1st impact wrench

[redsky49]

I am about to spring for an impact wrench for weekend auto and cycle use. Lots of opinions abound regarding HF and IR brands. My question is how much power (arghh...) do I need for general use? Will 425 lbs. be adequate or should I look for closer to 600 lbs. Are there other features to look for?
Thanks.

 

[Danglerb]

I'd say pay less attention to the numbers, pick a solid known model like the IR231. I'd buy used before cheap, but point of fact the CHEAP impact that came with my Sears compressor has worked ok for me.

 

[94yj]

i would go with the ir 231 it is hard to beat and would not even think of the hf.

 

[mkdive]

+1 Ir231!!!!

 

[billymade]

X2 Usa Made Ir231!!!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Lots of tools in pawn shops right now. Easy to find a semi decent looking one for a fair price. Know your new prices, you don't want to pay more than about 50% of new, if that much, depending on condition. I'm seeing lots of air tools right now. Some shops won't give on prices, walk if that is the case, there are enough shops to find one that is hurting and wants to move the inventory. Remember, they need cash to buy from customers and loan to customers.

As an occasional home user, ignore all of the "you gotta get a ultra light, super high torque gee whiz model" and go for a solid tool that you can get repaired in the future if you need to.

Charles

 

[fotoflojoe]

+3 on the IR231.
Picked one up used last summer for $45.
The thing is great, it doesn't take no for an answer.

 

[speed bump]

A used IR 231 or CP 734 are hard to beat if you need something that will reliably put out 400 Ft-lbs of torque. The HF gun is hard to beat if most of what you want to do is tires and lower torqued stuff. I like the HF gun because at about 2.5 it gives me roughly 80-90Ft-lbs which is perfect for finishing with a torque wrench on lug nuts.

 

[sasquach]

+1000 on the 231. I own 3 of them and love them .

 

[satchmo]

I own a 231c and use it every day, good gun just a little heavy.

 

[wrenchr]

3/8 nitrocat new off of ebay for $160.00 shipped and they have more power than most 1/2 impacts!!

 

[iamhistory]

I too am planning on buying a 231. The cheapest new one I can find around here is 119.95 at Tractor Supply. I thought for sure I saw it for 99.95 there one day. I went back a few weeks later to get one and they were the 119.95..........could have been what they were all along and I just made a mistake.

I've tried to get one off ebay and haven't had any luck yet. I've been outbid or just not liking some of the choices.

Good things come to those who wait.

 

[redsky49]

Let's see if I have this straight? IR 231?

Thanks. Time to go shopping

 

[HolisticPerformance]

I was under the impression that the new standard is the IR2135tiMax?

I mean seriously, wins in all categoriess.

 

[ImportTuner]

I was under the impression that the new standard is the IR2135tiMax?

I mean seriously, wins in all categoriess.

Except in cost ... but yes, it's excellent

 

[beelsr]

Yep, IR makes the 231. Awesome gun....

Let's see if I have this straight? IR 231?

Thanks. Time to go shopping

 

[back2class]

I haver the IR titanium and love it. I have a Devilbiss run of the mill 350 lb or something like that and these are 2 different tools. The cheepie was ok for lug nuts but since I could get more torque on a 12" breaker bar it really was of no value in getting any job done except for tight places or on moving shafts like ****** sprockets and engine cranks where a regular wrench would just turn the shaft. I would not waste my money on a sub 600lb gun as it is of no real use. No my IR will remove anything and is worth the price. It's a very valuable tool not some home owner toy. My advice is the HF impact "earthquake" I have one and it is a solid tool. I happen to be selling it on ebay as I do not need 2 guns but it is a high quality professional gun without a doubt and I HATE HF junk, but this is a quality item.

 

[stricht8]

What about the IR 231G. Is that one any good?

 

[Rolling_Thunder]

I have the IR Thunder Gun and its worth the extra bucks to me! It hasnt failed me yet!

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_370269_370269