Air tools Recommendation

1967Chevelle · Mar 19, 2016

I'm starting out in the Heavy Equipment trade and its time to purchase tools, What do you guy's recommend for air tools, I can get a discount with MAC tools & Matco. I've also done some research on AirCat there seems to be some good reviews and prices seems reasonable, what do you guys think?

Jim Diesel · Mar 19, 2016

I'm lucky with my employer supplying the bigger air tools, such as our 1inch gear and some 3/4. Best to find out what if anything is supplied. But for my 3/4 impact I have been using the IR 2145QIMAX and it has been severing me well. As for 1/2 inch, I personally would just make do with a cordless impact such as the Milwaukee high torque model. However I also own the IR 2135TIMAX which I hardly use any more since picking up the Milwaukee. I also have a couple of 3/8 air ratchets from IR and SP Air. IMO you don't need to break the bank with these, any reputable brand will suffice.

You may also want to look at a set of air guns ( air dusters ) once again don't break the bank, not much too them.

Later on down the track a quality air drill doesn't go astray. Mine is a local brand known as Renegade, no complaints.

If your employer doesn't supply one look at a tyre inflator. Probably best you don't cheap out on these.

Also a 1/4 die grinder will be needed and can be used in heaps of applications. Don't break the bank on this either, I have been using a supper cheap one for years with no problem.

There are hundreds of different air tools and you will soon see whats needed and whats not.

Chris_L · Mar 19, 2016

Ingersoll-Rand TI-Max. Gold standard in the industry. A lot of tool companies have rebranded IR's stuff and called it their own.

gdocktor3 · Mar 19, 2016

I have 3/4" Aircat 1600TH and its an absolute beast. Then I have two Snap On 1/2" impact wrenches im6100 and mg725, but I think the 1/2" Aircat's or IR2235 are stronger than the mg. I'm pretty sure my 20v Dewalt impact is stronger then the MG.

Mactools.com has a closeout section on their website and they have 1/2" and 3/8" air drills as well as 1/4" impact drivers for real cheap. I bought the 1/2" drill and the 1/4" driver and have been extremely happy. For the price you can't go wrong. Email them before buying as the price may be even cheaper now. They don't often update the page. They also have 3/8" and 1/2" 12 volt impact wrenches on sale, but with no battery or charger. However, they run on the same Dewalt 12 volt batteries. So you can buy the Mac tool and run the cheaper Dewalt batteries.

Also consider buying used stuff on eBay. I've bought multiple air hammers and my 3/4" Aircat used off eBay and had no problems. Key thing is to message them first to confirm they work. Then, should they not perform, you can show eBay the message and they will give your money back. Lot's of people buy quality stuff to do one or two small jobs and then sell them. That's where I swoop in for the steal.

crewchief888 · Mar 19, 2016

i've been using an IR 231 for many years working on const eq.

my air tools are a variety of brands, SO, bluepoint, CP, astro, IR, and some "no name" brands.

i have multiple die grinders, astro & no name brands.
air drills, air hammer, air ratchet are all SO
3/4" dr impact, 4 1/2" grinder, 5" sanders all bluepoint
1/2" & 3/8" impacts are IR
7" sander CP
pad sander no name
DA is an IR

3/8" dr 18v milwaukee fuel
1/2" 12v milwaukee fuel drill
12v milwaukee LED flashlight
18v fuel grinder

:beer:

Air21 · Mar 19, 2016

I'm loving my AirCat angle die grinder. The composite handle stats warm, it makes all the torque I need pushing 3" abrasive disks, and it's quiet. The sound it does make is like a ray gun though which I think is also pretty cool.

plinker · Mar 19, 2016

Matco's new impacts are impressive in the 1/2" size, One of the guys has one. I'm debating about picking up the stubby. I also have the .75hp die grinders and they are nice. The Aircat stuff has a following, I like their 1/2 drill 400RPM and compact.

I had bought a number of different air tools under the Jonnesway brand that Fastenal sold at a good price. They were a bit dated but work fine, No warranty or parts anymore though.

