Best Pneumatic Drill?

[Farmall450]

I would prefer US made, but I understand that isn't always possible, especially on a budget. Which do you prefer & use personally? I've been looking at IR or Chicago Pneumatic.

This seems like a lukewarm deal.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-R...1388221321&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

Similar one on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E23HN6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks!

 

[Farmall450]

How about CP's 1014?

Reviews seem decent.

 

[crewchief888]

i have 3 air drills.

2 SO 3/8" and 1/2"
and a small astro.

astro is nearly 30 years old, doesnt have the gretest chuck on it, the SO drill are 25 years old, never needed anything but some oil.

cant compare them to anything else, they are the only ones i've owned.

 

[Farmall450]

i have 3 air drills.

2 SO 3/8" and 1/2"
and a small astro.

astro is nearly 30 years old, doesnt have the gretest chuck on it, the SO drill are 25 years old, never needed anything but some oil.

cant compare them to anything else, they are the only ones i've owned.

Which do you reach for the most?
I figured I'd just get 1/2"


Thanks.

 

[stage20]

i asked this question and got several opinions and advice. for what i do, i will end up buying two. i picked up a nice mac 3/8 keyed chucked 1800 rpm. ive been eyeing for a low speed, but havent found much luck in the used dept.

 

[Strouty]

Why air powered? I have never understood them. That being said, I own an older snap on one. I do not remember ever using it. Maybe I should try it out.

 

[Farmall450]

i asked this question and got several opinions and advice. for what i do, i will end up buying two. i picked up a nice mac 3/8 keyed chucked 1800 rpm. ive been eyeing for a low speed, but havent found much luck in the used dept.

Yeah, I'm hoping someone will give me a link or example on some good ones and price ranges, I'm good with used.

Why air powered? I have never understood them. That being said, I own an older snap on one. I do not remember ever using it. Maybe I should try it out.

Smaller, higher RPM, doesn't have to be charged, often stronger, easier to get into tight places, lighter, the list goes on.

 

[bobcatdan]

My air drill is probably rusted tight. By a good cordless and you will never use air again.

 

[Farmall450]

My air drill is probably rusted tight. By a good cordless and you will never use air again.

I have several nice cordless ones at my disposal!
I'll buy your pneumatic one though

 

[gasaxeman]

I agree . I bought an air drill 30 years ago....pre good battery drill. Never ever ever use now.
I use a brushless Milwaukee for the small stuff. Still plug in to 120v for the big stuff.
Air drills are a pain in the *** imop.

 

[zengarage]

I have an IR like the Amazon one you linked a snap on pdr3000 which is similar and a Matco low RPM similar to the ebay link you posted. I would skip the low speed. I never use mine. I use the snap on over the IR because it makes very little noise. I have used many brands and they all seem to be very similar. The cheap ones all seam to be muffler-less screamers but they make holes and don't break. The snap on is super quite so if noise is an issue to you that is by far the quietest air drill I have ever used. I think its made by Sioux so maybe there is a deal to be had looking at them. I am a battery drill abuser but will still reach for the air drill when in a tight spot or when the holes seem to be never ending. I haven't used a corded drill that wasn't mag base in a long long time.

 

[r1dano]

I have 2 brand new ir 3/8 air drills one for my box and 1 for my 2 year old sons box im putting together . Havent used either I would save your money n buy battery

 

[Farmall450]

I have 2 brand new ir 3/8 air drills one for my box and 1 for my 2 year old sons box im putting together . Havent used either I would save your money n buy battery

I have a cordless one, I just still want a quality pneumatic one. Was hoping to get some models & pricing suggestions.

