JKady
Well-known member
Depends on if you can test it or not, I picked up a Snap-On MG31 months ago used and have abused it daily ever since and it's holding up just fine. Used air tools are like used cars, case by case basis if you ask me.
Do you really need air tools?
- Thread starter FordExplorer
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Depends on if you can test it or not, I picked up a Snap-On MG31 months ago used and have abused it daily ever since and it's holding up just fine. Used air tools are like used cars, case by case basis if you ask me.
jlckmj
Well-known member
yes!
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
best response yet, the three weeks my compressor was down was rough.
i can tell you dont work around severe rust.
Air grinds nuts back into shape, removes rust flakes uncovering threads that have been previously hidden for the last 10 years, impacts fasteners off that would otherwise snap or round off under the constant pull of a breaker. Its not just convenient around here, its necessery to function. I like my hand tools as much as the next guy but my impact wrench and die grinder are my best friends.
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sdguy55
Well-known member
Are you working on it or having *** with it?? Seriously...
No, Closest you can get is a demolition hammer.
i need a garage
New member
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- Aug 11, 2012
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Besides the time savings, air/electric tools can save your body (hands and wrists in particular). I'm a software developer by profession, but I started working on cars and drag racing in my teens. In 1998, I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my wrists - I will have this issue the rest of my life, and I've had to adjust a lot of habits to try to keep it from getting worse and further threatening my ability to earn my living. Some of it came from a bad ergonomic setting at work, some from the stress I inflicted by using hand tools for everything automotive. Using a 4-way wrench for lug nuts can do a lot of damage over years. Add to that all the other high-force and/or repetitive-motion stuff you do when mechanicing. Every time I zip a set of lug nuts off/on with my impact, or use my air ratchet, I think "Why the bleep didn't I buy this stuff years earlier? I could have saved myself a lot of time and pain."[/QUOTE]
to beat a dead horse....
i have a rare wrist disease known as keinbock's. Needless to say i cant lift weights like I used to or mess with hand tools like i used to. heck i can't even do regular push up which put the wrist flat on the ground. I no longer have a garage space so I ended up buying a dewalt electric impact wrench and it saved me ridiculous amount of time. i once spent 5 hours under a tight miata trying to remove some rusty drive shaft to no avail. I walked away and decided to get the dewalt. it literally took me less than 30minutes to complete the job.
Even though am still w/out a garage am very tempted to pick up a compressor and at least that earthquake 1/2 impact i hear so much about.
to beat a dead horse....
i have a rare wrist disease known as keinbock's. Needless to say i cant lift weights like I used to or mess with hand tools like i used to. heck i can't even do regular push up which put the wrist flat on the ground. I no longer have a garage space so I ended up buying a dewalt electric impact wrench and it saved me ridiculous amount of time. i once spent 5 hours under a tight miata trying to remove some rusty drive shaft to no avail. I walked away and decided to get the dewalt. it literally took me less than 30minutes to complete the job.
Even though am still w/out a garage am very tempted to pick up a compressor and at least that earthquake 1/2 impact i hear so much about.
OP
FordExplorer
Well-known member
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- Jul 4, 2012
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- 76
Well, I have been doing a little math. For under $350 total I can buy:
Chicago Pneumatic Impact
HF Air Ratchet
HF Air Hammer
HF Deep Impact Socket Set (Metric)
HF 2.5HP 21 Gallon Air Compressor (150 after coupon)
Goodyear 50ft air hose
HF HVLP Spray Gun
HF Brass Coupler set
With that in mind, I will probably buy that setup at some point in the next couple years. And with that setup, I will probably have whatever I need for a long time.
Chicago Pneumatic Impact
HF Air Ratchet
HF Air Hammer
HF Deep Impact Socket Set (Metric)
HF 2.5HP 21 Gallon Air Compressor (150 after coupon)
Goodyear 50ft air hose
HF HVLP Spray Gun
HF Brass Coupler set
With that in mind, I will probably buy that setup at some point in the next couple years. And with that setup, I will probably have whatever I need for a long time.
Murphy4570
Well-known member
Your best off saving your money and buying quality air tools instead. The cheap **** harbor freight sells will not last you very long before they break, nor will they be very powerful. Their impact sockets will hold up for about 2-3 years before they start breaking. That has been my experience with using them every single day in a shop. Not bad for $10 a set when I bought them! Worthwhile to get until you can step up to quality sockets.
taumac
Well-known member
My only suggestion is is not to buy a HF compressor but a good brand small compressor. I know Ill hate on that statement but I had a friend who had a 8 gallon 125 psi unit and connecting rod broke into 6 pieces. This is the one I was telling you I would you should get. As a matter of fact Im using this one cause my 30 gallon im fixing a filter issues. I using my 150 ft 3/8 of hose and my 1/2 impact.
