Astro Pnumatic 4980 AKA "Big Nasty" saved my bacon!

[montanafordman]

I needed to replace the lower control arm(s) on my 1998 F-150 because the hole the lower ball joint presses into had become worn oversize and the ball joint itself was loose in the arm. If you're familiar with torsion bar suspension systems and ever had to take one apart you probably know the pain that comes with separating the torsion bar from the key adjuster in the crossmember and the control arm up front. Especially when these heavy suspension components have been rusting together solid for 22 years..

I did some homework on the job before hand and heard a good air hammer is extremely helpful if not necessary to beat/ratttle/vibrate the key off the torsion bar and remove it from the control arm. Many people were unsuccessful with a sledge, heat etc. I was also wary of using heat changing the metallurgy of the torsion bar or key. I decided to go big or go home, and being impressed with the Astro Pnumatic rep who frequents this forum and offers product assistance and input I decided to go with the Astro Pneumatic 4980... Its widely earned the nickname "big nasty" and it didn't disappoint! It was NOT an easy job and I"m pretty certain my parts would not have given up the fight without "BIG NASTY." Even then it took a while and continuous beating and lots of KROIL to free those parts.

Air hammer in question:
View media item 105002

HEAVY control arm and torsion bar, bonded by rust since 1998.

View media item 105000

cleaned up the ends of the torsion bar with a die grinder and scotch brite roloc wheel, added some anti-seize and reassembled the new control arms.

View media item 105001
I'm not a pro but consider myself an above average amateur shadetree parts changer. I grew up on a farm, took shop classes in school and enjoy wrenching on stuff. I like the challenge, learning about stuff, and have the tenacity, stubborness, and like to save money (and buy more tools with saved money). but this gave me a bit of an epiphany... I'm finally moving up in my field enough where time is money, and its a lot easier to pick up some extra work and have this be someone else's problem! Its no longer an economic necessity like it once was.. so I might do less work of THIS nature in the future! I can save the grease, soreness and frustration for someone who is better, and faster than me but I"m sure glad I had "BIG NASTY" to tackle this job or I might have given up! I'm satisfied that I did it though, and my truck is good to go with brand new lower control arms, and rebuilt steering.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Glad to hear it's doing its job!

 

[malibu101]

I too like seeing'Big Nasty" in use on certain Youtube videos.
Puts my .401 little noise maker to shame from what I've seen.

When I have a job coming up that has the need, I WILL pull the trigger (figuratively and literally) on a 4980.

 

[theoldwizard1]

When I have a job coming up that has the need, I WILL pull the trigger (figuratively and literally) on a 4980.

SAME ! Sadly, at my age, oil change and tire rotation takes most of the day ! Not likely to be doing any suspension work !!


I remember about 45 years ago, one guy in the shop I worked in had the the CP equivalent. Nothing stop it, except bit were expensive and hard to come by.

 

[Handyandy23]

Yep, this thing is on my wish list as well. Hopefully I'll find a job I can make the excuse to buy it for.

 

[BFHtime]

I wonder how IR air hammers compare to this one, also how does Snap-On compare?

 

[Handyandy23]

I wonder how IR air hammers compare to this one, also how does Snap-On compare?

The Big Nasty is a .498 shank size air hammer. I'm not sure if IR or SO make them that big? (Someone educate me if I'm wrong please)

I know Chicago Pneumatic has the CP717, and Aircat has a .498 model.

I've heard you can also buy guns marketed as rivet guns that accept .498 shank sizes. Not sure on specifics though.

 

[jabberwoki]

Is that made in the USA?

 

[vssjim]

Is that made in the USA?

No they are made in Taiwan and the CP 717 is made in Japan
the bits to buy are made by AJAX Tool in Franklin Park IL. and they are made in US

 

[ovilla]

I bought mine after seeing Eric O on his YouTube channel SouthMainAuto. The thing is a beast. It will pulverize anything you put in front of it. Seriously everything you expected in a professional air hammer. I call mine Thor.

 

[Super Mech]

I’ve got the CP717. Makes my Snap On PH3050 look like a toy. There is no replacement for a .498 gun. Sometimes it’s a little scary to use as it hits so hard. I use Ajax hammer bits. They last a long time but ultimately break due to the shear force that the gun produces.
I break around 3 hammer bits a year and I use my gun a fair amount.

 

[pugsl]

I had one for years when I was turning wrenches for a living. Broke a couple of years before I quit and did not know where to go for a replacement at that time. back in the 90's internet was not much help. I really loved that tool for front end work.

 

[malibu101]

The time has come. I have some suspension work to do and am pulling the trigger on an Astro 4980.
The dog has to eat- I obviously need a couple bits for it.

Astro only offers a 3 piece set. Which has 2 of the bits I need to start. I think I'm going to start with it. https://www.astrotools.com/3pc-chisel-hammer-bit-set-498-shank.html

Finally my question-- What is a good brand of bits to look at as I need more?
I now have a .401 rattler that can't barely even dull a bit.

