Best reasonably priced impact wrench?

[noid]

Looking to pick up a NEW impact wrench for under $100 (can be off ebay/here/whereever) basically the one that came with my compressor (powerbuilt hotrod) is a peice of **** that couldnt loosen a lug nut if its life depended on it.

So whats the best 1/2 impact wrench for 100 or under?

 

[Danglerb]

Harbor Freight Earthquake with a 20% off coupon and wait til its on sale if you can.

Depending on your area you might be able to find a good IR 231 cheap, but not in SoCal where I live.

 

[shampoop]

ingersoll ftw

 

[Red Green]

Here is a new IR231 on Ebay for 119 including shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/IR-2...Z360326393240QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

edit: I don't know if it has shipping or not? It looks like there is shipping but the description says

"FREE SHIPPING to the 48 STATES by way of UPS Ground. No handling fee. California Residents pay 8.25% state sales tax."

 

[Danglerb]

Here is a new IR231 on Ebay for 119 including shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/IR-2...Z360326393240QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

Price: US $119.99

Shipping: $12.94

 

[Scout Driver]

Check out the Ingersol Rand impacts. Very good value.

Scott

 

[MattT]

Try feebay for an IR gun. I picked up a new IR 232TGSL with stuck trigger for $50 a while back. Took me 10 minutes to fix it The older Snappy guns can also be had for under $100 but parts availability is iffy with them.

Also check your compressors outlet plumbing and airlines are capable of delivering 90psi at the gun. If not your new gun will **** just as bad as the cheap one you have now.

 

[Red Green]

Price: US $119.99

Shipping: $12.94

In the description it says.

"FREE SHIPPING to the 48 STATES by way of UPS Ground. No handling fee. California Residents pay 8.25% state sales tax."

So I don't know because I looked and it showed $18 something for shipping to Michigan.

 

[Danglerb]

I didn't see a way to get free shipping, but buried in the fine print it said.

Spend $150 and receive FREE Ground Shipping within the 48 United States.

Earthquake is a killer gun, seems very reliable, and on sale with coupon like $70.

 

[noid]

Mind you guys my compressor specs are as follows:3 peak HP oil lube motor. 125 MAX PSI. 5.1 SCFM @ 40 PSI and 4.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI. Twin stack design

So its not the biggest or most powerful.

 

[whatsitsname]

Order the Ingersoll Rand 236G ($100) from http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Edge-Series&153;-Air-Impactool-1-2&34;-Drive-Ingersoll-Rand_9050084-P_N3369_T|GRP2003____. Use coupon code "BIG40" to save $40 making the the gun $60. Shipping is only free above $75 so you might consider adding fillers (motor oils, brake cleaners, oil filters, and etc).
I think this will be your best bet.

 

[MattT]

Mind you guys my compressor specs are as follows:3 peak HP oil lube motor. 125 MAX PSI. 5.1 SCFM @ 40 PSI and 4.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI. Twin stack design

If you've got a framing nailer compressor the regulator probably isn't near large enough to give a 1/2" impact the air it needs. The one on my IR sure isn't. And if you upgrade the reg the tank won't keep the tool at 90psi for long enough. What I did with mine is hook the compressor to a scrounged 20 gallon tank then run the tools off it. Works good and didn't cost me a penny

 

[Ign]

Mind you guys my compressor specs are as follows:3 peak HP oil lube motor. 125 MAX PSI. 5.1 SCFM @ 40 PSI and 4.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI. Twin stack design

So its not the biggest or most powerful.

It doesn't matter, the impact will generally break the fastener free in the first few hits before the motor ever kicks on, so it's more about how much air can flow thru your hose.

That said cheap impacts are air hogs so don't get a bargain basement import.

There's a couple of used IR2131's on ebay but a used composite gun can be a gamble. I still love my 2131 and it's obsolete now w the 2135 and 2135TiMax

 

[noid]

It doesn't matter, the impact will generally break the fastener free in the first few hits before the motor ever kicks on, so it's more about how much air can flow thru your hose.

That said cheap impacts are air hogs so don't get a bargain basement import.

There's a couple of used IR2131's on ebay but a used composite gun can be a gamble. I still love my 2131 and it's obsolete now w the 2135 and 2135TiMax

Excuse my compressor ignorance, but are we talking about just replacing the hose to get more airflow (currently have one of those pig tail ones that came with the compressor), or something more?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Get a good 3/8 Goodyear hose (HF has them cheap) and get rid of the curled up pigs tail hose. They will not flow enough air.

