IR 2131qt recommended coupler size being 3/8

[tool_enthusiast]

I bought the IR 2131qt and the instructions say to connect using 3/8 hose and 3/8 couplers and fittings throughout. My 20 gallon IR compressor came with a 1/4 coupler. Just wondering if anyone actually follows the instructions or just uses the more common 1/4 couplers/fittings for their guns. Am I not getting the full potential of the gun's rated torque if I don't go 3/8 from compressor to the tool? Just an FYI, the stronger IR 2135 series instructions also say to use 3/8 throughout, so wondering if there's really a big difference using 3/8 versus 1/4 fittings.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

I'm no expert, but in my experience larger fittings do help power.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

I'm no expert, but in my experience larger fittings do help power.

What about just cranking up the PSI like, say, from 100 to 120. Wouldn't that make the tool run stronger?

Thanks.

 

[eurokid]

Turning up the pressure will help, but keep in mind a 1/4" hose will only flow so much air. Bigger impact wrenches need a larger volume of air for the best performance.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

Turning up the pressure will help, but keep in mind a 1/4" hose will only flow so much air. Bigger impact wrenches need a larger volume of air for the best performance.

Right now I am using 3/8" hose, but the couplers and tool inlet fittings are 1/4". The IR 2131qt instructions say to use 3/8" couplers and fittings, but my IR compressor came with a 1/4" coupler attached, which is sort of why I am at this dilemna and wondering if I'll get the full power of the 2131qt by running it over 1/4 couplers.

 

[Marlin]

Use high flow 1/4" couplers and you should be fine. The 2131 is not an air hog so if your compressor is decent you will get real good performance. If you find you are lacking in power then go bigger.

 

[rodm1]

They are self regulated and 3/8 will help power.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Try Milton "V" type fittings.

 

[Marlin]

They are self regulated and 3/8 will help power.

What do you mean by self regulated? There is nothing in the tool that will regulate the pressure down to 90.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

I'm getting the idea that 3/8" couplers might be better for tool performance, but in reality, do most people use 1/4" couplers for their IR impact guns anyway (specifically for the 2135Timax or 2131qt)?

 

[tool_enthusiast]

Use high flow 1/4" couplers and you should be fine. The 2131 is not an air hog so if your compressor is decent you will get real good performance. If you find you are lacking in power then go bigger.

If I use a high flow 1/4" coupler at the end of the hose (attachment end to my tool), do I also need to change the stock 1/4" coupler that came on my air compressor for me to see the full benefits? Same goes for the "V" type fittings. Will the V fittings work with standard 1/4" couplers or do V fittings requires a special 1/4" coupler?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Turning up the pressure will help, but keep in mind a 1/4" hose will only flow so much air. Bigger impact wrenches need a larger volume of air for the best performance.

Correctomundo!

What really matter is volume of airflow. Most air tools are rated at 90psi (Going too high can damage the vanes in air motors, but i've run mine at ~150psi without any noticeable damage.) Larger hose and couplings means higher airflow and more power.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

Correctomundo!

What really matter is volume of airflow. Most air tools are rated at 90psi (Going too high can damage the vanes in air motors, but i've run mine at ~150psi without any noticeable damage.) Larger hose and couplings means higher airflow and more power.

Ok, so I am learning that I can turn up my psi to some extent, but in practice are you using larger couplings (3/8" versus 1/4") in your air tools? Just want to get an idea what most people do.

Thanks.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Ok, so I am learning that I can turn up my psi to some extent, but in practice are you using larger couplings (3/8" versus 1/4") in your air tools? Just want to get an idea what most people do.

Thanks.

Think of it this way, when making more power from an engine, you need to increase the amount of fuel the system can flow, not raise the pressure. Same goes for electrics, more amps (power) vs more voltage (electrical "pressure".)

I personally use high-flow 1/4" fittings (Milton-type) on all my air tools. But i don't have anything that has the same airflow requirements as your 3/4" gun, so no need for anything larger.

The real thing to look at is air flow, high-flow fittings and larger bore airlines will increase airflow capacity. You'll also need to check your compressor can keep up with the demand. (While the pump itself may not provide sufficient airflow, a full reciever tank probably will until you use up all the air.)

 

[hammergodthor]

If I use a high flow 1/4" coupler at the end of the hose (attachment end to my tool), do I also need to change the stock 1/4" coupler that came on my air compressor for me to see the full benefits? Same goes for the "V" type fittings. Will the V fittings work with standard 1/4" couplers or do V fittings requires a special 1/4" coupler?

Judging by some of the other threads I have read here, your biggest flow restriction will most likely be the pressure regulator on your compressor.

I think the bigger question here though is: do you really need more power? A 2131 has a lot of power, if you need more it might be time to step up to bigger fittings/lines. If you have plenty of power, don't worry about it, just run 1/4 fittings.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I switched from 1/4" disconnects and 3/8" hose to 3/8" disconnects and 1/2" hose in the shop and found I had a noticable amount more power with my impact wrenches.

However I really only made the switch because my 2141 3/4" impact was sluggish on the small lines, and I expect to have a 1" drive gun eventually and wanted to be ready to run it.

If it runs fine for your needs on the smaller line I wouldn't change anything.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

Judging by some of the other threads I have read here, your biggest flow restriction will most likely be the pressure regulator on your compressor.

I think the bigger question here though is: do you really need more power? A 2131 has a lot of power, if you need more it might be time to step up to bigger fittings/lines. If you have plenty of power, don't worry about it, just run 1/4 fittings.

I suppose I just want the maximum power available. I would assume anyone here wants the most power if they could get it, even if they didn't need it at the time. I guess I just want to know if most people use 1/4" couplers/fittings on their 1/2" impacts. Is that the norm? I'm new to owning a compressor, so just want to know what is the "standard".

Thanks.

 

[tool_enthusiast]

I switched from 1/4" disconnects and 3/8" hose to 3/8" disconnects and 1/2" hose in the shop and found I had a noticable amount more power with my impact wrenches.

However I really only made the switch because my 2141 3/4" impact was sluggish on the small lines, and I expect to have a 1" drive gun eventually and wanted to be ready to run it.

If it runs fine for your needs on the smaller line I wouldn't change anything.

Thanks for this feedback. Good to know. So what model gun were you using when you had 1/4" disconnects?