I have an IR like the Amazon one you linked a snap on pdr3000 which is similar and a Matco low RPM similar to the ebay link you posted. I would skip the low speed. I never use mine. I use the snap on over the IR because it makes very little noise. I have used many brands and they all seem to be very similar. The cheap ones all seam to be muffler-less screamers but they make holes and don't break. The snap on is super quite so if noise is an issue to you that is by far the quietest air drill I have ever used. I think its made by Sioux so maybe there is a deal to be had looking at them. I am a battery drill abuser but will still reach for the air drill when in a tight spot or when the holes seem to be never ending. I haven't used a corded drill that wasn't mag base in a long long time.

Yeah, and if you have an air hose out anyhow and it's w/in reach then it really isn't inconvenient at all.

I will look at Sioux

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Man, so much air drill hate around here!

I have 12v, 18v & corded drills, but would still go for my air drill most of the time working in the truck shop (drilling frames for boxes, replacing fenders, drilling out rivets, etc). If it's a tight spot, you already have an air hose, and you know you're going to be there for a while, they are 10x better than holding a 18v battery over your head until your arm starts to fall asleep.

That said, I had an older IR 3/8 that worked great, but upgraded to a used reversible 3/8 Matco (not sure if IR or CP era) that has been a big improvement. Matco Model number is MT1789. There are a couple on ebay right now averaging under $60 used. For 1/2", I used a coworkers' MT1727 with the handle, and it was just a bigger version of mine. Both are made in Japan, parts are readily available online.

Reversible is the way to go, from bits getting stuck to reverse threaded bits, it is just a big help when you need it. I added an air regulator to the intake so I could slow it down and not burn up my step bits.

I would never hesitate to buy one used, just open up with an adjustable wrench, pull out the rotor, wipe down and check the vanes & barrel. Wipe off and throw some grease on the planetary gears, and if the bearings are smooth just toss it back together.

 

[johninct]

Air drills are good in a tight spot like drilling out a broken bolt. No way can you get in there with a cordless drill. Also, they stop spinning when you let up on the trigger.

 

[Farmall450]

Man, so much air drill hate around here!

I have 12v, 18v & corded drills, but would still go for my air drill most of the time working in the truck shop (drilling frames for boxes, replacing fenders, drilling out rivets, etc). If it's a tight spot, you already have an air hose, and you know you're going to be there for a while, they are 10x better than holding a 18v battery over your head until your arm starts to fall asleep.

That said, I had an older IR 3/8 that worked great, but upgraded to a used reversible 3/8 Matco (not sure if IR or CP era) that has been a big improvement. Matco Model number is MT1789. There are a couple on ebay right now averaging under $60 used. For 1/2", I used a coworkers' MT1727 with the handle, and it was just a bigger version of mine. Both are made in Japan, parts are readily available online.

Reversible is the way to go, from bits getting stuck to reverse threaded bits, it is just a big help when you need it. I added an air regulator to the intake so I could slow it down and not burn up my step bits.

I would never hesitate to buy one used, just open up with an adjustable wrench, pull out the rotor, wipe down and check the vanes & barrel. Wipe off and throw some grease on the planetary gears, and if the bearings are smooth just toss it back together.

Thanks for the great insight!
I have a sioux swivel adaptor/regulator for it so I can slow it down, do you use bits over 3/8 often enough?

I'm starting to think 3/8 may be the way to go. Thanks!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for the great insight!
I have a sioux swivel adaptor/regulator for it so I can slow it down, do you use bits over 3/8 often enough?

I'm starting to think 3/8 may be the way to go. Thanks!

I've used step bits that go up to 5/8" with no issues (have to slow it down to not burn up the bits though), and regular bits up to 1/2" (stepped down to fit a 3/8" chuck).

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Check these out folks!

 

[arms1970]

I have a cordless one, I just still want a quality pneumatic one. Was hoping to get some models & pricing suggestions.



Yeah, and if you have an air hose out anyhow and it's w/in reach then it really isn't inconvenient at all.

I will look at Sioux

I have cp 3/8 and a ir 1/2 inch. I drill through a lot of stainless.