 

[littletoes]

I've got a 1/2" IR that thumps to 600 lbs.

Funny thing is, I use it mostly on its lowest setting for lug-nuts, but for heavier removal it gets turned all the wayyy up.

Not bad for 1/2".

 

[Ign]

I've got a 1/2" IR that thumps to 600 lbs.

Funny thing is, I use it mostly on its lowest setting for lug-nuts, but for heavier removal it gets turned all the wayyy up.

Not bad for 1/2".

Um, what model? Unless you've got specific settings of 1,2,3 and for both forward AND reverse the gun is likely always full bore in reverse. eg you need an R1, R2, R3 and F1, F2, F3

 

[littletoes]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/INGERSOLLRAND-Pneumatic-Impact-Wrench-1UMK6?Pid=search

I think its 6 settings or something....

 

[TheGrooveking]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/INGERSOLLRAND-Pneumatic-Impact-Wrench-1UMK6?Pid=search

I think its 6 settings or something....

You can buy the non-quiet model of this all day long for $279, so you could save $114 or so.

TheGrooveking

 

[Pro-Painter]

For $100 I like this one sold at Northern tool.

It's composite, low air needs, 50-600ft lb working torque (900 max) and 2yr warranty.

 

[Motofixxer]

I have a friend that works in a shop and uses the 1\2" Earthquake. He said he loves it, and rarely needs to break out something bigger. He gets a few snotty comments on it not being a truck brand, but guess who borrows it when they have a frozen bolt or nut. Yep its the truck brand owners. I'm not nocking any brand, but stating opinions from an actual Earthquake owner. The reviews on them are very good also.

 

[briggsguy17]

I have a friend that works in a shop and uses the 1\2" Earthquake. He said he loves it, and rarely needs to break out something bigger. He gets a few snotty comments on it not being a truck brand, but guess who borrows it when they have a frozen bolt or nut. Yep its the truck brand owners. I'm not nocking any brand, but stating opinions from an actual Earthquake owner. The reviews on them are very good also.

I ain't buying it! It would be awesome if someone could do a head to head between the Earthquake and the truck brands. I am not sure how you could make it unbiased though......any ideas???

 

[Handyman163]

+1 on the Earthquake for value. That's what this thread is all about - the best for under $100. Is the Earthquake gun the best, probably not, but it's great for the money.

My earthquake gun set on 4 (out of 6 settings) when tightening down and just stops moving puts lug nuts on my Chevy truck JUST shy of 110 ft. lbs, and then I torque them with a torque wrench. Doing the same thing with it set to 6 is WAY more than 120 ft. lbs. It doesn't even work taking lug nuts off of anything I've tried it on. My uncle has a few of the Earthquake guns in his Agriculture equipment shop, and those guys love them. The only downside is weight - they're hefty. But I don't consider that a weakness - it ain't gonna break if/when you drop it either.

My compressor is a 2HP peak (probably 1hp actual) 21 gallon oil-filled 125psi max unit rated at 4cfm at 90psi. It runs it fine on 50 ft of 3/8" hose. FORGET about the coily-hoses (as mentioned earlier), they're usually only 1/4" and won't come close to running ANY impact. If you have trouble, question the flow of your regulator if you have one installed (and especially if it came on the compressor). The one that came on mine could be set to 90psi, but when flowing, pressure would drop to 40psi, and I had no power. I took it out of line, and run tank pressure at about 120, which is 85-90 psi when flowing on the end of the 50ft 3/8" hose...perfect!

 

[Ign]

Ya know, this EXACT thread has come up before, incl the $100 price limit:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42276

 

[baubau]

i suggest this one...Chicago Pneumatic....this is one of the most popular impacts of all time, alongside IR 231 C...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRM38/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[lipadj46]

I ain't buying it! It would be awesome if someone could do a head to head between the Earthquake and the truck brands. I am not sure how you could make it unbiased though......any ideas???

Why aren't you buying it? I've not heard a bad review yet. As far as power goes it is a clone of the IR double anvil design. Very solidly built in Taiwan. A bit heavy and ugly but for $65 it is a great gun. I have the 3/8 and 1/2" and have not run into a fastener it could not break off or break on my land rover or corolla.

 

[briggsguy17]

Why aren't you buying it? I've not heard a bad review yet. As far as power goes it is a clone of the IR double anvil design. Very solidly built in Taiwan. A bit heavy and ugly but for $65 it is a great gun. I have the 3/8 and 1/2" and have not run into a fastener it could not break off or break on my land rover or corolla.

