Air hose diameter vs connector diameter, impact gun torque

[marshaul]

OK, so I have a multipart question.

I have a small Home Depot air compressor (only paid like $90 new, I think they put them on sale before they switched the color scheme):

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8-...sor-TA-2530B/202564847?N=c2fhZrd#.UZwhF5Wn4Uw

And I recently bought a cheapo HFT impact gun:

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-pneumatic-impact-wrench-95310.html

Now, I know my compressor is too small to get maximum performance out of this sort of tool. However, my goal is to be able to remove lug nuts torqued at 80 ft/lb (installation will be done with a torque wrench), which isn't exactly the toughest job around.

Moreover, I have read several accounts of people able to get >80 ft/lbs from this tool (or one of its differently-branded clones) from a compressor similar too (or even smaller than) mine.

However, I'm currently driving the gun with 1/4" hose and quick connect fittings, and it just isn't cutting it.

So, question part 1: if I go ahead and buy a 1/2" hose (as the impact gun's manual recommends), is there a good chance I can remove these nuts? I do know that a smaller diameter hose has more internal friction and therefore greater pressure reduction at the outlet, and also I've heard that volume is as important for impact wrenches as is pressure, and obviously a 1/2" hose should help with that.

Question part 2: I was looking at HF's 1/2" hose, and I see that all the reviewers are complaining that the 1/2" hose has 3/8" couplers, thus "defeating the purpose" over a 3/8" hose. However, I observe that 1: people readily assume HF stuff is bad-review-worthy even when their own ignorance is to blame, and 2: nearly all the name-brand 3/8" hoses I see have 1/4" couplers.

So, exactly how much effect does the coupler size have on the hose performance? Why do most larger hoses have a comparatively small coupling? I assume this does not render them pointless. Why not?

Finally, is a 3/8" coupler on a 1/2" hose reasonable?

Thanks for your time, everyone.

 

[pipsters]

You bought the biggest POS impact you probably could have.

Take it back. Immediately. Buy the Earthquake. There is a coupon for $69.99 valid right now.

Buy the 3/8" Goodyear air hose and use 1/4" quick connects. Will give you all the power you could ever need. I run mine like that and it takes off axle nuts and crank pull nuts.

 

[marshaul]

You bought the biggest POS impact you probably could have.

What a novel opinion.

Question: Have you owned the wrench in question? You calling it a "POS" tells me nothing I couldn't observe from the price, nor does in answer any of my questions, especially in light of the aforementioned numerous reports of it being capable of the task at hand.

In short, do you have anything to contribute, or are you perhaps offering me $50 to buy a wrench you approve of? I didn't solicit your opinion about the wrench (which is as predicable as sunshine and as old as the internet), nor does it answer any of the questions I actually asked.

 

[the gypsy]

I don't know Marshaul, but you are asking for help I don't think it is a good idea to confront people that are trying to help you. Pipsterrs is pointing out that the gun may not be the best in its price range therefore making your task that much harder, plus I think he does answer your question somewhat in his last sentence. "I run mine like that and it takes off axle nuts and crank pull nuts."

 

[marshaul]

I don't know Marshaul, but you are asking for help I don't think it is a good idea to confront people that are trying to help you. Pipsterrs is pointing out that the gun may not be the best in its price range therefore making your task that much harder, plus I think he does answer your question somewhat in his last sentence. "I run mine like that and it takes off axle nuts and crank pull nuts."

Frankly, I don't consider telling me I bought a "POS" to be helpful. I mean, come on. I'm on a budget. Does he think I'm not aware that a $20 gun isn't as nice as a $70 one? I mean, come on.

By the way, $20 ≠ $70; the price range isn't even close. His reply doesn't in any way answer any part of my question.

Too bad though, I thought I might get some help. I should have known I'd infuriate the snobs by daring to spend less than they did. Whatever, I'll figure it out on my own.

Oh, and I won't start by buying a 3.5x more expensive tool. That will be plan C.

