What's the best 1/2" impact gun for the money?
 

I'm new to pneumatic tools, having changed out 6 or 7 rear ends over the years, motor jobs, etc., all with hand tools, but finally got a decent compressor and am dissappointed in my Harbor Freight air gun (supposedly does 250 lb/ft) which is good for lug nuts but not much more.

W/out spending upwards of $200, whats a really good, powerful model? I'd like to hear from folks who are not going to just throw brand names at me, but actually OWN and USE a particular gun. Rachets, too. How about ones under $100?

Thanks guys.

I started with Harbor Freight guns. I then bought Ingersoll Rand. They do cost more than your top price. But I picked up used ones at a swap meet for around $60. Best thing I did as far as impacts. Try finding a used one. Swap meet, E-Bay or Craigslist.

I used to be a professional truck mechanic (Kenworth). That was ten years ago and I still regularly use the two Ingersoll Rand impacts that I bought then (a 3/8" and a 1/2" pistol style). I have NEVER rebuilt either of them and they still work flawlessly. :)

At the same time, I had bought a Blue Point (Snap-ons "cheap" tools) 3/8" air ratchet. It crapped out after about 5 years of pretty regular use.

I replaced it with a Craftsman air ratchet which lasted about another 5 years until I just threw it away a few months ago. I just bought a Lowes Kobalt air ratchet because that's the best that I could find locally at the time (I was in a rush). It had the highest rating (60ft-lbs) of the cheaper air ratchets. It's been working good so far but it's a little larger than my past air ratchets which makes it difficult to use in tight spaces.

If I ever buy another impact, it'll be an Ingersoll Rand. :)

I work in an automotive plant and we use Ingersoll's. I've been using mine daily for 5 years now, and haven't broken one yet.

for air ratchets i like the snapon units. mine's just split the anvil after 10 yrs of hard use.

cp make a wicked 1/2" proseries impact. the ingersols are good units also. like compressors,you get what you pay for in air tools.

mike

I used to use Chicago Pneumatic but the last one I bought was an Ingersoll Rand. The IR is head and shoulders above the CP. Probably the last impact I will ever buy.

I have 2 ingersoll's have been using both daily for over 25 years never rebuilt either of them the only part that ever wears out is the o-ring for the trigger. clean and oil daily with a shot of air tool grease in the fitting every now and then. As far as air rachets go i've been threw many over the years as said above in other posts you get what you pay for. The cheaper ones dont last very long and loose power quickly

I have an Ingersoll and a Craftsman pneumatic, but I find myself using my 18V DeWalt 95% of the time. Don't know that it does a true 300ft/lbs as claimed, but I've yet to find anything it can't handle.

Also a Truck Mechanic,have an IR 231,25yrs old,rebuild twice.Damn good Gun.

Ingersoll is the only way to go! Might cost a bit more but will last 3 times longer than any other.

Thanks guys, I'm looking at the IR thunder Gun 232TGSL for about $200, unless anybody knows of a better model for cheaper.

CP is Harbor Freight's brand?

Thunder gun was the cheapest when I bought mine a couple years ago. I don't know if that's a "step down" model for IR or they just like to put it on sale but I've been very happy with it. Reason I went with IR is I still own one of their 1/2" electric impact guns from 1973. I used it for a year at a factory assembling boat trailers. When the company sold out, they let us keep the tools. I replaced the trigger ? yrs ago but the rest is original.

I was a MAC tools dealer in a former life. MAC and Matco use Ingersoll air tools. They just put their name on them. I feel the Ingersoll 1/2" guns are the best on the market. Snap on is decent, but the Ingersoll's are the best. The IR 2131 composite is a great gun (and light too). The IR Thunder gun is a also good unit. The IR twin-hammer design has been around for 25 years and still is hard to beat.
CP used to build a good gun, but now they're built overseas and not as good as they once were. However, the CP Turbo 1/2" gun is a good unit.

I bought a used Ingersoll Rand 3/4 drive. just use an adapter to 1/2.
OH YEAH..!!!!!

Has anyone heard anything about IRs? :D

Not to go against the tide but, I have been using a Craftsman 3/4" impact wrench for 25 years now and it is still truckin' along. I have worn out two sets of impact sockets with it and have never done anything to it other than oiling it before each use.

ASE master tech for twenty years,IR impacts and nothing else...

If it aint broke dont fix it,and them damn things never break,so they dont need fixing.

One less thing for a working mechanic to worry about.

Worth every penny.

:2cents:

I have 5 Ingersol's at work. 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 & 1" !!!!!! That is the only air impact brand I have used for over 40 years as a heavy truck mechanic!!!

The two IR impacts that I have actually came from the Matco truck and used to say Matco on the cover. I knew they were IR's when I bought them though.


BTW, to the OP if you buy ANYTHING other than an IR after this thread we will protest to have you removed from this board. :D

IR is the best I have used. IMO Snap-on ratchets

IR Thunder is the best deal. I also used a Snap-on that had big power when I used to wrench for a living...but it wasn't what I would call a "value" at $500. After having borrowed a friends I will be gettng the IR Thunder for myself.

