3/8" drive impact recommendations?

[sac02]

I'm looking to buy a 3/8" impact gun to supplement my current 1/2" gun. The 3/8 would be used in times and places where the big 1000lb-ft, 6pound gun isn't necessary or appropriate.

My criteria, in approximate order of importance:
1. Weight - Light, but doesn't need to be carbon-fiber exotic to save 2 ounces.
2. Size - small, but doesn't need to be tiny.
3. Quality - I don't want a peice of ****
4. Cost - affordable, but not cheap
5. Power - it can't be weak, but it doesn't need to be able to break axle nuts or crankshaft bolts loose either, I have a bigger gun for that.
6. Other stuff - noise, whatever else - no big concerns or needs

Thoughts?

Recommendations?

Is there a go-to 3/8" gun that I'm just not familiar with? I did a bit of searching but didn't come up with anything that seemed to be a hands-down GJ favorite.

EDIT: air tools only, I'm covered on electric tools.

 

[MRunabout]

I've used the MG325 and have a 2115QTI and really liked both.

 

[ScottsGT]

I bought the Harbor Freight Earthquake 3/8" and love it. I've used it to break lug nuts off a full size truck when my cheap 1/2" died.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Are you only looking for air, or is cordless also in play. I love my Milwaukee Fuel 3/8's impact http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2454-22 This thing has enough power to handle most jobs and you don't have a hose dragging around with you. I hardly use my 1/2" since I got the Fuel. The battery lasts forever and recharges in only 1 hour, so with 2 battery's you're never out of battery.

 

[Dust Devil]

IR or Snap

 

[greasemonkey44]

Aircat 1355xl; it's beast.
When new I was ripping everything apart with it. Harmonic balancer bolts, all suspension bolts, head bolts. Two years in I think; it feels run down and a bit wimpy. I will buy another to replace it
This is in daily use at my shop, it's been completely reliable.

 

[bcradio]

HF Earthquake

 

[SASORacing]

Cordless Milwaukee is a very good recommendation, it's a life changer or should I say life charger!

 

[cg81]

I have an IR2115 titanium and the snap on mg325. The old titanium is about 10 years older than the snap on and has way more power. I bought the snap on because the titanium kept spitting the direction buttons out when it was in use. I replaced the buttons, but it is the housing that is worn and needs to be replaced. The snap on started out with similar power when new, but 4 years later it is just getting weak. I would lean towards the ir2115 or the matco version of the same model. It is light weight and tough as nails.

 

[sac02]

I have cordless Milwaukee tools, I'm looking for air tools for this particular application.

 

[cagullett1]

Cordless Milwaukee or HF Earthquake

 

[pattenp]

I highly recommend the IR2115ti.

 

[ATC]

Electric: M18 Fuel

Air: IR

 

[cnk]

The M12 fuel or M18 fuel compact are great. I've actually got both as well as the high torque M18 fuel 1/2" impact and I don't even bother starting up my compressor when I go to work on the car anymore.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

get IR and stop thinking about it.

 

[GSteg]

What's with the cordless recommendations. OP said he is looking for air.

 

[espyking83]

Im a fan of IR, cant go wrong IMO.

 

[toddacimer]

I like my Snapon MG31 but after buying the new 18v Milwaukee Fuel 1/2" impact I think I will be skipping the air tools more often. Light weight, compact and a lot of power

 

[Need more space]

I was planning on the IR then my snap on guy gave me a deal I couldn't turn down on the one below, all I can say is love it! Almost never use my 1/2 anymore

http://store.snapon.com/Snap-on-174...m-Housing-Pinned-Anvil-3-8-drive-P648089.aspx

 

[Ruger_556]

I switched from an MG31 to an IR 2115Ti. I like the IR... It's a lot more comfortable to use for me. Fit's in the hand nice, it's light, and has good power. I've been thinking about selling it and buying the quiet version though.

 

[Ricky112]

I love my ingersoll rand one. Its very comfortable and compact.. used it on control arms, brakes, ****** and engine mounts, etc. Got it for less than half the price of the snap on one..mac also has one that has something like 500 lb of breakaway torque.. its a little big for my liking though.

Cheers from canada

 

[teamarctic]

Have been using a snap on mg325 for just shy of 2 years now and i dont have one complaint about it. Small in size and packs a big punch. Very rarely have to use its big brother mg725

 

[dgxlh]

I have the it 212 3/8 and its pretty much exactly what your describing and another awesome perk is rebuild kits are available on eBay for a decent price so you can always rebuild it.

About the Milwaukee I've been looking into that for my mobile kit. Is the m12 enough for like wheel nuts and what not or is the m18 more appropriate ?

 

[stikman56]

I'm looking to buy a 3/8" impact gun to supplement my current 1/2" gun. The 3/8 would be used in times and places where the big 1000lb-ft, 6pound gun isn't necessary or appropriate.

My criteria, in approximate order of importance:
1. Weight - Light, but doesn't need to be carbon-fiber exotic to save 2 ounces.
2. Size - small, but doesn't need to be tiny.
3. Quality - I don't want a peice of ****
4. Cost - affordable, but not cheap
5. Power - it can't be weak, but it doesn't need to be able to break axle nuts or crankshaft bolts loose either, I have a bigger gun for that.
6. Other stuff - noise, whatever else - no big concerns or needs

Thoughts?



Recommendations?

Is there a go-to 3/8" gun that I'm just not familiar with? I did a bit of searching but didn't come up with anything that seemed to be a hands-down GJ favorite.

EDIT: air tools only, I'm covered on electric tools.

