Am I getting old? No more air impacts?

[joel63]

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.

Just to add to the discussion, my 1/4" ratchet, 3/8'' and 1//2' impact guns are in great shape and paid for.
I have used battery impacts and found them quite capable, but for my situation where I just don't have a great need for battery tools I just keep the air tools.

But my one exception for a battery tool is my CTS761A screw drivers (I have 2) which I've used for the past five years.
Those I have found very useful. I often use them with an 3/8, 1//2 adapter to speed up fastener removal after breaking them first.

To sum it up, if I ran across a need for a battery tool, I would give it serious consideration.

 

[demarpaint]

Just to add to the discussion, my 1/4" ratchet, 3/8'' and 1//2' impact guns are in great shape and paid for.
I have used battery impacts and found them quite capable, but for my situation where I just don't have a great need for battery tools I just keep the air tools.

But my one exception for a battery tool is my CTS761A screw drivers (I have 2) which I've used for the past five years.
Those I have found very useful. I often use them with an 3/8, 1//2 adapter to speed up fastener removal after breaking them first.

To sum it up, if I ran across a need for a battery tool, I would give it serious consideration.

IMO both types of tools have their place. I have air and battery drills and impacts, along with air hammers, ratchets, etc. In my garage because of the way I have it set up the air tools work fine and are the go to. Having said that the battery powered drills, and 1/4" drive battery impact came in very handy, doing sheetrock work in my house, garage, and on jobs. For me there are certain jobs I feel air tools are much better suited for me. Opinions will vary, just like they do with many of the other tool discussions/debates we have here.

 

[Steve_P]

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

This may be true in a business environment, like installing tires all day, any repetitive task, or a job that will take hours.... but not in a home or home shop environment where you're not doing the same thing all day. If you are just going to do one quick job and then put the tools away and do something else, cordless is so much faster. I can grab my cordless vacuum, carry it outside, vacuum the floormats in my truck, finish (it takes 2 minute), and put it away by the time I start vacuuming with a corded vacuum. And then I have to wipe down and put away the cord. If I need to drill a hole in a wall cavity in my attic to install a new wire, I need to get 50 feet of extension cord and drag it up the ladder after me. Or I could just use a cordless drill and light and be done in a fraction of the time. Is there really any doubt which is easier and faster in scenarios like this? No one has ever said, "it's so much easier using a corded router than cordless. I love dragging a cord around doing delicate work!"

Cordless tools exist because they generally make life easier for the user, and make a short job go even faster. I was a late convert to cordless tools, maybe 2010, but it was another one of those "I should've done this so much earlier". I have plenty of quality air tools but almost never use them. The air tools I use are things like a die grinder, air hammer, Dynafile.... 120V Power tools I still use- cutoff saws, 5" right angle grinder, drill press.... These are things that cordless doesn't do as well.

 

[bb29510]

i actually crank my lawnmower with a corded hole hawg

 

[InjectorService]

Both have their place. I have some nice air stuff and nice Milwaukee stuff. Cordless gets used the most. I can swap batteries into my leaf blower etc too. It's a complete system that can be tailored to whatever needs you have. But sometimes you just need air. Blow stuff off, die grinders are smaller, lighter, better. Fill tires, air hammer, sander. Etc. If you want to be fully equipped, get both.

 

[RTUmark]

Just a home gamer, but got sick of compressor noise. Gave everything air related to a coworker. It was liberating. Went all Milwaukee. Combo of m12 and m18 tools. Have no looked back.

 

[dchawk81]

i actually crank my lawnmower with a corded hole hawg

What a waste of perfectly good pork.

 

[dr_clyde]

Just a home gamer, but got sick of compressor noise. Gave everything air related to a coworker. It was liberating. Went all Milwaukee. Combo of m12 and m18 tools. Have no looked back.