The sad part is I probably would have gotten a more helpful response if I hadn't shared the exact model of tool I bought, despite that rending the question less precise and complete (and therefore an inferior and harder to answer question).

Prejudice FTW.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

I got an impact wrench just like that for free, rated at 260lb-ft though. It sometimes could take properly torqued lugs off, but only with 130+ psi and getting lucky. That was using 25' of 3/8's hose with 1/4" fittings and on a 26 gallon compressor.

You aren't going to get far doing lugs with that setup, the tank will be endlessly filling and you'll be waiting longer than it would take to just use a breaker bar.

 

[purplezr2]

1/4 NPT will be large then 1/4 inch but not by much. It doesn't make the most sense world. A 3/8 hose would have a 3/8 NPT end to make up for the restriction in the taper.

FYI, 20 dollar gun is junk and will not have very good power output, and more then likely will not be long lived.

 

[marshaul]

I got an impact wrench just like that for free, rated at 260lb-ft though. It sometimes could take properly torqued lugs off, but only with 130+ psi and getting lucky. That was using 25' of 3/8's hose with 1/4" fittings and on a 26 gallon compressor.

You aren't going to get far doing lugs with that setup, the tank will be endlessly filling and you'll be waiting longer than it would take to just use a breaker bar.

The problem with a breaker bar is it doesn't work with the wheels off the ground (at all). An endless problem for me. Frankly, I'd be happy if it would just loosen them.

Let me ask you this: do you have a better gun that was capable of doing the job with the rest of the setup unchanged?

I continue to find reports of people doing lugs with a compressor similar to mine.

I'd certainly rather buy a 3.5x more expensive tool than a $200-300 compressor.

 

[marshaul]

A 1/4 NPT end will have an ID similar is size to 3/8 of an inch depending on wall thinkness.

What about 3/8" NPT on a 1/2" OD hose?

 

[Matt018]

Frankly, I don't consider telling me I bought a "POS" to be helpful. I mean, come on. I'm on a budget. Does he think I'm not aware that a $20 gun isn't as nice as a $70 one? I mean, come on.

By the way, $20 ≠ $70; the price range isn't even close. His reply doesn't in any way answer any part of my question.

Too bad though, I thought I might get some help. I should have known I'd infuriate the snobs by daring to spend less than they did. Whatever, I'll figure it out on my own.

Oh, and I won't start by buying a 3.5x more expensive tool. That will be plan C.

The sad part is I probably would have gotten a more helpful response if I hadn't shared the exact model of tool I bought, despite that rending the question less precise and complete (and therefore an inferior and harder to answer question).

Prejudice FTW.

Wow look we have a secret know it all asking for advice on basic air compressor usage. Watch out hell start schooling us all.

 

[EdJack]

That impact gun isn't going to cut it. I'd recommend returning it and stepping it up a model or two. That gun isn't going to turn a bolt screwed into a stick of butter, and those guns are LOUD.

They still have some leftover Goodyear rubber air hose at clearance prices at most stores, get that over the "new" Harbor Freight brand hoses. I'd get that, and drop a coupon on top of it.

 

[marshaul]

Wow look we have a secret know it all asking for advice on basic air compressor usage. Watch out hell start schooling us all.

How can I be a know-it-all when I'm sitting here asking questions about something I clearly know nothing about? Seriously.

 

[marshaul]

That impact gun isn't going to cut it. I'd recommend returning it and stepping it up a model or two. That gun isn't going to turn a bolt screwed into a stick of butter, and those guns are LOUD.

They still have some leftover Goodyear rubber air hose at clearance prices at most stores, get that over the "new" Harbor Freight brand hoses. I'd get that, and drop a coupon on top of it.

I was planning on probably getting a GoodYear hose (seems to be a good brand for a fair price); the only reason I referenced the HF hose is because of the reviews and my question pertaining thereto.

