The new Central Pneumatic composite compact 1/2" impact wrench reviewed

[JorWood]

I wanted the new 1/2" XT model but my local harbor freight has been sold out since I looked for one to buy at the beginning of this month. I had been using the old tried and true CP earthquake 1/2" aluminum impact wrench (700bls/ft of TQ) model and was ready to upgrade to something that was allegedly even more powerful while being much lighter than the original we have all grown to love, if even to some of our shame. In the process of trying to become a patient person as I waited for the XT's to restock the shelves I came to terms with my reality... I had no need of such an impact wrench for any project in the foreseeable future. But what I did have was a clutch job coming up on a car I had just purchased. This made up all the excuses I needed to pull the trigger and throw down the Benjamin on Central Pneumatic's new Composite Pro line's compact composite 1/2" impact model EQ12CM rated at 550 ft.lbs of torque while weighing only 2.7lbs itself. This thing is incredibly compact and very very light. It is much smaller than there standard 3/8" composite pro model and also lighter, not to mention more powerful as the latter only does 350ft.lbs while costing the same. Going with there 1/2" compact made all the sense in the world to me. One thing I love that is new the CP is the forward/reverse switch being right above the trigger in perfect reach of my thumb. I love being able to switch back and forth with one hand. The lever also features a dial that adjust the power in 3 stages in both forward and reverse which is very handy for more delicate situations. Since starting on this clutch job today I have fallen in love with my new gun. I used to use a Matco 3/8" ratchet paired with a breaker bar but I think those days are long gone. The old matco will be available on ebay soon for any interested parties. This new gun is far lighter and infinitely more powerful. And in many ways much more compact at that.

Anyways I just wanted to let everyone know that this gun rocks and I highly recommend it. Also worth noting is that I have very little experience working with other brands of air tools... I was just too pumped not to do a short write up.

 

[Fedwrench]

You need to post a picture of the impact from the other side so, people can see how large the direction switch is.

I'd also recommend attach an air swivel to your impact to improve mobility & access.

Let us know how well it serves you during your upcoming clutch job.

The market is flooded right now with compact impact wrench choices.

 

[KMdef9]

Thanks for sharing!

To add to the recommendation list, unless my eye sight is getting that bad, it looks like you're running a 1/4 coupler. I'd upgrade to 3/8, it really woke my impacts up.

 

[stikman56]

They are nice to use for sure. I bought an almost new Husky H4435 a few weeks ago, it whipped the crank bolt out of my truck without even breathing hard, and fit in there with the radiator still in place.

 

[JorWood]

Thanks for that tip on the coupler KMdef9! I've still got a lot to learn. I'll get another pic up soon!

 

[JorWood]

Thanks for sharing!

To add to the recommendation list, unless my eye sight is getting that bad, it looks like you're running a 1/4 coupler. I'd upgrade to 3/8, it really woke my impacts up.

Where did you get your couplers at? 3/8 is hard to find!

 

[99LeCouch]

They are nice to use for sure. I bought an almost new Husky H4435 a few weeks ago, it whipped the crank bolt out of my truck without even breathing hard, and fit in there with the radiator still in place.

That looks identical to the HF impact being reviewed here. If it's that good, I may have to pick one up as a birthday present to myself. Compact, powerful and light weight are all positives in my book!

For couplers, look into Milton V-style or similar high-flow couplers. Upgrading the connectors at the compressor, both ends of the hose, and on the tools will be needed to take advantage of their benefits. If you think that impact is a beast now, just wait to see what it will do once it's fed more air!

 

[anndel]

Cool thanks for the review. Won't be trading in my Astro Pneumatic Onyx Nano 1822 anytime soon.

 

[KMdef9]

Where did you get your couplers at? 3/8 is hard to find!

They're all over Amazon and other sites.

Locally can be found at Harbor Freight.

 

[MrGiggles]

Wanted to get the compact Earthquake today, but the local store didn't have any. Would have had to drive almost two hours to get one.

Went with the Aircat 1055 instead.. Better warranty and only 10 bucks more.

I can't wait until somebody puts them on a bolt tension gauge to see the real working torque.

 

[JorWood]

Well guys one thing I've realized since using it for awhile and probably should have noticed immediately is that this thing is LOUD. Especially under the hood but even just pulling the lug nuts off I use ear plugs and this was not the case with the old CP EarthQuake 1/2" aluminum body 700lbs/ft model. I'm starting to reconsider keeping it and trading in for an Aircat or Astro... I'm wondering if anyone can chime in on the relative noise from those as my current CP isn't decibel rated.