1/2" Impact.. I'm stuck.

[thaghost87]

Ive done some research and I'm in between two 1/2" guns. The Snap on 725 and the Aircat 1200k. I've used both and it seems to be that the aircat is slightly smaller and a little less heavy than the snap on. It also is much more quieter (stock). The both seem to be very powerful. The aircat is about $180 vs $400 for the snap on...

help me out guys.. THANKS

 

[Rogue1987]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I realize it wasn't in your list, but I have a MG725 at work, as well as (yep, you guessed it) one of the new HF earthquakes in 1/2. Through my simple testing (Exact same air supply, 115psi, ) the HF gun seemed stronger. I could tighten down a 1 1/8th inch nut that the MG725 could not break free. At the same time the MG725 could NOT tighten down a nut to the point the HF gun couldn't break it free. For $72, I was mightily impressed in the HF unit.

I have to give it to the MG725 tho, it is a fair bit lighter than the HF gun. I don't use the gun 8x5x52, so take that into consideration.

 

[jamesc]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

a co worker has the mg725 and its been out for repair twice in less then a year. everyone else in the shop has the matco/ir ti guns with more power and no failures. I have never used an aircat before but was considering one for 3/8 gun.

 

[pipsters]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I realize it wasn't in your list, but I have a MG725 at work, as well as (yep, you guessed it) one of the new HF earthquakes in 1/2. Through my simple testing (Exact same air supply, 115psi, ) the HF gun seemed stronger. I could tighten down a 1 1/8th inch nut that the MG725 could not break free. At the same time the MG725 could NOT tighten down a nut to the point the HF gun couldn't break it free. For $72, I was mightily impressed in the HF unit.

I have to give it to the MG725 tho, it is a fair bit lighter than the HF gun. I don't use the gun 8x5x52, so take that into consideration.

I would like to thank you, I have been saying this time and time again and no one believes me. The Harbor Freight 1/2" impact beat my Aircat 1100k (slightly) and hands down put my 2135qtimax and 2135timax to shame. I don't have access to an MG725 but you did and it beat it as well.

No, it's not an official way of testing but works for me.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628

 

[Rogue1987]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I would like to thank you, I have been saying this time and time again and no one believes me. The Harbor Freight 1/2" impact beat my Aircat 1100k (slightly) and hands down put my 2135qtimax and 2135timax to shame. I don't have access to an MG725 but you did and it beat it as well.

No, it's not an official way of testing but works for me.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628

I was amazed by the unit. For the price, I'm even more glad (gladder?) that I bought this unit and it was the shop that picked up the MG725. For the price, I really don't know how you could beat the HF gun.

 

[Winneratalosinggame]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

Aircat makes a great impact in 1/2" and 3/8" they also make several MAC Impacts.
In case you need a great Impact for Harmonic balancer bolts also look into the Ingersoll

IR2015MAX - 3/8" Hammerhead Low-Profile Impactool
Or
IR2025MAX - 1/2" Hammerhead Low-Profile Impactool
They are wicked, Reactionless no split knuckles!
I can remove and install tires with either.

 

[Winneratalosinggame]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

a co worker has the mg725 and its been out for repair twice in less then a year. everyone else in the shop has the matco/ir ti guns with more power and no failures. I have never used an aircat before but was considering one for 3/8 gun.

I also have an IR Titanium 1/2 inch drive impact and have had no problems!

 

[thaghost87]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

Wow... maybe I should check out the hF 1/2" and see what it has before I get the other two. Is the HF loud? Not hat it really mayers. Imm be using it for bigger jobs... my SO 3/8 is my everyday gun

 

[pipsters]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

Wow... maybe I should check out the hF 1/2" and see what it has before I get the other two. Is the HF loud? Not hat it really mayers. Imm be using it for bigger jobs... my SO 3/8 is my everyday gun

No it's pretty quiet, it also has a muffler on it. The 2135qtimax is the quietest of them all but the Earthquake is second. The Aircat was actually a lot louder than I though it would be. No idea on the Snap-On. The regular 2135imax was the loudest of the ones I tested.

Don't forget your 20% coupon.

