[TTS]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[Basher 75]

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?

[mechanic17]

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.

[schalmat]

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.
matt

[mechanic17]

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.

[limejudge69]

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

[mechanic17]

Thanks a lot! That will be handy. . .