Best air hammer (long barrel)?

[Macneil]

I’m a fleet mechanic for a large fleet of F-series pickup trucks. I am in the market for a new air hammer. My old faithful matco is on its last legs. There are plenty to choose from and I’m looking to see some real world results. A friend of mine at another shop bought the matco air hammer and says it’s not worth it’s weight in gold so I am skeptical about replacing mine with another.

I have access to all the tool truck brands (snap on, Mac and matco) plus some IR stuff.

From what I’ve seen and heard on the interwebs, the snap on is a pretty good contender. I’d like to buy one that will take the abuse of a shop environment.

If it makes a difference, I am in Ontario Canada..

Thanks!


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[RedneckWelder]

The Snap On is always a solid choice but for me it was also at a price
I couldn’t accept ($500 from my dealer, he doesn’t cut deals like some here supposedly get)

So I went with the IR 118Max and have been pretty pleased

 

[bcradio]

I also went with the IR 118max and 122max and like them both a lot.

 

[Handyandy23]

I just picked up the Sunex SX243, which according to many is the same exact hammer that Matco used to sell - so I'm thinking it may be the same as your current worn out Matco. If you like that one then the Sunex branded one is an inexpensive replacement. I've used it a few times and it hits hard compared to what I'm used to, but I don't have much to compare it to either. I'm just a DIYer coming from a baby air hammer that was more like a ********.

I chose it over the IR 118MAX only because they both had positive reviews, the specs on both were very similar, but the Sunex was half the price. Not sure if that will mean half the life, but I'm hoping since it's a tool truck model it'll hold up well to my occasional use.

When I was researching the "top dogs" were the Astro 4980 and Chicago Pneumatics CP717. They are largely viewed as the hardest hitting air hammers you can buy. However they are much more expensive, and use .498 shank bits, which is larger than 'standard'. So even the bits are more costly. For me I couldn't justify spending $400-$700 on one of these monsters, but if you're using it professionally then it may be worth it for you.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Snap ons are nice, I prefer my Cp714 as it has similar power with actual trigger function; not an on/off switch. If you really want to thump on stuff, go with .498. On/off trigger on the Astro big nasty, but it does thump.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I had the Matco branded Sunex hammer set for years and loved it. Sold it off with most of my air tools when I went into an industry in a service truck without air. Got back in a shop job and bought a used Snap-on PH3050 ($140 on Ebay) and while it kicks hard, it's nowhere close to my managers Chicago Pneumatic .498 CP717.

 

[bobcatdan]

Anything with over a 3" stroke and the closer to 2000 bpm the better should hit hard. Look for those specs and pick a color.

 

[mackie232005]

I’ve had the IR 114GQC for the past 10 years with no complaints yet! Just $45 on Amazon!


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[MoonRise]

When I was researching the "top dogs" were the Astro 4980 and Chicago Pneumatics CP717. They are largely viewed as the hardest hitting air hammers you can buy. However they are much more expensive, and use .498 shank bits, which is larger than 'standard'. So even the bits are more costly. For me I couldn't justify spending $400-$700 on one of these monsters, but if you're using it professionally then it may be worth it for you.

Astro 4980 aka "Big Nasty" is usually rated as a top level air hammer. As mentioned above, it takes .498 shank bits.

The Astro 4901 is the 'Little Brother of Big Nasty' ('Little Nasty' perhaps? ). Takes standard .401 shank bits. Hits pretty hard too. It broke a bit the first time I used it. Got the job done.

 

[bobcatdan]

I just picked up the Sunex SX243, which according to many is the same exact hammer that Matco used to sell - so I'm thinking it may be the same as your current worn out Matco. If you like that one then the Sunex branded one is an inexpensive replacement. I've used it a few times and it hits hard compared to what I'm used to, but I don't have much to compare it to either. I'm just a DIYer coming from a baby air hammer that was more like a ********.

I chose it over the IR 118MAX only because they both had positive reviews, the specs on both were very similar, but the Sunex was half the price. Not sure if that will mean half the life, but I'm hoping since it's a tool truck model it'll hold up well to my occasional use.

