First off I am not sure what size my air hose is.What happens is that I purchased my HF 3/8 Impact wrench.I have a Sears 30 gallon air compressor set at 150PSI. At this pressure with the air gun running the regulated pressure dropped to 100PSI. But the wrench would not remove the lug nuts off my truck. I suspect that this wrench may require a more substantial air supply. I purchase this hose and compressor back in the late 90s. I looked at the connections on the hose for any signs of dimensions but none have been located.The hose is 50 feet long.IS there any way to tell short of cutting it? I will spring for a new 3/8 if this is 1/4.And yes another compressor is now on my bucket list.Thanks Ken
Air Hose
- Thread starter Kenskip1
- Start date
I have an older model 1/2" HF Earthquake. It is running off a ltttle 4 gal. Campbell Hausfeld double hot dog. I have 50 foot of hose and has handled almost everything I have thrown at it. I am set for 90psi. It recycles a lot but it does the job. I think the problem is the impact wrench. The cheaper models, below the Eartquake series are not very powerful. It is also a 3/8 wrench. An under sized air system does lack so much for power as run time and it does not take long to break a lug nut loose. I have an old electric 1/2" Ingersol Rand and it is useless on lug nuts, too.
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GarageGuy89
Well-known member
I'm about 99% sure it is the 3/8" HF impact gun. Not your hose and compressor setup.
I bought one of those 3/8 impacts from harbor freight and it wouldn't take the lugs off my car set at 100 ft-lbs. Returned it and bought the 1/2" and it took the lugs off. Still wouldn't recommend the HF impact though...
Difference between 1/4 and 3/8 inch hose is pretty obvious. Go to the store and pull one off the shelf, you should be able to gauge it after that.
I bought one of those 3/8 impacts from harbor freight and it wouldn't take the lugs off my car set at 100 ft-lbs. Returned it and bought the 1/2" and it took the lugs off. Still wouldn't recommend the HF impact though...
Difference between 1/4 and 3/8 inch hose is pretty obvious. Go to the store and pull one off the shelf, you should be able to gauge it after that.
Gearshredder
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example I have to add is when using a 1/2 impact, with a 1/4 hose, a 3/4 gun will only have a slight advantage in torque. Now put that 3/4 impact on either 3/8 or 1/2 hose and It will become violent while a 1/2 won't perform any better because of the pipe fitting on the end of the gun. A 3/8 impact is great with a 1/4 hose or maybe the next size down. Some lug nuts are abused and seized on or installed by a guy who doesn't use torque wrenches...
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gdocktor3
Well-known member
Just curious, why don't you recommend a HF impact?
^ ^ Spite after wrong tool for the job.
The HF Earthquake impact wrenches are great tools for the price.
See the reviews of REAL TOOL REVIEW where he showed the new HF impacts are excellent.
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OP should just bring his impact somewhere that has plenty of air power and check it out. My bet also is that impact has a problem, unless OP is trying to use 1/4" airhose. Better setup is 3/8" hose with 3/8" fittings, or worst case scenario use 1/2" airhose.
The HF Earthquake impact wrenches are great tools for the price.
See the reviews of REAL TOOL REVIEW where he showed the new HF impacts are excellent.
- - - - - - - -
OP should just bring his impact somewhere that has plenty of air power and check it out. My bet also is that impact has a problem, unless OP is trying to use 1/4" airhose. Better setup is 3/8" hose with 3/8" fittings, or worst case scenario use 1/2" airhose.
Warrenator
Well-known member
Might as well buy some big hose and just try it out . (1/2" is plenty adequate) You can always use more hose. Also try using Milton type V couplers, high air flow. 3/8" is too small for an impact, even if it is a 3/8 size impact the pressure losses on a long hose won't let it work properly. A small compressor can run an impact wrench OK just takes a while to run and catch up.
I use a big one for my main, and the older smaller ones (3/8") have male and female ends to use as extentions. Lets me go air up the trailer without moving it.
I use a big one for my main, and the older smaller ones (3/8") have male and female ends to use as extentions. Lets me go air up the trailer without moving it.
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it all depends on what model 3/8" impact you have. I have the HF aluminum one that looks like a CP clone. that thing has only slightly more power than an air ratchet. while it claims to have a maximum 250 ft/lb of torque, I doubt it puts out more than 150. I only use it to remove the mower blade retaining bolts, and even then it can't always get them loose...the Earthquake model is completely different...
