Mini, Nano, Compact & Stubby Impact Wrenches. Top Choices?

[CobraRed]

5 of the latest n' greatest are going to go head to head here


Post in the YT comments to win it or discuss here who you think is going to be out front or bringing up the rear.

Or who has he missed and should be testing?

 

[Benito]

Aircat will win overall i think, then maybe IR

 

[Skin]

Snap-on just came out with their own. Would of been cool to include it.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I will be curious to see since I just recently bought my Astro compact in 3/8" drive. I think he is testing the 1/2" but it won't be too much off.

 

[PelicanPines]

All 5 will rank in the top ten... my best guess.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Hopefully my IR will place poorly, it's pretty weak IMO. If it's competitive with the others it simply means my expectations of a stubby are simply too high.

 

[ex-x-fire]

King Tony because they are awesome to their customers when they have problems.

 

[Ign]

Well RTR did a review several years ago. The AP did "good" but was far from the top. But given the price point I ordered it and have never been disappointed.

In typical AP fashion it's a lot of bang for the buck

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Well RTR did a review several years ago. The AP did "good" but was far from the top. But given the price point I ordered it and have never been disappointed.

In typical AP fashion it's a lot of bang for the buck

RTR's was a release day 1822 (let's call it Rev0) we're currently on Rev2, 1828 is on Rev1. As long as we can keep the sell price the same, we're always improving tools like this that were sort of on the cutting edge when 1st designed.

In that original test we were the shortest, and it's funny to see this years later we're still basically the shortest out there.

Assuming this channel's test rig is consistent, which i don't see yet why it wouldn't be, I expect the 1822 will fare pretty dang well.

 

[jonesg]

I already own the aircat stubby, doesn't matter what his results are.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i have the stubby earthquake xt, it's a pretty powerful wrench

 

[Mr_B]

ns2500g or the mac equivalent ...

Taiwan ACT 1/2" nano be interesting but probably in the 400-450 range like most others on a skidmore test ...

 

[sk farmer]

i have the stubby earthquake xt, it's a pretty powerful wrench

x2

 

[Mr_B]

RTR's was a release day 1822 (let's call it Rev0) we're currently on Rev2, 1828 is on Rev1. As long as we can keep the sell price the same, we're always improving tools like this that were sort of on the cutting edge when 1st designed.

In that original test we were the shortest, and it's funny to see this years later we're still basically the shortest out there.

Assuming this channel's test rig is consistent, which i don't see yet why it wouldn't be, I expect the 1822 will fare pretty dang well.

I had wrongly assumed the 3/8 was same besides anvil .
You got a new nano max replacement coming out soon ?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I had wrongly assumed the 3/8 was same besides anvil .
You got a new nano max replacement coming out soon ?

No, you're not wrong.
It's just that 1828 came out later than 1822, so when it debuted (Rev0) it already had 1822's "Rev1" upgrade to the exhaust channel and exit. So they are on different numbers but same result.

No word on a new Nano Max specifically, but we got something that's been long in the works we're starting to ramp up in the impact category.

 

[CobraRed]

Snap-on just came out with their own. Would of been cool to include it.

Did they come out with a 1/2"? I've only seen 3/8"

 

[Ign]

RTR's was a release day 1822 (let's call it Rev0) we're currently on Rev2, 1828 is on Rev1. As long as we can keep the sell price the same, we're always improving tools like this that were sort of on the cutting edge when 1st designed.

In that original test we were the shortest, and it's funny to see this years later we're still basically the shortest out there.

Assuming this channel's test rig is consistent, which i don't see yet why it wouldn't be, I expect the 1822 will fare pretty dang well.

Well goddamnit now I want the latest greatest. Why'd you have to go and tell me that?

I used my Nano extensively yesterday tearing apart the front end of an F150 and it was great.

And now that you mention it length was one reason I chose it, reasoning if I was going stubby I'd rather gain access and give up a little power, rather than having gobs of power I can't fit in as many places.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Well goddamnit now I want the latest greatest. Why'd you have to go and tell me that?

I used my Nano extensively yesterday tearing apart the front end of an F150 and it was great.

And now that you mention it length was one reason I chose it, reasoning if I was going stubby I'd rather gain access and give up a little power, rather than having gobs of power I can't fit in as many places.

It's not that recent that they are the version they are now. Like at least 1.5-2 years.

 

[mc4life27]

5 of the latest n' greatest are going to go head to head here


Post in the YT comments to win it or discuss here who you think is going to be out front or bringing up the rear.

Or who has he missed and should be testing?