 

[Formula]

I’ve got one and like it. There have been times it’s still not powerful enough for what I need. The only thing I don’t like about it, is the touchy trigger. My IR has a much smoother linear trigger that’s easy to control. The Astro trigger is pretty much on or off.

 

[kudakev615]

bought mine a few months ago along with the astro quick chuck and bits and also a GP bit set. have only used it a couple of times but its come in handy. was able to get a front wheel bearing assembly on a badly corroded impala out with a little persuasion.

 

[cheesehead2]

The time has come. I have some suspension work to do and am pulling the trigger on an Astro 4980.
The dog has to eat- I obviously need a couple bits for it.

Astro only offers a 3 piece set. Which has 2 of the bits I need to start. I think I'm going to start with it. https://www.astrotools.com/3pc-chisel-hammer-bit-set-498-shank.html

Finally my question-- What is a good brand of bits to look at as I need more?
I now have a .401 rattler that can't barely even dull a bit.

]
Go to Ajax Tool in Franklin Park Illinois. Great made right at their place. Jack in the office will help with any questions.

 

[plinker]

The time has come. I have some suspension work to do and am pulling the trigger on an Astro 4980.
The dog has to eat- I obviously need a couple bits for it.

Astro only offers a 3 piece set. Which has 2 of the bits I need to start. I think I'm going to start with it. https://www.astrotools.com/3pc-chisel-hammer-bit-set-498-shank.html

Finally my question-- What is a good brand of bits to look at as I need more?
I now have a .401 rattler that can't barely even dull a bit.

AJAX (end of story).
Tooltopia had decent prices.

I use the hammer bit the most, followed by the 6-7" straight punch, then taper punch & chisel ties for third.

 

[malibu101]

]
Go to Ajax Tool in Franklin Park Illinois. Great made right at their place. Jack in the office will help with any questions.

Wow, the variety of bits at Ajax is great!
Thanks!

 

[malibu101]

AJAX (end of story).
Tooltopia had decent prices.

I use the hammer bit the most, followed by the 6-7" straight punch, then taper punch & chisel ties for third.

I need a hammer bit. A chisel is kinda a must.
A straight and taper punch is what I want beyond the Astro set.

I'll show pics later next week!

 

[malibu101]

Got it today.
I will be making some noise later this week.

Got the Astro 3-piece bit kit for now as it has what I need for now.
Where do you guys buy Ajax bits from?

 

[plinker]

I had picked a couple off ebay that were fairly low priced so it pays to check there, but other wise tooltopia had decent prices, they dont offer all Ajax makes in that size though. Depending on the bit in question, 15-25$ is normal, 16-18$ is typical for most common style bits.

https://www.tooltopia.com/search?keywords=ajax%20.498


I have not bought from this place as of yet, they do have a good selection for .498's though. Prices seem decent too.

http://www.airtoolsforless.com/ajax_hammer_chisels.html#ajax498chisels

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

While I've never bought any .498" bits, I've bought Ajax bits for Harry Esptein.
https://www.harryepstein.com/

They usually have some of the best prices.

 

[Skin]

Mayhew came out with a 4pc kit not long ago thats fairly reasonable, 37326. Currently $70 on Amazon.

 

[BiggityBen]

i have been undecided between buying this Astro and this Snap On. it's difficult for me to tell by specs which air hammer is better, all i know is S/O is a smaller shank for bits.

 

[Buckgnarly]

i have been undecided between buying this Astro and this Snap On. it's difficult for me to tell by specs which air hammer is better, all i know is S/O is a smaller shank for bits.

I have both. The 3050 is a very good .401 hammer, but the .498 CP 717 and equivalents hit HARD, way harder than the 3050.

 

[plinker]

I have both. The 3050 is a very good .401 hammer, but the .498 CP 717 and equivalents hit HARD, way harder than the 3050.

Agreed, BIG difference. It's like using a 3lb hammer instead of a 24oz.

 

[vssjim]

i have been undecided between buying this Astro and this Snap On. it's difficult for me to tell by specs which air hammer is better, all i know is S/O is a smaller shank for bits.

I loaned a friend that swore by the S-O 3050 and I told him take my extra Astro for a week out of my road service stuff and let me know. He told me the next Saturday what it cost to buy the one I loaned him right on the spot and the guy he worked with ordered one also. If you want to make things happen 498 shanks are what work. My 401 shank tools are for delicate work and the CP 714 has the power and trigger control for that type of work.

 

[Coach James]

I have an IR model, .401 bits. The Ajax 1 inch hammer bit is $26.99 on Amazon. The same bit at HJE is $8.80. Even with HJE shipping, that is a huge difference.

Coach

 

[Super Mech]

i have been undecided between buying this Astro and this Snap On. it's difficult for me to tell by specs which air hammer is better, all i know is S/O is a smaller shank for bits.

There is absolutely no substitute for a long barrel .498 gun. If you something knocked apart it is the weapon of choice for sure. I have both a PH3050 and a CP 717. The 717 can be a bit ferocious at times and you have to be careful what your hitting as it packs some serious power. The PH3050 is good but I find I use it only when I need to be more gentle or to just setup some vibration on something.