WhiffySpark
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99% of shops use 3/8 air hose. You're 3/8 impact is too weak. Very rarely will mine remove lug nuts. The fuel is a joke
My HF 3/8" Earthquake Impact removes lug "bolts" off my car which are torqued to 90 ft lbs. I've noticed the output psi needs to be set at 90psi or just a little over to get the minimum air flow right. Also, periodically, check the inlet connection on the tool itself--I found foreign material near the mesh which prevented proper air flow in the beginning.
sberry
Banned
I use 3/8 and the stock ends that go on it. There seems to be some misconception that we have just discovered that the engineers and plumbers that designed this hose section for decades simply didn't and don't know what they are doing. Neither do the millions of mechanics that use these daily.
How big a mystery is this really, pos impact. pos compressor, changing the fuggin hose ends wont make any difference.
How big a mystery is this really, pos impact. pos compressor, changing the fuggin hose ends wont make any difference.
HomeTheaterMan
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I'm also pretty sure it's your impact gun. BTW, You only want to run most impacts off of 90psi so you shouldn't have the regulator all the way open.
I had a cheap impact as my first one and it also wouldn't remove lug nuts. I finally spent the money on an IR and it's removed anything I've thrown at it. Spending money on a quality impact was one of the best tool purchases I've ever made.
I had a cheap impact as my first one and it also wouldn't remove lug nuts. I finally spent the money on an IR and it's removed anything I've thrown at it. Spending money on a quality impact was one of the best tool purchases I've ever made.
sberry
Banned
I use 3/8 and the stock ends that go on it. There seems to be some misconception that we have just discovered that the engineers and plumbers that designed this hose section for decades simply didn't and don't know what they are doing. Neither do the millions of mechanics that use these daily.
How big a mystery is this really, pos impact. pos compressor, changing the fuggin hose ends wont make any difference. What does add a bit to it is extra connectors, get rid of them and screw the hose direct and use only 1 on the tool end is as good as it gets.
There seems to be a philosophy that if we get better connectors it wont hurt to add a couple more along the way, easiest way to help any of these issues is shorten the hose. Chop that sucker in half, see if a 3/8 bolt goes in it, a 1/4 hose on a 1/2 gun adds an incredible resistance, about 3x a 3/8.
If you have a regulator on this little comp take it out, part of the reason there are issues is that 90 is not the setting at the comp but the delivery at the tool. 50 ft of 3/8 has about 50# drop on a heavy air gun, takes 135 or better at the in end of the hose to get 90, you gain about 10 for cutting it in half.
How big a mystery is this really, pos impact. pos compressor, changing the fuggin hose ends wont make any difference. What does add a bit to it is extra connectors, get rid of them and screw the hose direct and use only 1 on the tool end is as good as it gets.
There seems to be a philosophy that if we get better connectors it wont hurt to add a couple more along the way, easiest way to help any of these issues is shorten the hose. Chop that sucker in half, see if a 3/8 bolt goes in it, a 1/4 hose on a 1/2 gun adds an incredible resistance, about 3x a 3/8.
If you have a regulator on this little comp take it out, part of the reason there are issues is that 90 is not the setting at the comp but the delivery at the tool. 50 ft of 3/8 has about 50# drop on a heavy air gun, takes 135 or better at the in end of the hose to get 90, you gain about 10 for cutting it in half.
sberry
Banned
Either take the reg out or turn it up. 30# too low on the input.
GarageGuy89
Well-known member
Just from experience they are sluggish and very under powered. Don't have experience with the earthquake series as those came out after I went through the red versions (i think branded as central pneumatic, CM). Nothing more frustrating then having an impact struggle at taking a nut off.
From my experience the red CM HF series impacts are about as good as a poopie ****. But I'm just a garage guy, who am I to judge?
You likely have several issues:
1. 1/4" hose
2. 3/8" gun (weak)
3. Restrictive 1/4" fittings.
The more of these you change, the more of an improvement you'll see.
I have 3/8" hose, 1/4" Hi-flo Milton V fittings, and an IR 1/2" gun. Its yet to meet a lugnut it couldn't remove. I used to have the same gun connected to the same compressor at the same PSI with a 1/4" hose and standard fittings, and it would sometimes not take all the lugnuts off my Ram.
1. 1/4" hose
2. 3/8" gun (weak)
3. Restrictive 1/4" fittings.
The more of these you change, the more of an improvement you'll see.
I have 3/8" hose, 1/4" Hi-flo Milton V fittings, and an IR 1/2" gun. Its yet to meet a lugnut it couldn't remove. I used to have the same gun connected to the same compressor at the same PSI with a 1/4" hose and standard fittings, and it would sometimes not take all the lugnuts off my Ram.
bmwpowere36m3
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I think 3/8" impact is pushing it for lugs... but I haven't used that particular gun. Does it feature an adjustable "power" setting? Maybe it set low. Hoses are cheap, if you don't need 50' then get a 3/8" 25'. The hose is the biggest source of restriction.