 

[signcrafter]

Air drills have their place. I have about 2 dozen drills probably, from cordless to electric to air. All of good to decent quality. My air drills don't get used a lot. But they are great in certain situations. They are powerful and easier to control. I use mine for drilling out broken bolts and other stuff. I love them for certain things and while you can do most of what they can with a good cordless there are times that an air drill really shines and a cordless just isn't the same.

 

[Farmall450]

I've used step bits that go up to 5/8" with no issues (have to slow it down to not burn up the bits though), and regular bits up to 1/2" (stepped down to fit a 3/8" chuck).

Yeah, I don't have any of those bits that are stepped down, so I could see this being a issue. Guess I might as well get a 1/2" like my original thinking.

I have cp 3/8 and a ir 1/2 inch. I drill through a lot of stainless.

Do you have model numbers?

Air drills have their place. I have about 2 dozen drills probably, from cordless to electric to air. All of good to decent quality. My air drills don't get used a lot. But they are great in certain situations. They are powerful and easier to control. I use mine for drilling out broken bolts and other stuff. I love them for certain things and while you can do most of what they can with a good cordless there are times that an air drill really shines and a cordless just isn't the same.

Broken bolts specifically!

Check these out folks!

It was said above to avoid the cheap ones, they're loud.

 

[stage20]

my mac has a nice mellow town. exhaust out the bottom of the handle. my dads got an old chicago pneumatic. its a beast but not as quiet. a cheap HF unit you might as well buy some of those 1.99 ear muffs when you pick up the drill. the pitch of those is just the wrong tone for my ears.

 

[Farmall450]

my mac has a nice mellow town. exhaust out the bottom of the handle. my dads got an old chicago pneumatic. its a beast but not as quiet. a cheap HF unit you might as well buy some of those 1.99 ear muffs when you pick up the drill. the pitch of those is just the wrong tone for my ears.

Any idea of part number?
I'll start a looking on feebay.

 

[Ruger_556]

I like my NAPA drill Part number NPT 6762... It's quiet and slow (1500 rpm) which is exactly what I wanted.

 

[Farmall450]

I like my NAPA drill Part number NPT 6762... It's quiet and slow (1500 rpm) which is exactly what I wanted.

I'm guessing China or Taiwan?

Probably quality though, when exactly would you want more RPMs than 1500? I can't think of a reason...

 

[stage20]

ill have to dig out the drill and see if there is a part # on it. mine has a jacobs keyed chuck on it. not sure if its an older model thats been replaced by this one.

mine has a nice aluminum slip collar with a small knurled handle.
got the drill and some matco screwdrivers a craftsman, and a 9/16 nutdriver i didnt have. its beat up, but got the lot for 40 bucks.

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...8variable-speed-reversible-drill-keyless.aspx

 

[KenC]

I have an ancient Cleco 1/2". really slow speed and dial adjustable. Has a big knob, really the entire back of the drill rotates. There is a little spring loaded lock that keeps it in place at any setting. And, it's marked, I think 150 - 500RPM in 50rpm steps. I needed a good low speed drill for large bits and honing. This one looks like hell, but works great. I also have an older IR 3/8" that gets little use.

 

[stage20]

nice mid length wobbles with that napa drill where did you score those?

 

[Ruger_556]

nice mid length wobbles with that napa drill where did you score those?

Those are NAPA also.

 

[zengarage]

If you are going to be drilling large holes then go I would suggest a 1/2" so you can have to slower speed and the increased torque. The smaller drill is usually way more useful for everyday though. For the big stuff I usually find a way to stuff the mag drill in there. If I can't then I will use the 1/2" air drill. I think that all the brands are similar and I wouldn't be surprised if many where made at the same factory. They are pretty much indestructible so I would look for a good deal on a used one if you don't mind buying used. Like was said before if anything pull out the motor clean the vanes and put a little grease on the planetary gears and your good to go.

 

[Ruger_556]

I'm guessing China or Taiwan?

