best 1/2" impact gun under 200 new?

[monster1]

After a newly acquired compressor, I'm tired of messing around with cheap guns. I need a gun that will do lugs on a one ton diesel and suspension work. I want to buy new. Yes, I know the HF earthquake is a fine gun for under 200 but I'm thinking something by Ingersoll Rand or similar. Help a dude out.


***edited*** Sorry, by best I mean a gun that is going to have plenty of balls. I don't think durability or weight is going to be an issue because its going to be used in a home shop infrequently.

 

[stikman56]

Define "best". Longest lasting? Most torque? Lightest? Most durable with no maintenance?

Long lasting, inexpensive , does fine with no oil= Ingersoll 231

Strongest, smoothest, quietest=Nitrocat

Lightest= 2135timax, CAT4150....both the same.= Good luck under 200 bucks though.

All around great wrench ingersoll 2131 (aka Craftsman 19905) , Craftsman 19984 ( made by Florida Pneumatic) ATD2102 (AKA NescoNP745XLT) = these last two are the strongest in this group.

 

[86k10]

The classic 231C is what I would buy for under $200. I think you can get it for $125.

 

[Jwych]

Check into aircat, I've had mine for awhile and am completely happy with it

 

[gooblunar]

For under 200 it's hard to beat the earthquake. On the farm we have used the IR, CP, various different Napa models, Florida Pneumatic and aircat. The earthquakes out last and out perform . The guys that operate the guns never oil or drain the tanks. Earthquakes stay going strong. I'm a Snapon junkie but the earthquakes impress me. I have played around with much more expensive and big name guns that don't have near the power.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The Nitrocrat is $180 from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Q8A98M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've been thrashing mine in a heavy equipment shop, and it has been fine.

 

[MrWrencher823]

save up $40 more and you'll have an excellent impact. these IR's are very powerful and have awesome triggers that are very sensitive and responsive.
plus parts are pretty cheap and a two year warranty makes it, IMO, the best impact on the market.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WMN2GU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[n8n]

I'll give a +1 on the IR 231c; it's not the strongest gun out there but it is a classic and fits your budget. If you can stretch I like the IR 2135 TiMax

 

[stikman56]

save up $40 more and you'll have an excellent impact. these IR's are very powerful and have awesome triggers that are very sensitive and responsive.
plus parts are pretty cheap and a two year warranty makes it, IMO, the best impact on the market.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WMN2GU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Want the same torque, same weight, and an even shorter wrench that will take a beating for the same price? Napa 6-1123! It's the same as the Cornwell CAT4150 These are great impacts. Parts are not cheap for IR impacts. The rotor for the 2135 is 70 bucks and they do break their outputs after enough time and hammering since they are so small. Don't take my word for it, I only see them on the inside when I make repairs. The 6-1123, and CAT4150 is MUCH larger, and has a 7 vane rotor as well, and is every bit as powerful. I haven't found the weak points of this wrench yet, as I haven't seen one fail, I have for the 2135timax many times over. Take it for what it is....

 

[toufue_yang17]

I've always recommended aircat in every impact threads. And I recommend aircat again for the best bang for the buck. Stronger than snap on and quieter.

 

[Murphy4570]

Matco composite impact is what I always recommend, but it costs $350-400. It is a rebranded IR gun, or was when I got one.

Look at IR stuff, they're top notch.

 

[stikman56]

Matco composite impact is what I always recommend, but it costs $350-400. It is a rebranded IR gun, or was when I got one.

Look at IR stuff, they're top notch.

When you talk about the Matco MT1769A, (AKA 2135timax without titanium) you might as well get the 2135timax, less money and a titanium hammer cage,unlike the Matco version. The new Matco MT2769A is made by Professional Tool Products, even though they copied the IR design.

 

[NFH2740]

Aircat 1200K

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm not a pro - but my money would goto the M7 line.. 1/2 mini is up to 500lbs ftlbs of nut busting torque, and under $150 on Amazon. The 3/8 model is the same size and 350 lbft I think.. Also among the smallest you can find.. NOT my picture - but this thing will fit almost anywhere.. Hard to beat for the money..



