3/8" Stubby/Compact Air Impact with good trigger control?

[The Critic]

Looking for a 3/8" stubby (or compact) air impact wrench that has a good trigger control.

I have a 1828v2 as my 1/2" stubby, but the trigger is like an on/off switch. Would prefer something more progressive (and controllable) for 3/8".

 

[finn]

I think both Dewalt and Milwaukee have a “soft torque” mode of some type. The tool hits relatively hard until it senses a reduction in speed (tightening) or increase in speed (loosening).

It’s not exactly a variable speed trigger, but it’s close in actual use.

 

[Jeff C]

Well, in typical GJ fashion, it didn’t take long for us to switch over to battery power…

 

[The Critic]

I think both Dewalt and Milwaukee have a “soft torque” mode of some type. The tool hits relatively hard until it senses a reduction in speed (tightening) or increase in speed (loosening).

It’s not exactly a variable speed trigger, but it’s close in actual use.

I already own a Milwaukee 2962-20 and fully agree - the trigger is excellent.

Except I need something smaller this time (and almost as powerful), so air is the answer.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I'm watching. Curious what's out there. I got an IR 35MAX before jumping on the M12 bandwagon. The IR 35MAX is..... OK..... but sooo loud compared to the bigger 2135.

-Ryan

 

[dnschmidt]

Aircat might be a possibility. From my experience their triggers have the finest adjustment. Don't have any particular model numbers to share with you as the Aircats I have (1150 and 1250K) are not compact models.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Not sure how long you've used your astro, the trigger on mine improved a lot as it wore in.

 

[The Critic]

Not sure how long you've used your astro, the trigger on mine improved a lot as it wore in.

Not long at all. Maybe 1 set of tires.

 

[dchawk81]

Not long at all. Maybe 1 set of tires.

Keep using it. It should eventually loosen up.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Not long at all. Maybe 1 set of tires.

It doesn't end up quite like an IR, but after week or two it got decent. I can control it much better than new. Thor was a PITA but now is pretty good as well.

 

[dchawk81]

It doesn't end up quite like an IR, but after week or two it got decent. I can control it much better than new. Thor was a PITA but now is pretty good as well.

Dude I hate Thor's trigger so much I don't even want to give it a real chance. TTC lost a little credibility with me with that one.

And a little more when one of them started calling themselves "Torque" and I think the other "Test"

Anyways, I digress. There's a cloud I'm scheduled to yell at.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Dude I hate Thor's trigger so much I don't even want to give it a real chance. TTC lost a little credibility with me with that one.

And a little more when one of them started calling themselves "Torque" and I think the other "Test"

Anyways, I digress. There's a cloud I'm scheduled to yell at.

Work it in, it's a nice gun.

 

[dchawk81]

Work it in, it's a nice gun.

I dunno man. Doesn't seem worth the time.

 

[VolvoRyan]

One of my few criticisms of the TTC is "breaking in" the tools. My IR 35MAX was a let down when it came out of the box. It got a lot better once I broke it in. I suspect "break in" is true for a lot of these. Lots of spinny/slidy parts in these that need to "bed in" a bit.

-Ryan

 

[Rinspeed]

Aircat might be a possibility. From my experience their triggers have the finest adjustment. Don't have any particular model numbers to share with you as the Aircats I have (1150 and 1250K) are not compact models.

I have an 1150 as well and been very happy with it so I would at least take a look at Aircat.

 

[The Critic]

Does anyone have experience with the Matco MT2748? I see some on eBay in the $150 range that appear to be in great shape. Aside from the QC issue, it tested well in TTC's testing and I like the trigger design.

 

[ThePostman]

3/8" Super Duty Min Impact Wrench w/Grip

Save on Sunex Tools SUUSXMC38 3/8" Super Duty Min Impact Wrench w/Grip at National Tool Warehouse

www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com

I have one of these, it's good, it's strong. But it hasn't seen use in a bit since getting the stubby 3/8" DeWalt. The length is almost the same. The same goes for my trusty IR2135, bought the new mid torque, it's stronger, and smaller in the length category. If I were to buy another air impact, it would be one of the Astro onyx swivel heads.

 

[bigfunwmu]

I have a CP7732 (1/2" stubby) and the trigger on there is pretty decent. Chicago Pneumatic makes a 3/8 version of that tool, CP7731.

 

[The Critic]

Follow up to this thread: found a MT2748 on eBay that appeared to be unused. Paid $135. Trigger control and power are both excellent.