3/8 Impact Wrench Selection

[Kenskip1]

Ok I have been procrastinating long enough. Help me make a command decision. However, can anyone tell me about there performance is? Who is the manufacture? I will be using this for general small engine repairs. I believe Central Pneumatic makes the HF but I am not sure of this. The one from Lowes looks like it could be made by Florida Pneumatic as it closely resembles one I purchased from Sears. Any information will be most helpful, Thanks, Ken

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68425.html

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Impact-Wrench-HSTC4030/100678396

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-in-275-ft-lbs-Air-Impact-Wrench/50159225

 

[gdocktor3]

Look up realtoolreview on YouTube. He has many, many videos comparing impact wrenches. I personally would buy Aircat.

 

[Joemidd]

Look at the Astro pneumatic 1828 on amazon

 

[Kamanhart]

Look at the Astro pneumatic 1828 on amazon

I gotta agree ×4 on this, used mine all weekend. Not only is it a horse but it's tiny as well.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Astro 1828

No reason to buy a full size impact, since the compact ones are more powerful (and smaller). Astro 1828 is the smallest 3/8 impact available, so I'd go for that one!

 

[Kenskip1]

Although I am not familiar with this design it appears to have all the functions that I am after.Except it has a high noise level.Honestly I like the more conventional style.Ken

 

[KMdef9]

I love my 2115 IR.

 

[Skin]

Astro 1828

No reason to buy a full size impact, since the compact ones are more powerful (and smaller).

Not true as a rule as it depends on the impacts being compared. Aircat Nitrocat, Proto, MAC, Matco etc.. full size 3/8 are stronger than any stubby.

Having just purchased the Astro its a really nice impact at an even better price but fair warning, real world trigger feathering is pretty awful. Only mention this since good trigger control is important to small engine or any other small fastener applications.

Impacts like 2115 and MG325 might not have tons of grunt but they have really good trigger control by comparison.

 

[Superbec]

given that today there are so many midget 1/2 impacts, what's really the point of 3/8?

 

[KMdef9]

given that today there are so many midget 1/2 impacts, what's really the point of 3/8?

More control of your torque, light weight, smaller and the GJ favorite... an excuse to buy another tool.

 

[Superbec]

More control of your torque, light weight, smaller and the GJ favorite... an excuse to buy another tool.

lighter than the midgets 1/2? I don't think they are lighter . some come in 1/2 and 3/8 drive for the exact same size...

control? I use an impact only to unscrew stuff .. really don't care that much about control...

I guess it's only an excuse after all. than you need sockets too ...

 

[KMdef9]

Yes, lighter on average.

Yes, when doing smaller work, much better torque management. Plus, some of us don't have time to be hand ratcheting fasteners all day.

3/8 sockets are cheaper, and usually shallower too.

 

[jdlong]

The arguments here is why daily mechanics have 3 or 4 impacts in their arsenal. There is no single size and configuration that works well in all situations. Torque control is important in a lot of situations but when removing a seized 3/4" strut bolt, you want something that isn't going to twist your wrist.

 

[ScottsGT]

Have you thought about cordless? The freedom of no air hose is great! M12 Fuel is a great starting point. Other than that, I have the HF Earthquake 3/8 impact. Much stronger than the M12, but requires air.

 

[Superbec]

The arguments here is why daily mechanics have 3 or 4 impacts in their arsenal.

easy, they first buy a low end impact, than when that doesn't perform go to a mid tier one, and when they see the other guy's monster busting nuts all over the place they go for the big gun ... now you have 3 , use will be divided by some sort of algorithm based on price, state and actual usefulness that only the tech knows.


in the end , I got this baby



it has 1100nm of reverse torqs, it's so small an m12impact is bigger and bulkier , it will brake 3/4 bolts if you go at it

I still don't get it why a 3.8 impact will ever be better , what I work on can be seen , I never tighten anything with an impact , ever !

 

[Nero]

easy, they first buy a low end impact, than when that doesn't perform go to a mid tier one, and when they see the other guy's monster busting nuts all over the place they go for the big gun ... now you have 3 , use will be divided by some sort of algorithm based on price, state and actual usefulness that only the tech knows.


in the end , I got this baby



it has 1100nm of reverse torqs, it's so small an m12impact is bigger and bulkier , it will brake 3/4 bolts if you go at it

I still don't get it why a 3.8 impact will ever be better , what I work on can be seen , I never tighten anything with an impact , ever !

That actually makes sense; I think I might pull the trigger on a Chicago Pneumatic impact since it's on sale based on what you said above!

 

[Greg85mcss]

Heard good things about this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OK3TLRQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jdlong]

easy, they first buy a low end impact, than when that doesn't perform go to a mid tier one, and when they see the other guy's monster busting nuts all over the place they go for the big gun ... now you have 3 , use will be divided by some sort of algorithm based on price, state and actual usefulness that only the tech knows.


in the end , I got this baby



it has 1100nm of reverse torqs, it's so small an m12impact is bigger and bulkier , it will brake 3/4 bolts if you go at it

I still don't get it why a 3.8 impact will ever be better , what I work on can be seen , I never tighten anything with an impact , ever !

Just sayin. Otherwise we are on the same planet. I only use an impact for teardown on rust buckets and the only one I use is 1/2".

 

[Derek420]

Remember you get what you pay for if you buy cheap you get cheap. Just something you should think of. There's no need to end up with 3 impacts if you get a good one to start with check pawn shops get used save money.

 

[skruft]

I have an IR and a Snap-On that have worked fine - no experience with others.