1/2" Impact wrench, mid grade suggestions

[Kapn]

I'm ready to buy an impact wrench in the neighborhood of $150 =/- $25. I've got a Sears gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket and I want to take advantage of any coupons that might come up. I figured it would be easy, but then got all baffled. What do I need it for? Just general automotive work, collecting dust, and feeling good that I've got a decent tool at a good price, ready to go when I need to bust something loose.

Any suggestions? What do I look for?

 

[firebox40dash5]

I've seen good used 2135TIMAX's go in that price range. I got an older black one for $150 from my SO guy, and have been happy with it. When I was shopping, I noticed a lot of the rebranded identical Matco guns going for less than the IRs were. Yeah, I like overkill! There's also the 2130, 2131, or 2132 if you prefer new... Amazon has the first for $150, Sears shows the other 2 on their site for $170-190.

That won't help you use up a Sears gift certificate, but if you need 1/2" impact sockets too, it could.

 

[joedodge]

Ir231 been using them for years proffesionaly can get them cheap anywere and work great

 

[Jawn]

Nitrocat 1200K is 161.63 at Amazon right now... I don't own one, but it's real tempting.

 

[mayhemman]

ive always liked the chicago phuematic offerings. im not sure how they are today compared to the ones ive used. ive always like how they felt in my hand and the operation compared to some units. i actually prefer it to my snap on, i wouldn't have bought the snap on if i hadn't got it half off for trading in my old one my dad gave me.

my dad has 1/2" 3/4" CP units. never failed us and always nice to use.
the one thing bout my snap on that i don't like is the rear of the gun rubs on my hand its a bit uncomfrontable.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Ir231 been using them for years proffesionaly can get them cheap anywere and work great

I have IR 231, but it is not as strong as newer guns, plus that guns weights more than brick.. the mg725 and ir 2135 series are way better and lighter..

 

[dankicksass]

Since you're shopping Sears, you can get their own C3 1/2dr cordless impact for relatively little cash all the time. I've only seen it not on sale once or twice. Bonus: no air compressor required. I have one with the lithium batteries, it's a capable tool for DIY wrenching, driving lag bolts or scaring cats. ($99 at Sears right now with NiCd batteries.)

As for air tools, the best value at Sears is the IR 2131QT composite impact tool. It's light and quiet, puts out a real 600 ft-lbs of nut busting torque, and it's on sale. Big bonus: it's made in the USA. This gun is out of vogue, eclipsed by the 2135QTiMAX, but you'll still find it in nearly every shop in the country. Its twin 2132G goes for $180 at Lowes and $160 at Amazon, but that tool is made in China. ($170 at Sears right now.)

 

[woody 73]

ive always liked the chicago phuematic offerings. im not sure how they are today compared to the ones ive used. ive always like how they felt in my hand and the operation compared to some units. i actually prefer it to my snap on, i wouldn't have bought the snap on if i hadn't got it half off for trading in my old one my dad gave me.

my dad has 1/2" 3/4" CP units. never failed us and always nice to use.
the one thing bout my snap on that i don't like is the rear of the gun rubs on my hand its a bit uncomfrontable.

I too like Cp air tools but for some reason not many on the GJ use them or at least they don't get talked about very much these days.

 

[Bull]

As for air tools, the best value at Sears is the IR 2131QT composite impact tool. It's light and quiet, puts out a real 600 ft-lbs of nut busting torque, and it's on sale. Big bonus: it's made in the USA. This gun is out of vogue, eclipsed by the 2135QTiMAX, but you'll still find it in nearly every shop in the country. Its twin 2132G goes for $180 at Lowes and $160 at Amazon, but that tool is made in China. ($170 at Sears right now.)

Really? Good power, quiet, and USA-made? That sounds pretty darn good. I need a decent impact. I have been wanting to get one that will tackle whatever I can throw at it, working on old Pontiacs and a Buick. I have been eyeballing the Aircat/Nitrocat stuff. They have higher torque ratings, but if this one has 600 lbs. of nut-busting, how much more can I really need?

 

[dankicksass]

Really? Good power, quiet, and USA-made? That sounds pretty darn good. I need a decent impact. I have been wanting to get one that will tackle whatever I can throw at it, working on old Pontiacs and a Buick. I have been eyeballing the Aircat/Nitrocat stuff. They have higher torque ratings, but if this one has 600 lbs. of nut-busting, how much more can I really need?

I used the 2132G version for six months, it's great. Sits in my toolbox because the NitroCat I bought is just as powerful and two pounds lighter. A lot of guys I work with still use the 2131QT every day, it's very distinctive with its blue color and low noise level. If you buy it, I recommend adding a boot.

Edit: Just to be clear, the 2131QT and 2132G are identical except for finish and COO. One is blue, one is red; one USA, one China.

