OK Here is the deal.I have a need for a 3/8 drive impact wrench. The question is witch one? HF has the Earthquake that lists 300 lbs of torque,Home Depo has the Husky that lists 250, and finally the Lowes Kobalt lists as 275. The prices are all within my budget. I do a fair share of small engine repair as will as brakes and the like on my vehicles.Who is the manufacture for these tools?Are they worth what they are asking? I funds are limited so please be gentle. Thanks Ken
Air Impact Wrench 3/8
- Thread starter Kenskip1
- Start date
Wouldn't get a stubby for your only 3/8" impact. I know someone is going to get on my case about it but they honestly lack power compared to a normal sized impact. Great to have but wouldn't want it to be my only choice.
I can attest to the Aircat 1355XL as being an excellent, quiet, and hard hitting impact. The MAC AWP038 is also very strong (but loud) and can be had for less than $150 on ebay pretty readily. These are the strongest I've personally used in your budget. IR and Snap-On are also okay but aren't nearly as powerful as the Aircat or MAC.
Florida Pneumatic/Professional Tool Products make a vast majority of the impacts coming out of Taiwan.
I can attest to the Aircat 1355XL as being an excellent, quiet, and hard hitting impact. The MAC AWP038 is also very strong (but loud) and can be had for less than $150 on ebay pretty readily. These are the strongest I've personally used in your budget. IR and Snap-On are also okay but aren't nearly as powerful as the Aircat or MAC.
Florida Pneumatic/Professional Tool Products make a vast majority of the impacts coming out of Taiwan.
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JJThrasher
Well-known member
hangfirew8
Well-known member
To each his own. Buy what works for you.
I have a 600 ft/lb 1/2" IR, it's reasonably compact but I couldn't always get it (and its big 1/2" drive sockets) into places I needed it. I really don't see the point of buying a 3/8" drive that is the same size.
So, I just ordered the Astro Nano 1828. $95 delivered and 450 ft/lb. No review as it hasn't arrived yet, but I have a 3/8 Sunex Master Metric impact socket set just waiting for it. I've been using them on my old IR air ratchet and like them. It's not known for its control and subtlety. It is used to break free stuff in tight spaces, which describes most of my auto work.
Hard for me to get excited about 300 ft/lb on that 2115TiMAX, but then again they push the control aspect. Maybe it's just what a small engine shop needs, I don't know. The only things I use impacts for small engines are clutched PTO's on chainsaws and lawn mowers, and removing mower blades. For those applications, subtlety and control is not needed. If you hit it too hard, it just spins. If it was sensitive, I have a 110 ft/lb cordless electric impact.
I have a 600 ft/lb 1/2" IR, it's reasonably compact but I couldn't always get it (and its big 1/2" drive sockets) into places I needed it. I really don't see the point of buying a 3/8" drive that is the same size.
So, I just ordered the Astro Nano 1828. $95 delivered and 450 ft/lb. No review as it hasn't arrived yet, but I have a 3/8 Sunex Master Metric impact socket set just waiting for it. I've been using them on my old IR air ratchet and like them. It's not known for its control and subtlety. It is used to break free stuff in tight spaces, which describes most of my auto work.
Hard for me to get excited about 300 ft/lb on that 2115TiMAX, but then again they push the control aspect. Maybe it's just what a small engine shop needs, I don't know. The only things I use impacts for small engines are clutched PTO's on chainsaws and lawn mowers, and removing mower blades. For those applications, subtlety and control is not needed. If you hit it too hard, it just spins. If it was sensitive, I have a 110 ft/lb cordless electric impact.
See this is the problem with torque numbers. The 450 astro number is break-away which means if you sit there and let the anvil bash away it should remove a fastener tightened to 450 foot pounds. Its the absolute peak performance of the tool instead of the every day power to be expected. The 300 IR number is far closer to working torque which is a more accurate measurement of power but they cannot be compared. In terms of working torque they're probably quite similar, which is no insult to the Astro considering the price and size.
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Cornwell CAT2150, MT2138 Matco, 6-1122 Napa are also excellent wrenches. They're all the same wrench, made by Professional Tool Products. 500 ft' lb.s and the shortest full sized 3/8" impact that I know of. The Nitrocat 1355xl, Not Aircat, (Aircat's have twin hammers), Nitrocat's use hammer pins is crazy stupid strong at 700 torques. Under 150 bucks too.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Here are the real facts -
Aircat and CP tie for the win.
Another Vote for the Ingersoll Rand 2115 timax.
I have and use one daily. For the last 6 mts or so rebuilding transmissions, for some years prior to that as a general mechanic.
Everybody says a 3/8" gun is just for convenience.
I'll have to agree because man is it convenient. Its light, its small, its strong and like most people who work on vehicles for a living I have more 3/8" tools than other sizes.