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-...able/3-nailer-compressor-combo-kit-94807.html
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-...able/3-nailer-compressor-combo-kit-94807.html
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It totally depends on what kind of stuff you're doing in your shop.
ANY fabrication or restoration work, and you need air tools... air chisel, die grinder and cut-off wheel are essential.
I have an impact gun and an air drill, and that rounds out my equipment list.
I would like to get an air saw for sheetmetal patch panel work, but so far am forcing myself to do without.
Air ratchets, for me, just don't make a difference.
-Brad
ANY fabrication or restoration work, and you need air tools... air chisel, die grinder and cut-off wheel are essential.
I have an impact gun and an air drill, and that rounds out my equipment list.
I would like to get an air saw for sheetmetal patch panel work, but so far am forcing myself to do without.
Air ratchets, for me, just don't make a difference.
-Brad
mdbeck1
Well-known member
You'll also need a pressure regulator (set to about 90 psi) and an air filter (water separator).
I bought a "pancake" style compressor to run a framing nailer. I was getting a LOT of time in building tool sheds (DIY stuff) and bought one from HF. I figured for around $100.00 if it lasted a year it would be worth it. Well I've had it about 10 years now. It'll get used heavily for a couple of months then ignored. The dang thing just keeps on ticking. I upgraded my shop to an 80 gallon Kobalt but the little one keeps getting used when I've got to go portable. Right now it's at the neighbor's house helping him with a remodel. So if you don't use it every day you might be fine with HF stuff. I did but plan on upgrading to something decent. I've got some of the HF impact sockets and an air impact that I use for my weekend stuff. It seems to work ok. ...and now they have a free replacement warranty for broken hand tools.
OP
FordExplorer
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- Jul 4, 2012
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- 76
I believe that the unit has a regulator already, however you are correct that I would need a filter. That wont be an issue though since they are under $10 at Harbor Freight. My plan for financing this is that I will get about 1/2 the way there with a spare change jug that I keep. I know that it sounds corny, but I have a glass carboy that I have been throwing spare change in for the past year or two. I also throw in a buck or two every once in a while when I have a little extra cash. This way, I have some money set aside for a purchase like this while not really noticing an impact on my finances when I make a large (well large for me) purchase with it. So I figure another year, and I will have money in the jar that I will only have to throw another hundred on it and then I will be able to buy a compressor and a decent set of air tools.
I would hate to be without air tools, My 3/8 impact is always out. I love my angle die grinder for prepping surfaces, An air ratchet is awesome for close quarters work.A 1/2 impact rocks for tires and suspension work. Also air tools are better for professionals. Helps prevent arthritis from constant repetitive movements. You pull a trigger and your done.
For convenience I always reach for my cordless ratchet and impact wrench first, but it's comforting to know I can always count on my compressor and air tools if I need some more muscle. Plus, I can air up the tires and use the air gun for cleanup work when needed.
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
It would be a real pain use my blast cabinet without a compressor.
You don't need air tools in the average home garage, but it does make a lot of things easier. I wouldn't be without one.
Chris
You don't need air tools in the average home garage, but it does make a lot of things easier. I wouldn't be without one.
Chris
I was in your same position 3 years ago.
I bought the exact same compressor.
It's loud. Very loud. Very annoying. I returned it. For $250 (w/ $50 coupon code, search the forum for "northern tool coupon codes") you can get an oiled lubed belt driven compressor.. I can't stress how much quieter they are.
I ended up with the Craftsman Pro 25 gal compressor, they are quite a bit more now but I got it for $350. Even at >2x the cost of the HF unit I'm glad I went with it.
Listen to the difference in noise between the two units:
Craftsman Pro youtube video
Harbor Freight 21 gal youtube video (fast forward to 5:30)
On air tools. I owned an IR 2135qtimax ($300 gun), Aircat 1100k ($180 gun), and the old and new versions of the Harbor Freight Earthquake 1/2" impact ($75-$80 gun). Check out my review here. One of the best 1/2" guns on the market period. Search Google for reviews, the older style were heavy but used in horrendous conditions and kept on going. The new ones haven't been out but a year so no long term results (years) but so far so good on mine.
Air ratchets? Useless IMO unless you get a QUIET mini 1/4" or 3/8". HF got rid of their 1/4" quiet Earthquakes. Aircat makes the next best one. Think hard about using a loud, ungainly 3/8" air ratchet. I tossed mine.