Man, I can't imagine not having access to compressed air, even if it was just a little pancake compressor. There are just some tasks you can't replace with batteries. Namely, the humble air nozzle. Blowing out a filter, AC condenser, separating stuck buckets or blowing a grip onto a handle, clearing chips or dust off of a machine, clearing out the lines or hoses, the simple nozzle does SO MUCH. Yeah, you can buy cordless inflators and most battery tools are equal or superior to air in a lot of ways now, but we still don't have a battery substitute for just blowing some air on or in something.

I don't use compressed air at home for much beyond that, and it's still worth having the little pancake compressor under the bench for just such occasions. I air up the occasional tire, run a nailer occasionally and once in a while use a die grinder or something, but man, just having a jet of compressed air is worth the price of admission to me.

Impact wrenches, grinders, drills, drivers and so many tools are so much easier with a battery, but I will never give up my compressor.

Work is a different story, air is REQUIRED to run a machine shop. We'd be hamstrung without air to run our machines that rely on it. Not to mention blowing chips and coolant off parts is damn near impossible without compressed air.

 

[RTUmark]

Man, I can't imagine not having access to compressed air, even if it was just a little pancake compressor. There are just some tasks you can't replace with batteries. Namely, the humble air nozzle. Blowing out a filter, AC condenser, separating stuck buckets or blowing a grip onto a handle, clearing chips or dust off of a machine, clearing out the lines or hoses, the simple nozzle does SO MUCH. Yeah, you can buy cordless inflators and most battery tools are equal or superior to air in a lot of ways now, but we still don't have a battery substitute for just blowing some air on or in something.

I don't use compressed air at home for much beyond that, and it's still worth having the little pancake compressor under the bench for just such occasions. I air up the occasional tire, run a nailer occasionally and once in a while use a die grinder or something, but man, just having a jet of compressed air is worth the price of admission to me.

Impact wrenches, grinders, drills, drivers and so many tools are so much easier with a battery, but I will never give up my compressor.

Work is a different story, air is REQUIRED to run a machine shop. We'd be hamstrung without air to run our machines that rely on it. Not to mention blowing chips and coolant off parts is damn near impossible without compressed air.

Ya, I‘ve got a little pancake in the basement for the finish nailers. just no need for air in garage anymore.

i have both m18 blowers, m12 and m18 inflator. M12 die grinder. Really has not been a situation where I’ve regretted except maybe 1 or 2 time I could have used the air hammer.

 

[dchawk81]

Man, I can't imagine not having access to compressed air, even if it was just a little pancake compressor. There are just some tasks you can't replace with batteries. Namely, the humble air nozzle. Blowing out a filter, AC condenser, separating stuck buckets or blowing a grip onto a handle, clearing chips or dust off of a machine, clearing out the lines or hoses, the simple nozzle does SO MUCH. Yeah, you can buy cordless inflators and most battery tools are equal or superior to air in a lot of ways now, but we still don't have a battery substitute for just blowing some air on or in something.

I don't use compressed air at home for much beyond that, and it's still worth having the little pancake compressor under the bench for just such occasions. I air up the occasional tire, run a nailer occasionally and once in a while use a die grinder or something, but man, just having a jet of compressed air is worth the price of admission to me.

Impact wrenches, grinders, drills, drivers and so many tools are so much easier with a battery, but I will never give up my compressor.

Work is a different story, air is REQUIRED to run a machine shop. We'd be hamstrung without air to run our machines that rely on it. Not to mention blowing chips and coolant off parts is damn near impossible without compressed air.

Milwaukee actually makes a cordless air compressor. Still has the noise of a regular corded compressor though.

 

[Jswain]

Milwaukee actually makes a cordless air compressor. Still has the noise of a regular corded compressor though.