Well since you throwing in the Milwaukee witch does not need an air hose how is that going to come into play with you ranking? Like is there a scoring category and only the Milwaukee gets point and the rest fail?
Just asking personally I think of air tools and battery tools in different categories. They both came be awesome and both gets the jobs done. Just depends if you need the portability or not and the easy of not
Being attached to the compressor or not. Personally I’m looking forward to the day when we can have the power size and weight forms of air tools But with the portability of battery powered tools. Some day it will happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[CobraRed]

Well since you throwing in the Milwaukee witch does not need an air hose how is that going to come into play with you ranking? Like is there a scoring category and only the Milwaukee gets point and the rest fail?
Just asking personally I think of air tools and battery tools in different categories. They both came be awesome and both gets the jobs done. Just depends if you need the portability or not and the easy of not
Being attached to the compressor or not. Personally I’m looking forward to the day when we can have the power size and weight forms of air tools But with the portability of battery powered tools. Some day it will happen.

This is a good point, but I think since its the "torque test channel" any comparison is going to have to be based on torque. Or torque vs X. So while it's not quite fair, people can weight the pros and cons of air vs cordless themselves, to score higher on that channel a tool needs to make more power.

 

[Marlin]

Cornwell and Matco also have options.
http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/...”-bluePOWER®-Stubby-Impact-Wrench,-Blue.html#
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MT2765/1-2-stubby-impact-wrench/

 

[setfocus]

I've got a Chicago Pneumatic 3/8 drive CP7731, more power than my cordless M12 3/8 stubby, but still far from a power monster. CP makes a 1/2 drive version 7732 and newer composite models 7731C/7732C

 

[Ign]

It just took a little impact wrench talk to get Marlin to surface -- good to see you back!

 

[Kev442]

Don't matter, already have the AP Nano. It's size saved my bacon in an impossible spot last Summer, although it's not a powerhouse. Had to break out my 1/2 on a bolt the nano couldn't budge last month. That surprised me, wasn't a crank bolt or anything silly.

 

[CobraRed]

Cornwell and Matco also have options.
http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/...”-bluePOWER®-Stubby-Impact-Wrench,-Blue.html#
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MT2765/1-2-stubby-impact-wrench/

His Matco guy didn't have a stubby on the truck and he doesn't have a cornwell guy. But yeah i'd be interested in seeing a tool truck showdown of these now that Snap-On has one.

 

[Mr_B]

don't forget include the more recent compact from MAC
MPF990501C

 

[dnschmidt]

I fundamentally dislike these types of THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS THE TORQUE NUMBER tests. I've got several Aircat air impact wrenches all of which have really good torque but that isn't why I bought them. The reason I bought them is they are relatively, compared to the competition, low noise and my hearing matters to me as I don't want to pay a visit to my Beltone rep just yet. No one thing makes something the best tool. It's the total package and these types of tests ignore that fact.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I fundamentally dislike these types of THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS THE TORQUE NUMBER tests. I've got several Aircat air impact wrenches all of which have really good torque but that isn't why I bought them. The reason I bought them is they are relatively, compared to the competition, low noise and my hearing matters to me as I don't want to pay a visit to my Beltone rep just yet. No one thing makes something the best tool. It's the total package and these types of tests ignore that fact.

Most people, if other specs are similar, just want the highest output.

When the advertised torque seems to be twice of actual "removes a fastener torqued to that value" torque, IMO output is king.

My stubby IR can't take off wheels reliably. 450ft/lbs advertised, you'd think it could just snap those pesky studs. Kind of like how my 2235 met a particularly tough honda crank bolt yesterday - what happened to my 1350 ft/lbs of nut busting torque? To be fair, it was a crank bolt, not a crank nut I suppose. 930 is the working torque spec - and I'm using a weighted socket the size of an axle nut socket.........


Unless you have access to dumb levels of air pressure, power is king. Shop has 120psi static, but one can be in a bay with your 50ft reel 100' from the compressor.

 

[Mr_B]

A lot of problem in bigger pro shops when mechanics complain air tools no good is actual tool working pressure/flow is real poor .
I found this out on someine elses dime when I worked heavy trucks in a big shop and took knowledge from sorting their air when laid out my own shop, and I don't use reals, most reals are big pressure drop .

I don't really see the noise as worthwhile statistic within reason as biggest noise is from socket rattling on the fastener .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

^ Tire machine on inflation blast sits around 105 dynamic, that's all that has a gauge.


It seems the only way to get actual output is to run a 1" diameter hose less than 6' long from the compressor, and run 125+ static to make sure your dynamic is 90+.

Shop air will run Big Nasty hard enough to distort your vision for about 90 seconds before the compressor kicks on. I've never been anywhere that heavy use couldn't drag down available volume.

