1/2" Impact Comparison: IR VS. Aircat

[PoorOwner]

I bought mostly aircat tools based on TNToy's recommendation from earlier. So it won't hold up to shop use? I wonder what is wearing out and can it be repaired?

I think I might still be OK since I only use it occasionally at home. The aircats are cheaper than IR Ti series so that's another reason for me to choose aircat.

 

[PoorOwner]

Thoses factory installed Honda crank bolts are $%#& to remove. Most 1/2 drives will not remove them and even some weaker 3/4 impacts. I believe red loctite is used on the original factory bolts.

I have resorted to removing them by apply heat to the face of the bolt followed by a 4 foot piece of steel pipe slipped over the handle of a 2 foot breaker bar with socket. Helper holds the pulley hold-down tool in place and I apply the force. Man, when that bolt finally lets loose, it sounds like a rifle being shot. Scares the **** out of anyone around...

And what brand of breaker bar are you using for this operation? I think if I try that with my HF bars it will shear at the swivel.

 

[DavidtheDuke]

And what brand of breaker bar are you using for this operation? I think if I try that with my HF bars it will shear at the swivel.

I have a Goodwrench one, looks like Taiwan or China (doesn't say). I've popped Honda bolts among other things that took a 4+ foot cheater bar. $20 I paid, well spent so far.

 

[eschoendorff]

And what brand of breaker bar are you using for this operation? I think if I try that with my HF bars it will shear at the swivel.

I have a HF 25" 1/2 breaker bar and an S*K 24" 1/2 breaker bar... the HF model flexes a lot... the S*K, not so much, FWIW....

 

[Marlin]

Any pressure over 90psi will not increase torque according IR, but it will increase tool speed. As for damage, I don't know, I will check with the guys at IR.

Any one using an IR Thunder Gun out there?

Did you read this in an IR manual? Actually, the performance will increase as the pressure goes up with the downside being it can affect the tool life. In most cases, however, people are not getting the pressure at the tool that they think they are. The 90 psi rating is actully meant to be measured at the inlet of the tool while the tool is running free speed. A lot of people don't realize the pressure drop that occurrs through the hsoe and quick disconnects.

 

[jay50]

And what brand of breaker bar are you using for this operation? I think if I try that with my HF bars it will shear at the swivel.

Cman breaker bar; has never let me down on these jobs

 

[tbgallant]

Anybody else have experiance with the Nitrocat 3/8 or 1/2" in a shop environment. Is it down on power or just not as snappy as a new IR? Giving up 100 ft-lbs for the cost savings seems reasonable.. but I don't want to lose 100 ft-lbs every year?

 

[c.schulz]

Keep me posted on this


Chris

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have a HF 25" 1/2 breaker bar and an S*K 24" 1/2 breaker bar... the HF model flexes a lot... the S*K, not so much, FWIW....

Those HF bars, where the end of the bar is pinched are notoriously weak. So many brands sell those bars, i can't tell you how many i've broken. A while ago, me and some friends were setting up to do a huge teardown/rebuild of a friend Dodge Ram, my friend bought 5 of those bars. we broke them all within the first 4 hours or so. they shear/snap just before the swivel head.

The ones with the fork on the bar are the only ones worth buying, when you can find them. i had a cheap one with the fork on the bar and it took a hell of a lot of abuse. (never broke, sold it to a friend.)

Snap-on bars are the way to go, they're expensive but soooo worth it. i have 3!

 

[wrenchr]

I would like to try a aircat out one of these days!!

 

[Backyard Mechanic]

I bought mostly aircat tools based on TNToy's recommendation from earlier. So it won't hold up to shop use? I wonder what is wearing out and can it be repaired?

I think I might still be OK since I only use it occasionally at home. The aircats are cheaper than IR Ti series so that's another reason for me to choose aircat.

You can buy excellent used IR 2135TiMAX's on eBay for around $120- or less with a little effort.