I'm holding out for the wireless air hose

 

[bb29510]

i looking for a cordless water hose

 

[Luke Wengerd]

I have the biggest Dewalt cordless impact I could find and I really like it as far as comparing to an air impact I don't know I never used one

 

[sparky 1971]

I'm one of the few that likes air over cordless for shop tools. I have Milwaukee M18 in the 1/2" high torque model from about five years ago, the "original" M18 impact from about 10 years ago, and a 3/8". The older M18 is on my service truck so it does get used more than the others, I bought it use with my knockout set, but have used it to change more than a few flat tires. In the shop, the others collect dust, I would much rather use my IR231 or my International Harvester or Harbor Freight 3/8".

 

[dchawk81]

i looking for a cordless water hose

 

[katit]

I upgraded all connectors to flexzilla, same for new 1/4 hose on my old ceiling reel. 3/8 aircat. Used today - will work for me. I will take aircat and hose over twice as heavy electric milwaukee

 

[toolenthusiast]

Sure, but perhaps you missed the part where I don't spend that much time in the shop. I may have used my 1/2 impact two or three times in the last 12 months. I use the 3/8" fairly often. I see my need for tools dropping in the future.

Perhaps I’m missing the point of this thread, then

 

[stonesfan68]

I wouldn’t get rid of the air tools. I had to pull out my IR 1/2” air impact wrench a few months back to remove a crank bolt on my Volvo. I don’t remember the last time I used that air tool. The biggest Milwaukee M18 impact that I have is rated for 3/8” and I bought it because I almost never need a 1/2“ impact. I bought a M12 ratchet, impact and drill and those are my go-to tools for most repairs on the house and car.

 

[JesSharTucker]

Air powered tools & fuel powered rigs.

 

[Sneezer]

I guess I would be called a hybrid then. Strictly a home gamer. I started with air back in the 90s with a 20gal Coleman compressor. Loud as the dickens, and it got way worse after 20 years. During that time I pickedd up a decent impact and ratchet, and one of those multipack C-H tool packs. They did the job until I needed to remove an axle nut. That got me to get a 1200 ft-lb 1/2” air impact. Upgraded to one of those quiet style 26gal compressors. Huge difference for my suburban garage.

I looked at cordless, and have a mix of Kobalt, Ryobi and Bosch cordless tools, but the cost for a big impact was pretty high. Milwaukee and Dewalt were off the table as I didn’t/couldn’t afford to invest in another battery system.

These days I still use air for 60-70% of my repair work. I now have mini ratchets, mid and long stroke air hammers, needle scaler, cutoff tools, grinders, several impacts in 3/8” and 1/2”, even a butterfly wrench (which I love!)

I will admit though, the big Bosch impact I have is great for swapping out trailer balls right before a scout campout departure when the one towing the trailer shows up with the wrong size ball. However, I do find the impact to be far bigger and heavier than my equivalent air one. It was still a good purchase.

I also got a Husky cordless ratchet, which has been very handy. I use it on almost every repair. For less than $100 at the time it was a great addition to my toolbox.

I do have a mid torque Kobalt gun though, which I take on road trips just in case. Does a great job of removing lugnuts, and the same battery can power my worklight that also goes in the bag.

 

[GTO]

Just a Home DIY'er..haven't used Air Tools in years.
Carry M12 Stubbies in the DD's to change a tire if needed.

 

[danielbuck]

generally the air tools that I use the most are small diegrinders (straight, 90, 45), small angle grinder, panel/body saw (like a compact jig saw really), and air hammers. And if I'm doing alot of pop rivets, a pop rivet gun. I still use and enjoy using larger air impacts, but if I'm going to do something quick, I'll just grab the electrics. I know there are electric die grinders, but they are giant compared to air die grinders.

On a hot day, air tools are nice, they get colder the longer you use them. in the winter, I'm tempted to wear gloves

Air tools definitely last longer than battery tools do. I've killed several batteries (each of which costs as much or more than an air tool!), and a few electric motors. I don't think I've ever had an air tool break on me.