Granted many of them are chrome and not impact. I use it all the time with chrome and have never had an issue. But the majority of fasteners don't require being 'impacted' anyway.
I also have quite a few 3/8" impact sockets/extensions for those fasteners that do require more force to remove, and 3/8" sets are quite a bit cheaper than 1/2" as an added bonus.
Sometimes you do need the power a 1/2" impact, and sometimes you do need the small size of 1/4" and sometimes you need to use an air ratchet because of room, but I find I can do most engine/trans related work with the 3/8" impact.
Rebuilding transmissions I rarely need 1/2" and very rarely 1/4". I don't work on small engines but from the little I have I would say the needs are similar to transmissions.
I had an old metal body mac 3/8" for years but it was getting pretty worn so I decided to buy a new one. From all the praise here I went against my better judgement and got a HF earthquake about the time they first appeared.
I did not like it. It was actually heavier than my old metal body one, it was plenty strong but had no control.
I got tired of searching for slung nuts/bolts and bought the 2115 which I should have in the first place. I have a friend who uses one daily he bought when they first came out.
A guy where I work also had a 3/8" from hf and when his died I gave him mine, I don't miss it a bit.
I don't know about the aircats, but from personal experience and observation I know for a fact IR air tools last. I also know I can get rebuild kits cheaply and easily if I ever need one.
There seems to be a great fixation on 'max power' and torque ratings and videos comparing these. I personally think all that is overrated, and I would say means even less for a 3/8" impact.
Granted I don't want a weak pos for any of my tools, but consistent reliable comfort and control over the long term with decent power is more important to me than a few pounds of torque measured on a machine in a particular circumstance. Repair/tune up kit availability is another factor, though I've never actually needed any.
If I go to work today and find my 2115 has been smashed by a forklift I will order another one in a heartbeat.
I have and use one daily. For the last 6 mts or so rebuilding transmissions, for some years prior to that as a general mechanic.
Everybody says a 3/8" gun is just for convenience.
I'll have to agree because man is it convenient. Its light, its small, its strong and like most people who work on vehicles for a living I have more 3/8" tools than other sizes.
Granted many of them are chrome and not impact. I use it all the time with chrome and have never had an issue. But the majority of fasteners don't require being 'impacted' anyway.
I also have quite a few 3/8" impact sockets/extensions for those fasteners that do require more force to remove, and 3/8" sets are quite a bit cheaper than 1/2" as an added bonus.
Sometimes you do need the power a 1/2" impact, and sometimes you do need the small size of 1/4" and sometimes you need to use an air ratchet because of room, but I find I can do most engine/trans related work with the 3/8" impact.
Rebuilding transmissions I rarely need 1/2" and very rarely 1/4". I don't work on small engines but from the little I have I would say the needs are similar to transmissions.
I had an old metal body mac 3/8" for years but it was getting pretty worn so I decided to buy a new one. From all the praise here I went against my better judgement and got a HF earthquake about the time they first appeared.
I did not like it. It was actually heavier than my old metal body one, it was plenty strong but had no control.
I got tired of searching for slung nuts/bolts and bought the 2115 which I should have in the first place. I have a friend who uses one daily he bought when they first came out.
A guy where I work also had a 3/8" from hf and when his died I gave him mine, I don't miss it a bit.
I don't know about the aircats, but from personal experience and observation I know for a fact IR air tools last. I also know I can get rebuild kits cheaply and easily if I ever need one.
There seems to be a great fixation on 'max power' and torque ratings and videos comparing these. I personally think all that is overrated, and I would say means even less for a 3/8" impact.
Granted I don't want a weak pos for any of my tools, but consistent reliable comfort and control over the long term with decent power is more important to me than a few pounds of torque measured on a machine in a particular circumstance. Repair/tune up kit availability is another factor, though I've never actually needed any.
If I go to work today and find my 2115 has been smashed by a forklift I will order another one in a heartbeat.
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I believe 3/8" Impact Wrench is a wise choice to add to your air tool arsenal; its smaller and lighter profile will help you reach the places where a 1/2" Impact Wrench may be too cumbersome to handle. I'm actually thinking about giving the HF Earthquake 3/8" Drive model myself--it could have helped me yesterday. 
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I believe an air 3/8" drive impact wrench is close to being extinct except for the Nano class of tool. A Milwaukee Fuel 3/8 cordless puts out 200 ft-lb. If you need more than that you need a 1/2 impact. The 3/8" air impact is going to go the way of the dodo. The only savior is the really small ones like the Nano. The conventional ones will disappear as they serve no real purpose anymore with the new powerful cordless.
Where are you getting your information?
