[Rio_Grande]

Recomend to me a good Air impact that will have at least 400fp torque. I have been getting into allot that my 250 fp will not budge. Here is the kicker,,, I don't want to spend a fortune on it... I have seen IR guns that look great, but 250 ain't even close to practicle for me.

Anyone ever use Chicago Pnmumatic? Are they worh much for the hobbiest like me?

I found this one

web page

 

[jdoggmoney]

Might actually try Sears. They have started hadling IR and the rpice is better, not top of the line, but as long as it's IR, it'll kick but. I've known guys that sear by their CP stuff. Used one that was very strong, but used another just like it that was wimpy. Might also check Lowes, Menards, Home Depot. Last time I was at a Lowes, I bought a Porter Cable air hammer on clearance. They guy told me they were replaing all their stuff with IR.

 

[1830]

I would buy an Ingersoll-Rand. I know techs who still use their IR to this day, and it was there very first impact. Just my 2c.

 

[Olin18]

I am probably in the same boat that you are. I am by no means a pro, but just a do it yourself home guy. This winter I finally outfitted myself with an air compressor, and I got a Craftsman Impact wrench. It is advertised at 600 ft lbs max in reverse.
I am very happy with it. I like the fact that it is smaller than a lot I looked at. I was temped to get a nice IR gun, but like you spendind that kind of money just didn't seem right. I also really like dealing with Sears, and that is where I got it. The people at my local sears are very helpful and friendly, and they actually know what they are talking about.

 

[1816]

Through all the years of being a wrench I tried or owned bunches of impacts. I never wanted to spend the money for a IR but was always replacing the cheap ones once or twice a year so I finally bit the bullet and bought a IR and that was about 10 years ago and she still runs strong. My 1/2" has more power then some 3/4" guns I've tried and gets stuff apart they won't. I call her Inga and if Inga comes out something is going to give!

I still bought cheapies for lug nuts because of the power. Inga will strip a lug nut or snap a stud in seconds, I had more then one person use her for lugs anyway even after a warning. I always just said "Told ya so"

So my 2 cents is buy the IR you 'll have it the rest of your life and you won't regret it.

 

[Grapehead]

you really get what you pay for. IR is what most everyone i know uses. i like em and have always used em. snap on ones are a little tougher, but more $$.

where'd you get the 250fp for IR? i swear they are more than that.

theres always the wal mart campbell hausfeld ones for like 50 bucks, or norhtern has some with decent numbers but i dont know about their reliability.

 

[fratt77CJ7]

Can't give any input on the IR's that wasn't already said but I'd say skip the Cambell Hausfield. I have the one that came in one of the 100+ piece kits and it is not of much use. It works but has no uumph and won't break anything really stuck loose, even lug nuts have to be loosened by hand first. Usually I have to go to the trusty old breaker bar. My next purshase will be a better impact gun.

 

[027]

Well I made my living with air tools from 71 to 82 and still have the same air tools now. I will always use Chicago Pneumatic, The Snap-On and Mac brands are made by Chicago Pneumatic also. You will pay a little more but you will like what you get.

The Central Pneumatic you have a link to is not near the gun the Chicago is.
Keep it oiled well.

 

[Tippy]

I have an IR 930 and I am pleased. I got a deal at Lowes where I got the impact, rachet, hard molded case and a small set of sockets. I think it was under $200.

 

[Gnarly4X]

Hey Rio,
It sounds like you're looking for cheap torque, Harbor Freight should have a cheap 3/4" drive unit that will do what you want and won't toast your credit card.
Gnarls.

 

[Rio_Grande]

Grapehead: I got that price at a local parts shop i deal with...

 

[027]

In reply to:

cheap 3/4" drive unit that will do what you want and won't toast your credit card.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just a reminder,,,, The impact will only be as good as the compressor allows. You will need a good delivery system.

 

[Grapehead]

oh, thats the price. sorry, i was thinking you were stating that as the torque spec. it seemed way low.

a buddy at work just got a new cornwell impact yesterday. it was 220 with the boot, and rated 600 fp at 90 psi pretty quiet too.

 

[010]

IR 231 $159.

cannot break it. it also what all the tire guys use

 

[Dirt Dog]

I think of all the ones I use the IR (don't know the # but the more expensive one) is the best bang for the buck. But the good Snap on and Mac ones do have more power than the IR's we have. I have a pretty good collection at work to play with. (around 30 total) And stay away from all the cambell hausfield, craftsman, and import crap..........because it's just that. Not worth the money, even for the homeowner. You bought an impact to break things loose. So get one that does just that.

Also on a side note....IR makes an AWESOME 3/8" impact. It will do more than most cheap 1/2 guns. I love it.

 

[Olin18]

This is a very good post full of a lot of good information, along with product comparison, and personal experence. I wish this post would have come along a few months ago when I was looking at wrenches. It probably would have convinced me to go with an IR, or Snap on. I like the Idea of getting the right tool first.
Anyway I really enjoy posts that involve the better understanding of tools and what makes one better than another.

 

[2043]

I have used the IR-231 for years profesionally for years. The thing to remember is you need lots of air volume to run a impact properly. Also 140 to 180 psi. air presure helps. Also use a min. of 3/8 id. air line.

 

[Rio_Grande]

Well I borrowed a IR 1/2 " Titanium,,, And well I am gonna order one at the end of the month if nothing comes up. My shop air compressor took a dump, and I had to run it off of jeep air. At 140 psi it did in 3 seconds what none other had done in over a week.. I just gotta have one... Thanks for all the replys and info

 

[lindy80cj7]

Wall Mart has a IR 450ft/lb impact for 79.00. I've got one and it's not bad.

 

[517]

Husky from Home Depot is 500 ft lbs and reasonably priced. I really like mine. Blows away the $40.00 cheapies.