I haven't heard a bad review either but the part that I ain't buying is that the guys with truck brand guns are borrowing an earthquake impact and it is outperforming them. If it truly does outperform the truck brands that would be awesome and save some people here a ton of money. I would love to see a head to head, but that could be a little pricey.

 

[JayL]

i suggest this one...Chicago Pneumatic....this is one of the most popular impacts of all time, alongside IR 231 C...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRM38/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have two Chicago Pneumatic air tools (recently manufactured) and labels say Made in Taiwan. I reckon the above impact wrench might be Taiwan made too.

I have no complaints whatsoever on these CP tools ( Die Grinder and 1/4" Air Ratchet ) . Quality looks very good to me. I might even choose their CP734H impact over the 231C if it had at least 500 ft-lbs of max reverse torque.

 

[Motofixxer]

I haven't heard a bad review either but the part that I ain't buying is that the guys with truck brand guns are borrowing an earthquake impact and it is outperforming them. If it truly does outperform the truck brands that would be awesome and save some people here a ton of money. I would love to see a head to head, but that could be a little pricey.

Like I said, I'm repeating what my friend told me. He gets **** for the name on it. But his is the one getting borrowed constantly. He likes tools that work, don't really care about the names so much. He uses a lot of truck brand also, mostly for convenience. But for the price, the Earthquake can't be beat. I have thought about buying one just to try it against my Aircat, to see if it works any better or worse. But I don't really need two.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i love my IR2135TiMax, unstoppable. but for a bargin impact it is hard to beat the IR231C. as a matter of fact probably 90% of the guys i've worked with started out with the 231c and some still use them. here is a good one at lowes for $149. includes an air ratchet.http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&cId=SEARCH&productId=1061277&cm_mmc=SCE_gps-_-gps-_-gps-_-Ingersoll%20Rand%20500%20ft.%20lb.%20Air%20Fastener%20Driver%20Kit

 

[bubinga]

Order the Ingersoll Rand 236G ($100) from http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...-Ingersoll-Rand_9050084-P_N3369_T|GRP2003____. Use coupon code "BIG40" to save $40 making the the gun $60. Shipping is only free above $75 so you might consider adding fillers (motor oils, brake cleaners, oil filters, and etc).
I think this will be your best bet.

anyone else use the IR 236G?
Is it a good gun?
Reviews seem good
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VZC9OY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shawhite]

Might want to look at the aircat 1000-th or 1150 also

 

[smittyjones]

anyone else use the IR 236G?
Is it a good gun?
Reviews seem good
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VZC9OY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I bought one of these a while back, Aircat 1055-TH. It's every bit as powerful as that IR, but it's super compact and gets into anywhere. I haven't even used my big Matco gun since I got this little guy. It'll get into some super tiny spots too, it's more compact than my Milwaukee M12 screwgun.

 

[bubinga]

Thanks Guys,
I know l have the 3/8" drive aircat, powerful little son of a gun.
I know Advance carries the IR for $109.00,
Is there still a code for $40.00 off off $100.00? $69.00 for the IR if it's decent, wouldn't be a bad price, Right?
Looking for something decent, but at a reasonable price as a gift for my Brother.
Edit
That Air Cat is tempting too.
The size would be handy. Getting into tight spots would be a plus.
Might even spring for that, when I get caught up.

 

[justme-]

Fwiw I bought a freshly rebuild ir231h off fleebay for $35 shipped. Very little these guns won't do, when that is the case I borrow a 2135 or pull the torch. I also have the 231 clone earthquake at home...so far just as good as the ir. Gets much less use than my shop gun, but pulls every lug off I ask of it.
Plenty of 231s used our there cheap too.

 

[bubinga]

Heck yes, 35.00 for a 231 rebuilt, shipped, I'll take one........
OK, let's ask this again,
HF earthquake, today's impact, or the 1st generation ?
I have the 1st generation.
It does everything I need,
Have not used the new one

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[tdcisco1]

landmesser tools in michigan is my go to. great deals and service !

 

[bubinga]

landmesser tools in michigan is my go to. great deals and service !

Will check it out!

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[bubinga]

Going to have to view the website on a PC,not able to see it too well on a phone.

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[anndel]

I have a ~5 year old Snap On MG725, IR 2235QTi and an Astro Pneumatic 1122 1/2In Nano which I use more. The Snap On is backup to the IR which is now backup to the Astro. If I had only $100 to spend I'd get the HF Earthquake.