WWGJD? 1/2in Impact - new or used?

[YW84U]

Hi All,

I'm looking to pick up a decent 1/2in Impact for home use. I used to have an older CP gun, but it was donated to the BIL some years ago and I've never replaced it. I've been reading the various posts here trying to decide on which way to go - new 'cheaper', or 'better' used.....

Currently, I have a DeWalt D55167 15gal 1.6HP Continuous Belt Drive compressor with a 3/8 hose that I use to run my nailers and other air tools around the house. Its listed as:

200 PSI max
1,750rpm
6.4 cfm @ 40 psi
5.0 cfm @ 60 psi
4.8 cfm @ 90 psi

The compressor is by no means a powerhouse, but should be sufficient for the modest amount of times I would use it - periodic suspension and automotive repairs on a couple of family vehicles from time to time.

I'm headed down to California in the near future, and it will probably be less expensive for me to buy something down there and bring it back with my duty free allowances. I've read the reviews of the HF EQ and various other impact threads, and have narrowed it down to either an HF or a new IR231 as likely candidates. Or saying to hell with dragging one back in my luggage and just picking up something used available locally?

I found a recent ad for a used 2135TIMAX at a pawn shop for ~$160
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Ingersoll-Rand-half-inch-pnuematic-impact-gun_21938069

I am struggling with whether I would be better off with the used one listed above, or go with the idea of a new gun if I can find a decent deal while I'm in LA area....

Any thoughts on this are appreciated!
Cheers,
Tom

 

[rlitman]

I would absolutely go for the 2135TiMAX, although truth be told, I only paid $50 for mine at a pawn shop. Look at the completed auctions on eBay. In the condition of that listing, I'd expect to pay no more than $100. $180 should get you something near mint.

As for the HF Earthquake or IR231, I've used neither, but the HF has a good reputation, and while it isn't an IR 2135TiMAX, it is often compared to it. The IR231 is nowhere near that.
But I'd be worried about what to do if the HF breaks. That's no big deal for me, since HF is a local store. Not necessarily so easy for you.

My IR 2135TiMAX is my go-to impact now. I don't think it is noticeably more powerful than my Aircat, but it is smaller and lighter, and that is a nice plus.
If I were buying new today at retail prices, I'd buy an Aircat. It's plenty powerful, and really quiet. My SO impact is more of a noise machine than a tool, and it stays in the drawer most of the time. My 2135TiMAX is only slightly louder than the Aircat, but not loud enough to be a bother to me.

Your compressor sounds like it will be fine with an impact BTW.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I've had the HF EQ and while it is powerful, the IR TiMax is so much lighter!!! It is worth the extra clams. Buy once, cry once. And buy a used IR...ebay or whatever. A hundred and a half is normal for a good used one. Anything less is better.

 

[96snma]

Just so you are aware. C Tire has IR onsale for 25%off until next Wednesday.

 

[nicksnothereman]

The old rands seem to last a hell of a long time. I'd say used rand would be okay. Otherwise...I probably wouldn't.

Someone mentioned the hf earthquake; I've never used one but apparently they get good word of mouth. They aren't "harbor freight cheap" though; they're mid-ranged priced.

 

[pipsters]

The old rands seem to last a hell of a long time. I'd say used rand would be okay. Otherwise...I probably wouldn't.

Someone mentioned the hf earthquake; I've never used one but apparently they get good word of mouth. They aren't "harbor freight cheap" though; they're mid-ranged priced.

HF impact = $75 with coupon
2135QTIMAX = $280

The 2135Q is slightly quieter than the Earthquake but the regular 2135TIMAX is hella loud. The HF Earthquake is significantly stronger than than 2135 however.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628

 

[jim1987]

I got my ir231c (I think that's the model number) for $40. If I was buying new, HF EQ would be hard for.me to pass up

 

[davesnothere]

HF impact = $75 with coupon
2135QTIMAX = $280

The 2135Q is slightly quieter than the Earthquake but the regular 2135TIMAX is hella loud. The HF Earthquake is significantly stronger than than 2135 however.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628

They're supposed to be loud. That's to let the car know who's the boss.

 

[YW84U]

Thanks for all of your replies!

Hmmmm........the local used market around here is very slim pickings for tools most of the time, and it seems whatever is listed they usually want too much for . A used IR in either the T or QT version sounds like it would be a rational choice that would last me well into my senior years (rebuild kits and parts would be viable options as well). The HF is a good contender, but its true that if something is or goes awry with it, there's not much I can do about once I'm home. I'm not sure how much risk there would be going with the HF scenario . A 231 runs about $150 new around here, which is right at my budget point and was also one of the reasons why I had it on my short list.

Perhaps I should maybe wait it out for a 2135 to show up on ebay or here in the classifieds, since I am in no rush whatsoever to get one immediately. However, it seems a shame not to pick up at least some tools while I'm there and save on shipping and duties. That's what originally got me thinking about snagging an impact, as they are fairly high dollar items up here (prices vary from $350-520 CDN for a new 2135QTIMAX).

If I were to shift gears and look at picking up some Armstrong ratchets (MAXX flexes in any or all of three sizes), are there any brick and mortar stores in the Santa Ana area worth checking out that would be cost effective or equivalent to HJE or AAP?

Or maybe I'll resign myself just to picking up some free screwdrivers, tarp, and a flashlight and not go overweight with my carry on

Cheers,
Tom

 

[n8n]

FWIW I got a new looking but used Matco whatever the rebrand is of the 2135TiMAX off the bay for about $160, so I'm in the "buy used" camp. A lot less that 300+ for a new IR even if I did have to rebuild it.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

 

[crewchief888]

my vote is for a new IR 231

mine typically last 10 years or so working on const eq. by then they are low on power, the anvil is usally cracked or so badly worn you'd have to weld a socket on it for it to stay on.

i got my last one from summit racing, $130 delivered to my door in 2 days.

 

[bcradio]

If you are looking in the $150 range, I'd get both the 3/8 and 1/2 HF Earthquakes instead of just one IR gun. Both are amazing and I use my 3/8 probably 95% of the time.