Link with reviews.. Search M7 impact - you will find many models.. Some with up to 800 ftlbs and more..
Mighty Seven NC-4610Q 1/2" Quiet Mini Impact Wrench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009RXYEHQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Silentt]

Save a little more and get the IR 2135 ti or the newer 2235.

I've had my 2135 ti awhile in a professional environment and haven't been let down yet. Powerful and lightweight

 

[stikman56]

I've yet to see the OP tell us his definiton of "best"

 

[musgofasta]

2 HF Earthquakes?

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I've had really good luck with this Husky impact gun from Home Depot, around $100. It's rated at 800 ft/lbs, it seems to have no problem with everything I've thrown at it

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-800-ft-lbs-Impact-Wrench-H4480/203458750

 

[Squankum]

I'm just an amateur but I've been very happy with Aircat. If I had to start over, I'd try Earthquake, if it works for you, it's the best deal ever.

.

 

[warweapon762]

I've had really good luck with this Husky impact gun from Home Depot, around $100. It's rated at 800 ft/lbs, it seems to have no problem with everything I've thrown at it

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-800-ft-lbs-Impact-Wrench-H4480/203458750

I've got this too and I've beat the hell out of it. I think I've torn down 10+ engines with it in the last 2 years.

 

[crazytrain]

I've had really good luck with this Husky impact gun from Home Depot, around $100. It's rated at 800 ft/lbs, it seems to have no problem with everything I've thrown at it

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-800-ft-lbs-Impact-Wrench-H4480/203458750

^^^^2nd this!^^^^^

I have been using one everyday for 2 years as a professional auto mechanic. I have only found 2-3 bolts it would not remove. I tried others impact guns on the same stuck bolts and no one in the shop had a gun that could remove them. I ended up using a 4 foot long 3/4" breaker bar to break them free.

 

[stikman56]

^^^^2nd this!^^^^^

I have been using one everyday for 2 years as a professional auto mechanic. I have only found 2-3 bolts it would not remove. I tried others impact guns on the same stuck bolts and no one in the shop had a gun that could remove them. I ended up using a 4 foot long 3/4" breaker bar to break them free.

The H4480 Husky. Should be a real good impact. It's cheap too. Look up the Mac AWQP120 and the Sunex SX4345, it's the same wrench.

 

[ClineWrench]

Want the same torque, same weight, and an even shorter wrench that will take a beating for the same price? Napa 6-1123! It's the same as the Cornwell CAT4150 These are great impacts. Parts are not cheap for IR impacts. The rotor for the 2135 is 70 bucks and they do break their outputs after enough time and hammering since they are so small. Don't take my word for it, I only see them on the inside when I make repairs. The 6-1123, and CAT4150 is MUCH larger, and has a 7 vane rotor as well, and is every bit as powerful. I haven't found the weak points of this wrench yet, as I haven't seen one fail, I have for the 2135timax many times over. Take it for what it is....

Stikman - I take it you work on air tools. What's your opinion of the IR231c? It was my first Airgun and believe it or not, I still have and use it regularly after and its managed to take 17 years of abuse! I will admit that I'm super **** about my tools and I oil it before each day that I use it.

 

[monster1]

Thanks for the input guys. I need to soak it all in before I makes a decision. I'll let you know what I decide!

 

[kctyphoon]

I've yet to see the OP tell us his definiton of "best"

I think we can assume he means "most for his money" since this isn't being used professionally. I'm surprised to see the husky with that high a rating for the money.. However, I'd still persoanlly go M7 since they are about the same money. I have an older model 1/2" husky with 350ftlbs, and I've never not been able to break a bolt loose with it.. I'd forego the 800ftlbs husky for the 500ftlb m7 that's half the size and offers more use ability being able to sneak in a lot more places.. Especially since it's an item that won't see a lot of use, I'd view it as a better buy being able to use it more often..

 

[monster1]

I've yet to see the OP tell us his definiton of "best"

I should have ilaborated more on what is my definition of "best." I think for my application it is simply the strongest gun for the money. If I was working with it everyday, then comfort and durability would come into the equation. BTW, I'm looking real hard at that husky you posted. I'm also impressed with the m7 and nitro guns. But then I'm kinda torn because if the earthquake will hold its own against many of these guns mentioned, why wouldn't I just buy an earthquake and save half $$$ or better?

