Help choosing used Air Impact.

[sns1938]

I don’t know anything about air impacts. I want a 1/2” one to use an existing impact socket set I have, and my compressor.

I thought the Harbor Freighg Earthquake XT was meant to be a killer deal at about $130-150, but then I looked on eBay. For $50-100, there are used:

SNAP-ON
Blue Point
Mac tools
Craftsman
Craftsman Professional
Ingersol Rand

I will change a couple sets of tires a year, I want it to last me years (over which time I’d use it about as much as a tire shop would use it in half a day). I have watched some great tool restoration YouTube clips, so don’t mind cleaning and and rebuilding one if it needs it in a few years (but not if it’s uneconomic)

Questions:

1) if you were looking for under $100 on eBay, what would you buy?
2) Are mac tools, ingersol, snap on etc all “rebuildable”?
3) does a used $70 snap on qualify for no questions asked lifetime warranty?

I don’t want to buy earthquake if I can spend less and get a tool that is easier to make last my lifetime. I don’t work on trucks, so am not worried about having the absolute maximum torque. I could go DeWalt 20v max, but would prefer pneumatic, just because I’ve read that the dewalts (for which I have other tools/batteries) are not quite there for power yet.

Thanks.

-Steve

 

[ChrisLS8]

For warranty no, you may get away with it but that is abuse of it.

Aircat and Astro are probably the best bang for the buck now. For just changing tires couple times a year any brand will last you a lifetime. And almost any current cordless impact or even impact driver has enough nuts to remove lugs.

I avoid buying used air tools cause you can get lucky or find out that it's a turd that has been ragged on a d never maintained

 

[blazemaster83]

Check craigslist. I just bought an Ingersoll rand 261, a 3/4" drive tool for $50 a few days ago.

 

[plinker]

Questions:

1) if you were looking for under $100 on eBay, what would you buy?
IR 2135, easy to repair.
2) Are mac tools, ingersol, snap on etc all “rebuildable”?
All would be rebuildable to some extent, the cost to do so may offset any savings though.
3) does a used $70 snap on qualify for no questions asked lifetime warranty?
Typical air tool warranty is one one to two years from buying it new. None have a lifetime warranty that I know of.

Not sure on the cost and torque of the HF, but tooltopia has IR 231's for 120$ new.

It may be worth it to just spend the money on one and not worry about messing with it for a long time. An IR 2135 is about 200$ and would have good power. Aircat has decent impacts too.

 

[94EG8]

1) You're kind of on your own because I never bothered to see what was available, but if you can find an IR 2135TiMAX or it's newer and more powerful replacement the 2235TiMAX I'd get one of those. Extremely powerful, very lightweight and parts are very available. The ergonomics are also very nice.

2)Yes they're rebuildable, sometimes it's worth it, sometimes it isn't

3) Air tools aren't lifetime warranty through Snap-On

 

[Lotek]

Get the IR, mine has 20 years of professional abuse, and it's still ticking.

 

[dan360]

IR 2131 or 2135 whichever you can find for less money. Both great, 2135 is newer but both are great and rebuild kits are about $13.


Snap-on only warranties power tools for 1-2 years normally.

 

[Mr_B]

Buy a new astro pnuematic 1812 for 90bucks or the 1822/1823 and be done with it.
I never spend more than 40bucks on used air tools as they normally pretty whacked and need 20bucks+ in parts plus time.

 

[Fedwrench]

I wouldn't recommend buying a used impact wrench. You don't know its history and may be buying a pile of parts.

Snap on doesn't have a lifetime warranty on their power tools. What they have is a rebuild service for a flat fee.

For the use you mentioned, a Harbor Freight Impact wrench or an IR 231 would be perfect. i would also consider Chicago Pneumatic and look for a sale on NAPA's impact wrenches.

 

[86k10]

IR231 $106 shipped.

https://www.jbtoolsales.com/ingerso...WlsEwzgjuSzJG08k2HaNZakXTde8niKRoCJ74QAvD_BwE

Amazon has it for $103 but they might include tax. A little bit over $100 but it's worth it.

 

[reptilezs]

i bought a used craftsman from a yard sale for 5 bucks. it was a rebranded ir2131. i would get a used top model impact in good shape or get a new taiwan for ~100

 

[Formula]

If you're only using it a couple times a year, just pick up anything for cheap you can find on Ebay, craigslist, etc.