 

[06wt]

Wel i just finished reading this whole thread, so tntony can we get a update? Do u still have the cats? rebuild? gone?

 

[Marlin]

Wel i just finished reading this whole thread, so tntony can we get a update? Do u still have the cats? rebuild? gone?

I have to say that I was very happy with the Nitrocat for approximately one year of shop use. Then I had to borrow a 2135Ti, and a 2135TiMAX, to remove a couple of things the 'Cat wouldn't.

So I bought a TiMAX to use at work, and took the Nitrocat home.

From a previous post.

 

[06wt]

i seen that post but that post was made about a year ago. I was just wondering if he still has them and if they needed rebuilding and how easy was it to get parts if he did rebuild them.

 

[Marlin]

i seen that post but that post was made about a year ago. I was just wondering if he still has them and if they needed rebuilding and how easy was it to get parts if he did rebuild them.

Which product, the IR or the Aircat?

 

[06wt]

Which product, the IR or the Aircat?

the aircats, im just want to know how long they last. I already have ir impacts but im looking at getting one of the small body 1/2'' aircats

 

[BTroll]

Any updates from Nitrocat users?

I know many of you are working mechanics and use these tools every day, but I am looking to pick up a beefy impact gun for infrequent home garage use (1-2 weekends a month on average).

With this limited use do you think the Nitrocat should keep up for a long time, or the 1 year timeframe that TNT saw might be what I should expect? I can get the pricing down to $120 shipped through Sears after some coupons so its quite cheap if it will do the job for me, but I would like to buy something I'll be able to keep and enjoy long term.

Thanks!

 

[MattPersman]

For very occasional home use you might as well buy the earthquake if your budget is that limited.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Thread dredge!

Funny this came up...we were bitching about the IRs at work (assembly plant) the other day after two brand new ones were broken out of the box. One wouldn't turn off and the other had its socket retainer fly out along with the spring. Might have to look at the Aircats.

 

[stikman56]

Get an Aircat. You won't regret it. I'm just waiting to see if the 3/8" drive nitrocat pops up on eBay any cheaper, before I buy one next week.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230046175943

So far it looks like I can get it for under $140 including shipping. I've used it a bunch more today, and I seriously love this gun. One of the other techs was talking to me toyday while I rotated a set of tires - yeah, he had to raise his voice, but we were having a conversation with the gun in use.

There's no way to avoid hearing damage with a gun like the thunder gun or an IR 231 unless you wear earplugs. With the Titanium guns, they're a LOT quieter than an old-school gun, but I still wore earplugs because they were still fairly loud, and you had to YELL to be heard over it. The Aircat specs say it's about 10 dB quieter than the Ti (86 vs 95), which equates to half the volume. I'd definitely believe it - this thing is super quiet.

On the differing specs, are you referring to the 1/2" mini being rated at 700 ft/lb and the 3/8" being rated at 500, even though the only difference is the anvil size? Be warned that they apprently use torque specs to match IR's "Nut Busting Torque" rating of 1,000 ft/lb on the 2135. Expect a gun just as strong as your current 2135 or 2112, and you'll be dead on. They're almost the exact same strength, and I see no reason for the 3/8" version to be any different.

The wierdest thing is that the Aircat is so quiet and doesn't shudder in your hand - so it "feels" REALLY weak compared to the Ti. But the fasteners don't seem to be able to tell the diffence.