 

[kctyphoon]

I should have ilaborated more on what is my definition of "best." I think for my application it is simply the strongest gun for the money. If I was working with it everyday, then comfort and durability would come into the equation. BTW, I'm looking real hard at that husky you posted. I'm also impressed with the m7 and nitro guns. But then I'm kinda torn because if the earthquake will hold its own against many of these guns mentioned, why wouldn't I just buy an earthquake and save half $$$ or better?

Size matters..

 

[stikman56]

Stikman - I take it you work on air tools. What's your opinion of the IR231c? It was my first Airgun and believe it or not, I still have and use it regularly after and its managed to take 17 years of abuse! I will admit that I'm super **** about my tools and I oil it before each day that I use it.

It's a great wrench, takes a beating, just like yours has. Not the strongest impact out there, but still plenty strong. I had a boss who had one and hadn't oiled it in years, it was still working fine. They are better built than most in the cylinder and end plates, as they are steel end plates, instead of aluminum end plates that wear away after a while and cause big problems. I just like the composites myself for their weight, feel, and they aren't so cold to the touch. 231C would be my first choice though if I wasn't going with a composite.

 

[stikman56]

Size matters..

Then Nitrocat, for under 200 bucks. I know of no other that will touch it for torque output at that price. Look at the torque ratings on them. It's not hype, I use them professionally, I own them, I've tested them against others. They are very very strong. Some spin a bit faster, like the 2135timax, but for torque, the Nitrocat wins, and it's in your price range.

 

[peterbilt89]

Aircat 1200K

Aircat 1200k gets my vote

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I've seen the new Proto for about $225. It's probably what I will go with for my next gun.

 

[Dajn]

Aircat/nitrocat everytime. You get good power and they last. End thread.

 

[toufue_yang17]

Since people are posting specs of nut busting, I'll just put aircat's number up as well.

1295 ft lbs of nut busting! That's right, 1295 ft lbs for a 1/2" drive. More than any competitor that I have yet to see. At $175, I don't see why people spend outrageous money for IR/snap on.

 

[toufue_yang17]

If 5 lbs is too heavy, they have a mini 1/2" gun that weighs 2.7 lbs and puts out 900 ft lbs. $170 shipped.

 

[Dajn]

You can get get a brand new 1200 nitro cat for $175 on ebay. I would love to see someone find a better wrench for a home owner that just needs an impact from time to time. Best bang for your money. I have an open mind but I would like to see a better wrench for $175.
I have had my 1200 for three years now. I oil like you should and it still works like new. Granted I don't use it often but I definitely do use it

 

[toufue_yang17]

I think you get more gun than money for the aircat. Specs are just outstanding.

 

[KamiCrit]

I've seen the new Proto for about $225. It's probably what I will go with for my next gun.

Grabbing a Proto J150WP new or second hand would be a great score. I really think this gun will be setting the future standard.

 

[stikman56]

I think you get more gun than money for the aircat. Specs are just outstanding.

I've heard people say they aren't built well, but never any talk of what their problems were. Lots of opinions based on no facts that fly around, so who really knows if that's what it really is or not. I've used mine pretty hard at work with no issues. It was the go to impact for the really rough stuff, before everyone else in the shop got one too. Their 2135ti's and Cat4135, and Snap-On's couldn't match it. Issues I've seen with the ones I've repaired are broken or worn hammer pins and anvil after what I would say is a lot of use from looking at the outside condition of the wrenches, a couple leaking inlet seals and a couple cracked hammer covers.

 

[1950mercury]

Get the proto it's a no brainer

 

[stikman56]

Get the proto it's a no brainer

It's over 200 bucks, making it not an option. It's also not the strongest, according to the specs anyway. OP said he's looking for the strongest new 1/2" impact under 200 bucks. That pretty much makes it an Aircat or a Nitrocat. He has to decide if he wants twin hammers or pin hammers now. Aircat has hammers, Nitrocat has pins.