I've got a 30 year old IR231 that I retired to my toolbox at home. It still works great. If you lived near me I would just give it to you.

 

[jumbojak]

A used impact on ebay is on ebay for a reason. The reason might be that the owner upgraded to a newer unit and is selling their older still fully functional impact to make some room. It might be just about worn out. You won't know until you get to try it. Just something to think about.

 

[jdlong]

I would look at stubby impacts because they are perfectly fine for occasional tire change out or rotation. If you ever decide to get your fingers into brakes and suspension you will find them priceless.

 

[El_Guapo]

I'm always iffy about used air tools - one run on bad air can render them junk.

That said, for something you rarely use, there are a lot of good options for little cash outlay.

 

[rlitman]

i bought a used craftsman from a yard sale for 5 bucks. it was a rebranded ir2131. i would get a used top model impact in good shape or get a new taiwan for ~100

No it wasn’t. It was a Chinese clone of an IR. Same as the Husky, HF and so many other brands out there. Though to be clear, many of these knockoffs are quite good, as they’re copying an excellent design.

However, used Asian tools are a crapshoot. If it it’s broken, unless it just needs a standard o-ring, parts are probably not available. Still, $5 may be worth the risk, if you aren’t already swimming in impact wrenches (I am, so I’d pass).

 

[Mr_B]

I would look at stubby impacts because they are perfectly fine for occasional tire change out or rotation. If you ever decide to get your fingers into brakes and suspension you will find them priceless.

+1
Nice and light and small, astro nano 1822 can be found around 80-90 bucks and the 1823 max with 600ft/lb+ reverse torque is probably 120ish .
Cheap stuff greedy on cfm for little power .
The AP last real well and spares/service available plus company responsive to any warranty type issues .

 

[Iluvbeer]

I don’t know anything about air impacts. I want a 1/2” one to use an existing impact socket set I have, and my compressor.

I thought the Harbor Freighg Earthquake XT was meant to be a killer deal at about $130-150, but then I looked on eBay. For $50-100, there are used:

SNAP-ON
Blue Point
Mac tools
Craftsman
Craftsman Professional
Ingersol Rand

I will change a couple sets of tires a year, I want it to last me years (over which time IÂ’d use it about as much as a tire shop would use it in half a day). I have watched some great tool restoration YouTube clips, so donÂ’t mind cleaning and and rebuilding one if it needs it in a few years (but not if itÂ’s uneconomic)

Questions:

1) if you were looking for under $100 on eBay, what would you buy?
2) Are mac tools, ingersol, snap on etc all “rebuildable”?
3) does a used $70 snap on qualify for no questions asked lifetime warranty?

I donÂ’t want to buy earthquake if I can spend less and get a tool that is easier to make last my lifetime. I donÂ’t work on trucks, so am not worried about having the absolute maximum torque. I could go DeWalt 20v max, but would prefer pneumatic, just because IÂ’ve read that the dewalts (for which I have other tools/batteries) are not quite there for power yet.

Thanks.

-Steve

I have had the dewalt 1/2” XR 20v impact driver for a few years and have removed wheels from many various vehicles and never a hiccup. If that’s what you want, IMO it woukd serve you very well. And ya don’t have to wait fir the compressor to pump up.

 

[Tonyuk]

I don’t know anything about air impacts. I want a 1/2” one to use an existing impact socket set I have, and my compressor.

I could go DeWalt 20v max, but would prefer pneumatic, just because IÂ’ve read that the dewalts (for which I have other tools/batteries) are not quite there for power yet.

Thanks.

-Steve

Go electric, my recommendation 100%.

The power of an air impact is all down to the the compressor and how much air it can provide to the tool, and for how long.

For the DIY electrics make more sense, especially for just a few times a year.

I have both dewalt and milwaukee tools, i would recommend a Milwaukee mid-torque 1/2 gun, you can get them with a batter + charger in a kit for not too much. 5 year warranty on them.

Also, pay £20 for a basic torque wrench.

