Handyandy23
Well-known member
I'm looking for some clarification on the differences in some of the Aircat / Nitrocat impact gun lineup. I currently have an Astro Nano, and an older Ingersoll Rand 1/2" that is 'pretty good' - but I'm looking to add a really hard hitting impact to my box for the most stubborn and rusted suspension and chassis bolts.
Aircat seems to make good impacts at a good price, and more than enough for my DIY needs. But they have so many models! Hard to decide and know the differences between them.
The 3 models I'm currently looking at are the Aircat 1150, Nitrocat 1200-K, and Nitrocat 1250-K. The bodies look mostly identical, they are all 4.5 lbs and 8.25" long. The 1150 and 1200 are rated at 900 ft-lbs, and the 1250 is rated at 950 ft lbs.
The biggest difference I can see between them is the Impacts Per Minute. The 1150 is rated at 1400 IPM, the 1200 at 950 IPM, and 1250 at 1000 IPM. I'm assuming that lower IPM is desirable and hits harder? But I'm not sure how to 'gauge' how much better 950 IPM is compared to 1400 IPM.
The 1150 is the least expensive of the options, and 1250 most expensive, with a spread of about $60 CAD between the 3. So not a huge difference in price, but enough for me to question the gains in one versus the other.
I'd also be open to suggestions on any other guns / brands! I am happy with how my bargain-line (Edge) IR has performed, but the big boy IR's are quite a bit more money than the Aircat alternatives.
Aircat seems to make good impacts at a good price, and more than enough for my DIY needs. But they have so many models! Hard to decide and know the differences between them.
The 3 models I'm currently looking at are the Aircat 1150, Nitrocat 1200-K, and Nitrocat 1250-K. The bodies look mostly identical, they are all 4.5 lbs and 8.25" long. The 1150 and 1200 are rated at 900 ft-lbs, and the 1250 is rated at 950 ft lbs.
The biggest difference I can see between them is the Impacts Per Minute. The 1150 is rated at 1400 IPM, the 1200 at 950 IPM, and 1250 at 1000 IPM. I'm assuming that lower IPM is desirable and hits harder? But I'm not sure how to 'gauge' how much better 950 IPM is compared to 1400 IPM.
The 1150 is the least expensive of the options, and 1250 most expensive, with a spread of about $60 CAD between the 3. So not a huge difference in price, but enough for me to question the gains in one versus the other.
I'd also be open to suggestions on any other guns / brands! I am happy with how my bargain-line (Edge) IR has performed, but the big boy IR's are quite a bit more money than the Aircat alternatives.
