3/8" drive impact gun dilemna

peter_x · May 31, 2009

I decided to buy a 3/8" impact gun. A couple days ago I was on the Matco truck and picked up the MT2120. I think I got it for $330. I met the Matco guy away from my shop so I didn't try it before taking it. When I hooked it up and ran it, I realized it was very loud. I later read on the spec sheet that it is at about 105dB. The Snap-on MG31 (which I haven't tried), by contrast, is at 95dB (half as loud).

The Mac guy walked by as I was looking at the gun in my shop and told me that there was a gun on sale this month. I don't remember the model but I think it lists for $280 and was on sale for $250, and uses "Quiet technology". He let me run that gun, and it was certainly more quiet. It was also more powerful... I think 400lb.-ft. while the Matco was at 300. I don't remember the free speeds though, and I definately like speed in my guns.

Here's the kicker though. The Mac gun doesn't have one-hand reversing, which is indispensable to me. It has that large recessed knob on the back, like SK guns, which both reverses and regulates the power. The Matco gun, which uses a thumb push-button reverse, has the same knob, but only to regulate the power. For that reason alone I won't buy the Mac gun.

So I am thinking of returning the Matco gun, but I need some suggestions for a truck-brand (I have to finance it) 3/8" gun with one-hand reverse knob.

Thanks.

billymade · May 31, 2009

Seems the new Snapon 3/8" impact is according to the marketing and people responses on here.... the the new "cats meow"! Seems this 3/8" impact can do the work of many 1/2" guns and has the added benefit of being much lighter... less fatigue at work; it also has a "one finger" directional button! Maybe other here, can chime in and say how good it is, plus... how load it is to use in the shop (apparently it has a add-on muffler). I have a number of air tools from the 80s and they are LOUD!!!... I use ear plugs! I would rather not but my ears seem to be kinda sensitive ever since I worked in a body shop that had all kinds of horrendous grinding/cutting noises going on all the time! It would be nice to have something quiet enough to not use ear plugs... however!

Snapon Stock#: MG325P Impact Wrench, Super Duty, Magnesium Housing, Pinned Anvil, 3/8" drive $359.00

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19753&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Snapon propaganda video about the MG325 - impact:

peter_x · May 31, 2009

I have used that front-to-back reverse mechanism once or twice... I didn't really like it, but I will have to ask my SO dealer to let my try one. I might get a different result. Thanks.

bmxr4life87 · May 31, 2009

i highly recommend the ir2115ti its priced the same but it has one hand reversing, is light, is strong and is quiet enough to not interrupt a conversation. plus it free spins at 14,500 and the new 2115tiMAX at 15,000

wantedabiggergarage · May 31, 2009

Is that a Snap-on socket on the MG gun video? It sure looks like a pinless flex/wobble socket to me. :spit:

tankboy_taylor · May 31, 2009

the mg31 can be put into reverse wth one hand np

daveblank · May 31, 2009

bmxr4life87 said:
i highly recommend the ir2115ti its priced the same but it has one hand reversing, is light, is strong and is quiet enough to not interrupt a conversation. plus it free spins at 14,500 and the new 2115tiMAX at 15,000

The Matco is the same as the 2115TIMAX. I thought that I read somewhere that there is a quiet version available in th IR brand now.

fordracing200 · May 31, 2009

the 400ft lb quite one sounds like a rebadged aircat. the IR 2115TI is cheaper then the snap on or matco and is quiet also, 87db IIRC. My son inlaw has a MG31 and it has the same power as his 220ft lb IR 3/8...he likes it but says its not worth the money.

fordracing200 · May 31, 2009

daveblank said:
The Matco is the same as the 2115TIMAX. I thought that I read somewhere that there is a quiet version available in th IR brand now.

all the IR guns are muffled, and then the QT versions are the same DB as the aircat.

peter_x · May 31, 2009

daveblank said:
The Matco is the same as the 2115TIMAX. I thought that I read somewhere that there is a quiet version available in th IR brand now.