 

[Beemer]

I have had quite a few Milwaukee M12 tools (and lights) for a long time, including a compact impact gun (useful).
I have never replaced a failed battery yet and have never had one go dead while working. And they charge very quickly.
I chose the M12 over the M18 to get smaller and lighter tools. I don't regret it.
I do have a corded impact gun for tough jobs like lug nuts on the truck, but other than that (and circular saws) I always used the battery powered tools. The battery powered circular saw, atleast in M12 version, is underpowered and frustrating, so pass on that one if you decide to try battery powered tools.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I like my cordless tools but sometimes air is the best option either because of price or function. My Astro 3/8 impact is probably twice as powerful as my compact M18 stubby and only $100. My electric die grinder and 5" grinder are especially handy for field work or quick work but they won't completely replace my air die grinder or corded grinder.

Last week I used my electric M12 ratchet in the field and it saved me all kinds of time. In the shop, I typically like my air tools and even thinking about buying a bigger air hammer and 3/4 Astro impact. Out in the field, electric is king though. If my high torque Milwaukee dies tomorrow, I'm buying another one tomorrow. I'll always have air tools and electric tools mostly because of price of air tools and the mobility of electric.

 

[rbhelle]

Hi, Norway diy here. Our climate has its challenges when it comes to cars. I am a pretty active diy and do cair repairs for otjers as well.
I have now have a 26 gallon 400v 3-phase compressor with a connected auxiliary 15 gallon tank in garage with high flow fittings all over, Milton V-style (total 40gallon cap). But over here we call them Euro plugs. The older standard was called Hansen plugs and they are restrictive. Anyway, I have been using air as a diy but found out that my compressor setup was insufficient to have enough power for my airgun. Hence I bought a lot of Milwaukee M12 and M18. High torque, mid torque impact guns and impact drivers. Also has the right angle impact and 1/4" and 3/8" extended head cordless ratchets. But I find them bulky and cumbersome, especially when working on VAG cars (VW, Audi, Skoda) since there is little space in engine and in/around everything about the suspension/brakes etc. I more than often find my self using hand tools. So, since I upgraded my compressor, I now have full power at 90psi working pressure at the tool, and boy, that was something else. Static pressure is set to 115 psi. Also, my airgun has enough air to do all 4 wheel lugnuts before recharging. So, I actually use airtools more and more now instead of cordless. Airtools are much cheaper here in Norway than battery tools and I also noticed that lithium M18 Forge batteries/High output batteries cost a fortune when my old ones die out.
My Astro Onyx 1822 1/2" stubby has replaced all my M18 mid torque cordless since it does almost everything except the VAG axle nut. Not even the Milwaukee M18 gen 2 high torque always work on those. I have more than once used a 3/4", 3 feet long breaker bar to loosen those. Not sure if the new Dewalt or the Milwaukee M18 high torque will work on some of them. They are torqued to 200nm+180 degrees. Combined with rust and corrosion from norwegian roads, they are sometimes a pain.

I am actually going from cordless to air again, due to price, durability, weight/handling and power at least in my home garage.

 

[RickP330]

Ugh,
I'm a non professional and the politicalization of electrification has just turned me sour to the entire conversation. I have a great air compressor and assortment of air tools. I've been accused of "abandoning my roots" when I was younger. That's a long story and debatable, but there was a life lesson in there for me. I've been a lot more active in the garage lately and its been how I've been mentored and raised. I'm revamping and keeping my air tool selection active. FWIW a short whip hose makes a big difference. I have a battery electric drill, but all I use it for is stuff around the house. Yes, it's probably a bias - but I'm happy with it.

My answer here is to use what makes you happy.
RP

 

[rbhelle]

Good advice. One shall use whatever is most convenient. It is often easy to "jump the train" and not always the best option, what works for one isn't the best for the other vice versa. On the other hand, it is well spent time in a forum instead of showelling snow as we do now in north norway

 

[ipgenie]

Ha! I have 3/8 snap on and 1/2 Husky (been working great for me) and 3/8 ratchet Craftsman. All would have to go.

