1/2 inch air impact question

[PassnThru]

I'm looking to spend some of my inlaws money for a Christmas gift to me. I'm looking at a budget between 100 and 150.
I'm pretty set with tools so I think I'm going to go for another air impact. About 20 years ago I bought a Husky from Lowes and it's served me well but the last time I pulled a knuckle on my Explorer for a bearing change it struggled. In fact, it wouldn't do the job with an extension - it had to be a socket only.
Since I'm looking at a new one, I thought it would be nice to have something lighter and more compact. As such, I'm looking at the Ingersoll Rand 35MAX ultra compact. It's running about $125.
The question is - it's rated at 450 where my old Husky is rated at 500. If I get a new one I want it to be more powerful than my old one - but I'm also aware of the inflated ratings on these things. They have another one that goes to 640 but it's also about 55 more. Not sure I need that much power south of the rust belt. Where do you think an Ingersoll Rand rated at 450 would fall on the power scale with a Husky rated at 500?
Here is the Husky since there really isn't anything left on line about it. Notice that it was made in Japan - that really shows its age.

 

[RedneckWelder]

These compact impacts aren’t quite that powerful, but neither were the old style 1/2 impacts. I have a similar Aircat compact 3/8. It should do most if not all things on a car and be extremely useful due to the tight.places it will fit. I use mine on heavy equipment repair and it’s a godsend for everything I use it for, especially tight as hell bolts that you can’t loosen by hand in close quarters. Put a zilla whip on it.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I used the neighbors earthquake xt and that thing was pretty impressive. It would do stuff my dad’s older 3/4in Chicago pneumatic wouldn’t and that 3/4 is rated in the 7-800 range. I herd AVE on YouTube had to take down a video about the earthquake stubby impact because it was made by an over seas name brand and was the same thing but way cheaper. Think hf has them right now for $89

 

[ThePostman]

This is one of those tools not to cheap out on.
I have an ir2135, runs like a champ still.
You could have one too and in your budget.
https://www.eairtool1.com/1-2-pneumatic-impact-wrench-ingersoll-rand-ir-2135qxpa-ir-2135/

 

[PassnThru]

I should mention that yes, I'm receptive to alternatives within the budget.
But I'm mostly curious where you fall on the torque ratings. If I had a 5 year old Craftsman rated at 500 the answer would be obvious. But a 20+ year old off brand made in Japan - makes me think the torque rating is closer than one would suspect.

 

[unslow1]

I think this is the point of the guy making the impact comparison videos. The company ratings are pretty much useless. The only way to know is to compare them head to head on the same testing rig.

Personally at home I primarily use the HF Earthquake and the Astro Nano.

 

[Sasquatch912]

My Earthquake XT is a great impact for budget. The Air Cats also are good from what I hear.

 

[Rinspeed]

I used the neighbors earthquake xt and that thing was pretty impressive.

I looked at the Earthquake XT before buying my Aircat 1150. Watched a video of them both being taken apart and the Aircat internals look a little more robust.

 

[Oil leak]

I use a Earthquake XT professionally everyday. Have used it for almost 2 years, still going. Before always ran IR guns. AVE thought highly of them and so did Justin Sturgel trucking, and he hates Harbor freight.

 

[dsimatt]

I should mention that yes, I'm receptive to alternatives within the budget.
But I'm mostly curious where you fall on the torque ratings. If I had a 5 year old Craftsman rated at 500 the answer would be obvious. But a 20+ year old off brand made in Japan - makes me think the torque rating is closer than one would suspect.

If you are buying a 1/2" impact anything under 1000ftlbs is a waste of money, its a tool you wont use all the time but need the power when you do.

I was partial to Ingerson Rand composite guns, do some searching and you'll find one for around $200 usually.

 

[PassnThru]

I should mention that yes, I'm receptive to alternatives within the budget.

I was partial to Ingerson Rand composite guns, do some searching and you'll find one for around $200 usually.

Appreciate the input but I'm wanting to stay in a budget. No offense, I'm just trying to keep the thread on the right track.

 

[dsimatt]

Appreciate the input but I'm wanting to stay in a budget. No offense, I'm just trying to keep the thread on the right track.

I would then suggest hitting up HF, these cheap husky or craftsman impacts are nothing more than paper weights.

 

[PassnThru]

I would then suggest hitting up HF, these cheap husky or craftsman impacts are nothing more than paper weights.

Not sure I'm asking the question correctly since it keeps getting misinterpreted.
That cheap Husky has done everything I've asked of it. A reminder - it was bought over 20 years ago and has a better lineage that a lot of tools have today.
BTW - 1000ftlbs is a ridiculous number for me and most people. I own nothing that would require that torque.

 

[vanapplebomb]

I would then suggest hitting up HF, these cheap husky or craftsman impacts are nothing more than paper weights.

Agreed. Most of the bottom price bracket air impacts are cheapened versions of a 40+ year old design. Impacts have come a long ways in the last few decades, and those cheap ones are horribly dated. Step up to the next price bracket and get a more modern design.

