[GTOGreg]

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.

[Jim Scites]

Originally Posted by mwritter

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.

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.

[OhMyGoat]

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

[Tin Injun Tom]

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.

[DOC]

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

[limejudge69]

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.

[Jagtec1]

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!

[TTS]

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.

[limejudge69]

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.

[TTS]

Originally Posted by limejudge69

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.

[limejudge69]

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.

[Cliff R]

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

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by fyrffytr1

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.

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...

[mnepitjr]

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.

[mzbk2l]

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.

[SRR]

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.

[Basher 75]

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).

[TTS]

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

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. 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.

[mechanic17]

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.

[salem1912]

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.