 

[Professional Tool User]

At under $100, I highly doubt I can get any of the models that I want. The used IR titanium and Snap on MG725 models I've seen on craigslist are listed at around $200. Snap on/Blue point can be sent in for a flat rate rebuild and parts should be available. Parts should also be available for Mac and IR. No air tool comes with a lifetime warranty. The Earthquake XT isn't even that cheap. Air Cat and Chicago Pneumatic are marginally more expensive and actually come with a proper warranty. If all you are doing is taking off tires, a corded/cordless impact at around 150ft lbs of torque should be fine if nothing is seized.

 

[danielbuck]

an air impact will last you a lifetime (or more!) if you're just occasionally using it. I wouldn't hesitate to get a used one that's in working condition. Even if it's nearing the end of it's life, you can usually order parts for them (if it's a name brand), and even if it's pretty beat up, it'll probably still last you a life time of occasionally rotating your own tires.

Probably any 1/2" drive air impact will be powerful enough to remove lug nuts.

If you get one used, first thing I would do is disassemble it, clean it out, and put it back together. Air tools are pretty simple.

My favorite is an Aircat 1150. I've used a few, but love this one. It was stolen (along with alot of my air tools) a while back, and this is one of the tools that I replaced with the same exact model as the one I had before. It's way WAY powerful enough for removing lug nuts. And it'll install lug nut studs very easily.

 

[Mr_B]

I certainly wouldn't want snapon or bluepoint used, parts and service overpriced .
Decent taiwan made new is 90bucks and whiz wheels off and pair with lower cfm compressor no drama .
If want be real cheap look for old IR232 for likes of 40bucks .
You would have to be bit brand craazed pay 200bucks for used ones with decent new from facom and ap for same or less .

 

[theoldwizard1]

For $100, I would buy a Astro Nano 1828. It is a compact 3/8" wrench with 450 ft-lb, so it has plenty of power for removing lug nuts. The compact size and 3/8" drive means you will likely use it on MANY other projects.

It does use 5.6 CFM, so you might not be able to zip 5 lug nuts without waiting to the compressor to refill the tank, but with a 20 gallon tank, I don't think this would be a problem.

You will also save a lot of $$$ buying 3/8" impact sockets compared to 1/2". That set is both SAE and Metric, standard and deep. You might have to buy 1 or 2 extra sockets for lug nuts because the largest sizes are 3/4" and 19mm.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I have a really old ir 2131 that's still going strong. Also have a husky stubby impact I got on eBay for $54 new and it is awesome. The napa pro guns are pretty good for the money too.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh those H4435 can be had for 50bucks on eBay .
Nitrocat 1056XL another good one and can be had around 90bucks ...

 

[Farmall450]

Honestly, I almost never use my air impact now that I have access to cordless ones. I've used both Milweakee and DeWalt/MAC, use whatever you already have batteries for. Bare DeWalt is about $210 on eBay.

 

[thefoobag]

I've had great luck with used tools, $45 ir 3/8 impact off the truck someone traded in. Found a busted button on an ir air ratchet in the trash, ordered a $35 rebuild kit and i still use it at the house. Got a 1" IR for $135. hit ok then I rebuilt it (company bought my kit ) and look out, hits like a tank now.

Only buy used if its super cheap so a rebuild kit makes it worth it in the end. So if you don't need the rebuild kit its a win/win but if it does you wont be over the cost of a new item.

 

[vssjim]

Unless to have a SO man I would not get one because they are a hassle to get parts or rebuild for the DIY crowd, Astro has fantastic customer service for all products. Daily use for me is CP734's and I have as needed for more HP IR231 and a 2131 for max 1/2 need. I also have stubby impacts that are limited power but really fit in today's cars that work 90 percent of the time power wise.

 

[rlitman]

For $100, I would buy a Astro Nano 1828. It is a compact 3/8" wrench with 450 ft-lb, so it has plenty of power for removing lug nuts. The compact size and 3/8" drive means you will likely use it on MANY other projects.

It does use 5.6 CFM, so you might not be able to zip 5 lug nuts without waiting to the compressor to refill the tank, but with a 20 gallon tank, I don't think this would be a problem.

You will also save a lot of $$$ buying 3/8" impact sockets compared to 1/2". That set is both SAE and Metric, standard and deep. You might have to buy 1 or 2 extra sockets for lug nuts because the largest sizes are 3/4" and 19mm.

All good advice, however, the OP, like myself, started out with a 1/2" imapct socket set. That's why I bought my compact impact in 1/2".