Die grinders are mostly mix brand with some Matco.
Impacts; 1/2 2135 IR, 3/8 newer Matco, IR 2141 3/4, couple odd ball spares in 1/2 & 3/8
Air hammers; CP7150, cheap Sunex needle scaler. Mac branded CP short barrel
Drills, Snap-on PDR5A & PDR3A 1/2 & 3/8, Air cat 4450 1/2, OLD Matco 3/8 that wont die.

I also have a 1/4 impact and drill in the Milwaukee M12 line for new build work.

You cant really go wrong buying any thing from IR, CP, Aircat or other quality brands like those. I've been buying some Matco lately as there have been some deals and the driver we have is very good. In general I dont care too much for truck air tools as they are pricey for what they are compared to IR and others, especially if they are just rebranded. FWIW, I do build/installs and repairs for log cranes and truck wet kits mostly.

stikman56 · Mar 19, 2016

I've bought, fixed, sold,tested, and used thousands of impact wrenches. Just depends on what you're looking for in one. This is what I have seen.....You want torque and smallest ( shortest) 1/2" out there and a well made tool, Cornwell CAT4150, AKA Napa 6-1123. You want cheap and reliable and pretty decent torque, IR 231C. You want loud and unpredictable quality, Snap-On MG725. Want torque, flimsy tip valves and rotor outputs that are too small and will probably break eventually, ( I've seen a bunch of them) IR 2135timax. Quiet and lots of torque and very smooth, Nitrocat 1200K, they do wear out hammer pins faster than twin hammer impacts though. Aircats are twin hammer designs. The Matco MT2769 is crazy strong, can't say as to the quality of it at this point, direction buttons feel very cheap to me on that model. IR2235 looks to be better built that the 2135 from what I can see, haven't had one yet though.
For 3/4" impact I wouldn't hesitate on the IR 2145qimax, well built wrench. IR 261 is stout as well. Aircat 1600th looks well built, And the shortest one and super strong the Cornwell CAT3125, AKA Napa 6-1125, my favorite.
My pick is the CAT4150 or 1200K, or quite possibly the IR 2235, or MT2769. for 1/2"
I know some people gonna get there ******* in a wad, but this is JMO and my recommendation, after all that's pretty much what recommendations are.

gdocktor3 · Mar 19, 2016

Air21 said:
I'm loving my AirCat angle die grinder. The composite handle stats warm, it makes all the torque I need pushing 3" abrasive disks, and it's quiet. The sound it does make is like a ray gun though which I think is also pretty cool.

What model is that??

stikman56 said:
You want loud and unpredictable quality, Snap-On MG725. .

Its funny you say that because I'm really not impressed with my MG. Snap On's website is down for maintenance so I couldn't check, but is that still their newest, biggest 1/2" air impact?

I'm not a mechanic, but like to buy good tools. Naturally, Snap On's biggest, baddest 1/2" impact is the way to go, right? Well, yesterday I was working on my truck trying to break free some rusted up 18 year old bolts and the MG just would not do the trick. I had limited space and my 3/4" Aircat wouldn't fit. Great, now what? Just for giggles I grabbed my 20v Dewalt DCF899 and gave it a shot. Zip zip. Literally 2 seconds and the nut was off. I couldn't believe it.

wafrederick · Mar 19, 2016

Chris_L said:
Ingersoll-Rand TI-Max. Gold standard in the industry. A lot of tool companies have rebranded IR's stuff and called it their own.

IR no longer makes Matco's air tools.Proffesional Tool Products now makes Matco's air tools.

stikman56 · Mar 19, 2016

wafrederick said:
IR no longer makes Matco's air tools.Proffesional Tool Products now makes Matco's air tools.

This is true with their composite impact wrenches now, ( the MT1769A, MT2120, MT2141 were ingersoll made) but what about all their other air tools they're selling now? Used to be their ratchets were mostly Ingersoll Rand, etc.

JJThrasher · Mar 19, 2016

I got a 1" Chicago Pneumatic impact for under $250 brand new from the Amazon hot deals thread. Definitely worth a watch if you're looking for larger air tools.

Pretty much CP, IR, and AirCat come down to personal preference IMO. They all make quality tools and they make a lot of tools for SO, Matco, and Mac.

