Calling the pro wrenches out there - impact gun advice.

[grom]

Hey all, I'm new here. Currently going to school for diesel technology, and I'm slowly putting together a tool pile for when I graduate. Before everyone runs in here and starts yelling Snap-on or Matco at me, realize that I am very selective about quality vs value with tools. I believe on the most bang for my buck, but expect a decent tool to last and not give me problems too much. Most of my hand tool collection is SK and Craftsman, so you're not going to convince me that spending 600 dollars on an impact with a red rubber boot is value.

That being said, I'm comparing Chicago Pneumatic and IR, and I can't really decide which one to go with. We got any pro wrenches in here that have good/bad stories about either? Especially in the heavy duty/truck repair field? Any other suggestions on air tools? I searched the board, and really didn't come up with what I'm looking for, btw.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[DanCo]

My IR 1/2" gun has never let me down. I've used it everyday for the last 3 years with no issues.

 

[scott37300]

Ir 231 is the same gun matco and mac sell

 

[Red Green]

Although it wasn't on your list the I have the Aircat 1000-th and have been very happy with it. I also have a Matco I don't know the part number. I bought it used its a redish composite handle. That has seemed to hold up well.

Looked at pics on ebay I have a Matco mt1759a

 

[RIVERWEST AUTO]

ir 244 is real nice....
mine is actually the mac aw4400 i think i cant read it anymore used everyday for 8 years now!

 

[alamerang]

Ir 231 is the same gun matco and mac sell

+1. Matco and Mac sell the same gun for around $100 more. Parts all interchange. Id say that IR is the way to go. Although the only premium impact I'd get is the Snap On MG 725 and MG 325. Those things are worth what they charge for them.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Never owned any other IR guns except for a couple of 2131's - I din't like them 'cause they didn't seem to last more than 2 years. (since then the Snappy guns all went more than twice as long - but exspensive).
For inexspensive starter stuff, I found the Chicago Pneumatic stuff to be great considering how little they cost.

 

[ZRX61]

IR here also

 

[grom]

Although it wasn't on your list the I have the Aircat 1000-th and have been very happy with it. I also have a Matco I don't know the part number. I bought it used its a redish composite handle. That has seemed to hold up well.

I don't mind if it's not on the list. I am always open to any suggestions people have on the subject.

Heavy Metal Doctor, it's funny you say that because my friend's father has had his same IR for like 25 years running it in his own shop. He swears by it.

I think I am leaning toward the IR 244. The CP stuff is definitely a lower price, but like I said; best bang for the buck. I guess there's just not enough reviews on the CP stuff for me to want to drop coin on it. If I have to pay 10-20% more on a proven item, then to me I think it's worth it.

 

[regguy1]

I have 3 IR 3/8" drive and 2 1/2" Drive used in trans shop, they've lasted for years

 

[Gtamazing]

I use a 3/4 Ingersol Rand on a daily basis. It gets abused. It's been filled with machine tool coolant, had water go threw it from the lines in the winter time, and I think I've oiled it once in 3 years. The thing is a stud. I also use a 1/2 IR at home and it's always been great too.

 

[JASTECH]

AirCat 1200k and no problems, plenty of power, won't blow you ear drums out and good weight and fit in my hands. I use 1/2" drive Snap-Ons and 3/4" Williams sockets.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[dankicksass]

Composite body IR Titanium.

 

[rodm1]

Composite body IR Titanium.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Another vote for Ingersoll-Rand here. 2135QTiMAX to be exact. I have two 2135s and they're the best guns i've ever used. The Snap-on guns are more powerful, but not by a great deal. They're also much more expesnive, less comfortable to use, heavier, louder, larger, etc.

My IRs have never once let me down, not lacking in power, they're nice and light (Composite and titanium body.) and are very comfortable to use. Being Quietools they're great as they produce very little noise compared to other guns with no loss of power. The direction switch is great too. Overall i think they're just the best guns. I use my all day every day. If i didn't think that IR were that good i wouldn't have two 1/2" guns, a 3/8" gun, 1/2" and 3/8" air ratchets and two die grinders.

Even if money were no object i'd still buy the IR guns.

 

[jay50]

Get IR
Stay away from Aircat, no balls and wear out quickly.
Guys in shop just switched back to IR after having nothing but trouble with Aircat.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

IR 3/8'' 2115TiMax and IR 1/2'' 2135TiMax. This is a better combo the peanut butter and jelly.

 

[jethro29]

in the 23 plus years of pro wrenching 5- 7 days a week, i've tried them all and my vote is definitly for ingersol,you can't beat um.

 

[kmorgancraw]

Be a real man and buy a Snap On MG725!

 

[diesel research]

Hey all, I'm new here. Currently going to school for diesel technology

IR2141

 

[jrbracing15]

I know you said no for snap on, but the snap on gun is the best out there. i work on Heavy trucks all day everyday. The MG725 is my choice. I've had mine for i believe 2 1/2 years, still running strong. most of our other mechanics have this very same gun. no problems with any of them.

Looks to only be 422 online. and your dealer might even make you a deal on it. i got mine with a discount plus i traded in my IR Thunder Gun. Also i believe it has a 2 year warranty.

And COLORS Green Orange Red

 

[Robert Haas]

My Snappy guns went with the burglary, I replaced them with,.....

Yep, snappys, What can I say? I am spoiled and can never go back

 

[wisconsin_cowman]

Snap-on MG725

 

[PistolWhip]

I picked up an IR 2135TiMAX off of Ebay for $112 shipped to my door. It was from a pawn shop so I bought a complete rebuild kit off of Amazon for another $30 just in case. I have yet to rebuild it and it runs like new. Never once has it not gotten the job done and its torque is unreal.