Nitrocat 1355xl, Cornwell CAT2150, Matco MT2138 (same gun as CAT2150) ,2115qtimax , Mac AW3800M, Cornwell IRC2115....these last three are all the same gun,( 2115qtimax is the quiet version) just look different and the 2115Qtimax has titanium hammer cover, where the other two don't. All these are strong. I listed them strongest to weakest. IR and theNitrocat are quiet tools. My personal favorites are the Nitrocat and the CAT2150, but everybody's different.

 

[skylinegtr20]

+1 for IR 2115Ti. Owned the MG325 before and the IR has better power and is more compact.

 

[M_thomas231]

I see that this is a old post. but I too am looking at buying a 3/8 air gun. its down to aircat 1355xl, or IR2115timax. is the aircat really that much more powerful then the IR? and do they hold up well? any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys : )

 

[stikman56]

Cornwell CAT2150, or 2115qtimax Ingersoll. Second one's a quiet tool, first one is not.

 

[M_thomas231]

no input on the aircat? and i would get the 2115timax if anything... not a fan of quiet tools

 

[shockwave]

Look at ir2125qti it's a 1/2 impact in a 3/8 body great for tight spots or the ir2115ti it's the 3/8 for air impacts the ir has been my go to for years

 

[CobraChevelle]

no input on the aircat? and i would get the 2115timax if anything... not a fan of quiet tools

I have the aircat, don't really use it alot, but It sure does have alot more power than my HF earthquake 3/8.

In fact I used mine 2 times but have a friend selling his MG325.. so my aircat might be going up for sale.. has a boot and looks new

 

[dnschmidt]

You can't beat Aircat. Super strong and super quiet. Either the Nitrocat or Aircat models will do fine.

 

[fleetcomm]

I vote for IR2115ti I've had one for several years and it is great and I own a snap on that is not as good.

 

[Arbybe]

Ir 212 is bulletproof,can be found for less than 75.00 practically new.
3/8 Earthquake is very good buy 75.00 NIB. With coupon.
Either will do 100 ft lbs @ 90psi easily.
All figures are arbitrary as are arm strength,length of handle on a manual ratchet.
Good example are torque sticks which will only work with an impact wrench.

I have many years experience in small engine shop as well as commercial aviation
My opinion is enough to start arguments anywhere.
IMHO
RB Butler

 

[Arbybe]

My experience with the HF Impact (Earthquake)line is that they coat the innards before
Shipping with some heavy grease in the motor vane area.
The bearings will be lubed with the oil you add before using. Just a little is fine.
The vanes will stick in the rotor and performance will be less than stellar.
This can happen on any air motor.
Warm the wrench with a hair dryer ( US made) after unpacking and you will see
A noticeable difference.
Tolerances on the other HF air tools gets a little sloppy.
To get US made you really have to pay$$
Earthquakes are surprisingly well made..considering.

My Dad fought in the Pacific in 1942/45 ,he would not allow anything Japanese
In our house.. Brother and I gave him a Browning A5 12ga. For his retirement
And we were just waiting to see what he would say when he found out it wasn't
Belgian mfg but JAP. He was so proud, I think he knew but never said.
Some things never change.
Just say' in

 

[bdelmar2]

Bumping a bit of an older thread here, but I think info is still relevant.

A few months ago I was looking for a replacement for my old mac 3/8 impact.

After reading a batch of reviews I ended up getting the harborfreight 3/8 earthquake.

A coworker decided he liked it and got one also.

With coupon it was like $60 or so if I recall correctly, so pretty reasonable.

They have both held up well and get used and abused fairly hard, transmission and engine work mainly, but also a fair amount of suspension. Everything really, but mostly engine and trans.

Shop has less than ideal air setup, overworked compressor in florida with no filter so it definitely blows water, sometimes a lot. One of the main reasons I went with the hf, less annoying to see water come blasting out of it than a more expensive gun.

Both guns do get oiled often, at least daily for mine.

The main problem I have with the gun is lack of control. It will sling a bolt/nut into the nether with a quickness. Unpredictably I might add, maybe just touch the trigger and it acts normal, maybe it raps out instantly.

They have both done this since they were new, was hoping it would mellow out after some use, but no change in roughly 6 mts.

Its slung so many bolts/nuts I finally gave up and ordered a 2115 yesterday after a 2 1/2" motor mount bolt vanished before my eyes.

It was the 3rd one, pulled first two no problem, then with a ping and a clunk the third spun out and went who knows where.

So, while the hf gun is strong enough, and seems durable enough, and is cheap, I wouldn't recommend it if you are going to use it in a shop environment.

 

[shockwave]

Get the ir2115ti they are great and reliable I have had mine for almost 10 years and it still has great power

 

[johninct]

It depends on what you do. I have an IR2115 air and Snap-On Cordless 4410 3/8" but if I could go back in time, I would consider something like a King Tony micro 1/2" for air ( smaller than a 3/8"). Does anyone have the new Snap-On 14.4 volt micro 3/8" impact and how does it work? Maybe one of those would work better for you.

 

[Finky198]

+1 IR 2115ti great little gun super light weight still impresses me every time i take off a set of lugs

 

[zkling]

It depends on what you do. I have an IR2115 air and Snap-On Cordless 4410 3/8" but if I could go back in time, I would consider something like a King Tony micro 1/2" for air ( smaller than a 3/8"). Does anyone have the new Snap-On 14.4 volt micro 3/8" impact and how does it work? Maybe one of those would work better for you.

Some of the new compact 1/2" guns are amazing for their size. The mg325 is really nice but dang loud. HF earthquake is a great deal for the $. Otherwise I'd go to IR if you wanted a new higher end 3/8 impact.

 

[kctyphoon]

m7 anyone? not my picture, but this might interest you..