IMO I think the answer would be to just run 150+ static and hope for the best. Not sure how to avoid reels, unless your objection is with the reel mechanism itself and not the 50' spool of hose. Air line off the ceiling, to the floor, to the rear of the car - gotta have at least 25' there, right?

 

[Mr_B]

With reels it fittings as well as hose length .
I plumb my systems 3/4 with outlets close to work areas as possible so shortest amount rubber hose can be used, besides less pressure loss it nicer using shorter hose lengths .
We had reels in the truck shop and they got dithed, as a big shop that went to 2 compressors to make each compressor pipe run sensible length and thus sensible capability .
My shop is pretty small and compressor location in outside lean-too of back wall runs straight through wall with equal length runs left and right so easy , compressor pressure trip set at 165psi, no regulator unless plug one in wall before the air hose when need regulated air lower than compressor feed, worst dynamic is 85 at the door with a long hose but ones closer at the 2 bays are 100 to 115 at best and make air impacts a joy to own .
Only time I use a hose over 25' is if taking air outside of building, if air circuit positioned well you can do with well under 25' hose .
Hose reels can loose 20psi+ on dynamic figures over better main plumbing to work zone and shorter length hose .

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

don't forget include the more recent compact from MAC
MPF990501C
https://www.mactools.com/Images/780x780zoom/MPF990501C.jpg[/IMG]

Are compact impacts getting up to 5.7" long now?
I can remember working on these in the mid 2010's and having to be <4.5" for us to even call it one.

 

[1 Tooth Ratchet]

The MPF990501C is a more compact version of the MPF990501. The AWP050M would be more appropriate.https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Power-Tools/Air-Drive-Tools/65f4a6a8-d2ff-46ef-8078-a55801042405/Mini-Impact-Wrenches/AWP050M/1-2-Drive-Mini-Air-Impact-Wrench

 

[Mr_B]

Are compact impacts getting up to 5.7" long now?
I can remember working on these in the mid 2010's and having to be <4.5" for us to even call it one.

While it not a stubby/nano around 4" like your 1822 range it is a compact and a game changer in ability to size constraints , suppose it more similar concept to the nano max you did which about 25mm 1" longer than your nano 1822 but gave like over 25% more torque potential.
The test states compact and stubby models and to me the MPF990501C is a proper compact model.

They do a older model that shorter that also good performer, AWP050M, that comes in under 4.5"

Going bit off topic but on the Astro Max 1823 was motor size increased as well as hammers .
I always considered that a great balance on size to available power, was it discontinued due to reliability/design issues or lack of market interest ?
Looking forward to some more air wrenches from you guys and hopefully something in the compact class

 

[Mr_B]

The MPF990501C is a more compact version of the MPF990501. The AWP050M would be more appropriate.https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Power-Tools/Air-Drive-Tools/65f4a6a8-d2ff-46ef-8078-a55801042405/Mini-Impact-Wrenches/AWP050M/1-2-Drive-Mini-Air-Impact-Wrench

Both of these great tools, AWP050M under facom branding as ns1600f is half the price of MAC .
MPF990501C is a nice compromise between tool size and ability, One of my favourite as good all rounder which proper compact, only thing I don't like is only 1 reverse power setting which means when want be gentle on something trying rattle it free without snapping it you got grab another wrench .
Also the selector pivots from bottom which makes it harder use one handed in tight spots.
The astro lever good in being simple and also easy use one handed and also can be done by feel which handy at times
The trigger dial and flip lever like on some aircats and the AWP050M is okay but easy move power dial accidentality or need pull tool out of working position to visually set it .
Hopefully Chris got some great designs and tech on the planned AP air wrench range expansion .

 

[Marlin]

It just took a little impact wrench talk to get Marlin to surface -- good to see you back!

Thanks, been real busy developing product and with life in general so haven't been on here much.

 

[johninct]

I have a King Tony and like it. I used it on my tractor hitch bolts (1 1/8 socket). I could not get the bolts any tighter because I used my 2' Breaker Bar to check them.

 

[demarpaint]

Once Amazon.de lists this I'll be buying it. It's a Hazet 9012ATT.

 

[Mr_B]

Once Amazon.de lists this I'll be buying it. It's a Hazet 9012ATT.

I think you will find that a taiwan patent and made by Sumake and rebranded by Hazet .
Sumake do some interesting stuff and manufacture for few well known tool brands .

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I think you will find that a taiwan patent and made by Sumake and rebranded by Hazet .
Sumake do some interesting stuff and manufacture for few well known tool brands .

It's not Sunmake, and no patent on the design shown there. We're coming out with it too with a couple tweaks.

Are you thinking of their standard angle/reach impact wrench?