Not sure if you're talking Aircat or Nitrocat when you say it doesn't shudder and feels weak, but isn't. The Nitrocat's are that way,and they're stronger that the 2135ti, and they feel that way beacause of the pin style hammers. It makes them very smooth to use. Aircats are the common twin hammer design, like most other 1/2" impacts out there.
Nitrocat's are still the strongest 1/2" impact wrenches I have tested, so far. The 1250K that's out now is rated at 1300, older 1200K at 1295, Aircat 1150K is at 1295 also

 

[wafrederick]

This is a real test and the IR won it.The test was done by a Nascar pit crew member,

 

[smoking stroker]

 

[stikman56]

This is a real test and the IR won it.The test was done by a Nascar pit crew member,

That so-called test is nothing relevant at all. Did you notice the guy says the Nitrocat had trouble taking off the same nut that it JUST PUT ON. Also, they're saying "faster", not stronger. I've tested them side by side, the Nitrocat free spins slower, and has a bit more torque. 2135timax is strong, spins faster. Also, he slows down when he's using the Nitrocat, I noticed that the first time I watched this. ( hey, after all, the guy's sponsered by IR) If you go to "Aircat 1200-K vs IR 2135timax torque test" on youtube, these are the results I have found between the two. Don't get me wrong, I like both impacts, it's just you have to give credit where it's due.

 

[stikman56]

As Smokin Stroker posted,this is the proper test for torque, and exactly what I have found, as well. You want fast, get the 232tgsl Thunder Gun, 10,000 rpm's, you want strenght, this has it over the Ingersolls.

 

[stikman56]

So you think the 2135 has max reverse torque of 410 ft-lbs?

Get real.

I'm guessing 5,000 posts from now, you are still going to be saying that every single impact on planet earth is a weakling compared to Aircat impacts?

I vote this thread be closed....this is worse than Snap-on obsessed people.

I've done a lot of testing, and a lot of research as well. Never said it was a weakling, it's not weak at all, it's a very strong wrench. Simply because someone posts their findings and you disagree, you vote the thread should be closed? What's that about? I can disagree with you, you can disagree with me. We can all have our opinions, it's OK to do so. I'm telling you my testing between the two has always shown the Nitrocat 1200K is stronger than a 2135timax, nothing more. Never said I didn't like the Ingersolls, I do like them, simply like to see credit given where it is due. There are a lot of strong impact wrenches out there, some 1/2" rated at 1300 ft' lbs. I have yet to test those, will be doing so soon with an MT2769, just posting my findings that a 1200K rated at 1295 ft. lbs. has been stronger than any 2135timax, CAT4150, MG725 I've ever put against it. By the way I am also fond of the CAT4150 as well. I own many. I'm not brand specific on ANYTHING, and I say "use what you like". When we had stubborn rusted ones that the others couldn't budge at the shop, my 1000M did it, almost every time. It's just how it happened, so I've always kept a Nitrocat in the tool box, that's all.

 

[woodstockva]

I've done a lot of testing, and a lot of research as well. Never said it was a weakling, it's not weak at all, it's a very strong wrench. Simply because someone posts their findings and you disagree, you vote the thread should be closed? What's that about? I can disagree with you, you can disagree with me. We can all have our opinions, it's OK to do so. I'm telling you my testing between the two has always shown the Nitrocat 1200K is stronger than a 2135timax, nothing more. Never said I didn't like the Ingersolls, I do like them, simply like to see credit given where it is due. There are a lot of strong impact wrenches out there, some 1/2" rated at 1300 ft' lbs. I have yet to test those, will be doing so soon with an MT2769, just posting my findings that a 1200K rated at 1295 ft. lbs. has been stronger than any 2135timax, CAT4150, MG725 I've ever put against it. By the way I am also fond of the CAT4150 as well. I own many. I'm not brand specific on ANYTHING, and I say "use what you like". When we had stubborn rusted ones that the others couldn't budge at the shop, my 1000M did it, almost every time. It's just how it happened, so I've always kept a Nitrocat in the tool box, that's all.

I wrote you a PM with my thoughts on this.

If you go to the grocery store....stand in the bread aisle & tell everyone that Wonder Bread is better than any other bread there & you have tried them all....they are either going to think you are nuts or that you work for Wonder Bread.