Air21 · Mar 19, 2016

My AirCat is model 6255R. Now the actual data plate on the head says "3/4 ratchet, 300rpm" but that little QC oversight does not seem to effect operation lol

gdocktor3 · Mar 19, 2016

Air21 said:
My AirCat is model 6255R. Now the actual data plate on the head says "3/4 ratchet, 300rpm" but that little QC oversight does not seem to effect operation lol

Haha that's funny. Where did you buy yours from? Cheapest I've seen is around $70.

OP: I personally think Aircat is the way to go when you're just starting out. You don't want to start out too far in dept. The Aircat line of tools are almost 1/2 the price of most all other quality air tools. They are super dependable, strong & durable, quiet, and most are made of composite materials for light weight. Plus, they don't get cold in the winter. I don't think I've seen a thread on here bashing Aircat. Especially their impact wrenches. This is a deal and a half http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aircat-1200...:g:~YgAAOSwDk5UIINI&item=222058029759&vxp=mtr

Greg85mcss · Mar 19, 2016

stikman56 said:
I've bought, fixed, sold,tested, and used thousands of impact wrenches. Just depends on what you're looking for in one. This is what I have seen.....You want torque and smallest ( shortest) 1/2" out there and a well made tool, Cornwell CAT4150, AKA Napa 6-1123. You want cheap and reliable and pretty decent torque, IR 231C. You want loud and unpredictable quality, Snap-On MG725. Want torque, flimsy tip valves and rotor outputs that are too small and will probably break eventually, ( I've seen a bunch of them) IR 2135timax. Quiet and lots of torque and very smooth, Nitrocat 1200K, they do wear out hammer pins faster than twin hammer impacts though. Aircats are twin hammer designs. The Matco MT2769 is crazy strong, can't say as to the quality of it at this point, direction buttons feel very cheap to me on that model. IR2235 looks to be better built that the 2135 from what I can see, haven't had one yet though.
For 3/4" impact I wouldn't hesitate on the IR 2145qimax, well built wrench. IR 261 is stout as well. Aircat 1600th looks well built, And the shortest one and super strong the Cornwell CAT3125, AKA Napa 6-1125, my favorite.
My pick is the CAT4150 or 1200K, or quite possibly the IR 2235, or MT2769. for 1/2"
I know some people gonna get there ******* in a wad, but this is JMO and my recommendation, after all that's pretty much what recommendations are.

My 3/8 is the matco 2138 & also branded as cornwell cat2150 & napa 1122. I used a coworker's cat4150 & was very impressed. Excellent line of tools regardless of whose name is on them.
Another post mentioned a cheap 1/4 grinder. I've seen people who have 2 so they don't have to change attachments. Probably a good idea but definitely get one.
Lastly I would take a look at what other people are using before you go past the basics. One of the first things I bought was an air ratchet but never thought it was worth the trouble of using. Got a Milwaukee cordless & it's so much more convenient. I use it all the time.

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stikman56 · Mar 20, 2016

Greg85mcss said:
My 3/8 is the matco 2138 & also branded as cornwell cat2150 & napa 1122. I used a coworker's cat4150 & was very impressed. Excellent line of tools regardless of whose name is on them.
Another post mentioned a cheap 1/4 grinder. I've seen people who have 2 so they don't have to change attachments. Probably a good idea but definitely get one.
Lastly I would take a look at what other people are using before you go past the basics. One of the first things I bought was an air ratchet but never thought it was worth the trouble of using. Got a Milwaukee cordless & it's so much more convenient. I use it all the time.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah you're right about that. I am fond of them as well. 500 ft. lbs, tiny and good quality.

nevertoomanytools · Mar 20, 2016

For a 3/8" air ratchet I went with the aircat. It's got plenty of power, seems to be built well, is quiet, and cheap. You can buy 3 aircats for the price of one snap on after your 50% discount.

3/8" Impact I went IR timax, also happy with it.

For die grinders, my chicago pneumatics have served my well. HF isn't horrible for the price but don't expect it to last more than a couple years tops, well atleast the angle grinders.