The 2115TiMAX's manual says 280 ft/lbs, 300 MAX
https://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/DocumentLibrary/TechPub/45585155_ed5_E.pdf
Astro says
350-400 ft/lbs depending on the model and 450 max
http://www.astrotools.com/index.php/onyx-3-8-nano-impact-wrench-450ft-lb.html
That's version 1 of the 1822. Astro has mentioned on this site that v2 of the 1822 is more powerful because the first version of the 1828 came out with freer flowing exhaust to good feedback so they changed the 1822 to the same. Been that way for at least a year. I got my 1822 about 8 months ago and it's v2.
KMdef9
Well-known member
Another vote for 2115 IR.
Small and strong.
Got mine barely used off eBay for just over 100.
Small and strong.
Got mine barely used off eBay for just over 100.
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
Haha, everyone's so torque hungry now a days.
And our 1822 v2 is only about an 8% increase over v1.
And our 1822 v2 is only about an 8% increase over v1.
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mcmtech
Well-known member
I've got the stubby Astro and an older ir composite 3/8 impact. I use the Astro nano the most professionally as it just gets in more places, especially front end and underhood stuff. Make sure your air pressure is set right at the gun. I've never really noticed a lack of power with it.
I have the 2115QTiMax and it's a nice little impact.
That said, I use my 3/8" cordless a lot more often than the air powered one. If you already have batteries for one brand, have you considered getting a cordless? For small engine repair, most cordless ones will have plenty of torque.
That said, I use my 3/8" cordless a lot more often than the air powered one. If you already have batteries for one brand, have you considered getting a cordless? For small engine repair, most cordless ones will have plenty of torque.
Trey T
Well-known member
awesome!
Greg85mcss
Well-known member
I got the matco one from a pawn shop for $120 & it looked unused. Napa has since dropped theirs to $179 & it has a 2 year warranty. Others I looked at are the astro & the ir. The nitrocat is tempting but almost as long as my 1/2.
If we're getting above your budget here the dewalt is supposed to be really nice. People say it's closely related to the proto & mac 3/8s. I can't confirm any of that but they look pretty nice.
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
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- Feb 23, 2013
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The astro Nano is smaller and more powerful than the IR2115, so I don't see a reason not to buy it.
Something I feel I should mention is that my right hand has limited mobility from nerve damage. I have a yellow 3/8 cordless that works fine for someone with a fully functional arm but the weight with the huge battery causes nothing but frustrations.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
The Aircat has also come out with a newer, more powerful 3/8" compact impact.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
So why would Someone want the v2 over the v1? Is that the only difference?
ScottsGT
Well-known member
I've got an Earthquake and I have been very impressed. Limited use, just a driveway warrior maintaining a fleet of 7 cars on the household. I've been drooling over that Astro Nano for some time now. Great for working on the front end of a motor when you don't need to pull the radiator.
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
That's just how we make them now. We made the change by popular demand, and no longer make the v1 style. So essentially anyone who has bought an 1822 in the last year has received a v2 - they are only referred to internally as v1 and v2.
For what it's worth I have a 1355xl. I hate the thing, you can't feather it at all. Last time I used it was a few months ago and I had a swivel socket on. Tried to remove a fastener that was already broke free. Of course went full blast, through the bolt and my face, the swivel kept spinning and smashed my finger between the swivel and metal. Chucked the impact in the trash immediately. And bought a mg325. One nice thing is the nitrokat is very powerful for a 3/8. Only credit I can give it and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Also it's huge
I should add the scenario I described was not at all the first time
Its a hair long but not big by any means. Feathering isn't the best but its there. Power is great as is the lack of noise. MGs are like blow horns and the motor vanes like to stick as they age. Everything has its strengths and weaknesses.
One big problem with the pin impacts is they're very pressure sensitive since the spring is calibrated to work at a specific PSI. The hammer driven impacts definitely give you more feedback too.
One big problem with the pin impacts is they're very pressure sensitive since the spring is calibrated to work at a specific PSI. The hammer driven impacts definitely give you more feedback too.
I have the Dewalt DC823 with the compact lithium pack on it, I find it well balanced and fairly light. Compared to my 2115 with an air hose on it, the cordless is easier to manage even if a bit heavier.
hangfirew8
Well-known member
Thanks, I finally got a chance to look at that.
I see from the video gdocktor posted that Astro's 450 rating wasn't just bogus marketing "nut bustin' torque"!
The "win" I was looking for was the smallest size, the primary reason I bought my new Astro 1828 (he tested the 1822 which is the 1/2"). The fact that it exceeded its advertised torque rating by 29 ft/lbs is just icing on the cake. If you're buying a 3/8" for the small size, getting a full-size impact doesn't make any sense, even if it is the smallest full-size (whatever that means).
I can live with the fact there are larger air impacts with more power- I already own a larger impact with more power. I bought the Astro to get into the really tight places.