 

[dsimatt]

Not sure I'm asking the question correctly since it keeps getting misinterpreted.
That cheap Husky has done everything I've asked of it. A reminder - it was bought over 20 years ago and has a better lineage that a lot of tools have today.
BTW - 1000ftlbs is a ridiculous number for me and most people. I own nothing that would require that torque.

Well you are down south and I'm used to working on trucks so need every bit of power i can get, that said IMO better to have to much than not enough. Another thing is my impact at work is a animal, at home using my 30gallon compressor its a lot weaker feeling as the supply is not there. Theres been young guys that start with a new husky impact and they really are gutless.

To me in your budget i thing this would work great.
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-composite-xtreme-torque-air-impact-wrench-green-57157.html

 

[PassnThru]

W Theres been young guys that start with a new husky impact and they really are gutless.

My Husky is over 20 years old - it's unlikely that it can be compared to a new Husky impact.

Why do I even ask a question here. I should know better by now.

 

[ThePostman]

My Husky is over 20 years old - it's unlikely that it can be compared to a new Husky impact.

Why do I even ask a question here. I should know better by now.

If you don't want to hear information, or answers contradictory to your preconceived notions, then you are right, why post?
I sent you a link for a brand new IR 2135 that was $120, at that price, why are you even bothering with Husky and Harbor Freight?

 

[u2slow]

I have a 22yo IR-232 gun I bought new. About 5 years ago I began feeding it enough air. Huge difference!

Be sure thats not your case...

 

[PassnThru]

If you don't want to hear information, or answers contradictory to your preconceived notions, then you are right, why post?
I sent you a link for a brand new IR 2135 that was $120, at that price, why are you even bothering with Husky and Harbor Freight?

I was looking at a compact impact. That's not what I was looking for nor was it what I asked about in my OP.

 

[Sasquatch912]

I was looking at a compact impact. That's not what I was looking for nor was it what I asked about in my OP.

You arent going to know the full rating of a impact gun unless you get a torque adapter to test it or see if Project Farm or someone else on YouTube had done a test on the impact you're worrying about. You want something more powerful than the one you have, well the Earthquake XT will be one that is in your price range and they also have a compact version as well. Mostly everything today UNLESS you spend a lot of more money is going to be made in China or Thailand. Even then, some things made in the USA today are still questionable and sometimes has parts outsourced from overseas.

 

[Sasquatch912]

For example here is a guy doing torque test on stubby compact impact wrenches

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I use the Earthquake they also make a stubby one of it. I’ve heard good things about some of the ones from Northern Tool under the Klutch brand that I think they might have a stubby one. I honestly don’t even think Home Depot sells the Husky impacts anymore I haven’t seen them and Kobalt is no longer sold at Lowe’s in air impacts anymore. Not sure if any of those go 500 or lower though.


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[unslow1]

Thanks for posting that video.

 

[Jswain]

I wouldn't hesitate on any of the Ingersoll Rand or CP compact impacts that fall within your budget as they will all meet your requirements and last a long time.

I would also open up your husky, give it a thorough cleaning / grease the hammers & lightly oil the rest of it then put it back together and chances are it will be back up to full torque again. There's not much in there & over the years they corrode or gum up and will be weak on power. If you want to try a less invasive method I've seen people use marvel mystery oil or similiar and spraying it through but nothing will be a tear down and clean/reassembly

 

[drbimbu]

I have a 35MAX, and it’s good enough to be the impact I use 85% of the time, but it’s not very strong. Extensions seem to kill its power worse than other impacts I’ve used too, I’ve had some bolts where I’ve needed to use an 8 inch or so extension with a universal swivel on the end and it can’t budge, whereas my old HF Earthquake (the orange one) will rip them out no problem. For a mini impact, the ingersol is also not super quiet, if that matters to you.

If you have a bigger gun to get out when you need it, the Ingersol is definitely handy and I use mine the most of the ones I have. But if it’s going to be your only impact I’d want something more powerful.

 

[richfinn]

I was looking at a compact impact. That's not what I was looking for nor was it what I asked about in my OP.

Take a look at "South Main Auto" channel on YouTube, he sometimes uses a stubby air mpact by "Astro"

No idea on prices but he seems to rate the air tools highly (he is not a tool reviewer, he actually fixes stuff)

 

[619DioFan]

I have the same Husky gun you pictured. I found it to be ok in most situations. I " upgraded" to the HF earthquake ( the red and black one ) years back. rated at " 800 breakaway " perhaps ? and a cost of 90.00 the HF gun has been far superior to the husky gun. I also have the 3/8 drive earthquake gun and the impacting air ratchet. as a serious DIYer the HF guns have been a solid investment for me.

