Am I getting old? No more air impacts?

[petee_c]

I have a whole shelf of air tools that rarely get used anymore besides the air hammers. Cant remember the last time I used an air impact, and have maybe 10 of them. Cordless is where it's at.

I'm just a DIY'r. I started out with some ok air tools. but like you, only use the air hammer...

18V Makita batteries - I have their hi torque 1/2" gun. Works on most everything, especially with a fully charged (newer) battery. I have some 3.0Ah batteries from early 2008 and they run ok, but not for very long compared to my 5.0Ah and 6.0Ah batteries. I still use them in construction settings ( driving wood screws and drilling holes in wood). I also have the 18V leaf blower that gets a fair bit of use drying of the cars after washing.

12V Milwaukee - brushless midtorque 1/2" stubby - lots of power for its size. 3/8" brushless ratchet for working on cars. I also have their multi-oscillating tool and started out the 12V Milwaukee adventure with a drill & driver kit.

I had to use the air impact once this past year to remove stuck on lug bolts on my wife's q7 during the summer tire swap. But other than that, it just sits in the drawer. I will exercise it some this year as I just purchased a new compressor.

 

[Jswain]

My inference was meant in relation to work quality not product quality.

Cordless tools, as a whole, produce more work with less drama than air, as a whole.

What's the first tool any mechanic reaches for when the cordless doesn't have the jam?

Air impact

 

[whateg01]

What's the first tool any mechanic reaches for when the cordless doesn't have the jam?

Air impact

Why doesn't he/she reach for the air impact first?

 

[Jswain]

Why doesn't he/she reach for the air impact first?

Some people are slow learners, and some people aren't willing to accept they spent more money on a lesser product

 

[dchawk81]

I'm also a pretty-activer DIY guy, and transitioned completely away from air tools several years ago. It was a revelation - I don't miss anything at all about my air tools. I now have a small and very-quiet compressor that is used for airing tires, blowing things off, etc. and that's it. Corded tools mostly ****, Tools with hoses are nearly as bad.

There are a few things that are varying degrees of hard to replace with a battery equivalent, but that's not a problem for the vast majority of DIY jobs.

I kinda get it for pros, but especially these days the DIY world with battery-powered tools has very, very few compromises.

I don't know what kind of air compressor and air tools you had, but if you can afford a 60 gallon or bigger, 135psi or more, 1/2"+ hose, and the best air tools, it's a real eye opener.

If you were closer to the 3 gallon pancake and a Husky impact end I can see the disappointment.

The problem with air is those larger compressors aren't cheap.

 

[katit]

For now I decided to do following and see how it goes:
1. Get nice 10-12-13-14 3/8 impact sockets and extensions
2. Ordered smaller hose and swivel adapters
3. Will repair hose reel that I had on a ceiling (leaking)

And see how it goes with 3/8 Snap On. Oh, yes, might sell it and get this NitroCat for the same money. It looks smaller and they promise quiet operation? Snap On is pretty loud.

As I said, I have 80 gallon nice compressor, and outlets everywhere.

 

[P0234]

What's the first tool any mechanic reaches for when the cordless doesn't have the jam?

A torch

Fixed it for you...

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I do still have a 26 gallon air compressor, but 98% of the time it's used to blow grass off the mower or top off tires in the vehicles. And even then, my 12v battery inflator gets used more for tires. On very rare occasions, it gets used for my air hammer, needle scaled, or roofing nailer.

My impact wrench has always been battery. Tons of power, and I can use it anywhere I want.

 

[liliysdad]

I don't know what kind of air compressor and air tools you had, but if you can afford a 60 gallon or bigger, 135psi or more, 1/2"+ hose, and the best air tools, it's a real eye opener.

If you were closer to the 3 gallon pancake and a Husky impact end I can see the disappointment.

The problem with air is those larger compressors aren't cheap.

Funny, I have a 60gal compressor and 1/2 air line covering my shop with drops and hose reels.

I have some pretty raunchy IR impacts and quality air ratchets….