I just bought one of the DeWalt 18V 300 ft lb models and I can't wait to use it. It's pretty heavy but it sure sounds mean when you hit the trigger.

I've got a Chicago Pneumatic that I've used for over 20 years. Still works great and does just about everything I need.

I bought a new IR-231 about 20 years ago. Seems like it was right at $150 and that was retail through a tool distributor. Whatever the price may have gone up, it would still be a very good investment.
Anyway, it was always ballsy enough for whatever I needed. I got out of the mechanic trade in '92 but since have occasionally used it, and it still works great, even when it sits for long periods of time in a none temp-controlled garage.

I picked up an old 1/2" IR at a yard sale for 10 bucks but didnt realize it was frozen. It was all gummed up inside w/ goo and rust. I cleaned it up and polished the rust out but it does need some new vanes. Where does one get the rebuild kits for one?

Thanks much.

Doc

Doc- I have some impact parts left from when I was a tool dealer. I used to rebuild 'em on the truck. Are the vanes white or yellow? PM me with the model number and I should be able to help you.

I have IR 1/2" and 3/8" guns. Both over 7 years old and used DAILY without any issues. I have a junk $20 3/8" air ratchet that has been used daily for nearly 10 years that works great as well!

Snap-on
 

I have used every impact in the book. The top of the line Snap-on is worth every penny for 3/8 ($325) or 1/2 drive (high $4- $5 something:( ).

When I had my own general auto repair shop, the 1/2 was passed around to get the job done when others couldn't. You notice things like 2 techs waiting on one impact when they each own a good other brand they got a -better deal on.

When I replaced my tools (lost) I bought the newer composite version. I briefly worked at a heavy truck shop. Most of those guys had IR Titanium's/ Thunders something like that, I listened to them talk about how great they where and how I over paid. Until one day 2 where tearing down a rig behind me and asked to use my breaker bar for some bolts they couldn't impact. I handed them the S-O instead, the talk stopped.

For light duty general automotive work with a GOOD industrial compressor, most IR or CP guns get it done most of the time. With marginal airflow, the Snap-on's shine even brighter.

Most of the advertised torque ft lb hype on the Titanium/Turbo guns was made using 1/2" air lines, when we all know most shops use 3/8" air lines. That being said, I feel the IR 1/2" impacts are better (and less expensive) than the Snap-on "Shockwave".
I used to carry a pair of 1/2" drive impact sockets that were welded together. The IR Titanium would spin the Snap-on impact backwards. I also have instances where the Snapon couldn't break the bolts loose but the IR's could. But on any given day, anything is possible when it comes to cars and tools! There is so much competition between the tool trucks, especially now in a softer economy, that any gimmick to sell tools isn't out of bounds. I don't miss the tool business. It's a tough gig.

I think you had the BTL Snap-on or a rigged IR gun. IR makes a good air tool, but it's FAR from a working Snap-on bolt for bolt. Tried it, done it, been there, I have never sold a tool- I only use them.

I never made a case about spending money on the Snap-on, I knew what I bought, because I've used both. It's the I-R users have to justify their purchase, I've been there, seen that too.

Hey, no hard feelings here. I also worked as a tech for 10 years before selling tools. I just prefer IR over Snap-on. For the money spent on Snap-on's top of the line impact, I could buy an IR impact and a socket set. I'm not justifying anything-just giving my experiences. Some people like Mercedes because of the so called "prestige". I prefer old Chevy pickups and Pontiacs. They cost less, but get the job done for me.

I bought a pair of air tools at Lowe's, of all places, for around $90. Ingersol Rand 1/2" impact, and their 3/8" air rachet. The impact is awesome, we use it all the time, and never had any trouble with it. It is a LOT more powerful than the two CP's that we also have.

The IR 3/8" air rachet isn't worth two squirts of duck poop!.....FWIW.....Cliff

I've got an old Craftsman 3/4" Impact that I've had for 25 years and it was well used when I got it by a bus mechanic (I was an apprentice)
Still works great and never rebuilt...but... I can guarantee you that it's a far cry from what you'd get if you went and bought one from Sears today...
Got a CP ratchet from the same guy at the same time...also well used. It's still in great working condition as well...

I too have IR. The 1/2 impact I have will twist the lugs off if you are not careful when tightening. I have to dial it down because of the torque. Best wrench I have ever had. Was tech for 10 years and still do it on the side. Out of all, they make the best to me.

I-R. New or old, they are about the best you can get.

I had use of both Snap-On (or Blue Point) and I-R when I worked as a truck mechanic, and there was no comparison; the I-Rs were better tools, hands down. The Snap-Ons kept going back on the truck for replacement, but none of the new ones were any better. They finally ended up staying shiny in the drawer while the I-Rs were out on the floor.