As for the gun, I'd ask you too if you've ever owned or used the gun. I understand it's cheap and blah blah blah. But that doesn't square with reports of getting well over 150 ft/lbs from it (less than the rating, yes, but far more than I would need for lugs), and I'm much more inclined to believe someone who says "yes, I bought this gun and yes I removed lug nuts with it" than someone who says "it's a POS it will never work" without having actually ever used it one way or the other.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

The problem with a breaker bar is it doesn't work with the wheels off the ground (at all). An endless problem for me. Frankly, I'd be happy if it would just loosen them.

Let me ask you this: do you have a better gun that was capable of doing the job with the rest of the setup unchanged?

I continue to find reports of people doing lugs with a compressor similar to mine.

I'd certainly rather buy a 3.5x more expensive tool than a $200-300 compressor.

Yes, with the rest of the setup equal (except actually I'm using 50' of hose now) with an entry level gun (mastercraft twin hammer composite thing, rated 420lb-ft) I have no problem zipping off almost anything, only a few things it hasn't been able to do over the years such as some rusty old control arm bolts. My IR 2135TiMax should be here this week though The little cheapy will be going on kijiji for 20 bucks...it would take lugs off but not all of them all the time, second time in the summer sure, after a winter not a chance.

In terms of peak power, the tank size and compressor size won't make a difference...120psi is 120psi and as long as you can flow that pressure for long enough to remove the bolt, you're fine. The thing is with a little compressor and 8 gallon tank, chances are you'll always be dipping too low and waiting on the damn thing. I would still just use the breaker bar, break free the lugs on the ground and then lift the car up.

 

[marshaul]

Yes, with the rest of the setup equal (except actually I'm using 50' of hose now) with an entry level gun (mastercraft twin hammer composite thing, rated 420lb-ft) I have no problem zipping off almost anything, only a few things it hasn't been able to do over the years such as some rusty old control arm bolts. My IR 2135TiMax should be here this week though

OK, this I consider to be a genuinely helpful response. +1 and thank you.

I guess I will be buying that 3.5x more expensive tool after all – but at least I'm satisfied I'm not doing to just to appease the latent snobs

 

[jmauld]

That tool looks similar to the ones that come in all of the starter kits. If so, I've used it. Once, and then I replaced it with a working impact.

 

[sgs236]

If you have a friend or coworker that has a larger air compressor why not test your gun on their system? That way you will know for sure whether it is gun or the compressor and hoses.

 

[DMAR]

Frankly, I don't consider telling me I bought a "POS" to be helpful. I mean, come on. I'm on a budget. Does he think I'm not aware that a $20 gun isn't as nice as a $70 one? I mean, come on.

By the way, $20 ≠ $70; the price range isn't even close. His reply doesn't in any way answer any part of my question.

Too bad though, I thought I might get some help. I should have known I'd infuriate the snobs by daring to spend less than they did. Whatever, I'll figure it out on my own.

Oh, and I won't start by buying a 3.5x more expensive tool. That will be plan C.

The sad part is I probably would have gotten a more helpful response if I hadn't shared the exact model of tool I bought, despite that rending the question less precise and complete (and therefore an inferior and harder to answer question).

Prejudice FTW.

What part of 'you bought a piece of **** impact' don't you understand...? I mean, really, these guys are taking time to give advice, but it seems you already know everything, without knowing anything. YOU asked for advice, then become a critic on the advice people give, get over it!

Frankly, I thought Pipster's response was the most concise, and helpful. He actually did give you good usable advice, you just chose to ignore and criticize it, and become a cry baby about the whole thing (I really don't think he wants to give you $50 for the Earthquake upgrade ). No one is being a snob, just being honest. Again, get over it, or ask somewhere else where someone will just tell you what you want to hear....

As for being helpful, I'd repeat what was already told to you; get rid of that 1/4" hose, get the Goodyear 3/8" hose with 1/4" fittings. Save up your money, and get the Earthquake, it will work like you want it to... How many PSIs does that compressor put out?

Oh, welcome to Garage Journal; I really like the way you make an entrance.

