1/2 Inch Compact / Stubby Impact Wrench Recommendations

[champ989]

Hi, so I just bought a 6.5CFM @ 90 PSI air compressor and I need to pair it with a decent impact wrench. I will most likely get a larger impact wrench if I encounter bolts one of these cannot break free... but I feel one of these should do the job nicely.

Ingersoll Rand 35MAX - Nut Busting Torque 625 (same size as below less $$)
Ingersoll Rand 36QMAX - NB Torque 640 (most expensive)
Aircat 1056-XL - NB Torque 750 (cheapest & needs 8CFM may not work for me)
Aircat 1058-VXL - NB Torque 750 (shortest height)
Aircat 1057-TH - NB Torque 700 (smallest length, largest width)

If you can think of a better option let me know too (as long as the price isn't stupid high or it has questionable quality). I already have a cordless impact wrench and oppose to buying another set of expensive batteries for it I opted for the pneumatic route. The Aircat lineup appears to be more powerful than the IR, but from what I've been reading the IR has the best build quality.

It's just for personal use and the most use it would get in a day is on a tire rotation/brake job.

Let me know what you think, thank you!

 

[GeoBruin]

Astro pneumatic Onyx if you're looking for super low profile.

 

[Fedwrench]

First off, I recommend that you head over to You Tube and watch the Torque Test Channel because, I think they've tested most of the impacts you have listed.
Secondly, I wouldn't get hung up on "nut busting torque" because, it's an often inaccurate manufacturer's claim used for marketing hype that doesn't transfer into the the real world.
I would also recommend the Astro Nano compact impact because, for usually under $100, you get a pretty damn fine compact impact wrench

 

[Rinspeed]

Been very happy with my Aircat and they are priced right. They also do pretty well in the torque tests.

 

[alcorelli]

I will second The Torque Test Channel
No bias.
No bull
No clickbait.

Concise videos with dynamic graphs that Tell the truth.

I am not affiliated with the channel, just a subscriber, and I do not miss a single video from them. I cannot recommend it more. Plus, this expressly fits with what you are looking for.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[sk farmer]

i have 2. an older klutch made by/for northern tool. a decent tool but i really dislike how the forward and reverse control worked. it is somewhat crude but being older that is to be suspected.

i also have harbor freight model. it is smaller, has more power and is a much better looking and operating tool. the ergonomics of it are also good. i am very happy with the purchase

 

[Mr_B]

Astro 1822 and take you time pick up a nice larger gun at a steal deal off eBay ...

 

[johninct]

I have a King Tony brand and it seams the more that I use it, the stronger it gets. I rebuilt my tractor hitch with it and I could not tighten the bolts any tighter with a 2' Snap-On breaker bar.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have had my Aircat 1076XL for over a year now. It’s damn nice and powerful for the size.

Ignore the torque rating it’s all marketing bulllllshit.

The air compressor CFM is not your issue it’s your tank size and a good size tank will give you decent run time. The compressor will then kick on. As most of your use will be a small group of bolts then some “rest” time you should be good with any reasonable tank size of a stationary air compressor.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have the Astro 1838. 3/8 inch but as I understand it largely the same as the 1/2" and I am very happy with it.

 

[champ989]

Well after seeing this Torque Test Channel I no longer trust manufactures specs lol. I also subscribed, I like the work they do.

I'm think I'm going for the Astro 1822 because it is the smallest thing I've ever seen and it did well on that Torque Test Channel.

Thank you all for your responses!

 

[demarpaint]

I have had my Aircat 1076XL for over a year now. It’s damn nice and powerful for the size.

Ignore the torque rating it’s all marketing bulllllshit.

The air compressor CFM is not your issue it’s your tank size and a good size tank will give you decent run time. The compressor will then kick on. As most of your use will be a small group of bolts then some “rest” time you should be good with any reasonable tank size of a stationary air compressor.

The Aircat is a nice tool.

 

[shawhite]

IR 36QMax?
CP7732?
Proto/Mac. J150WP?

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i bought the HF earthquake stubby 1/2, it's got some nuts behind it.

 

[Steve_P]

I have an Aircat. At the time it tested either the strongest or not significantly lower than the best. You should be able to find comparisons on YouTube. Real tool reviews had a good one when I bought mine