With battery tools my story is like this..
I had Makita 14.4 drill long time ago. Batteries went bad, replacements were as much as new drill.
I bought Ridgid set with 18V batteries and lifetime warranty. I have receipt, registered it, etc. But it's been over 5 years and they work good. I have driver and drill.

Since I don't use them whole lot - my worst case - battery dead when I need it. Or, battery dies after X years, but I didn't use them whole lot.
And now you say it's bad to keep them on charger. Because ideal environment for me would be to build a shelf with a charger(s), batteries and all of the tools. Batteries would be on chargers. And I may not touch it for months ...

I put my chargers in a metal cabinet in a room that doesn't freeze and have them connected to a timer that runs for an hour every day. This keeps them topped up and ready to go, but I use them almost every day.

Lithium batteries do like to be stored with a partial charge, but I bet you can use a timer or switch to top them up once a week (for your use) and they will last a long time. Just don't store/charge them where it's below freezing, they don't like that very much.

I still have my air tools and once in a while I use one but it's more convenient to grab the battery tools most of the time.

 

[Rinspeed]

Lithium batteries do like to be stored with a partial charge,

They will last longer stored at 80-85% charged.

 

[ipgenie]

They will last longer stored at 80-85% charged.

Yup, that's what I meant by storing them with a partial charge. LFP (different chemistry) manufacturers recommend around 65% when stored for several months.

 

[Hohn]

What hose do you have now to start with? What fittings?
...

High flow fittings are a must. If you don't have them, get them. Any name brand will do, again. I use milton v style and prefer them but we have flexzilla at work and they seem decent as well.

The highest flow fitting is none-- straight hose or pipe is best. You'll find it advantageous to simply not use a coupler or fitting except where absolutely needed.

Lately I've become a fan of the Chicago couplers because they seem to offer the best of all worlds-- they are straight through and very low restriction while still being separable like quick coupler. albeit with a lot more effort. They have much, much less restriction than even a Prevost coupler. They are also much harder to assemble and take apart. Which makes them a perfect middle ground where you might want to break into the plumbing, but will not do so with any regularity. FYI--most are only rated to 150psi, but I suspect in home shop use that 175psi is within their margin. I've never had mine past 150psi on my 120v unit.

Line losses in air plumbing are a death by a thousand cuts. There's no one coupler or fitting or hose that is going to ruin your setup. Rather, it's the some total of all the little changes in diameter and direction that add up. Sometimes you can use a 1/4" hose and it doesn't matter (I have a 1/4" whip on my little Astro mini ratchet and it's the cat's meow for enabling access and usability in confined space).

Other times you will want the full 1/2" hose straight to the tool because you need max pressure. (impact guns going for crank bolts, for example).

I admit that I have obsessed far too much about air line losses and such when in reality if often just doesn't matter. Especially with so many compressors now allowing 150psi or higher tank pressures at cutoff. In a home garage environment, even 50ft of 3/8 hose will likely not cost you 50psi in line losses, so you'll still be able to keep 100psi in dynamic pressure. At least for sure bursts like many air tools require.

One of the things I'm most looking forward to getting my Champ Vr5 up and running is having considerably more pressure available at cut off. And ironically, not needed that extra pressure because the compressor will be plumbed through a much lower restriction setup.

 

[Terra Nova]

As with many here, just a home gamer (though I do occasionally work on vehicles off site), and have a combination of air and cordless. Aside from a cordless drill I am very late to the game on converting to cordless. Cordless definitely have their place in the shop and in a two care garage it's nice not having to deal with an air line laying around in the way. I've been busy pumping up the numbers of M18 tools in the house and have yet to be disappointed by any of them.

Can't imagine NOT having an air compressor though. The humble blow gun mentioned above and filling up tires are my two primary uses, That and running the big air hammer when something really needs to come apart. If Milwaukee can make a cordless impact hammer that hits like a long barrel Ingersoll Rand they will really have something there.