 

[marshaul]

Buy the Earthquake. There is a coupon for $69.99 valid right now.

I don't see this on the coupons page. The sticker price is $95. I could buy the entry-level IR for less than that.

 

[marshaul]

Frankly, I thought Pipster's response was the most concise, and helpful. He actually did give you good usable advice, you just chose to ignore and criticize it, and become a cry baby about the whole thing

See, there's this thing about advice: it seems like gospel truth to the giver, but not always so to the receiver.

Pipster may have epic experience and be a fountain of fact, but I don't know that. So, when all I see is "oh nice job you bought a POS here spend 4x more", and I'm supposed to accept that on blind faith, I respond negatively.

Compare that to the poster who made essentially the same argument, but bothered to defend it by relating some of his experience, rather than just coming across as accusatory and smug. That's a useful reply. You'll note that the actual information content in the two replies was essentially the same.

My compressor is rated for 125 PSI. Again, I know it's small, but $90 was a nice price.

Also, based on the fact nobody has said anything about 1/2" hose, I take it that nobody sees a reason to go beyond 3/8"?

 

[firebox40dash5]

How can I be a know-it-all when I'm sitting here asking questions about something I clearly know nothing about? Seriously.

Because when someone tells you a correct answer, you tell them why they're wrong?

Granted, I make money with my tools. But, I wouldn't scoff over a $50 price difference, when it gets you a 100%+ performance difference. Years after you forgot that you saved $50 and spent it on beer (just an example ) you'll still have a horrible impact gun. Not trying to be a ****, just telling it like it is. The misery of crappy tools lasts long after the pleasure of saving a few bucks. Further, you know you have a compressor that's underrated for what you're running, so why try to further handicap yourself by using an inefficient underpowered tool?

And in case you haven't been swayed, definitely get a real hose and good fittings. If you're just wrenching for fun, you can make up for most of a small, low output compressor by waiting for it to refill. There's nothing you can do, other than replacing them, to make up for a hose that restricts flow, and drops pressure at the gun when you're on the trigger.

 

[cheechi]

I owned that gun for a week. It's a POS. You should return it on the quick. This is helpful advice. Pretty sure it might break off those 80ft lb lugs right after you put them on, but you add snow (rust), salt, all kinds of other road dirt and you going to need more than 80 to break them back loose. That gun won't do it, or at least not consistently.

And to tell you exactly what you need to know, the spec on my car's wheels is 75 ft-lb. Same car I decided that gun was a weak POS. with a 25 ft 3/8" hose and a 33 gal tank.

I returned it and got this one before realizing the Earthquake was way way worth the money. It sounds like you're upset that you can't afford the Earthquake. It's ok if you can't, but at least get that one I linked. You don't have to take it out on people who reply to your question, you can put that energy into saving up for a better tool. Because that gun is a POS.

 

[pipsters]

You want to talk about tool snobs just hit up the guys boasting about their $300 2135's and $500 MG725's. The Earthquake is a solid gun and for $70-$75 + tax you aren't going to find anything near it performance wise even for 3x-4x it's cost (I paid $280 for the 2135qitmax and the Earthquake was stronger).

If you can't afford a $70-$75 gun go to Lowes they have a 350 ft-lb Kobalt branded impact for $40 that is also good.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_100966-4712...pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=kobalt+impact&facetInfo=

Your biggest problem is the 1/4" air hose, and other issue is the POS gun you bought. Replace the 1/4" air hose with 3/8" hose and 1/4" NPT on it, throw away the regulator on the compressor and just connect the one side of the hose directly to the output, and get a better gun. You'll have enough to remove a couple lugs at least.

I can't upload a picture of the $69.99 coupon for some reason my phone isn't emailing it but you can use a 20% off on the $94.99 price and make it $76 + tax.

Honestly I don't know what you expected to hear after buying a $20 impact and using 1/4" coiled air hose. I mean really.

 

[marshaul]

Because when someone tells you a correct answer, you tell them why they're wrong?