 

[fang123]

IR231 $106 shipped.

https://www.jbtoolsales.com/ingerso...WlsEwzgjuSzJG08k2HaNZakXTde8niKRoCJ74QAvD_BwE

Amazon has it for $103 but they might include tax. A little bit over $100 but it's worth it.

This. IR 231 is bullet proof. Priced right, totally rebuildable and has been around a long long time for a reason. I bought a used impact once and learned a lesson. It worked long enough to say it worked once. Never again.

 

[6PTsocket]

I just use mine around the home garage but not just for tires. I have the original 1/2" Earthquake and other than being a bit heavy it has been great. Comparing illustrated parts breakdown dawings, it appears to be the same drawing as the IR Thunder Gun, (Thunder Earthquake) except for a couple of trigger parts. The current cheapest 1/2" Eartquake seems to be it's successor at around $74. Today I would go for their best Earthquake at around $129. Aircat does not appear to support their stuff any better than HF. It is only a replacement warranty but it is good import, as well. I think I would stick with one of those before risking a beat up commercial gun of unknown condition unless you can verify it is not totally shot.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[dan360]

This. IR 231 is bullet proof. Priced right, totally rebuildable and has been around a long long time for a reason. I bought a used impact once and learned a lesson. It worked long enough to say it worked once. Never again.

That link for the 231. Caveat Emptor with those. Some are made in China and there have been reports from high duty cycle users about quality and reliability issues.

 

[vssjim]

That link for the 231. Caveat Emptor with those. Some are made in China and there have been reports from high duty cycle users about quality and reliability issues.

IR moved production of the 231, 121 and other "Classic tools" to china probably 15-20 years ago. I have all US japan or taiwan made IR and CP or Astro tools so I don't know about the quailty of china made IR tools

 

[sns1938]

Thanks for all the info. I've done more research, and ended up going with a used IR35Max that I should have in a few days.

I'm realizing that some of the ebay impacts at $40-70 are not great deals, when a new $100 - $120 gets me a new compact gun.

Thanks all,

 

[56Safari]

Honestly, I almost never use my air impact now that I have access to cordless ones. I've used both Milweakee and DeWalt/MAC, use whatever you already have batteries for. Bare DeWalt is about $210 on eBay.

I second this.. I would buy a Li-ION IMPACT for whatever brand of batteries you currently have... I picked up a new Porter Cable 20V Impact for around $80 with an ebay discount... Now I can take it on long distance trips with me incase I get a flat and need to change a tire, take it to help a buddy change a flat across town, etc.... I still have my old air Impact, but it rarely sees any use.

 

[6PTsocket]

No it wasn’t. It was a Chinese clone of an IR. Same as the Husky, HF and so many other brands out there. Though to be clear, many of these knockoffs are quite good, as they’re copying an excellent design.

However, used Asian tools are a crapshoot. If it it’s broken, unless it just needs a standard o-ring, parts are probably not available. Still, $5 may be worth the risk, if you aren’t already swimming in impact wrenches (I am, so I’d pass).

I have the original 1/2" Earthquake. I think the name is a knockoff of IR's Thunder Gun. I brought up the two illustrated parts breakdown pictures and it is the same drawing except for a couple of trigger pieces. If it is not made in the same factory it is a knockoff. In home use it has worked flawlessly for years on a lot more than lug nuts. The current base Earthquake is about what I paid a long tome ago, $74.
I think Aircat, a good tool, is like HF; exchange warranty and no parts. AP is what I would look at, just for the parts support.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[reptilezs]

No it wasn’t. It was a Chinese clone of an IR. Same as the Husky, HF and so many other brands out there. Though to be clear, many of these knockoffs are quite good, as they’re copying an excellent design.

However, used Asian tools are a crapshoot. If it it’s broken, unless it just needs a standard o-ring, parts are probably not available. Still, $5 may be worth the risk, if you aren’t already swimming in impact wrenches (I am, so I’d pass).

mine look like this. looks like IR to me but whatever it was $5 and works

 

[OHMS LAW]

Used I would go with the ingersoll. Hard to beat

 

[vssjim]

mine look like this. looks like IR to me but whatever it was $5 and works

That is an IR for sure not a clone at all. I have one of those from when they first came out almost twenty years ago probably, only use it on real tight stuff.