And I can’t recall the last time I used any of them. Air in my shop is relegated for airing up tires, blowing things off, running cutoff wheels, and feeding the plasma cutter.

 

[signcrafter]

What's the first tool any mechanic reaches for when the cordless doesn't have the jam?

Air impact

A good high torque battery impact has done everything I have needed on a vehicle. Dewalts new cordless is at 1750 breakaway. Think my m18 is 1300-1400 and it's busted every nut and bolt I've needed. I didn't Google what new air impacts are rated at but there is very little you would ever need one for. My m18 3/8" has enough to take most lug nuts off. To each their own but battery is way more convenient and has taken every rusty crusty bolt off I've needed. And I do a fair amount of working the rust belt so do know what stuck fasteners are all about.

 

[isb cornbinder]

What's the first tool any mechanic reaches for when the cordless doesn't have the jam?

Air impact

Cordless tools, as a whole, produce more work with less drama than air, as a whole. You got a lot of whole going on there. Do you have anything to back up your statement?

 

[Jswain]

A good high torque battery impact has done everything I have needed on a vehicle. Dewalts new cordless is at 1750 breakaway. Think my m18 is 1300-1400 and it's busted every nut and bolt I've needed. I didn't Google what new air impacts are rated at but there is very little you would ever need one for. My m18 3/8" has enough to take most lug nuts off. To each their own but battery is way more convenient and has taken every rusty crusty bolt off I've needed. And I do a fair amount of working the rust belt so do know what stuck fasteners are all about.

Almost 8lbs in the hand all day tool only, sounds delightful

 

[Jswain]

Cordless tools, as a whole, produce more work with less drama than air, as a whole. You got a lot of whole going on there. Do you have anything to back up your statement?

Lol, do you?

 

[isb cornbinder]

Lol, do you?

I do not have to prove your statement. I would not offer my limited experience as a fact.
Did you ever live in Champlain Heights?

 

[signcrafter]

Almost 8lbs in the hand all day tool only, sounds delightful

Nobody holds a high torque all day. Like stated my 3/8 does most suspension and brake work. Dragging a hose around all day is fun also. If air is your thing great. But no reason to drag a hose if you don't want to.

 

[Jswain]

Cordless tools, as a whole, produce more work with less drama than air, as a whole. You got a lot of whole going on there. Do you have anything to back up your statement?

Lol, do you?

I do not have to prove your statement. I would not offer my limited experience as a fact.
Did you ever live in Champlain Heights?

I was asking you to prove your statement, not mine. Otherwise, it's a WHOLE lot of opinion

 

[P0234]

We're beating a dead horse at this point. Every single guy that has both setups has said they prefer their cordless impacts. Some here including OP refuse to see, fulfilling the can't teach an old dog new tricks saying.

 

[gilbo]

Yes, to all. Pick your platform and keep buying. If you wait, Black Friday comes with good deals at the Home Depot and the other stores.
Hercules is another good option.

If I could do it again, I would pick Milwaukee.

I went with Dewalt only because, I already had couple 5Ah battery for the Dewalt fan.

Dewalt platform is fine, just not as many options, as Milwaukee

 

[dchawk81]

We're beating a dead horse at this point. Every single guy that has both setups has said they prefer their cordless impacts. Some here including OP refuse to see, fulfilling the can't teach an old dog new tricks saying.

Not every single one. I have both and prefer air.

I have an unhealthy "collection" of both air and cordless, so I do know what I'm talking about.

 

[P0234]

Not every single one. I have both and prefer air.

I have an unhealthy "collection" of both air and cordless, so I do know what I'm talking about.

Oh ****... I guess I have to take everything back.... Air tools 4 lyfffeee yo!

 

[dchawk81]

Oh ****... I guess I have to take everything back.... Air tools 4 lyfffeee yo!

Yes. Yes you do.

Seriously though I've had things where the cordless should have done the job but it took air to get it. I don't know why. The specs on the cordless and previous experience had me thinking it wasn't a waste of time, but it was.