Didn't tell him he was wrong, I told him his method of delivery was less than useless. Big difference (see my last post on the previous page.)

And in case you haven't been swayed, definitely get a real hose and good fittings. If you're just wrenching for fun, you can make up for most of a small, low output compressor by waiting for it to refill. There's nothing you can do, other than replacing them, to make up for a hose that restricts flow, and drops pressure at the gun when you're on the trigger.

This is good advice. Also, waiting for it to refill is still infinitely better than the breaker bar route (if not in time, at least in terms of laziness ).

 

[marshaul]

You want to talk about tool snobs just hit up the guys boasting about their $300 2135's and $500 MG725's. The Earthquake is a solid gun and for $70-$75 + tax you aren't going to find anything near it performance wise even for 3x-4x it's cost (I paid $280 for the 2135qitmax and the Earthquake was stronger).

lol, yeah, the irony of what I wrote struck me even as I wrote it. But, I'm a take-the-plunge kind of guy (with words if not money ).

If you can't afford a $70-$75 gun go to Lowes they have a 350 ft-lb Kobalt branded impact for $40 that is also good.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_100966-4712...pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=kobalt+impact&facetInfo=

Your biggest problem is the 1/4" air hose, and other issue is the POS gun you bought. Replace the 1/4" air hose with 3/8" hose and 1/4" NPT on it, throw away the regulator on the compressor and just connect the one side of the hose directly to the output, and get a better gun. You'll have enough to remove a couple lugs at least.

I can't upload a picture of the $69.99 coupon for some reason my phone isn't emailing it but you can use a 20% off on the $94.99 price and make it $76 + tax.

Very helpful. Thank you, sir.

I can probably find the 20% off coupon; I see them around often enough.

I take it you've used to Kobalt-branded model?

Also, I assume the logic for ditching the regulator is that it restricts flow, and isn't particularly important on a low-pressure unit anyway?

 

[firebox40dash5]

Didn't tell him he was wrong, I told him his method of delivery was less than useless. Big difference (see my last post on the previous page.)

Sorry, I'm not sensitive, so I base my opinion on validity, not delivery.

I suppose it sounds crazy to you to spend 250% more on a tool that does "the same thing" and if you look at it that way, I suppose I understand... but I tend to look at stuff like that by dollars. Fifty bucks... one or two dinners out, or a movie or two, or if you're lucky one tank of gas... for a tool you'll hopefully use (and not cuss at) for years to come. I don't have an Earthquake, but from pretty much everything I've heard and read, it's a bargain even at $100, let alone $70. Grab any powersport-related mag at the store and you'll probably find a coupon. They run different ads in different genres, as well.

Oh, and if you find a dummy selling his stuff, you can buy a 2135Timax for $80.

 

[pipsters]

I used the previous version of that impact, although doesn't look like it's changed much. Pretty much anything is going to be better than the one you have currently.

Where are you located? I still have it and would give it away for free, I have no need for it, but it was a good gun. But the Earthquake is a lifetime keeper for the DIYer. If money is tight you want to buy the one that you can use for a long time, not as a stop gap.

The reason to get rid of the regulator is because 120 psi output, after pressure drop, is going to be around 90-100 psi at the tool anyway. Connecting directly to the tank will alleviate some pressure drop and running air tools at just over 90 psi won't do that much harm to them especially with the amount of work you are doing with them.

 

[DMAR]

See, there's this thing about advice: it seems like gospel truth to the giver, but not always so to the receiver.

Pipster may have epic experience and be a fountain of fact, but I don't know that. So, when all I see is "oh nice job you bought a POS here spend 4x more", and I'm supposed to accept that on blind faith, I respond negatively.

Compare that to the poster who made essentially the same argument, but bothered to defend it by relating some of his experience, rather than just coming across as accusatory and smug. That's a useful reply. You'll note that the actual information content in the two replies was essentially the same.

My compressor is rated for 125 PSI. Again, I know it's small, but $90 was a nice price.