If it's a rebadged IR, that makes me want to keep it. I've actually been thinking that maybe the noise is livable after all- but maybe I'm just saying that because I haven't used the gun more than 3 seconds!

fordracing200 · May 31, 2009

the matco IR gun is the

3/8" Titanium Composite Body Impact Wrench.
Tougher -Titanium means this tool will stand up under the toughest environments.
Four position Power Management system.
Through handle exhaust with 360 degree swivel inlet.
Ergonomic textured handle designed for comfort and improved grip control.
Professional tough trigger for modulation of power outlet.
Push button forward / reverse controls for one handed operation.
1 year warranty.
Specifications:
Square Drive- 3/8"
Bolt Size- 7/16"
Net Weight- 2.4 lbs.
Overall Length- 5.5/8"
Torque Range- 25 - 230 ft. lbs.
Maximum Torque (Reverse)- 280 ft. lbs
Air Inlet- 1/4" NPTF
Minimum Hose Size- 3/8"
[details]

Part#: IR2115TI Price: $424.95

I couldn't find the one in question on their site.

daveblank · May 31, 2009

fordracing200 said:
all the IR guns are muffled, and then the QT versions are the same DB as the aircat.

Only the "QT" series are muffled.

wrenchr · May 31, 2009

Nitrocat for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moose-LandTran · May 31, 2009

daveblank said:
The Matco is the same as the 2115TIMAX. I thought that I read somewhere that there is a quiet version available in th IR brand now.

Indeed there is, the 2115QTiMAX. I have one, it kicks ***.

nate379 · May 31, 2009

Not that it's really my business but if you have to finance a $300 tool, maybe you should just wait until you save up a little bit of $$ for it.

Last I checked the interest rates on the tool trucks was a crazy #. I remember thinking at the time a guy could get a personal loan from a bank and would be much better off.

jshillin · May 31, 2009

I have the MG325, it's an awesome impact. I rarely have to reach for a 1/2" impact.

peter_x · May 31, 2009

Probably right Nate, but that's a whole other story.

Anyway, I've been trying to see the difference between the the MT2120 and IR2115TiMAX. The IR is on Matco's website (see what fordracing posted above). The MT2120 is a new tool, and although it appears in the print catalogue, only the dealer's kit shows on the website, and it doesn't give specs. However, I have the specs from the manual that came with the gun, and they don't quite match up to what is printed in the catalogue. The catalogue puts the torque range at 25-250 with 300 max. The manual with the gun lists it at only 25-230 with "280 reverse (300 max)" (this jives more closely with the IR gun).

What is really off is the dB rating. The catalogue claims 89.7dB, while the manual gives four numbers: Imacting sound level: 96.6 (pressure) 107.6 (power); Free speed sound level: 106.3 (pressure) 117 (power).

I think the guns look visually identical.

Diesel-Mech · May 31, 2009

nate379 said:
Last I checked the interest rates on the tool trucks was a crazy #. I remember thinking at the time a guy could get a personal loan from a bank and would be much better off.

There is no interest rate on truck credit (unless buying a tool box or high dollar scanner), you pay the same as you would if you bought up front off of Snap-on's etc website.

As far as impacts go I could not be happier with my MG31 although I do kinda have a itch to pick up the MG325 now. :beer:

CAT_serviceman927 · May 31, 2009

wantedabiggergarage said:
Is that a Snap-on socket on the MG gun video? It sure looks like a pinless flex/wobble socket to me.

I am pretty sure SO changed their design. I just got a new set of the 1/2" drive impact swivel sockets and they no longer have the collar. They still have a pin if I remember correctly but no collar.

Edit: I just checked their website and it looks like they have 3/8" drive like that now too:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...5&group_ID=324&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

nate379 · May 31, 2009

With who?? When I looked into it with Snap On there was for sure interest... I'm thinking like 22% but I can't remember for sure.