Having said that, my semi truck sits on a slab up next to the house while the shop with the compressor is at the back of the lot. I use the cordless whenever I can. There's no good place to really put the truck back at the shop. So it's a no-other-choice situation when I do that.

Also, cordless was great for removing the steering wheel on my pickup the other day. Didn't have to move it over to the shop.

So it's really about what you're doing and where. Cordless is awesome for portability but the air somehow still hits better when **** gets real. I can't explain it.

Also, the cordless to me is really hard on the noodles. The air has smoother hits. And the 1250K hits hard without you even realizing it's hitting hard.

 

[dchawk81]

Also also, I keep eyeing the IR W9691 but the weight is off-putting. I have the Aircat 1992 and that's heavy enough. The IR is even heavier. I like the idea, but man. I'm no strongman.

 

[M635_Guy]

I don't know what kind of air compressor and air tools you had, but if you can afford a 60 gallon or bigger, 135psi or more, 1/2"+ hose, and the best air tools, it's a real eye opener.

If you were closer to the 3 gallon pancake and a Husky impact end I can see the disappointment.

The problem with air is those larger compressors aren't cheap.

I can afford it, and had a pretty nice compressor at one point, but have no desire these days to devote that much space to it or live with the racket. All of my air tools except a couple nailers are long gone.

I get it in a professional shop where there are air runs/drops that enable the hoses to be minimally inconvenient and the compressor itself is often outside the workspace, but that's not what's happening in my garage. It's not a very big and hoses/cords on any tool that moves tends to piss me off and get in the way.

I don't miss big air one bit. I suppose if I needed air hammer/needle scalers, etc. I'd feel different, but those things aren't part of anything I do.

I'm entirely happy with my battery tools.

 

[cruzer75]

I was never a big fan of air impact tools and never bought my own. We have dads 3/8 butterfly ratchet from the 70s that is still in the drawer and some super cheap impact tools from the 90s.

Earlier this year I did a front end rebuild of my King Pins on a 1ton Dana 60 and decided to buy a 1/2inch electric impact. It was an easy choice, since my main tools are Rigid (lifetime repair warranty) on the batteries, chargers, and tools as long as they are registered. It was the best tool choose I made in a LONG time. It made it so much faster and EASIER to work on my truck. Bought a set of inexpensive impact sockets from Harbor Freight and went to town! Has worked great for me, even left it out in the rain by accident. let it dry out and it continues to throw down the punches!

 

[bb29510]

in i think about 1988 i bought a battery makita drill, the long handle one, I think 17 volt. sat it on the shelf and it hasnt move since. i dont think you can even buy batterys for it. My air tools, they can sit for years and still work with a little oil

 

[whateg01]

in i think about 1988 i bought a battery makita drill, the long handle one, I think 17 volt. sat it on the shelf and it hasnt move since. i dont think you can even buy batterys for it. My air tools, they can sit for years and still work with a little oil

That's exactly why I only buy cars with the manual crank option and won't buy one with an electric starter! So annoying when I leave a car parked for 6 months and it won't crank over. With the crank handle through the grill though, I just whip it out and away I go!

 

[Jswain]

That's exactly why I only buy cars with the manual crank option and won't buy one with an electric starter! So annoying when I leave a car parked for 6 months and it won't crank over. With the crank handle through the grill though, I just whip it out and away I go!

You are too fancy. You know you could get the same job done with a horse & carriage.

 

[zendriver]

Like a lab chimp, that keeps pressing a button for more cocaine, I keep clicking on this thread, hoping for some valuable insight.

That lucky chimp.

 

[Jswain]

Like a lab chimp, that keeps pressing a button for more cocaine, I keep clicking on this thread, hoping for some valuable insight.

That lucky chimp.

There will never be a thread with valuable information about cordless versus air tools, because it is simply an opinion.

Some people are efficient & happy with either, or both, or hand tools

Do you like boxers, or briefs?

Chevy or ford?

 

[Steve_P]

Everyone prefers battery impacts because of the convenience. I only use my air impact a few times a year now, obviously only when necessary.