Also, based on the fact nobody has said anything about 1/2" hose, I take it that nobody sees a reason to go beyond 3/8"?

I understand, and I'm not trying to be smart here, but you gotta try to lighten up, its a tool forum... For a lot of folks here, they have experience, use this stuff for a living, or are heavy users; and they know their stuff.

You should be good to go with 125 PSI, but you probably won't get too long of a blast with that machine (long recover times, to get back up to a usable pressure for your high-torque applications). If you've just got some lug nuts here and there, that $90 compressor should be OK (that is a good price...). Larger tank, and power gives you more sustained (S)CFM.

And no, for your application, and compressor, I would definitely not go with a 1/2" hose. It would exacerbate the lack of power of your compressor. 3/8" with 1/4" fittings would be a decent set-up.

In the spirit of being helpful, here's a link I found that might give you some of the science/knowledge that you are looking for...
http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=155966

 

[zeke67]

FWIW...I run an IR 231 off of a 12 year old HF $69 pancake I bought to air tires and pool toys. The compressor runs the gun better than airing toys. Mostly because it over heats filling a toy, or several tires. My hoses are HF and GY, 3/8 inch. Little difference to the gun, moderate difference to me in handling the hoses. Point is, spend the money on the gun. Any grade of compressor can build pressure and CFM. It's a question of how much, how fast, and how often. The ability of the gun comes down to manufacturing tolerances, QC, metallurgy and robustness. Put the money in the gun, it will wait for the compressor to catch up.

I still break loose a lot of lugs with a good old four way (wheels on the ground of course). In the driveway, on a car, it's faster than rolling out the hose, grabbing the gun, sockets and then putting it all back.

 

[jjjrmx5]

See, there's this thing about advice: it seems like gospel truth to the giver, but not always so to the receiver.

Pipster may have epic experience and be a fountain of fact, but I don't know that. So, when all I see is "oh nice job you bought a POS here spend 4x more", and I'm supposed to accept that on blind faith, I respond negatively.


Also, based on the fact nobody has said anything about 1/2" hose, I take it that nobody sees a reason to go beyond 3/8"?

LOLZ.
I gave up reading after page 1.

You are trying to power a 1/2" budget "quality" impact (that Pipsters described correctly btw) with an 8 gallon compressor and worring about hose size?

Just like water, air flow is determined by pressure and the smallest diameter of it's in-line restriction.

Will a 1/2" hose solve your problem. Likely, no.

If doing a small run like 15' or less it may help your impact work more efficiently with a little more power but that is only with larger fittings and still that is restricted by how long your compressor can run that 90-125 psi before dropping to the point it begins refilling and works below 90psi.
3/8" is your best bet to me, but it's still a poor set up with less than stellar performance in my eyes.

I'd certainly rather buy a 3.5x more expensive tool than a $200-300 compressor.

Sadly, things work the other way. When using air tools, the compressor drives the tool usage and what tools can be used and not the other way around.

A $450 MG725 will not work well on a pancake compressor yet the $70 HF Earthquake will rock your world with a $400 8-10 cfm compressor.

Sounds like you need to go cordless impact IMHO.



Good luck.

 

[chris142]

I have 3 of those impacts. One works pretty good and the 2 others are junk. They wont spin a lugnut off unles I pull the trigger then shove the tool and socket on the nut.

I also have the cheap $25ish last time I checked plastic 1/2 impact and its useless too.

The one that works ok is fed 150psi unregulated air.

I also have the 231 copy that works pretty good but none of these are in the same ball park as the Earthquake I use at work.

I agree that the Earthquake gun is the way to go. If your on a budget haul in some scrap metal or something to get the cash you need for the Earthquake.

 

[the gypsy]

I am sorry I misunderstood, I thought you were offering your gun for fifty dollars so that you could turn around and purchase the $69.00 one. I responded too quickly. But I still think the people on this forum have alot of experience and if they say something is no good, I wouldn't be insulting them.

