1/2" Air Impact Gun

ita47 · Aug 27, 2009

I need to replace my old 1/2" Impact gun. My budget is around $100. What do you guy's feel is the best impact in that price range. I am currently looking at the IR 231c or CP 7733.

HandyManny · Aug 27, 2009

Go with the Ingersoll Rand

plinker · Aug 27, 2009

IR 231.

I picked up a napa version near new for 40$ on ebay, maybe check there first.

BB26 · Aug 27, 2009

IMO, the 231 is the best gun at that price point.

Skyline · Aug 27, 2009

Lightly Used IR 2135. Another option would be a used Snap-on MG725. I paid $300 for my Snap-on MG, but that included full 1/2" sets of Metric AND Standard S-O shallow impact sockets, and a S-O tool bag, all in new condition....so I guess I paid a little over $100, but not much. I've sold a couple of the 2135s on eBay in the last few years, and they tend to go for a little over $100 as well, but I've seen them sell under $100 sometimes.

cruiser808 · Aug 27, 2009

plinker said:
IR 231.

I picked up a napa version near new for 40$ on ebay, maybe check there first.

+1 on the IR 231. You can't go wrong; lots of bang for the buck.

daveblank · Aug 27, 2009

IR231 would be your best bet.

claimed4all · Aug 27, 2009

Long time reader, first time poster.

I just bought a IR 231c on ebay for under 30 dollars with shipping. Was used, but in great shape. Its unstoppable. When I got it I took rusty stuff apart just to zip it back together, and it never struggled.

Get the IR 231C

Marlin · Aug 27, 2009

plinker said:
IR 231.

I picked up a napa version near new for 40$ on ebay, maybe check there first.

Just an FYI, the Napa version is not made by IR

tw33k2514 · Aug 27, 2009

I would look for a 2135 on ebay first. Then I would get the 231 if I could not find a deal.

Wesley B · Aug 27, 2009

Does anybody have Florida Pneumatic tools. Because this new 725 ft-lbs gun looks pretty nice. But I am thinking 9 pounds is pretty darn heavy. http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18285&cat=0&page=1

LGMechanical · Aug 27, 2009

If you need a the gun for lighter work I suggest the IR231c. They are good, reliable guns. I bought the MG725 and it is unrivaled in power. Just remember, despite what anyone says there will ALWAYS be a fastener that even the strongest gun can't remove without heat. So when people say my gun removes EVERYTHING, its ********.

Wesley B said:
Does anybody have Florida Pneumatic tools. Because this new 725 ft-lbs gun looks pretty nice. But I am thinking 9 pounds is pretty darn heavy. http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18285&cat=0&page=1

9 pounds?? Damn lol! Did they put a motor into a bowling ball or something? lol

Rickntenn · Aug 27, 2009

+1 for the IR231

Fedwrench · Aug 27, 2009

Beware of clones!! It may look like a IR 231 but, unless it says Ingersoll Rand 231 on it, it's not the same impact. For many years the automotive repair industry had two main guns the IR 231 and the CP 734. Both are classics and will serve you well and can be had for around $100 if you watch for sales and shop around.
There are lighter, faster, and more powerful guns available such as the IR titanium series but, those require a larger investment.

kartracer55 · Aug 27, 2009

+1 on the 231.

Maybe not the lightest or most powerful, but its hard to beat for the price and its a serious workhorse. Ultra-reliable, time-tested design.

back2class · Aug 27, 2009

I have a IR titanium 1/2 and love it, but if I was set on "new" in that price range no dount it would be the Harbor Freight earthquake. I dispise HF and 99% of what they sell but this is a good quality gun with plenty of power. Honestly!

Nealcrenshaw · Aug 27, 2009

The Earthquake is a nice gun,good weight and a good price,i picked one up about a year ago. But definitely search on the bay,i just purchased a new Ingersoll 236 for $50.

GeorgiaHybrid · Aug 28, 2009

Check out your local CL for an IR 231C. This one just came up in Atlanta and has never been out of the box for $65

IR 231C for sale

SpiderGearsMan · Aug 28, 2009

and makes a precise torque wrench as well

ita47 · Aug 28, 2009

Sounds like the general concensous is the IR 231 Classic. I will keep watching and see if I can score a good used one. If not I will bite the bullet and order a new one from Amazon for $108.73

Thanks guys for the help!

Scotto · Aug 28, 2009

I have the 231C from Amazon. Works great.

Kinda surprised it's made in China though

CamarosRus · Sep 20, 2009

I (still) need(ed) to remove the chrome clad OEM wheels from my 03' 3500 SRW Truck.

My old Snap-On 1/2" Impact ( Model # is obsolete and cant be sent in for rebuild) would not budge the lug nuts.

Tryed my 18" Snap On Breaker bar with no success. Did not want to damage it with cheater pipe.

So.......after reading the above, drove down to my close H.F. and bought the 1/2" Earthquake on sale for $79 plus a 20% coupon = $63.99........

Using 120PSI the Earthquake would NOT remove ALL these apparently too
tight lugs

Owners manual says 135# on these SRW wheels. I used my 200# Snap On torque wrench to test tighten a few that I did get loose with Earthquake. At 135# these loosened easily with breaker bar or even my old Impact Gun......

I'll be driving truck to Tire Dealer and have them loosen all the lugs........

...............and returning Earthquake to Harbor Freight!!!!!!!!!

Are your SURE your IR231C would have backed off ALL my lug nuts??????

fordracing200 · Sep 20, 2009

get a nitrocat with 1100ft lbs for 160 bucks shipped at tooltopia....forget HF impact guns

fordbroncodave · Sep 21, 2009

toolsez.com

CamarosRus · Sep 21, 2009

I'm a amatuer mechanic, who mostly restores old Camaros now...............

Need Impact wrench to change/rotate wheels on my Dodge 3500 and enclosed car trailer.

Cant justify expense of new expensive gun for occasional need. I still havent gone to tire store to loosen, but am now..............These wheels for whatever reason were really over tightened........Owners manual says 135# ????

What say YOU ???????????????????

Thanks

lametec · Sep 21, 2009

Wesley B said:
Does anybody have Florida Pneumatic tools.

I have a Craftsman Professional model 19864 1/2" impact that's manufactured by FP. It's been serving my "shadetree mechanic" needs well for years now. It's rated at 700+ ft/lbs of torque.

CamarosRus · Sep 22, 2009

To conclude my above "overtightened" lug story................

Wound up driving my 03' Dodge 3500 to Les Schwab Tire (MAJOR Northwest U.S. Tire Dealer). They used two different I.R. guns and still couldnt remove all the lug nuts. Guy finally used his 200# Torque wrench (as a breaker bar??) to free up two of the nuts.

As I still have this obsolete Snap On, I probably will wait in buying another new 1/2" Impact..........

Thanks, Chuck

Diesel-Mech · Sep 22, 2009

No wonder your lugs were so tight if they have guys working there dumb enough to use a torque wrench as a breaker bar, a quality 1/2" impact will take off any light duty lug nut or break something trying.

gofastman · Sep 22, 2009

Diesel-Mech said:
No wonder your lugs were so tight if they have guys working there dumb enough to use a torque wrench as a breaker bar, a quality 1/2" impact will take off any light duty lug nut or break something trying.

True, I have snaped countless sockets with my Nitrocat mini 1/2", granted they were thinwall, but they said they were impact sockets :bounce:

For cheeper airtools I highly recomend Aircat/Nitrocat

1/2" Air Impact Gun

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

New member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Active member

ALLIANCE MEMBER

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member