 

[TreePointer]

There was a $69 coupon in Harbor Freight ad in yesterday's (Sunday) newspaper for the Central Pneumatic 1/2" Pro model that many like:

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/impact-wrenches/12-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html

 

[ijroorda]

I have an IR 231HA and I like it a lot. It is definitely a solid piece; the weight might bother me if I was using it for hours every day, but that's not my use case and it doesn't sound like it's yours either. My buddy is a diesel mechanic and I have used his Snap-on gun; it is nice and no doubt more powerful than mine, but I am very happy with the IR.

That said, the IR was a gift and I have no complaints; however, if someone stole it out of my garage tonight, I would probably replace it with the 1/2" Earthquake from Harbor Freight and pocket the $60 difference.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of the suggestions in this thread - pick one and enjoy it!

 

[O_M_Jeep]

The Earthquake guns from HF seem to be standing up really well, there are a lot of reviews on them but this thread was pretty convincing as well -

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165086&highlight=earthquake+impact

 

[bcradio]

ditto on the earthquake. Get the 1/2 for $69 and then get the 3/8 for ~$70 also. 2 great guns for around $150.

 

[crewchief888]

if you're set on shopping at sears, they have IR 231c in stock on the shelf locally

i work at const eq dealers, and havent used anything but ir231 for over 20 years.

 

[jonb347]

ir231ha

 

[pipsters]

The HF Earthquake for $75 will smoke the IR series. They have a ton of power. Equal to the Aircats in power. Slightly heavier but 1/2 the cost. I owned the 2135ti, Aircat 1100, and HF Earthquake. Kept the Earthquake.

 

[chris142]

Buy the $69 earthquake gun @ HF then use your gift cert to buy impact sockets at Sears.

 

[Terra Nova]

As for air tools, the best value at Sears is the IR 2131QT composite impact tool. It's light and quiet, puts out a real 600 ft-lbs of nut busting torque, and it's on sale. Big bonus: it's made in the USA. This gun is out of vogue, eclipsed by the 2135QTiMAX, but you'll still find it in nearly every shop in the country.

^This. I've got a 2131QT ($165 shipped from Sears). Needs more air then I'm giving it but it has not failed to remove anything. Even got a spring eye bolt loose that has not been touched since it was installed in 1968 (just seeing what it could do when I got it)

FYI though, mine says made in China on it.

 

[joedodge]

just found the ir2131 on tool topia for $147 im prolly gonna have to replace my tired old ir231 for that price. lighter and stronger and damn near same price

 

[sberry]

Yes, those are deals on the ir, I happen to use CP last time out on 1/2 and its a 747 as I recall, nice piece, 4 speed in it. It really hits. There are even good deals on these guns from sales flyers from many auto parts stores, can buy off the shelf. It seems in air ratchets I like CP, not sure why or if there is much difference.

 

[mikebramel]

I have a 2135 and a HF earthquake. I would take the Earthquake. Doesnt have noticeably more or less power but is alot cheaper. Also look at Chicago Pneumatic, another under rated brand

 

[IngyHere]

Take a look at Sioux Tools. They were purchased by Snap-On to provide a source of American made air tools for their product line. They sell many models that are U.S. made.

The Sioux Force line is their consumer-grade (ala Blue Point) tool line. Nevertheless, you will find that the air ratchets are made in Japan. Those Sioux Force ratchets, by the way, are the finest air ratchets I've ever touched. I'm not so sure about their impacts.

The Sioux Industrial line comprises some of the toughest tools on the market, and they are U.S. made last time I checked.

http://www.siouxtools.com/portfolio_categories.php

 

[PinkLinc]

I'll throw my hat in the ring with the 2131QT. I'm just a hobbyist and don't use it that often but it's quiet (which I'm sure my neighbors appreciate) and it's never let me down.

 

[RCStocker]

Take a look at Sioux Tools. They were purchased by Snap-On to provide a source of American made air tools for their product line. They sell many models that are U.S. made.

The Sioux Force line is their consumer-grade (ala Blue Point) tool line. Nevertheless, you will find that the air ratchets are made in Japan. Those Sioux Force ratchets, by the way, are the finest air ratchets I've ever touched. I'm not so sure about their impacts.

The Sioux Industrial line comprises some of the toughest tools on the market, and they are U.S. made last time I checked.

http://www.siouxtools.com/portfolio_categories.php

I have owned all the brand including the junk. I try all the air tools when I buy them. Sioux makes the best air tools bar none. They are used in industry and are the will take more use than any other took I know. Chicago air tools are well known for being one of the top brands. With so many other tools flooding the market the past 40 years they get over looked by those who have not used them.

If the HF one is holding up then I would say go with it for the money. I have never bought a new air tool other than spray guns. I will not sell a CP or Sioux when I get one. I give them to my sons.