But is there a battery impact that matches the torque, and length, of the best air impact? Sometimes, in a few percent of cases, smaller is better.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I was asking you to prove your statement, not mine. Otherwise, it's a WHOLE lot of opinion

I did not make a statement. Keep digging Judy.

 

[AC-WC]

For the bottom cover on your vehicle I would use a standard battery powered drill. There's no torque to them. I have a cover on one my cars and I use my air ratchet only because I already have it. Yeah it's great to get new tools but there's still a cost to them.

 

[Jswain]

I did not make a statement. Keep digging Judy.

Hard to value your opinion on efficient work when it took you 9 days to come up with a reply.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I'm still using air tools. They work well. I have no complaints. I have some cordless stuff, it works fine, too. I'm just not ready to chuck out a whole perfectly functional infrastructure just to swap to the latest thing. And, considering what the cordless folks are doing with battery form, I'm more hesitant to jump.

 

[Just_Steve]

All cordless for home renovations and all air for automotive.

 

[Packard V8]

This reminds me of when battery powered hand tools first became available. A friend managed a shop with assembly techs using corded drills, impacts, screw guns, screwdrivers, et al. Even though the corded tools worked perfectly, were paid for and would last forever, he kept getting shite from the guys to get them battery powered tools. The company spent thousands of dollars for new battery powered tools, chargers and batteries. Since they had years of budgets, it was easy to track the costs went up because the batteries had to be regularly replaced and productivity stayed the same.

As new generations of battery tools came along, the techs always wanted the newer stuff. My friend figures keeping current with battery powered tools added significantly to their costs each year, with no increase in productivity.

jack vines

 

[dnschmidt]

I've got everything. Drawers full of air tools and a house full of Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch and Makita cordless tools. Except for right angle die grinders I seldom, if ever, open the normal air tool drawer and I've got the best of the best air tools. The only exception is body work. air sanders, straight line file boards and the Hutchins Hustler are impossible to replace as is the air hammer. All of my I-R and Aircat impacts are like new. The only air ratchet I use is the SPAir impacting air ratchets I have as they don't destroy your wrists like normal air powered air ratchets will. Since I like to paint cars I have a big air compressor so that's not a factor.

 

[kaffine]

Yes. Yes you do.

Seriously though I've had things where the cordless should have done the job but it took air to get it. I don't know why. The specs on the cordless and previous experience had me thinking it wasn't a waste of time, but it was.

Having said that, my semi truck sits on a slab up next to the house while the shop with the compressor is at the back of the lot. I use the cordless whenever I can. There's no good place to really put the truck back at the shop. So it's a no-other-choice situation when I do that.

Also, cordless was great for removing the steering wheel on my pickup the other day. Didn't have to move it over to the shop.

So it's really about what you're doing and where. Cordless is awesome for portability but the air somehow still hits better when **** gets real. I can't explain it.

Also, the cordless to me is really hard on the noodles. The air has smoother hits. And the 1250K hits hard without you even realizing it's hitting hard.

Put an air outlet on your truck. No need to run air from the shop.

I'm slowly moving to cordless impacts. They have come a long way if I was starting out again I would go cordless and skip the big compressor and air tools. Only reason I haven't fully converted is I don't use impacts very often anymore so dealing with the air compressor and air hose isn't enough of a hassle to get me to spend money.

 

[dchawk81]

Put an air outlet on your truck. No need to run air from the shop.

I'm slowly moving to cordless impacts. They have come a long way if I was starting out again I would go cordless and skip the big compressor and air tools. Only reason I haven't fully converted is I don't use impacts very often anymore so dealing with the air compressor and air hose isn't enough of a hassle to get me to spend money.

Those tanks are way too tiny. I've done it in a pinch.

 

[demarpaint]

I guess I might be in the minority group here. I have air and battery powered tools, I prefer the air. Most of the automotive repair and maintenance I do is inside my garage, to stay out of the sun etc. The compressor is right there with 50' of hose. I pull out the air tool I need and have at it. I've tried battery tools and they have their place, but the air tools imo are less expensive, last longer and are stronger when power is needed. JMO.