 

[stikman56]

I see torque numbers like the ones in the above test all the time on 1/2" impacts. Doesn't mean they won't loosen a bolt at higher torques. Haven't seen a test yet where the wrench reaches numbers close to it's rated maximum torque. There's a video of a 1/2" impact removing a bolt though that was torqued to 1200 ft. lbs, right after the guy torqued it.
If anybody's interested in my findings, over and over again of the weak points of EACH of these wrenches, let me know. PM me. It's become obvious that my findings of which has the highest torque output have offended some. I cannot change those findings, as I have lived them. No opinions were brought into the every day use, or testing against each other.

 

[aussiek2000]

I don't know about aircat or IR. But we have 8 SO MG725's in the shop. Power output is phenomenal and quality is second to none. 2-3 guys had IRs and traded them for the snap ons after using them a couple times.

 

[wtfrulookn@]

I don't know about aircat or IR. But we have 8 SO MG725's in the shop. Power output is phenomenal and quality is second to none. 2-3 guys had IRs and traded them for the snap ons after using them a couple times.

"quality is second to none"...? SnapOn? Dude you are dilusional. Our SO rep sold everyone in our shop the MG725 this time last year...He gave us a HUGE quantity discount because he couldn't move his inventory. Well since then EVERYONE of them broke! Of course he warrantied everything but two motors had to be rebuilt and three of the mechanisms broke. He even had to replace mine with a new one because it was "too far gone". I have since put that in my bottom drawer as a spare and bought an IR2135 Titanium tool.

As far as Snap On quality being "second to none"? Hand wrenches yes...absolutely. But air tools...the poor quality Taiwan parts, terrible workmanchip and attention to quality, the styling and design of a cinder block...Snap On ranks right down there next to Coleman and Fla Pneumatic.

 

[zakmartin]

If you go to the grocery store....stand in the bread aisle & tell everyone that Wonder Bread is better than any other bread there & you have tried them all....they are either going to think you are nuts or that you work for Wonder Bread.

Here, try Chewlies Gum.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Not sure if it's truly more or less powerful than the IR or Snappy guns... So far there hasn't been a bolt in the shop that one got stuck on that the other could remove


But as far as price/performance goes: Aircat has the edge there. Given how much they are, even if they are 90% as strong as the IR/Snap ons, I'd say it's a good buy. Only complaint with my aircat 1150 is that the sockets like to vibrate quite a bit when doing things like removing lugnuts at speed. Theory is how they cut the output shaft, seems to be ground/tapered vs. having a flat lip to rest on like the IR

 

[stikman56]

"quality is second to none"...? SnapOn? Dude you are dilusional. Our SO rep sold everyone in our shop the MG725 this time last year...He gave us a HUGE quantity discount because he couldn't move his inventory. Well since then EVERYONE of them broke! Of course he warrantied everything but two motors had to be rebuilt and three of the mechanisms broke. He even had to replace mine with a new one because it was "too far gone". I have since put that in my bottom drawer as a spare and bought an IR2135 Titanium tool.

As far as Snap On quality being "second to none"? Hand wrenches yes...absolutely. But air tools...the poor quality Taiwan parts, terrible workmanchip and attention to quality, the styling and design of a cinder block...Snap On ranks right down there next to Coleman and Fla Pneumatic.

From a guy who does it every day (repairs, buys, sells, and uses) this is exactly what I have seen with them as well. I'll never own one, and even if it was given to me, I have to be honest, I'd sell it. And the power selector is by far THE WORST I have ever seen on an impact. I dunno about everyone else, but my fingers aren't channel locks. They're also heavy, loud and under-powered as far as I'm concerned for an 8-vane rotor, which by the way is the most in the biz. I've owned and still do, Nitrocat's , cornwell CAT4150's, US General composites ( AKA ATD2102, and Nesco NP745XLT) and all are still going strong to this day. It's easy to get that much torque and more out of many wrenches that are less expensive, lighter, and more reliable, is about all I can say.

