Aircat or Nitrocat???

[jdlong]

OK. Here we go. Another impact post. I'm in the market for a 1/2" impact with over 1000 ft/lbs of reverse torque for tearing down rusted suspension bolts. After toying with display models, I've narrowed it down to a choice between an Aircat 1150, Nitrocat 1200 and Nitrocat 1250 which advertises a little more ooomph but costs a bit more than the first two. I really like the fit and finish of all three. Can anyone tell me what the deal breaker is amongst these?

 

[Greg85mcss]

Nitrocat guns are twin clutch. When I was looking I saw something about torque sticks not working with them. I don't know whether it's true but I wanted to be safe.


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[Duster346]

OK. Here we go. Another impact post. I'm in the market for a 1/2" impact with over 1000 ft/lbs of reverse torque for tearing down rusted suspension bolts. After toying with display models, I've narrowed it down to a choice between an Aircat 1150, Nitrocat 1200 and Nitrocat 1250 which advertises a little more ooomph but costs a bit more than the first two. I really like the fit and finish of all three. Can anyone tell me what the deal breaker is amongst these?

I don't really know if there is a deal breaker with these guns. I've got the 1250 NC and it's the most powerful gun in our (medium duty) shop. Put it to you this way, one of the 3/4" impacts couldn't budge some lugnuts loose. The 1/2" nitro cat WITH an impact adapter to from 3/4" down to 1/2" was able to break the nuts loose with ease. Pretty damn impressive if you ask me.

I guess my only gripe on it is that the front seal started leaking about 2 months after I bought it.

I've also used a torque stick on it with no problem.

HTH's

 

[popparoach]

http://drilldrivervs.com/nitrocat-1200-k-vs-aircat-1150-review/

 

[gdocktor3]

Northerntool.com sells Aircat/Nitrocat and often offer 30% off coupon codes. Other sites do offer coupon codes as well, just make sure you do your research. I generally shop around for best prices on items, then google search coupon codes for that website. Most times I'll find one. Also, don't forget eBay and Amazon Warehouse.

 

[jdlong]

Thanks for the replies and the link. The I'm leaning toward the Nitrocat 1200k. Northern Tool is where I toyed with display models.

 

[gdocktor3]

Even better. Buy online, use coupon code, pickup in store and save on shipping.

 

[Sugarfryz]

In all honesty I'd stay away from nitrokat. I had a 1355xl 3/8 impact that was impossible to feather the trigger. Multiple times it flung sockets and bolts at my face when I had a swivel on it. Also smashed my finger one time when it went full blast on a loose bolt and swung at full speed and smashed my finger with the socket. Last straw I finally had with it was when I was installing a seat for a customer. Just needed to loosen a bolt slowly, of course was full blast flung the swivel off my gun and was just millimeters away from hitting the windshield. Without a doubt would've shattered the glass and I would've had to pay for it. I bought a snap on 3/8 the day it happened (half off through school). No doubt they are strong as hell, but I like to be able to feather the trigger. Also no socket in general seemed to fit all that well on the gun. They all fell off easily, this was when new and no it wasn't the ring. In my experience I wouldn't buy another impact off them. The 1/2 in. Ir is just as strong tho. One thing I do love about air cats is they really have the quiet thing down.

 

[jdlong]

I'm not looking for a general purpose automotive impact. I have those. I need a master blaster for large seized undercarriage bolts (or suspension bolts as I said in my OP). It's all I will be using it for and how well the feather triggers is not a big concern.

The link above tells me that's what the Nitrocat is best suited for and that the Aircat is a better choice for general automotive work.

Thanks for the tip on sockets flying off. Will take a closer look at the hog ring or whatever it uses.

 

[Olafur]

I have 1250K, it fits your description. Want more power than that you have to go to 3/4" drive gun. And a good one.

 

[Skin]

Nitrocat/twin pin clutch have a higher initial per blow torque number than any comparable twin anvil impact. Also smoother and low in vibration. Twin anvil has a sustained torque impact and more vibration. Basically if you want the hardest hitting you get a pin clutch impact. Because the blows aren't linear is why they screw up torque sticks.

One important thing to note though is that because the clutch depends on spring pressure AND air pressure its more sensitive to working pressures well outside of its calibrated range. In short a hammer mechanism is more robust when it comes to abuse and bumping up the pressure.

1250 is the newest iteration, more power and quieter. Dimensionally its pretty much identical to a 1200k.

My only long term experience is with the Nitrocat 1355 which I can second as not being too easy to feather. Also the body feels a bit cheap but that's moot since its held up fine. With all the Nitrocat impacts the pin mechanism is bathed in oil so if the seals fails you're suppose to just dump a little 30W oil in every once in awhile. That said I've had my 1355 for going on 3 or 4 years now and its yet to leak.

 

[Sugarfryz]

I'm not looking for a general purpose automotive impact. I have those. I need a master blaster for large seized undercarriage bolts (or suspension bolts as I said in my OP). It's all I will be using it for and how well the feather triggers is not a big concern.

The link above tells me that's what the Nitrocat is best suited for and that the Aircat is a better choice for general automotive work.

Thanks for the tip on sockets flying off. Will take a closer look at the hog ring or whatever it uses.

The socket thing is an issue I've only seen people complain about with the 3/8 drive. I know plenty of people who have the 1/2 and love them. I just thought I'd share my opinion. I didn't know you already had an all rounder gun. The nitrokat are extremely powerful, they'll definitely break stuff free