Just my 3 cents worth.

 

[Bull]

Are impacts one of those tools to avoid buying used?

I'm pretty torn up. The Earthquake prices are so attractive. But, I really try to buy USA stuff. When personal politics meets financial realities, it's a ****** battle.

 

[reptilezs]

Are impacts one of those tools to avoid buying used?

I'm pretty torn up. The Earthquake prices are so attractive. But, I really try to buy USA stuff. When personal politics meets financial realities, it's a ****** battle.

i bought a cman pro gun, same as a IR 2131 at a yard sale for 2 bucks. works great.

 

[dsmnickk90]

If you have to get it through sears then the Craftsman pro with the chrome hammer case is a rebaged IR2131. Its a nice gun. Not as much power as the Aircat, IR titanium or snap on but it will break loose 99% of anything you run into with good air supply.

 

[Bull]

So, how much torque (and which kind; seems to be a few types listed for these guns) does a guy working on older cars in a rust-prone area need? Not Caterpillars or semis, just rusty vintage cars, maybe with the occasional over-torqued lug from a tire jockey to contend with?

 

[MR_T]

+1 for the harbor fright earthquake impact, I have two

 

[MechManiac]

As to what to look for - construction quality, torque offerings, noise levels if that is important where you are, and air consumption.
I was within your price range a wjile back and went for the AIRCAT 1000-TH click

Use it on occasion as i'm an avid diy'er. It spends a lot of time sitting and works really well whenever i need it too. example. sub frame bolts, suspension bolts etc.
Happy shopping!

 

[greasemonkey44]

bull the 231 is a very solid gun; but its heavy as a damned brick and the exhaust blows right into whatever you are working on...blowing it into your eyes
i have a klutch supershort at work that is great for 70$; its survive for 2 years now without any problems
removes 90% of the fasteners
and its so short you can make it a 3/8 without a problem
the remaining 10% are ******** monsters, 8% are nitrocat 1200k and the remaining 2% are 3/4" impact time

 

[plinker]

I've got a Napa 231 clone and it's done all I've asked it to do, but the shop does have a 3/4 gun availableto use as well. I would probably get a 2131QT or 231HA if I was in the market for one.

 

[joedodge]

How do you guys like the air cats?

 

[greasemonkey44]

How do you guys like the air cats?

love them; ive got a 1200k that is a freaking beast( sheared some grade 8 bolts with it)
and a 1355 xl that is awesome as well, it breaks loose lugs and caliper brackets with ease, i even pulled the head bolts out of a neon with it

the only downside is i heard that torque sticks dont work with them, and they need regular oiling

 

[joedodge]

Awsome I've wanted to try one but wasn't sure how they were

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I've used the Sears Craftsman C3 19.2 volt 1/2" impact on the race car for I think three seasons now. I lot it and the rest of the CM C3 19.2 line of cordless tools I've bought. I'm busting the lug nuts off and on all the time on the race car. Has never let me down. Bought the first tools and Ni-Cad batteries in 2006 and they are still going strong!

Highly recommend.

 

[shampoop]

As for air tools, the best value at Sears is the IR 2131QT composite impact tool. It's light and quiet, puts out a real 600 ft-lbs of nut busting torque, and it's on sale. Big bonus: it's made in the USA. This gun is out of vogue, eclipsed by the 2135QTiMAX, but you'll still find it in nearly every shop in the country. Its twin 2132G goes for $180 at Lowes and $160 at Amazon, but that tool is made in China. ($170 at Sears right now.)

I have this one and love it. What really sets it apart in my eyes is the feel of it. The weight, balance, feather light yet super controllable trigger, and nice forward/backward buttons. Super quiet and pretty powerful.

But most of those things only really matter for someone who uses it all of the time I.E. professional. For the hobbyist imo none of those matter as much as price and power. Which the HF earthquake line I read on here is super cheap and as powerful as anything on the market. They haven't existed long enough to tell if they'll last as long as something like an IR, but that doesn't really matter for a hobbyist. You don't need your impact to be able to live for 20 years of daily use. But also you have to consider power, iirc, all of the people reporting of the earthquakes line's awesome power were using it on shop air. My IR has great big ****** balls on shop air, but on my own 120psi 25ish gallon home compressor, or my friends similar one, it's nowhere near that strong. Feels like 50-70% power. So the power advantage of the earthquake might be none if you're not on shop air.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

what the differance between the ir 2131QT and 2135QTiMAX

 

[shampoop]

what the differance between the ir 2131QT and 2135QTiMAX

The max version is significantly lighter and is more powerful as well. It has a titanium anvil housing. I have the 3/8" version of it and love it. The qtimax guns are TOP of the line. Not mid grade.