 

[Skin]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I havent really used it but my brother bought an EQ. My initial impression from picking it up is that its poorly balanced and heavy as a brick. Keep that in mind if you use it all day.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I realize it wasn't in your list, but I have a MG725 at work, as well as (yep, you guessed it) one of the new HF earthquakes in 1/2. Through my simple testing (Exact same air supply, 115psi, ) the HF gun seemed stronger. I could tighten down a 1 1/8th inch nut that the MG725 could not break free. At the same time the MG725 could NOT tighten down a nut to the point the HF gun couldn't break it free. For $72, I was mightily impressed in the HF unit.

I have to give it to the MG725 tho, it is a fair bit lighter than the HF gun. I don't use the gun 8x5x52, so take that into consideration.

Which HF 1/2" Earthquake are you using, the older generation or the latest version?

TheGrooveking

 

[pipsters]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I havent really used it but my brother bought an EQ. My initial impression from picking it up is that its poorly balanced and heavy as a brick. Keep that in mind if you use it all day.

I do agree. It's not light. Ergonomically speaking the 2135 was far ahead.

 

[GoBlue]

Re: 1/" Impact.. I'm stuck.

I have the Aircat in 1/2 and 3/8 (both in Mac form) and the H.F Earthquake in 1/2. I do agree that the H.F is just as strong as both the Aircat and the Snappy, i still think the Aircat is the better gun. Mine is much quieter, better balanced, lighter, and it has much better ergonomics. If money is not an issue...get the big Aircat. If your tight up, the H.F will serve you well. I have been using mine as a test exclusively for quite some time now at work and have had zero issues other than it not having a grease fitting and requiring grease. Great guns...both of them.

 

[greasemonkey44]

ive got a 1200k and its a beast
quiet as a church mouse, and strong as a bull
however you cant use it with torque sticks
ive used a 725 and they are good as well just expensive; powerful and well balanced

 

[thaghost87]

Yea I've noticed the 6lb weight spec on HF website for the earthquake. But I like that its super quite 84db... best i've seen so far.

I know the MG725 is quiet w/ muffler attachment. Without its louder than the aircat/mac.

I think i'm going to get the Aircat because its a litle more than 1lb lighter than the earthquake and cost less vs the 213qtimax with about the same performance. I do believe I am going to pick up a earthquake as well.. Im extremely curious.

 

[RV77]

**** them SO guns.I will never buy another...they always bust and have no balls.My impacts of choice..

Ingersol-Rand...Been the most reliable guns (3/8 and 1/2) that Ive ever owned.

 

[Syndicate]

I would not rule out Ingersoll Rand. They have some bad a$$ guns too. I have snap on MG725 MG325 IM31 IM81 IM7000. All work for my applications. I also have the "Stun Gun" Nascar special IR231 IR218 They also work well. IR far less $ than snap-on and still pretty comparable if you ask me.

 

[Reality Sucks]

i use the IR2332G and its been a great gun had it 4 years and use it daily never had a problem. A fellow tech has the TI series IR gun and its strong as hell and very light weight. The mg725 is nice but a but off balance and top heavy. Just bought the mg325 and its a nice lil gun, very strong for a 3/8..

 

[Sam B]

I've got an MG725, and love it to death. Everyone who uses it comments on how smooth and quiet it is. But it is a bit heavy, and expensive.

A co-worker has an Aircat 1100K, and it is more powerful, has a better forward/reverse lever, and just as quiet. The only things I don't like is how it's been out for repair twice in two years, and isn't as controllable; seems to go from 0 to 400 ft/lbs, tough to find something in between.

 

[Altec]

Personally I believe in having a lighter 1/2 gun for normal use, and a big heavy BMF for the stubborn bolts. I don't need the biggest thing in town for lug nuts, and working on a civic...

 

[Reality Sucks]

I do like the fact that the SO guns seem to have a brake on them on some sort, my IR has good trigger control but reversing it will shoot lug nuts at you.

 

[Altec]

I do like the fact that the SO guns seem to have a brake on them on some sort, my IR has good trigger control but reversing it will shoot lug nuts at you.

Which IR? Both the Ti-Max, and 244 I use have very controllable triggers?

 

[Reality Sucks]

Which IR? Both the Ti-Max, and 244 I use have very controllable triggers?