 

[Fedwrench]

IR is more popular. I own CP and IR impact wrenches. Lately it seems that CP is trying to keep up with IR. It's like IR comes out with something then, CP comes out with something similiar a year later. I would opt for the IR titanium series.
You may want to consider Snap on though. I'm not a fan of their impacts. I find the MG725 to be unbalanced, nose heavy, and just a chore to lug around. However, Snap on offers a flat rate rebuild service. No one else does. In the long run that can add up to some real savings over impact replacement over the years. just something to think about,

 

[crewchief888]

been using IR 231's for over 20 years on heavy equipment.

no better bang for the buck IMHO.
last one i bought new (in 1994) for under $150

 

[srmofo]

IR QiTimax. close to 2 years old with no issues. Last IR gun still worked, but everything was getting worn out and didnt want to rebuild an 8 year old gun.

IMO nothing beats IR for air tools. My die grinder is over 10 years old and ZERO issues with it. Impact hammer is around 8 years old and although its beat to hell the only issue is the adjustable airflow knob is broken. It got dropped by a coworker.

 

[MartinTech]

I have IR, and the majority of guys I know also have the same. The others have SO.

I don't think I can think of a single person who is using a CP, professionally.

 

[dankicksass]

The thing that keeps me going back to IR composite titanium tools is they don't get cold. I hate a cold gun. Never been a huge fan of gloves aside from nitrile inspection gloves so the composite really makes the difference for me.

 

[Spookrider]

CP-749 still pounding for three years. My dads air hammer bought in 1965 still kicks like mule. I found the receipt in the bottom of the box. But the price you pay for a CP-749 I would save a $100 or so more dollar and get a IR titanium unit.

 

[00S4Boy]

The one deciding feature for me is Snap On's Anvil stop feature.

Once you let go of the trigger the anvil on the impact stops very quickly compared to any other unit.

 

[superskyliner]

SERIOUSlY IR 3/8'' 2115TiMax and IR 1/2'' 2135TiMax FTW!!!!!!
My buddy was removing a 745 trans and he was hammering away with his SNAP-ON 3/8 and couldnt bust a bolt loose. MY IR hadnt even spooled up by the time it got it off.

 

[MrMark]

I can't find any COO info on the IR. Does anybody know if they are still US made?

 

[MattT]

I can't find any COO info on the IR. Does anybody know if they are still US made?

My Thundergun is "Assembled in USA" whatever that means

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Have you seen this thread ? Have a read if you will,...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77244

 

[grom]

I'm not looking for the very very best. Everyone here already knows that answer. I'm looking for the best value. On most tools I weigh price vs quality. That's why my pile is generally SK wrenches and sockets, Klein pliers and drivers, and assorted Craftsman and such for the other essentials. It's hard to argue that I spend double my annual income on tools for how much return it's netting me. I have a lot of other stuff I like to spend money on, so unfortunately I can't sign my soul away to SO. But, like I said, I always like to hear others peoples input. If the general consensus on this board was that IR tools will **** out on you in two years, you're better off spending the money for a SO that will last you ten, then I would consider that good value. If the SO wore out in three years and IR wore out in two, I would consider the IR a better value.

Thanks for all your answers guys. This is an awesome board.
-Matt

 

[09-JK]

I'm not looking for the very very best. Everyone here already knows that answer. I'm looking for the best value. On most tools I weigh price vs quality. That's why my pile is generally SK wrenches and sockets, Klein pliers and drivers, and assorted Craftsman and such for the other essentials. It's hard to argue that I spend double my annual income on tools for how much return it's netting me. I have a lot of other stuff I like to spend money on, so unfortunately I can't sign my soul away to SO. But, like I said, I always like to hear others peoples input. If the general consensus on this board was that IR tools will **** out on you in two years, you're better off spending the money for a SO that will last you ten, then I would consider that good value. If the SO wore out in three years and IR wore out in two, I would consider the IR a better value.

Thanks for all your answers guys. This is an awesome board.
-Matt

The very best can also be the best value and in this case many here would agree that the IR titanium tools fit that description.

 

[yogitech]

You can't go wrong with IR. I have (3) 1/2" 2135's, (2) 3/8" 2115, 3/8" air ratchet, 1/4" air ratchet. I have issues, everytime I find a good deal on them I'll buy them, there that good...

 

[srmofo]

I'm not looking for the very very best. Everyone here already knows that answer. I'm looking for the best value. On most tools I weigh price vs quality. That's why my pile is generally SK wrenches and sockets, Klein pliers and drivers, and assorted Craftsman and such for the other essentials. It's hard to argue that I spend double my annual income on tools for how much return it's netting me. I have a lot of other stuff I like to spend money on, so unfortunately I can't sign my soul away to SO. But, like I said, I always like to hear others peoples input. If the general consensus on this board was that IR tools will **** out on you in two years, you're better off spending the money for a SO that will last you ten, then I would consider that good value. If the SO wore out in three years and IR wore out in two, I would consider the IR a better value.

Thanks for all your answers guys. This is an awesome board.
-Matt

Ive personally seen more problems from my coworkers snapon/mac guns than I have ever had from my IRs. The think the biggest reason you see so many SO and other tool truck air tools is their lay-a-way type of trans actions. Its easier for most techs to pay 20-30 week on an air gun than chunk down $300 up front. I dont live paycheck to paycheck (alot of people do, believe it or not)and if I think Im going to need a new tool in the future I simply put some money back for 3-4 weeks and spend a little less on entertainment. If its something I need right away I have some cash stuck away for that too.

 

[rayzor32]

IR. 'Nuff said.