Diesel-Mech said:
There is no interest rate on truck credit (unless buying a tool box or high dollar scanner), you pay the same as you would if you bought up front off of Snap-on's etc website.

As far as impacts go I could not be happier with my MG31 although I do kinda have a itch to pick up the MG325 now.

Moose-LandTran · May 31, 2009

It depends if you finance or use a revolving account.

Diesel-Mech · May 31, 2009

nate379 said:
With who?? When I looked into it with Snap On there was for sure interest... I'm thinking like 22% but I can't remember for sure.

Every truck I have ever walked on has had interest free tech credit. :thumbup:

GeorgiaHybrid · May 31, 2009

CAT 927,

The new SO swivel sockets are laser welded to eliminate the collar. It looks to be another big improvement to a socket that (IMO) was ahead of the pack already.

Fedwrench · May 31, 2009

GeorgiaHybrid said:
CAT 927,

The new SO swivel sockets are laser welded to eliminate the collar. It looks to be another big improvement to a socket that (IMO) was ahead of the pack already.

They're not that far ahead of the pack. I've broken two of the new style 3/8 drive 15mm impact swivels at work in the last month. Another drawback to the new style is that the base is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch taller than the older Snap on versions.

bmxr4life87 · May 31, 2009

you have a truck card and truck credit confused. most trucks will carry a balance of roughly 2,000 per tech with payments made weekly interest free but if your making larger purchases you can get an actual credit card with a high interest rate and preset limits most techs just use a truck account

fordracing200 · May 31, 2009

daveblank said:
Only the "QT" series are muffled.

all IR composite housing guns are muffled, only the QT is super quiet like the aircat IIRC. I'm almost positive though, I'll see if I can't get some facts..

Fedwrench · Jun 1, 2009

fordracing200 said:
all IR composite housing guns are muffled, only the QT is super quiet like the aircat IIRC. I'm almost positive though, I'll see if I can't get some facts..

Nope, only the QT models are muffled. In fact, all of the new TIMAX series are damn loud unless you get the QT version. :thumbup:

peter_x · Jun 1, 2009

Fedwrench said:
Nope, only the QT models are muffled. In fact, all of the new TIMAX series are damn loud unless you get the QT version.

So is the MT2120 the same as the 2115TiMAX?

garfunkle24 · Jun 1, 2009

nate379 said:
With who?? When I looked into it with Snap On there was for sure interest... I'm thinking like 22% but I can't remember for sure.

Every truck I know of the financing is 0%. That's half of what you are paying for with their over-priced tools.

daveblank · Jun 1, 2009

peter_x said:
So is the MT2120 the same as the 2115TiMAX?

Yes it is.

GTO · Jun 1, 2009

peter_x said:
I decided to buy a 3/8" impact gun. A couple days ago I was on the Matco truck and picked up the MT2120. I think I got it for $330. I met the Matco guy away from my shop so I didn't try it before taking it. When I hooked it up and ran it, I realized it was very loud. I later read on the spec sheet that it is at about 105dB. The Snap-on MG31 (which I haven't tried), by contrast, is at 95dB (half as loud).

The Mac guy walked by as I was looking at the gun in my shop and told me that there was a gun on sale this month. I don't remember the model but I think it lists for $280 and was on sale for $250, and uses "Quiet technology". He let me run that gun, and it was certainly more quiet. It was also more powerful... I think 400lb.-ft. while the Matco was at 300. I don't remember the free speeds though, and I definately like speed in my guns.

Here's the kicker though. The Mac gun doesn't have one-hand reversing, which is indispensable to me. It has that large recessed knob on the back, like SK guns, which both reverses and regulates the power. The Matco gun, which uses a thumb push-button reverse, has the same knob, but only to regulate the power. For that reason alone I won't buy the Mac gun.

So I am thinking of returning the Matco gun, but I need some suggestions for a truck-brand (I have to finance it) 3/8" gun with one-hand reverse knob.

Thanks.

