mikehaugen
Well-known member
I currently own a ir212 impact that has over the years been on/off reliable. it works sometimes, sometimes it won't impact. I have disassembled/cleaned/lubed it countless times but sometimes it just doesn't work.
That being said, when it works I really like the gun. It is powerful enough for most things I would use a 3/8 for and I have a 1/2 for bigger stuff. But what I like most is the size, not just length but in overall head shape size, and the triangular kinda shape of it can get into some really tight areas.
For a job I am an industrial mechanic at a corrugated plant. At work I use an 18v makita 3/8 and and home I also have an m12 fuel 3/8 that I use quite a bit but for working on/under cars I usually prefer airtools (and these may sound like stupid reasons) because they feel/sound right to me and because they seem to clean up better than cordless tools when you get into the really greasy and oily work.
Sorry for so much boring background, I'll get to the point...
I am in the market for another 3/8 air impact to replace my 212 that is getting frustrating to use. I'm contemplating replacing it with another 212, but some of the newer "stubby" ones seem interesting. Specifically looking at the ir15qmax or possibly the aircat 1076xl. I'm generally a pretty big fan of ir tools and have quite a few, but I see aircat has a pretty good following as well and since the ir is made overseas anyway I don't really have a brand preference in this case. They certainly have more power, but look bulkier than my 212 but it is hard to say without actually seeing one in person and since no stores seem to carry any air tools besides their house brands I am buying blind. So... has anyone actually used any of these mentioned tools (or better yet more than one so you have a comparison) and can vouch for the "bulkiness" or lack-thereof? Any other particular gun you would recommend if size is the biggest concern?
That being said, when it works I really like the gun. It is powerful enough for most things I would use a 3/8 for and I have a 1/2 for bigger stuff. But what I like most is the size, not just length but in overall head shape size, and the triangular kinda shape of it can get into some really tight areas.
For a job I am an industrial mechanic at a corrugated plant. At work I use an 18v makita 3/8 and and home I also have an m12 fuel 3/8 that I use quite a bit but for working on/under cars I usually prefer airtools (and these may sound like stupid reasons) because they feel/sound right to me and because they seem to clean up better than cordless tools when you get into the really greasy and oily work.
Sorry for so much boring background, I'll get to the point...
I am in the market for another 3/8 air impact to replace my 212 that is getting frustrating to use. I'm contemplating replacing it with another 212, but some of the newer "stubby" ones seem interesting. Specifically looking at the ir15qmax or possibly the aircat 1076xl. I'm generally a pretty big fan of ir tools and have quite a few, but I see aircat has a pretty good following as well and since the ir is made overseas anyway I don't really have a brand preference in this case. They certainly have more power, but look bulkier than my 212 but it is hard to say without actually seeing one in person and since no stores seem to carry any air tools besides their house brands I am buying blind. So... has anyone actually used any of these mentioned tools (or better yet more than one so you have a comparison) and can vouch for the "bulkiness" or lack-thereof? Any other particular gun you would recommend if size is the biggest concern?