Probably quality though, when exactly would you want more RPMs than 1500? I can't think of a reason...

I think Taiwan but don't hold me too that... Might have been Japan but I'm relatively sure it was Taiwan

I don't really know why you would want more than 1500 rpm Trigger is nice enough to feather it down to wherever you want it also.

 

[Farmall450]

If you are going to be drilling large holes then go I would suggest a 1/2" so you can have to slower speed and the increased torque. The smaller drill is usually way more useful for everyday though. For the big stuff I usually find a way to stuff the mag drill in there. If I can't then I will use the 1/2" air drill. I think that all the brands are similar and I wouldn't be surprised if many where made at the same factory. They are pretty much indestructible so I would look for a good deal on a used one if you don't mind buying used. Like was said before if anything pull out the motor clean the vanes and put a little grease on the planetary gears and your good to go.

So 3/8 will be the handiest all around.

I think Taiwan but don't hold me too that... Might have been Japan but I'm relatively sure it was Taiwan

I don't really know why you would want more than 1500 rpm Trigger is nice enough to feather it down to wherever you want it also.

One of the pluses I've noticed about pneumatic drills, you can get more different speeds easily.

 

[tshetter]

Any info on the COO of Astro, Nova, or Sioux air tools? What about their quality these days?

Are there any air tools still made in USA?

 

[Farmall450]

Any info on the COO of Astro, Nova, or Sioux air tools? What about their quality these days?

Are there any air tools still made in USA?

Sioux is American made I believe.

 

[Ruger_556]

So 3/8 will be the handiest all around.



One of the pluses I've noticed about pneumatic drills, you can get more different speeds easily.

Ideally buy both But yes the 3/8 will get used the most. I like air drills because they're compact and you can't burn out the motor (I've let the smoke out of too many corded power tools)

Any info on the COO of Astro, Nova, or Sioux air tools? What about their quality these days?

Are there any air tools still made in USA?

Sioux is USA as is Snap On being the same drill...

 

[tshetter]

Awesome info, thanks FarmAll and Ruger.

 

[Farmall450]

Awesome info, thanks FarmAll and Ruger.

Np!

Ideally buy both But yes the 3/8 will get used the most. I like air drills because they're compact and you can't burn out the motor (I've let the smoke out of too many corded power tools)



Sioux is USA as is Snap On being the same drill...

They're also very strong. I thought SO/Sioux were the same, wasn't sure though. Yeah, they can get wet and live too!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Any info on the COO of Astro, Nova, or Sioux air tools? What about their quality these days?

Are there any air tools still made in USA?

Sioux is a mix. I sold a right angle grinder a year or two ago that was Taiwan.

 

[Farmall450]

Sioux is a mix. I sold a right angle grinder a year or two ago that was Taiwan.

I'm sure you can ask them about COO before buying.

 

[gagreen]

The snap on sioux's also have less runout (terminology) and make cleaner holes in thinner materials.

I buy snap on for 3/8 and 1/2 air drills. You won't buy another.

My 1/4 fast drill for aluminum is a sioux. All of them made in usa and get abused a few times daily. I tried cheaper drills and while they spun that was about all they did right in my opinion.

The finished hole with snap on and sioux is super precise even with cheap drill bits. The trigger feathering is matched only by maybe dotco. The torque in my new 1/2 is just incredible for air. Working in aviation my 1/2 and 3/8 do not get much of a work out but my sioux palm 1/4 drill is constantly in use and doesn't skip a beat.

Skip the heartache and stress and get good air tools. Cheap ones are often a frustrating and costly mistake if you demand them to preform on demand and in a professional scenario. If your looking for casual once or twice a month use and you can afford to explore other cheaper options go for it, but when you get a drill that you hate you often won't get your money back with air tools and could go in deeper than you should fairly quick.

Every sioux/snap on air drill in my shop is made in the USA if that matters. Low entry cost and made in the usa do not generally go together tho lol. Good luck