1/2 Impact Wrench

[XJ1100]

I know I will probably get made fun of for this...

Does anybody have any experience with this impact gun from HF...

Item number 94803 (the link wouldn't work)

I realize that most of their air tools are pretty much junk, but if the tools can be had for the right price I believe that they will work pretty well for the average shade tree mechanic. I noticed that it will be on sale next week for $38.

I also noticed that this gun looks extremely similar to the one Stanley sells at Wal-Mart (the one that looks just like the IR) except for the max torque rating. Is this just a case where HF has made a look alike to trick people into thinking it is the same tool...?

 

[l_bilyk]

That gun and the stanley are both IR 231 knock-offs with a better trigger design. The IR is not made in china, so it's probably not a whole lot better than the harbor freight unit.

 

[Chris Adams]

I have several very old HF air tools and a couple almost new ones, just use for light usage but they all work, and have never been down. About the same as my expensive and semi-expensive air tools.
If you take care of it, use some oil now and again; don't use it in a heavy shop environment most brands work pretty well.

Ten years or so ago a mechanic buddy chided me for buying a HF air ratchet. Then when his Mac went down and the truck guy wouldn't warranty it, he borrowed my 'junk' air ratchet and used it daily for a month before he could get the parts to rebuild his Mac himself.
My junk HF still works fine, but he wore all the finish from it, and sheared a roll pin (a two minute fix). It’s is still in my shop drawer now ten years later, and it still works.

If you are just a weekend warrior or doing light service the HF impact will probably see you right.

 

[mrsleeve]

I had a cheap HF and a Cheap cman 1/2 drive impacts.. Got really pissed that they would not even remove lug nuts. Chucked em both into the trash can and went out and paid full retail (something I never do) for a IR 2135ti. The best 269.00 dollar tool buy I have ever made. I was in the middle of a project, so I drug up drove the 1/2 hour 1 way to sears and got it.

 

[Spookrider]

CP-749 is the one for me. Also I like the few IR I have used and soon own one for a back up.
http://www.ohiopowertool.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=CP749K

 

[Spookrider]

My next gun.

http://www.ohiopowertool.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=244A

 

[russlaferrera]

My next gun.

http://www.ohiopowertool.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=244A

Pressure feed lube...now thats different!

 

[Spookrider]

Pressure feed lube...now thats differe
nt![/QUOT

What diff. about that??

 

[Marlin]

That gun and the stanley are both IR 231 knock-offs with a better trigger design. The IR is not made in china, so it's probably not a whole lot better than the harbor freight unit.

IR actually offers a tool with the same style trigger, which this is a knock off of. It is available at Lowes for not too much more that the HF tool. Internally, the tools are different.

 

[l_bilyk]

Glad to hear it.... the trigger on the IR231 *****. It's the first thing to get broken, and usually the only thing I ever warranty on that gun.

How much difference is there between the HF and the IR? HF probably uses cheaper vanes and such... It would be interesting to take them apart and compare them side by side.

 

[trovato]

I had a cheap HF and a Cheap cman 1/2 drive impacts.. Got really pissed that they would not even remove lug nuts. Chucked em both into the trash can and went out and paid full retail (something I never do) for a IR 2135ti. The best 269.00 dollar tool buy I have ever made. I was in the middle of a project, so I drug up drove the 1/2 hour 1 way to sears and got it.

I have done almost the exact same thing. For some tools, a cheap one does the same job as an expensive one, it just doesn't last as long. That is not the case here. A cheap impact wrench will not be able to remove things that a good one can. I decided I want one that will either remove the nut or flip the car over! I now have an IR 2135TiMAX. I should have done this years ago.

 

[Marlin]

Glad to hear it.... the trigger on the IR231 *****. It's the first thing to get broken, and usually the only thing I ever warranty on that gun.

How much difference is there between the HF and the IR? HF probably uses cheaper vanes and such... It would be interesting to take them apart and compare them side by side.

Most differences will not be apparent by the naked eye. You need to be able to look at metallurgy, heat treat, and part tolerancing.