more budget friendly like the LXDT04CW. These will be my first "real" tools that I will be buying and would rather spend a bit extra money to get something that will last me vs a POS. The B7D 24v was bought when my wife and I bought our first house and was only bought because it was on sale on Black Friday for super cheap.

Budget is around $250.

 

[tclark]

I'm a pretty big Dewalt fan(not always the best but everything I've had from them has been pretty decent for the price), but any of the better brands should work fine for you(Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, etc)