I know this is about air tools but I'd recommend getting some cordless tools as well. Love my m12 ratchet and impacts.

edit: oh yeah, air hammer is snap on ph3050b, that was one of the few snap on tools i felt was worth getting with the discount

Soslow · Mar 20, 2016

Air hammer- snap on PH3050B
3/8 impact Matco MT2138

mfrantz90 · Mar 20, 2016

Impact SO MG725, SO MG325, air hammer Ir 118 max, grinders SO 1/2 hp and ir 90 degree

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skruft · Mar 20, 2016

I am no expert but I have used and been happy with IR impact guns, IR and Snap-on ratchets (and one Mac) and IR and Snap-on drills. I have a new grinder called Wurth that seems good. Two Snap-on ratchets have needed rebuilding but I did it myself with kits.

sberry · Mar 20, 2016

Is there any fan club for the CP in here? I don't know if its the best but the price was right and I like the features.

sberry · Mar 20, 2016

I've bought, fixed, sold,tested, and used thousands of impact wrenches. Just depends on what you're looking for in one.

This is what I want to know,,, perfect. At some point we will score a 2235 then. Wild and unpredictable I do not want. My neighbor brought me a IR that was too hot, I like the smooth hit of my CP, I can dial it right in, its perfect for wheel work. A 729 maybe or a 749. How much is the IR 2235?

plinker · Mar 20, 2016

sberry said:
Is there any fan club for the CP in here? I don't know if its the best but the price was right and I like the features.

They have great air hammers, I have not used their impacts much though.
Place I worked last had a CP 1" impact and it was pretty nice but heavy.

Hammell · Mar 20, 2016

I like CP air tools. I have a CP734 1/2 impact that was my first air tool when I was 15/16? years old and worked in a shop (19 years ago?) that works great. Im still pulling wrenches and that things is still working fine, just beat up a lot. Not the most powerful but works. I also have a CP 772H. Works just fine. Again, not the most powerful but gets most work done on equipment. My wish list is to upgrade when they wear out (cp7769 and cp7748) but I might be old and retired by then...Ha

sberry · Mar 20, 2016

I have some ratchets in CP, like them better than I R.

stikman56 · Mar 20, 2016

sberry said:
Is there any fan club for the CP in here? I don't know if its the best but the price was right and I like the features.

I think they are really well built tools, just have encountered so few of them, I think because they aren't real common as far as impacts go,mostly what's out there are IR's Snap-On, Aircat's, and the PTP made impacts, that the CP stuff kind of gets overlooked. Friend of mine that is into air tools and sells them etc. has had quite a few of them and tested them and claims their 3/4" impact, I think that's the 772H? is the strongest 3/4" impact out there with a 3/8" air hose. He swears by their quality too.

1967Chevelle · Mar 25, 2016

I went through the Mac Tools and Matco tools catalog and some of the prices are crazy, I'm leaning towards AirCat, do you guys think about Aircat will hold up with everyday use?

Most of there air tools are composite

AIRCAT Composite Quiet 1/2" Reversible Drill Part #4450- Free Speed: 400 (RPM)

AIRCAT Composite Quiet Angle Die Grinder Part #6255 - Free Speed: 20,000 (rpm)

AIRCAT Composite Quiet "Mini" Straight Die Grinder Part #6200 - Free Speed: 20,000 (RPM)

AIRCAT Composite Quiet 3/8" Large Ratchet Twin Pawl Mechanism part #802 Loosening Torque: 90 (ft-lbs), Working Torque: 5-70 (ft-lbs)

plinker · Mar 25, 2016

I went through the Mac Tools and Matco tools catalog and some of the prices are crazy, I'm leaning towards AirCat, do you guys think about Aircat will hold up with everyday use?

Most of there air tools are composite

The 4450 1/2 drill is good, it does not have quite the torque of a Snap-on PDR5A, but mine has held up well for the close to three years I've had it.

I had wanted to try their die grinders as they seemed nice, but ended up getting a deal on some Matco 3/4hp ones

For the money they are a good deal and seem to hold up well.

DemoFly · Mar 25, 2016

I have nothing but positives to say about my Aircat 1300TH.

I know it's not a 3/4 or 1" but I can attest to its quality.

I love the weight savings of a composite body, plus it's not an ice cube in your hands on cold days.

Air tools Recommendation

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