When I was researching the "top dogs" were the Astro 4980 and Chicago Pneumatics CP717. They are largely viewed as the hardest hitting air hammers you can buy. However they are much more expensive, and use .498 shank bits, which is larger than 'standard'. So even the bits are more costly. For me I couldn't justify spending $400-$700 on one of these monsters, but if you're using it professionally then it may be worth it for you.

When it comes to the .498 hammer, buy a good .401 first. Main thing is there isn't a third of the bits available for a .498 as there is for .401. Get by with a .401 and someday when you have a free $600-$800 to drop, get a .498. I use my .401 most of the time with the .498 coming out in hard times.

 

[bobcatdan]

I don't think CP makes the 715 anymore, but it was the best bang for the buck for a long time. For under a $100 it more than held it's own with more expensive ones.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Astro 4980 aka "Big Nasty" is usually rated as a top level air hammer. As mentioned above, it takes .498 shank bits.

The Astro 4901 is the 'Little Brother of Big Nasty' ('Little Nasty' perhaps? ). Takes standard .401 shank bits. Hits pretty hard too. It broke a bit the first time I used it. Got the job done.

There's actually a seller on Ebay right now with a few CP717s for sale that are .401 shank instead of the usual .498. Messaged them and they didn't know the story behind them. Thought about getting one, but I see that chewing through bits like they're nothing.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Another issue with the bigger air hammers is control. I didn’t need pure raw power quote as much as I needed decent power with good control for spinning out stripped drain plugs, loosening tight hydraulic fittings, etc

 

[rlitman]

I’ve had the IR 114GQC for the past 10 years with no complaints yet! Just $45 on Amazon!

I have one of those. It's a great value in an air hammer. Right now, mine mostly lives with a needle scaler tip on it.

There's actually a seller on Ebay right now with a few CP717s for sale that are .401 shank instead of the usual .498. Messaged them and they didn't know the story behind them. Thought about getting one, but I see that chewing through bits like they're nothing.

That positively looks counterfeit to me. Looks like someone with a set of HF letter stamps started stamping on the handle.

 

[Mr_B]

Astro 4901 if want .401 tooling
It based off the astro 4980 so hits proper hard, they used a lot in industry and decent tool it very decent price .
tool trucks total waste of money on most air tools and you can buy equal or better for less from likes of Astro CP and IR .

 

[Handyandy23]

As far as control, my Sunex SX243 has a dial on the bottom of the handle that regulates the air flow. So you can dial it back to be very gentle, or let it go full out and hit hard. That helps take care of the touchiness of the trigger (and if you have any arthritis / tendinitis / finger issues it can make trigger modulation harder).

 

[Macneil]

Thanks fellas!

Lots of good info here. My Matco gun I think I paid $150-200 CAD which converted to USD is about 25 bucks. It’s held up quite well and I really am not nice to my air tools. They literally get thrown across the shop floor (to get to the other side of the hoist lol) sometimes.

I’ve heard good reviews of this big nasty hammer. Skeptical because of the brand. I’ve only ever used the front end hub tooling from them however I do like that.


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[outdoorspace]

You can get a nice aircraft rivet gun on eBay for not much money. I got an IR AVC12 and it's great. They come in different lengths depending on power, 3x, 4x, etc.

 

[Super Mech]

I’ve got a CP717 and I can tell you that if you want something to come apart it is clearly the weapon of choice. Once you use a .498 gun everything else is a toy. I also have the Snap On PH3050 it’s “ok” I guess.

 

[plinker]

I’ve got a CP717 and I can tell you that if you want something to come apart it is clearly the weapon of choice. Once you use a .498 gun everything else is a toy. I also have the Snap On PH3050 it’s “ok” I guess.

Pretty much it. While the .498 bit selection leaves a bit to be desired there are a couple that I have that get regular use, mainly the hammer & long punch. The .401's are great for finesse more then force after using a .498 hammer.