Regular M-style 1/4" fittings are fine... that's all I use.
Regular M-style 1/4" fittings are fine... that's all I use.
Chevy-SS
Well-known member
At the risk of 
and as virtually everyone else has said - a 3/8" impact wrench typically ain't enough for lug nuts.
and as virtually everyone else has said - a 3/8" impact wrench typically ain't enough for lug nuts.At the risk of
As per HF information this impact has the specks to remove 300 ft lbs of torque.
Heel2toe
Well-known member
What happens if you crank up the air pressure? That compressor and impact should be enough to remove lug nuts. And are you sure there are no air leaks at the connectors? A small leak at the connected has a significant impact on the tool; much more than I ever would have anticipated.
As of now I have the pressure set at 125 lbs. I can go up to 150, however I was under the impression that this tool would perform its duties at 90 psi. My 1/2 drive has know problems at 125 lbs, however I was hoping that the 3/8 was up to the task.
As mentioned in another post, my right arm and hand have a limited muscle control. I was hoping going down to a smaller and lighter tool would be of a benefit aiding me in my mechanical endeavors.
WhiffySpark
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The hammers are smaller in 3/8. It may say 300 ft lbs but don't count on it. Try an IR 2115 or the compact version if you want a smaller gun. I don't think hose size is going to help you here
Sir the IR 2115 sells for $288. This is out of my budget. The IR 215 has a torque of 150 lbs and sells for $98. With my discount being a disabled vet I purchased the HF 3/8 impact for $79.This model as mentioned has a torque value listed of 300 lbs.
Both IR tools prices are as of Home Depo listings.
Both IR tools prices are as of Home Depo listings.
HomeTheaterMan
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You can't pay attention to those torque ratings. Imo you'd be way better off to take that back to HF and save until you can buy an IR instead.
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
While I wouldn't call our 1828 a tire/lug nut tool - I think I have a spare one on our torque test bench I can send you. Certainly checks the boxes in the smaller and lighter category.
http://www.astrotools.com/index.php/onyx-3-8-nano-impact-wrench-450ft-lb.html
Just shoot me a PM with your address.
djdaredevil
Well-known member
And yet again you prove why you deserve all of the business you get and then some.
Sir address request submitted.Thank you for your interest. Ken
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
Hey Ken,
I don't have a new PM. Did you send the address via a private message on this website or by other means?
Sir sent to forum website, also sent to the Astro Tools web site.
xtremek
Well-known member
Use 1/4" ******* on my hoses and don't have any problems. It's the impact. My Snappy 3/8" can take off lugnuts if the pressure is around 150#, but not at 100#. The bigger line just gives you more volume (needed for sandblasting...etc).
bczygan
Well-known member
Should have gotten the 1/2", or the new XT.
Take the 3/8 back if you can.
Then get a long extension cord for the compressor (If it's portable), and a short 3/8" hose with flow through fittings.
You should have no problems.
Bill
sberry
Banned
One doesn't need more for blasting. A 3/8 hose will drain a 5hp on a blaster. Bigger is better for bursts. A poster said he thought 100 would work, it will at the gun which is rated for 90.
GarageGuy89
Well-known member
As with just about every big box store product. Numbers are inflated. Just like compressors, some how they manage to slap a BIG 7.5hp stickers on a motor that only pulls 15 amps!
anndel
Well-known member
Actually the 1822 1/2" version is what I've been using to remove lug nuts and it ceases to amaze me. Similar in size and a tad heavier that the 3/8" 1828, it peels off wheeling like nothing. My IR 2235QTi and my Snap On MG725 sits on the sidelines in case the Astro can't handle a nut or bolt.
. . . 
Should have gotten the 1/2", or the new XT.
Take the 3/8 back if you can.
Then get a long extension cord for the compressor (If it's portable), and a short 3/8" hose with flow through fittings.
You should have no problems.
Bill
Sir, if you would be so kind as to read post 22 and the 3rd paragraph this will enplane to you why I want to go down a size. I am attempting to facilitate my physical shortcomings.Your anecdotal remarks is amusing if not insipid.However, I am always open to someone that has the ability to make me laugh.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I truly believe he was being genuine. A shorter hose will help increase the power. Either way, will you give us a little side by side comparison between the Astro and HF once you get it? Thanks for your service.
Know Wosad
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WOW. After going through this mess I feel like I'm drunk. I don't drink !
Buy a fuggin breaker bar.
Buy a fuggin breaker bar.