Air tools shopping

[c-moe_117]

In the market now for a new air ratchet, die grinder, and air hammer and would appreciate any suggestions. Ive read some of the archives on previous threads/topics but most of the posts I found are dealing with discontinued models.

I was tempted to walk off the SO truck with their far2500skts 1/4 set but wasn't sure how often I'd use the 1/4 air ratchet.

I work on every day cars (honda/toyota/ford/gm) as well as some minor work on motor cycles and generators, but most of my current work is with diesel trucks/their trailers and forklifts (army equiptment: PLS, fuelers, recovery hemmt, humvv, etc). Currently I will be changing employment from active duty to in a a normal shop and signing for the reserves to remain a diesel tech and keep my medical benefits with uncle Sam.

So ironically I will leave this post with a humorous observation, help me spend your tax money on my new tools.... lol

 

[bcradio]

I have and like these:

1/4" Air Ratchet - Astro reactionless
3/8" Air Ratchet - HF Earthquake reactionless
Air Hammer - IR 122 & 118 Max Air Hammers (short and long barrel)
Die Grinder - Florida Pneumatic 90 degree

Big fan of reactionless air ratchets over standard

 

[maxpower_hd]

I use the 1/4" ratchet at home quite a bit but never at work. At least not for what I do. I work on trailers and tractors. And my cordless impact driver works about as well so I would say you probably don't NEED that one.

The 3/8 drive air ratchet I use but not all that often.

Mostly what I find the most useful are the 1/2" and 3/8" air impacts.

I like my Snap On MG725. I got a deal on mine. There are other good ones.

I also have the old style SO 3/8 ratchet which works well and is over 20 years old.

My air hammer and air drill are IR. Both very good.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have Mac AH650 (long) and AH600 (short) that I bought used on eBay and they hit really hard. I also have a Florida Pneumatic (Aircat) short air hammer I bought new, but the Mac AH600 blows it away. For air ratchet's I have an older FAR72 that works good, but I rarely use it. My die grinder's are Chicago Pneumatic. If I were you, I would look into Aircat. Extremely well made, powerful and very affordable. Also, don't be scared to buy off eBay. I've purchased a lot of air tools off there and they all work great. http://www.aircat.com/

 

[Pipe]

I have all snap on air tools minus IR 3/4 impact and aircat mini 1/2 gun. That being said, I use my cordless 1/4 ratchet a ton more and would recommend an impact type 3/8 ratchet like you have listed or the hammerhead. Thank you for your service.

 

[crewchief888]

IR 231 1/2" impact
IR 212 3/8" impact (seldom used)
SO FAR 72 3/8" air ratchet
SO PH2050 air hammer
multiple die grinders, astro, CP, SO, and several "no name"

ive had most of them at least 20 years, air hammer and ratchet have been rebuilt through SO's flat rate program. ( most due to the corrosion, freezing/thawing in my service truck.
ive had a couple IR 231's over the past 18 years. i get 8-10 years out of them, by then, the hammers and anvil are junk, and they need a complete rebuild, so i replace it.

i'm a const eq field mechanic, all my tools suffer.

i use my milwaukee 18v fuel 3/8" impact more than the rest of them combined.

 

[anndel]

I have and love these:

IR 2235QTIMax 1/2" Impact
Snap On MG725 1/2" Impact
Astro 1/2" 1822 Nano Impact
Aircat 1150 Killer Torque 1/2" Impact (backup)
Astro 3/8" 1828 Nano Impact
Astro 3/8" 1128 Impact Ratchet
Chicago Pneumatic Harbor Freight 3/8" Earthquake Impact Ratchet (Backup)

 

[pepi]

IR sells nice air tools, good torque and quiet running.

 

[JJThrasher]

My preferred setup is

3/8" air ratchet
Campbell Hausfeld at TSC not the most powerful, but reliable and only $25

1/4" air ratchet
Ingersoll Rand 1105MAX-D2 Powerful for 1/4", small, has a power adjuster knob

Straight Grinder
Ingersoll Rand 5108MAX Mine's never bogged when cutting or grinding. Flies at full tilt.

Angle grinder
Ingesoll Rand 301B Cheap, small, lightweight. Great for cleaning up surfaces. Not the most power, but work good for what I do.

Air hammer
Snap On PH3050 Damn this thing hits hard. I used to like IR air hammers, but I started breaking one every month. The Snap On hits harder and has lasted most of a year now.

Do you have impacts? My impacts are my most used air tools.