Impact Wrench Question

[ChadBice]

I probably know the answer (you get what you pay for) but what should I be looking for in an impact wrench. When I bought my compressor, it came with an air tool set, which included an impact wrench. So, tonight, I thought I would start to remove the rear end from my truck. With my compressor set at 90 pounds, this crappy impact won't even remove the lugs from my wheels. It looks like I need a better wrench...any suggestions?

[Stock72c10]

Let me guess, you got it at Sears.

[ChadBice]

Correct. Is that bad?

[thirdstreettito]

Get a Snap-On. The best of the best.

[leddzepp]

Don't buy one at Harbor Freight either....they suck

[thirdstreettito]

Originally Posted by ChadBice

Correct. Is that bad?

Yes. Sears in my opinion is for everything but tools. They are a "homeowner" store. Most homeowners dont need an impact gun, so they figure "who cares, screw em, lets make crap."

[truckdude239]

i use a blue point at work with about 175 psi behind it and it breaks just about any bolt loose i need it too

heres the one i use http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

[cdowns]

i've never owned or used an impact wrench ,never had a problem takin wheels off either

[El Jay]

Ingersoll-Rand, from Northern Tool.

[Blue_71]

hands down without a doubt, ingersol rand titanium... 1000 ft lbs of nut-busting torque, and they even make a quiet (under 85 decibal) version. mac and matco both have impact guns which are actually ingersols with different covers.

and if your curious, ive had 2 craftsmans, 1 mac, 1 cambell hausfield, and 1 blue point.... i wouldnt trade my matco/ingersol for all of them together

[krue]

The IR is what we use at work on 1" bolts.

[Phuloi68]

Most of the better brands have different models that have different torque values. Some have good torque for tightening but not so good for taking off.
Having worked in a heavy industrial environment we used many impacts.
To give an example, we had to take covers off of a long screw conveyor. I was on one side with a new Chicago Pneumatic and my partner was on the other side with a new IR. We were both hooked up to the same airline.
I was knocking them off quickly and his was not busting any loose. Right away, he was *****ing about the IR being junk.
It turned out my impact was more of a heavy duty 1/2 " and his was more for light duty home use.
With that in mind, we called our different tool suppliers to come in, bring examples and info on the different models. IR and CP had 4 models each, and I don't remember about the other brands. We had about 20 different 1/2 impacts. We went out to another chain conveyor, rusted and corroded, used the same air line. The best one by far, was one of the Snap-on models.
Mind you, this was about 15 yrs ago so I don't know whats there today.

[subalternnavert]

I'm using an IR 231 classic at work right now and have never had a problem. Sure, it's heavy, loud, and vents out the front, but it gets daily use and has never stuttered.

One question, Chad: What size air line are you using?

[70GMCer]

I've used the Chicago Pneumatic thru Harbor Freight for a few years now. Never a problem breaking any nuts/bolts loose. I keep my psi as high as I can, around 175

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by subalternnavert

I'm using an IR 231 classic at work right now and have never had a problem. Sure, it's heavy, loud, and vents out the front, but it gets daily use and has never stuttered.

One question, Chad: What size air line are you using?

I've owned quite a few brands years ago, But been using the same gun ^^^^ daily for over 20 yrs. now. IMO, You can't beat a Ingersoll hooked to a 3/8" air hose with the pressure set at 120/130 lbs....

[ChadBice]

I have a 3/8" air line. The most air I can get out of the hose is 90 pounds.

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Did you turn up the torque on the one you have? and oil it?

[Stock72c10]

The reason I knew was because I bought (probably) the same air compressor with the "free" air tool set (a $99 value). The impact wrench is awful and most of the time will hit about two or three times and then just set there and leak air until I "tap" it on the concrete floor, then it is good for about two or three more hits. I have oiled it and hooked it up with only the OEM hose it came with (thought maybe my 50 ft. extension was the problem), no dice. It does say to run it at 90psi in the book, I tried higher with no better results. I plan on taking it back to see if they will replace it (isn't it their policy to replace any tools?). I bought the compressor to blow out my lawn irrigation system and figured the "free" tools were an added bonus, but unfortunately they are not hassle "free." Thank god for the old X wrench

[Yukon Jack]

Originally Posted by Stock72c10

I bought the compressor to blow out my lawn irrigation system

Doubt this will be problem for you, but keep in mind that a high pressure compressor can damage a lawn system. Services that you pay to blow out lawn irrigation systems use a low pressure, high volume system to prevent damage to the lawn system.

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by Stock72c10

. I plan on taking it back to see if they will replace it (isn't it their policy to replace any tools?). :

The policy is for hand tools -- power tools have a different warranty and is dependent on the tool


I had a problem with $29 impact wrench from tractor supply. It finally quit working (after 3 or 4 uses) so i took it back and exchanged it for another identical one. The new one works great.

quality control sucks with the cheap wrenches i guess. Some work and some don't

[Stock72c10]

I bought it for the large volume (it is a 33 cu. ft. compressor) and I set the line pressure at 80psi when blowing out the system. Have blown it out about 5-6 times plus the neighbors with no ill effects yet. The compressor is fine, it's just the "free" air tools that are pathetic. I guess you get what you pay for

As it is an "oil-free" compressor I am more worried about losing my hearing then blowing anything up

[Thealien]

Another 20+ year IR fan!!

[BarryB]

I have a 3/8 drive from Mac/IR. That little thing is strong, I don't turn it up when tightening because it will ring the head of the bolt off.

[ERASER5]

I have had my old crappy Chicago Pneumatic for about 20 years now. I got it free because it had broken. I put a 6 dollar rebuild kit in it and had a working gun. And work it did. A lot. A few months ago it started to loose performance. The back plate bolts had come loose. I hosed off the guts, greased, and re-assembled. Good to go.

If I do replace the old gun, it will be with a IR.

[68C15]

Originally Posted by Thealien

Another 20+ year IR fan!!

and another.
I have a 2112 (composite 3/8) a 2131 (composite 1/2) and a 231 (old style 1/2). we run 175 psi and 3/8 hoses. my 2112 will do what the boss's Snap-On 1/2 will not. I have to rebuild it about every 2 or 3 years but I have had it for over 10 now and it has never let me down. keep in mind I use it every day so your needs may be different. IIRC you can get one just like mine at Sears for around $200.
about the pressure, many of the cheaper compressors can not handle anything over 90 psi. it may burn out the motor or smoke the belt(s). if cash flow prevents you from upgrading to a better compressor you may try going to 1/2" hose with at least 3/4" piping between pump and hose.