 

[PassnThru]

I have the same Husky gun you pictured. I found it to be ok in most situations. I " upgraded" to the HF earthquake ( the red and black one ) years back. rated at " 800 breakaway " perhaps ? and a cost of 90.00 the HF gun has been far superior to the husky gun. I also have the 3/8 drive earthquake gun and the impacting air ratchet. as a serious DIYer the HF guns have been a solid investment for me.

Good info - thanks.

 

[PassnThru]

I have a 35MAX, and it’s good enough to be the impact I use 85% of the time, but it’s not very strong. Extensions seem to kill its power worse than other impacts I’ve used too, I’ve had some bolts where I’ve needed to use an 8 inch or so extension with a universal swivel on the end and it can’t budge, whereas my old HF Earthquake (the orange one) will rip them out no problem. For a mini impact, the ingersol is also not super quiet, if that matters to you.

If you have a bigger gun to get out when you need it, the Ingersol is definitely handy and I use mine the most of the ones I have. But if it’s going to be your only impact I’d want something more powerful.

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info.

 

[Gotcha640]

If your impact does most of what you need, and you can use a breaker bar to loosen the rest, maybe spend this money on something else?

I'm in the same sort of a boat, in laws want to buy me tools, but for me, it's all the little things that add up. Gift card is so much more useful, blades for the reciprocating saw, hack saw, nuts and bolts, bungee cords, fresh bottle of glue (the gallon of titebond 2 I bought 6 years ago is turning a strange pink and doesn't cure).

 

[Mr_B]

If you want a proper hard hitting compact impact look down link thread but they little over your price range .
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466550&page=4

Astro did have a nano max that been in your price range but it discontinued, they do have a new 1/2" impact I believe but it not released .

You probably best giving your well made husky a service and run it at higher dynamic pressure of around 110psi to get more out of it and consider something else as present idea .

 

[Wrench97]

IR 231c long life if kept oiled, adjustable torque, on full enough torque to get you in trouble

 

[anndel]

Aircat Killer Cat 1150.

 

[plinker]

An IR 231 is a solid impact, not the most powerful though budget friendly. An Aircat 1150 or IR 2135 would be a good step up, not sure on current prices.

 

[setfocus]

IR 231c fits in that $100-150 price range and will last forever for DIYer, if taken care of. But it's not a power monster and is old school all metal, heavy design

The HF gun mentioned seems to get a lot of love around here and would probably hold up well enough for diy use and supposedly has power comparable to current high end impacts. Never used one but have used a sunex, that looks identical to HF. It wasn't any stronger than the IR 231c, didn't hold up well to abuse, and couldn't feather the trigger well. Wasn't a fan

The newish IR 2135qxpa, I believe, is the old 2135qtimax (no longer made, except with pinned anvil[emoji852]) but with slightly fatter aluminum hammer case instead of titanium. The tool trucks sold rebadged 2135timax / 2135qtimax before the patent ran out on the design. The 2235timax is now the top IR gun.

As an auto tech in the rust belt, I couldn't use a stubby as my main 1/2 impact. The power has gotten better but still not enough for old rusty cars. My stubby is the all metal 3/8 drive CP 7731, got it to fit in tight spots, not to replace a full size impact.

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[pauleyman]

What are you guys doing with your 1/2 impacts? I've had a craftsman (florida pneumatic) for about 20 years and I can't recall anything it wouldn't do. I don't turn wrenches for a living but I'm a better than average shadetree working on anything from old muscle to new imports. The only time I've ever had a problem is when the air was down but that's an obvious problem. Are newer runs a little better if the air is short. It does **** sometimes if I have to wait for the air. My little single stage 30 gal is getting tired.
I'm on the fence of upgrading my air/tools or going to cordless impact. Thoughts?

 

[Wrench97]

Cordless is nice if air is not available, Air tools themselves are cheaper, faster and generally last longer. Cordless batteries are expensive and have a life span of 2-3 years til the time between charges gets really short, you don't want to leave them on charge all the time as there are numerous reports of charger fires so it take a little pre-planning sometimes. If you are happy with the Craftsman a Milwaukee mid torque is all you need, or if you are already invested in a battery platform see what's available in that line.

 

[Rinspeed]

What are you guys doing with your 1/2 impacts? I've had a craftsman (florida pneumatic) for about 20 years and I can't recall anything it wouldn't do.

If you live in an area where they put salt on the roads it changes things quite a bit.

 

[finn]

My thirty year old Black and Decker is stronger than my much newer SnapOn.

I am switching to battery, though. I bought a Milwaukee, with a a claimed 1400 ft lb of breakaway torque, but the similar Dewalt has been on sale for $199 recently.

With only a 30 gallon tank, and probably 3/8” air line, you aren’t going to get maximum performance from any air impact.

It may be more cost effective to go battery than to buy a new pneumatic tool that really needs an air supply upgrade to perform.

It’s a system, not just a tool.

 

[Wrench97]

30 Gal tank and 3/8" air line are fine for any decent 1/2" impact, providing it's not sustained use, IE 5 lug nuts at a time.