 

[pipsters]

Sadly, things work the other way. When using air tools, the compressor drives the tool usage and what tools can be used and not the other way around.

A $450 MG725 will not work well on a pancake compressor yet the $70 HF Earthquake will rock your world with a $400 8-10 cfm compressor.

Sounds like you need to go cordless impact IMHO.



Good luck.

Keep in mind the compressor pump only refills the tank. The tank is what delivers the air. At races you run tools off compressed nitrogen, no pump in site, 0 CFM delivered...

So I would say the better gun is a priority provided you have the means to deliver the air (3/8" hose).

 

[andywander]

.....Compare that to the poster who made essentially the same argument, but bothered to defend it by relating some of his experience, rather than just coming across as accusatory and smug. That's a useful reply. You'll note that the actual information content in the two replies was essentially the same.......

So what you are saying is you just ddn't like the tone of the first response.

Maybe the problem is you are using a wrench that gives feet per pound, but you need torque, which is measured in foot-pounds(or pound-feet)

 

[zkling]

Your biggest problem is the 1/4" air hose, and other issue is the POS gun you bought. Replace the 1/4" air hose with 3/8" hose and 1/4" NPT on it, throw away the regulator on the compressor and just connect the one side of the hose directly to the output, and get a better gun. You'll have enough to remove a couple lugs at least.

THIS ^

The problem with low cost guns is that they are not very efficient, meaning they waste a lot of air compared to a more expensive gun.

This is coming from a guy that started with a $10 (brand new on sale) Campbell Hausfield wrench but I was running it on a 60gal 10cfm compressor. To make the most of that gun you will need to minimize the flow restrictions between the compressor. If you can live with it, try a 3/8" rubber directly connected to the impact (no quick disconnect) and a 3/8" quick disconnect on the compressor side.

Believe me I completely understand the limited funds issue. If there is any way you can splurge and get the earthquake or even a used IR231 or the like (watch ebay) I would highly recommend that you do. If not do the best with what you have.

 

[andywander]

.......And no, for your application, and compressor, I would definitely not go with a 1/2" hose. It would exacerbate the lack of power of your compressor. ....

A larger diameter hose would not make things worse.

 

[Provincial]

I run a 1" impact wrench on 1/2" hose. Some of my 1/2" hoses have the 3/8" NPT fittings, and I don't notice much effect on performance, if any. I use 1/2" quick couplers on my 3/4" and 1" guns. I use 1/4" quick couplers on my 1/2" and smaller impact wrenches.

I have 175 psi two-stage compressors in my shops and some portables. I have a couple of 125 psi portable compressors. All the compressors will run any gun, but the higher the pressure the greater the torque delivered.

 

[marshaul]

Alright, lots of great advice here on the second page. Much appreciated all around.

I guess I'll go ahead and buy the earthquake and some 3/8" hose. Sounds like that will do what the job I want to do.

 

[DMAR]

A larger diameter hose would not make things worse.

You think his small capacity compressor would keep up with a 1/2" hose & 3/8" fittings...? My understanding was that it would drain out the small tank quicker, and make the setup a lot less efficient (compressor running to try to build enough pressure in the tank to supply the tool demand...). 3/8" hose & 1/4" fitting is less flow / less demand, no...?

Not arguing, just asking... I've only seen the 1/2" hose run with the bigger capacity machines/equipment.

 

[marshaul]

You think his small capacity compressor would keep up with a 1/2" hose & 3/8" fittings...? My understanding was that it would drain out the small tank quicker, and make the setup a lot less efficient (compressor running to try to build enough pressure in the tank to supply the tool demand...). 3/8" hose & 1/4" fitting is less flow / less demand, no...?

Not arguing, just asking... I've only seen the 1/2" hose run with the bigger capacity machines/equipment.

I imagine, at some point as hose "admittance" (read: diameter) increases, the "bottleneck" becomes the tool itself, and at this point a larger hose does nothing expect perhaps provide a marginal reduction in frictional losses.