I got lucky and bought my IR 231 from a swap meet for $15.00 five years ago and it is the best impact I've ever owned. I have several others including a Rodac that I got cheap and had rebuilt by a tool guy. It didn't make a bit of difference. It works OK but I really don't believe he did anything but clean it. I've had a couple older Craftmans, Ok but they were no IR231. I have a IR 3/8" air ratchet that is a real torque monster. I also have a 1/4" IR air ratchet that rocks for small places. I have a couple of "Blue point" 3/8" impact guns and they are fast. I bought two 3/8" Snap-on air ratchets from a drunk at a yard sale for $50.00 I really prefer the older USA made tools to the newer R.O.C. tools at least they can be rebuilt if ever needed. For the sake of semantics:
CP= Central Pneumatic "Harbor Freight"
CP= Chicago Pneumatic mostly USA made.

The IR 2135QTi is the best gun I have ever used. It is quiet, light, small and powerful. It's not cheap, but it is about half of a Snap-On, which was the worst gun I ever owned- the IM5100 "Shockwave" was loud, huge, heavy, slow and WEAK. If you use the gun a lot, you will definitely appriciate the quiet, light weight ones, like the IR 2131/ 2135. If it's not everyday use your looking for, the IR231 is still the standard by which all other guns are judged. It's been my backup/ house gun for eight years and still works like new. I got it at Sears for less than $120 (8 years ago).

So, the current top of the line IR is better than an obsolete Snap-on IM5100? Probably:rolleyes:

My Snap-on XT-7100 will outperform the IR 2135Ti, it's done it several times. The 6500? (aluminum version) was a great gun too- maybe better. It outperformed every IR we had, including new ones from the other tool trucks. Now, all of this is based on monster shop air. I haven't tried with a home shop compressor, but in the low pressure, but still very high volume conditions @ the last shop the 7100 was king.

What's the price difference? < $200? For a couple hundred bucks IF I used it for a living there wouldn't be a question. For home use, by all means get the IR.

I like the variable SO trigger also, it's easy to test a socket connection in hard to see/ reach areas without throwing sockets and 36" extensions into the abyss.:D BTW, If you want to test an impact's actual power, hang a long bar and a wobble socket on the end of it. That's when it really counts;)

I am not an equipment snob. The only Snap-on I own are my air tools, speed handle, some assorted adapters etc... Most is Matco and Craftsman, along with some Chinese stuff.

Skip on the IR231 IMO. Unless you have a very good compressor it's weak- I've had 3 in 20 years. Buy the best you can afford, because when you're under the car cussing at those rusty/ seized bolts you'll wish you did.:mad:

Probably a dumb question, but I was looking on the IR website and they are short on torque specs for many models. Are the Industrial grade guns more POWERFUL than the Automotive grade, or just more durable? I do want it for the shop and GTO, just looking around to get the most for the dough, and am considering used as well as new.

I used the IR 2135t Titanium gun, lite weight but lots of power and a very tough gun. No problems in two years so far.

If I had to guess, they are the same gun but the automotive is built to work in more strenuous conditions. The automotive is probably less expensive also.

Best bang for the buck? We all seem to have forgotten this part! Hit the pawn shops, grab a used IR 231 or 2131 for $20-$50, and pick up a cheap 3/4" gun at Northern or Harbor Freight for the really tight stuff. One of the guys at work got a 3/4" gun at Northern for $30- it's not a good gun if we worked in a truck shop, but for the once a week or so use it gets, it's great. Mechanic17, you are a hobby mechanic, right?

Yeah, it's not like the gun will work for a living, but when it does work I want it to do what it takes--including breaking balancer bolts, rear end bolts, head bolts, coil spring compressors, that kind of stuff. I wasn't thinking of a 3/4" because space can be at a premium.

I.R Is the way to go. but for home use ..chicago pnu.cp-734 is great, bout 425 ft lbs of torque and a fast hammer .the thing about air impacts is ,alot of torque does no good with a slow hammer gun.the cp and Ir have fast hammers. snap on and the cheaper blue point are slower and parts can be difficult to get.you can rebuild the c.p for about 15 bucks and the i.r not a whole lot more plus parts are easy to find.I did exhaust and brakes every day for 13 yrs and beat up alot of guns .many way overrated and over priced .the mac razor back was a beast also.:2cents:
matt

Ok, guys, I took the plunge and got an awesome deal on an IR 2906P, which is an industrial grade gun ($700 retail) rated for 24/7 use. Okay, so I'll probably use it 24 times in 7 months. . .heh, heh. . . Got it used in excellent shape on Evil-bay for $100 shipped. Will probably be breaking bolts with it until I get used to it. Expect to have it forever. Not exactly lightweight, but like I said, it won't work for a living.

Very happy. Thanks to all who contributed.

Congrats! Looks like you got a good gun at a fair price. For future reference, copy the attached link. If you have any trouble, it will help you. Enjoy!
http://www.irtechpubs.com/ir_pdfs/To...584421_ed2.pdf

Thanks a lot! That will be handy. . .