 

[SnowDrifter]

...Which is weird because both my co workers have mg725s that have performed great for years with subpar maintenance. But my shop also has a refrigerator air drier. Not sure how much moisture has to do with it

 

[stikman56]

Not sure if it's truly more or less powerful than the IR or Snappy guns... So far there hasn't been a bolt in the shop that one got stuck on that the other could remove


But as far as price/performance goes: Aircat has the edge there. Given how much they are, even if they are 90% as strong as the IR/Snap ons, I'd say it's a good buy. Only complaint with my aircat 1150 is that the sockets like to vibrate quite a bit when doing things like removing lugnuts at speed. Theory is how they cut the output shaft, seems to be ground/tapered vs. having a flat lip to rest on like the IR

I haven't used an Aircat, but can tell you that my Nitrocat 1200K was the strongest wrench in the shop. When the others couldn't many times it could.

 

[SnowDrifter]

How's the 1200 do against rusty bolts? I shied away from it for 2 reasons

1 being that it doesn't work with a torque stick, and 2 I've read that is has a very hard "hit" and has a tendency to break bolts that are seized in place. Torque stick is no biggie but the shearing bolts scared me away from it

 

[stikman56]

How's the 1200 do against rusty bolts? I shied away from it for 2 reasons

1 being that it doesn't work with a torque stick, and 2 I've read that is has a very hard "hit" and has a tendency to break bolts that are seized in place. Torque stick is no biggie but the shearing bolts scared me away from it

I didn't have an issue with breaking bolts other than the rusty 1/2" studs on old air bags, and that was a bonus for removal as they were getting thrown away and replaced. Everything else I used it on was big enough that breakage wasn't a problem. Getting them to move was the biggest problem. One particular bolt on a Prevost disc brake rotor attaching it to the hub( they have 10) was almost always stuck, most of the time the other 1/2" guns couldn't get them loose, we found almost every time that a 1200K would do the job. My co-workers were impressed enough, they got Nitrocat's. We didn't use torque sticks for anything, and me, I have so many 1/2" impacts anyway, I have one for every occasion, I think.

 

[Dirty_Tac0]

I just ordered my aircat 1200k from amazon $179 + shipping , I can't wait to spear bolts right off .


.: iPad Dos Tapatalk HD :.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Aircats are overwhelmingly the gun of choice in our shop, among both the field techs and shop guys. Several have the 3/4 gun too.

Something was wrong with my IR when I got it and I returned it. I cannot say for sure if my IR was putting out full rated torque or not but it would not perform like the air cats. It did have other issues, such as it would frequently go dead.

I now have a brand new Nitrocat 1200k in my hands. We will see how it performs.

 

[Gert]

There is something odd about this youtube film “AIRCAT 1200-K vs IR 2135TiMAX Torque Test”

The aircat has a max rated working power of 900 ft lb, and the IR 550 ft lb.
But the measuring instrument reads 568 ft lb for the aircat, and 410 ft lb for the IR.

So, the measurement is 332 ft lb off from the aircats rated powers, and the measurement is 140 ft lb off for the IR gun.

Why is there so much difference between the rated numbers and the measured numbers. Broken measuring instrument or instrument not suitable for this type of impact? Is the instrument calibrated? Are the rated numbers just commercial numbers?

 

[mikebramel]

There is something odd about this youtube film “AIRCAT 1200-K vs IR 2135TiMAX Torque Test”

The aircat has a max rated working power of 900 ft lb, and the IR 550 ft lb.
But the measuring instrument reads 568 ft lb for the aircat, and 410 ft lb for the IR.

So, the measurement is 332 ft lb off from the aircats rated powers, and the measurement is 140 ft lb off for the IR gun.

Why is there so much difference between the rated numbers and the measured numbers. Broken measuring instrument or instrument not suitable for this type of impact? Is the instrument calibrated? Are the rated numbers just commercial numbers?

The air hose he is using looks like its about an 1/8"