CP has their 7150 long barrel air hammer for around 70-75$, it hits pretty hard for what it is. https://www.tooltopia.com/chicago-pneumatic-7150.aspx I have one as a back up, it was my main one before I picked up a clean used ph3050.

 

[Skin]

That positively looks counterfeit to me. Looks like someone with a set of HF letter stamps started stamping on the handle.

Looks real to me. The old ones had serial numbers that were hand stamped like that on the opposite side. Even has the CP logo on the barrel. Also has an OTC number and kind of resembles OTCs old light blue so maybe they were special application or prototypes for private labeling.

 

[TTMotorsports]

I love my Marco mt2816 bought on Ebay for $59.95 delivered. Works great and much better than my smaller ir model with spring.

 

[rlitman]

Looks real to me. The old ones had serial numbers that were hand stamped like that on the opposite side. Even has the CP logo on the barrel. Also has an OTC number and kind of resembles OTCs old light blue so maybe they were special application or prototypes for private labeling.

Serial, sure. I have an old CP717. It’s stamped Chicago Pneumatic New York NY with an actual logo. Nothing as crappy as that knockoff.

 

[theoldwizard1]

When it comes to the .498 hammer, buy a good .401 first. Main thing is there isn't a third of the bits available for a .498 as there is for .401. Get by with a .401 and someday when you have a free $600-$800 to drop, get a .498. I use my .401 most of the time with the .498 coming out in hard times.

Sure a .498 hammer is overkill for muffler work, but not suspension work !

Astro 4980 - $285 on Amazon

Chicago Pneumatic CP717 - $400 on Amazon

 

[theoldwizard1]

Serial, sure. I have an old CP717. It’s stamped Chicago Pneumatic New York NY with an actual logo.

Sadly, I think most/all CP products are made overseas now.

I can't comment on today's quality. I used my first CP717 almost 50 years ago !

 

[theoldwizard1]

That (CP717) positively looks counterfeit to me. Looks like someone with a set of HF letter stamps started stamping on the handle.

Nope, other than the paint job, that is how they came

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't think CP makes the 715 anymore, but it was the best bang for the buck for a long time. For under a $100 it more than held it's own with more expensive ones.

I think the CP715 was replace by the CP7150. Same but wth that funky red paint (or is it some kind of plastic body ?) and I am pretty sure it is made overseas.

 

[dnschmidt]

According to my latest Astro distributor price sheet the 4901 is no longer available. Chris if your listening is that true.

 

[PoorOwner]

Guys does the sunex long barrel take regular sized bits?

 

[wafrederick]

Astro 4980,called Big Nasty

 

[Handyandy23]

Guys does the sunex long barrel take regular sized bits?

Yes it does. Also has a handy quick release chuck.

 

[Tallpilot]

Sure a .498 hammer is overkill for muffler work, but not suspension work !

Astro 4980 - $285 on Amazon

Chicago Pneumatic CP717 - $400 on Amazon

Only problem is the lack of specialty bits like fan clutch tools and shake and bake.

I love my big nasty and don’t want to buy a .401 just for fan clutches.

 

[Professional Tool User]

If you are talking about .401 ones, Snap on if you can find a used one and the IR composite ones if buying new.

 

[Skin]

There's actually a seller on Ebay right now with a few CP717s for sale that are .401 shank instead of the usual .498. Messaged them and they didn't know the story behind them. Thought about getting one, but I see that chewing through bits like they're nothing.

For what its worth he'll take $140 for the weird .401 717. Like I said its CP branded on the barrel and everything about the body is correct so I very much doubt they're fake.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

For what its worth he'll take $140 for the weird .401 717. Like I said its CP branded on the barrel and everything about the body is correct so I very much doubt they're fake.

I have no doubt they're real and were just a private order for some company at some point. I've just seen the damage the 717 can do to the .498 bits already, let alone the .401 AJAX bits I've chewed up with a PH3050 in some jobs.

Also wouldn't want to trial and error on ordering a proper quick change chuck for it, since the springs drive me nuts.