IR2332G.. its works great, but free spins alott..

 

[Altec]

IR2332G.. its works great, but free spins alott..

Thunder Gun? Probably the nature of the beast. Between the higher RPM, and the hinged trigger (Not a slider) makes it harder to control.

If you are using impact sockets, and gloves just hand brake the gun. I really don't care what the fun police say. I do it all the time when I'm in a hurry...

 

[Reality Sucks]

been hand braking and picking up flung lug nuts for 4 years. I love it

 

[ssblood]

I use a 725. I had a 2135 but I hate the buttons on the rear. Get full of grease and you can't switch easily.

 

[Skin]

I do like the fact that the SO guns seem to have a brake on them on some sort, my IR has good trigger control but reversing it will shoot lug nuts at you.

Anvil brake. In my experience its great for marketing but has zero real world benefit.

 

[GoBlue]

Personally I believe in having a lighter 1/2 gun for normal use, and a big heavy BMF for the stubborn bolts. I don't need the biggest thing in town for lug nuts, and working on a civic...

Get a 3/8 gun...

 

[GoBlue]

Anvil brake. In my experience its great for marketing but has zero real world benefit.

I agree...i demo'ed the Snappys before my Mac purchase and found the same thing.

 

[Altec]

Get a 3/8 gun...

Well I never dun' thunk of that.

Problem is I have a better selection of impacts for 1/2, have zero torque sticks, or lug sockets for 3/8. And a 3/8x1/2 adapter means power loss. Also, most hi-po 3/8 guns still lack the guts of a good light 1/2.

 

[GoBlue]

The 3/8s do lack the guts of the 1/2 guns no doubt but their advantage lies in their size. They can fit into much smaller areas, loosen smaller fasteners without fear of breaking them and a good one is more than enough for tire work.

 

[Altec]

The 3/8s do lack the guts of the 1/2 guns no doubt but their advantage lies in their size. They can fit into much smaller areas, loosen smaller fasteners without fear of breaking them and a good one is more than enough for tire work.

That is a fact. I mostly break out the 3/8 for stuff like exhaust manifolds, or quick tear downs. Otherwise the 3/8 air ratchet is the weapon of choice.

I was simply saying that for the needs of doing tires, and lighter work a giant 1/2 that could run 10's in the 1/4 is not needed. A lighter less powerful gun does just fine, and my wrists, and hands thank you for it later. My joints are already junk. Don't need to be a cripple in 8 years...

And a good 3/8 gun is just fine for tire work. But it isn't cost effective to replace a entire torque stick, and socket collection for them. And reducers rob a lot of power.

The other option is a 3/8 gun with a 1/2 anvil. Which is what I'm going to try soon. Either the T2125QTIMAX, or the Aircat 1375XL. I'm leaning to the Aircat. A 2.7lb gun I can do tires, and front end work on cars would be a God send!

 

[GoBlue]

I have used that Aircat...its awesome

 

[Reality Sucks]

I think what makes the newer air cats easier to use is the grip. Some have finger grooves and a arch on bottom which helps support them in your hand..

 

[GoBlue]

i agree...and i think the polimer/plastic they are made from seems to absorb impact blows better than others.

 

[Altec]

I have used that Aircat...its awesome

Always good to hear some first hand feed back! Everyone I know is to stubborn to move away from their over kill guns, so I haven't been able to try one.

Guess I'll either just order one online, or drop my Cornwell man a line to see if he can get me one.

 

[GoBlue]

That gun has more power than the boat anchor 231's and 244 I.R's i used for years...its no slouch i assure you.

 

[Reality Sucks]

you might want to ask him or who ever the dealers are in your area if they have any demo guns..to let you try out. My mac guy carries IR and Aircat.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

2135 and 2131 are my two favorite impacts. i have a thundergun also but it doesn't have as much torque and it is very loud. that is also one of the reasons i do not like SO guns, although i do own an MG1200.

 

[TheCarbideRat]

**** them SO guns.I will never buy another...they always bust and have no balls.My impacts of choice..

Ingersol-Rand...Been the most reliable guns (3/8 and 1/2) that Ive ever owned.

im with you. They (SO guns) are a waste. IR or AirCat is the way!