I have a chance to buy a brand new in box SO MG31 @ $160,is this a good price ?

Marlin · Jun 1, 2009

peter_x said:
I decided to buy a 3/8" impact gun. A couple days ago I was on the Matco truck and picked up the MT2120. I think I got it for $330. I met the Matco guy away from my shop so I didn't try it before taking it. When I hooked it up and ran it, I realized it was very loud. I later read on the spec sheet that it is at about 105dB. The Snap-on MG31 (which I haven't tried), by contrast, is at 95dB (half as loud).

Make sure you are comparing the same sound level values. The Matco value you stated is the "sound power" level at free speed and I believe the Snap on Value is "sound pressure" at free speed. If you compare the sound pressure values while the tools are impacting the Matco tool has a lower dba level.

Spookrider · Jun 1, 2009

My shop mate has the Snap On 3/8 impact. It was doing every thing that my 1/2 impact was doing. It is one screaming bad azz of a impact to me. It was taking lug nut off as fast as my 1/2 impact was .
It on my dream tool buy.

peter_x · Jun 1, 2009

daveblank said:
Yes it is.

In that case I will keep this gun.

Is it possible it is so loud because there is not enough grease in the head? As soon as I get some air tool grease I will pump the head full of it.

I tried it at work again today and it is much louder than my IR321 (both compared at free speed. I haven't tried the Matco with a load).

Thanks.

peter_x · Jun 1, 2009

GTO said:
I have a chance to buy a brand new in box SO MG31 @ $160,is this a good price ?

I think it lists for $349.

edit: 359, after checking the SO website.

Marlin · Jun 1, 2009

peter_x said:
In that case I will keep this gun.

Is it possible it is so loud because there is not enough grease in the head? As soon as I get some air tool grease I will pump the head full of it.

I tried it at work again today and it is much louder than my IR321 (both compared at free speed. I haven't tried the Matco with a load).

Thanks.

Are you talking about the sound level while free speeding the tool or while impacting? Grease in the impact mechanism should not really affect noise level, especially while free speeding.

Art From De Leon · Jun 1, 2009

Spookrider said:
My shop mate has the Snap On 3/8 impact. It was doing every thing that my 1/2 impact was doing. It is one screaming bad azz of a impact to me. It was taking lug nut off as fast as my 1/2 impact was .
It on my dream tool buy.

With the power that the new series of Snap On 3/8" impacts have, and a non-restricted air supply, I would see very little reason to have a 1/2" impact for automotive use.

Snap On has invested the money to build a quality, American made impact, while the competition is content to either relable, or clone Chinese made products, which are barely capable of out performing a 3/8" MG31, much less a MG325 series.

daveblank · Jun 1, 2009

peter_x said:
In that case I will keep this gun.

Is it possible it is so loud because there is not enough grease in the head? As soon as I get some air tool grease I will pump the head full of it.

I tried it at work again today and it is much louder than my IR321 (both compared at free speed. I haven't tried the Matco with a load).

Thanks.

Grease will not affect the sound.

Also, do not pump the head full, a little bit goes a long way. Too much & you will affect the performance.

Marlin · Jun 1, 2009

Art From De Leon said:
With the power that the new series of Snap On 3/8" impacts have, and a non-restricted air supply, I would see very little reason to have a 1/2" impact for automotive use.

Snap On has invested the money to build a quality, American made impact, while the competition is content to either relable, or clone Chinese made products, which are barely capable of out performing a 3/8" MG31, much less a MG325 series.

That depends on which competition.

peter_x · Jun 5, 2009

Ok, I have used the tool a few times now. With a load on it, it is actually quieter than my IR231. It did a tire with 19mm lugs no problem. I work on Ford Escape Hybrids and Crown Vics at work. I think about the only thing this gun won't be able to do is the 24mm bolts for the lower control arms (at least the one for which you need a swivel socket). Handling this gun is a relief from the weight of the 231.

3/8" drive impact gun dilemna

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