butterfly impact wrench?

[PoorOwner]

I need to replace my butterfly impact, never had worked properly due to leaks.

Is this still useful these days when you have stubby impact like the astro onyx that is seems to be shorter overall and easier to hold than a butterfly impact.

 

[metaleltr]

I generally see butterflys used in low torque assembly applications similar to that of an air ratchet. The onyx is a quality high torque tool capable of some real work. I believe your end goal should lead you down which path. High torque or low torque butterfly.

 

[Bdgjr215]

They were popular among engine assemblers(me) in the 90's .Left the business in 2002 so not sure now but mine was very useful in that setting

 

[PoorOwner]

Yes I am interested in assembly work (of my own stuff, not a production) so I suppose the onyx is too powerful for that.

 

[rlitman]

Yes I am interested in assembly work (of my own stuff, not a production) so I suppose the onyx is too powerful for that.

So use it on the low speed, set your regulator at a low pressure, and/or don't be trigger happy.

 

[joe_padavano]

I love my 3/8" butterfly impact. I use it frequently on engine work. The tool I never use is the air ratchet. Way too slow to be useful.

 

[Flat-rate]

I bought mine back the 70's. Mostly used on auto transmission repairs.

Have not used it in at least 12 yrs, cordless are way better.

 

[C.L S2000]

So use it on the low speed, set your regulator at a low pressure, and/or don't be trigger happy.

That's good advice, better to have a tool which will work in both situations (high and low torque applications) rather than needing a tool and not having it.

 

[jsaw]

I use mine all the time, good for fitting into tight places. I can regulate it down low enough to tighten even the tiniest screws

 

[rlitman]

I love my 3/8" butterfly impact. I use it frequently on engine work. The tool I never use is the air ratchet. Way too slow to be useful.

I loathe using my air ratchets. Almost every time I find myself using one, I end up busting a knuckle, and the noise just irritates me to no end.

The only time I've found one useful was when tightening the top nut on rear struts where limited access would have meant wasting a lot of time moving a ratchet up and back a couple of clicks at a time, with a tight locking nut that can't be spun on with your fingers.

 

[rlitman]

That's good advice, better to have a tool which will work in both situations (high and low torque applications) rather than needing a tool and not having it.

One nice thing about air tools is that you can always turn the power down.

 

[freudianfloyd]

I looked at a butterfly impact at a yard sale probably 10 times this past summer, I picked it up, went looking around some more, picked it up again, etc. I just could not think of a use for one. It was brand new and a good one, and the guy was only wanting $10 or $15 for it, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. I have had access to one at my dad's my entire life, and not once have I needed one in all the cars and equipment I have worked on. I just knew it would be sitting in my toolbox untouched.

I did consider picking it up to use for a power drawbar setup, but since I don't currently have a mill at home, it wasn't worth it.

 

[PoorOwner]

so I just got a brand new husky from Ebay for $25. Those are ones sold at HD for $40. Seems the product is discontinued.

I was looking for one that is composite like the husky because the metal ones are slippery.

most butterfly impact have a dial on it to set the power so it's one nice feature for putting things back together.

 

[22george]

I bought mine back the 70's. Mostly used on auto transmission repairs.

Have not used it in at least 12 yrs, cordless are way better.

Each to their own and that is ok.
I'm not wanting to argue. My personal opinion is battery operated tools are heavier and bulkier than air tools. Some of my air tools I've had for over 30 years and they still work great. When the batteries go bad battery tools are worthless. I was an aircraft structure mechanic for over 30 tears so I used them constantly and still do. Some do wear out and you have to replace them, but my experience is not as fast as battery operated ones.
I've had bad experiences with battery operated tools, so I don't have many and only use them on a quick job in the house.
Granted there are advantages to them like no air hose to drag around.
Again I'm not trying to start an argument. This has been my personal experience.

 

[Mustangmike]

I use one for transmission or engine work to tun the fasteners down quick. mine seems to be quicker than an air ratchet,less torque than a 3/8 air gun..

 

[Flat-rate]

Each to their own and that is ok.
I'm not wanting to argue. My personal opinion is battery operated tools are heavier and bulkier than air tools. Some of my air tools I've had for over 30 years and they still work great. When the batteries go bad battery tools are worthless. I was an aircraft structure mechanic for over 30 tears so I used them constantly and still do. Some do wear out and you have to replace them, but my experience is not as fast as battery operated ones.
I've had bad experiences with battery operated tools, so I don't have many and only use them on a quick job in the house.
Granted there are advantages to them like no air hose to drag around.
Again I'm not trying to start an argument. This has been my personal experience.

It's cool to be able to disagree, and agree at the same time.

I friggin hate dragging a greasy air hose into a car to run a air tool.