Help me pick a 1/2 impact...

[Aklass]

I'm in the market for a 1/2 impact I found 3 that I like but cant decide which is the better buy

1. IR 2135 TIMAX. This I can get in a package with the air ratchet with my student discount for $300 which means the ratchet and impact cost $150 a piece. What I like about this is that I'm getting a discount and its a reliable and name brand impact, however I have to buy the package with the air ratchet, while with the other two I can by it seperate

2. Sunex 4345. This guy is new to the market and cost $140, I know MAC rebrands this impact for much more. What I like is that it is quieter than the IR and cheaper. The thing is that it is has a little less torque then the IR.

3. Flordia Pneumatic 748a. This guy cost $140 and I hear is rebranded by many companies. I also like the fact that FP products are made in the USA. This guy is also rated for more torque than any of the other 2.

 

[tw33k2514]

IR 2135 hands down. Ive had it for about a year now, and it is a beast.

 

[Honda guy]

I don't know about the Sunex or the FP. I bought my IR2135 for $40 at a pawn shop, and love it! Light weight and LOTS of power.

 

[Buckgnarly]

2135.....

 

[blacK20]

I have the slightly older IR timax gun. Don't remember what model#. It's the one with the black handle. Use and abuse it everyday for the last 6 years and it just doesn't give up.

 

[BigAl62]

IR! The other 2 don't even come close. I've used all 3 of these brands and IR held up the best by far!

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

3. Flordia Pneumatic 748a. This guy cost $140 and I hear is rebranded by many companies. I also like the fact that FP products are made in the USA. This guy is also rated for more torque than any of the other 2.

My preference is the IR. But I would like to know where you saw USA as this ones country of origin? Not all of FP products are produced here, and they list that in their pdf.....

"Florida Pneumatic has been manufacturing, importing and distributing air tools and related accessories for over 40 years. Our U.S. and overseas made product lines have enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for superior quality and performance."

What is sad, is their catalog doesn't show what is made here and what isn't.

 

[shampoop]

IR!!! Make sure you get the quiet version! The QTIMAX! I have the 3/8" version and love it! Super light, super powerful, super quiet, last forever, and they have really really nice light controllable triggers. I would have the 1/2" also but I already bought a non titanium quiet one and it works great too. Just a little heavier and less powerful.

 

[browntown]

Don't guys around here like the HorrorFreight earthquake or aircat / nitrocat too? I don't remember the names. I like the composite IR stuff, personally I'm still hitting lugnuts with an IR 231. Probably the most available air impact of all time, cheap rebuild kits, and seems to hang in there. Unfortunately air tools are a spin on the wheel for COO. Most of mine are Taiwan, but the IR231 is china I think. I like my chicago pneumatic stuff too. I think some of my NAPA branded air tools are made by Florida and they are OK, but nothing to brag about.

 

[J13ntv]

I just bought a 2135Qtimax, waiting for it in the mail. Cheapest I found it was www.Automotivetoolsonline.com @255 for non students. I saw a youtube test between a thunder max (nascar) and the 2135qtimax, I couldn't notice a difference.

 

[GSteg]

I just bought a 2135Qtimax, waiting for it in the mail. Cheapest I found it was www.Automotivetoolsonline.com @255 for non students. I saw a youtube test between a thunder max (nascar) and the 2135qtimax, I couldn't notice a difference.

What kind of test was this? Noise? Power?

Between the thunder gun and the 2135, the 2135 takes the cake. It's lighter, more powerful, WAY more balanced, and WAY quieter, even compared to the regular 2135ti.

I had both guns and sold both of the, but if I had to buy one again, it's the 2135qtimax.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

How can you even compare IR to those brand? lol

 

[Aklass]

If I had the option of the QTIMAX I would by it hands down, but ir is only giving me a discount on the timax impact and air ratchet bundle, and I hear their air ratchets aren't that great

 

[Sh1thead]

Shop around for the 2135 they can be had cheaper than 300 seperate.

 

[Aklass]

Shop around for the 2135 they can be had cheaper than 300 seperate.

It isn't 300... if I buy the package its 300 which is the 2135 timax with the 3/8 timax air ratchet

 

[johnsdeere850j]

What kind of test was this? Noise? Power?

Between the thunder gun and the 2135, the 2135 takes the cake. It's lighter, more powerful, WAY more balanced, and WAY quieter, even compared to the regular 2135ti.

I had both guns and sold both of the, but if I had to buy one again, it's the 2135qtimax.

Sorry I disagree, I splurged last year and paid $900 for my thunder impact just to have around and show off, I used it a couple times and if I was rich I would definitely use it daily it goes into beast mode with its awesomeness

 

[johnsdeere850j]

It isn't 300... if I buy the package its 300 which is the 2135 timax with the 3/8 timax air ratchet

buy it the 2135 is a beast. mine gets dropped, slid, pulled around by the hose, got backed over once, and used beyond design in a heavy eq shop im amazed it hasn't died from abuse been going two years now.

 

[J13ntv]

What kind of test was this? Noise? Power?

Between the thunder gun and the 2135, the 2135 takes the cake. It's lighter, more powerful, WAY more balanced, and WAY quieter, even compared to the regular 2135ti.

I had both guns and sold both of the, but if I had to buy one again, it's the 2135qtimax.

and heres another

 

[wafrederick]

IR,the only brand for impact wrenches I will buy.Plus they are very easy to work on,if something goes bad.With the IRs,inspect the anvils which are common wear itiems mainly where the socket goes on to and this is one part that wears out at least every 2 years.Matco and Cornwell tool dealers can order IR impact wrench parts.My Matco dealer even stocks the anvils on his tool truck.

 

[GSteg]

Sorry I disagree, I splurged last year and paid $900 for my thunder impact just to have around and show off, I used it a couple times and if I was rich I would definitely use it daily it goes into beast mode with its awesomeness

My mistake. I thought we were comparing the 2135 to the 'street legal' version that sells for $250 bucks. The real deal is of course is not apples to apples Would love to handle that monster one day.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

My mistake. I thought we were comparing the 2135 to the 'street legal' version that sells for $250 bucks. The real deal is of course is not apples to apples Would love to handle that monster one day.

LOL I was just playing with yah I knew what you meant....just had to exploit that opportunity haha. But yes you are right the 2135 destroys the "street legal" one.

 

[Aklass]

buy it the 2135 is a beast. mine gets dropped, slid, pulled around by the hose, got backed over once, and used beyond design in a heavy eq shop im amazed it hasn't died from abuse been going two years now.

I have no problem with buying the gun, anyone have any experience with the air ratchet since I can only get discounts on bundle packages...

 

[johnsdeere850j]

I have no problem with buying the gun, anyone have any experience with the air ratchet since I can only get discounts on bundle packages...

Which ratchet is it? I have the 1105 1/4" the 1105 3/8",a 1225 flathead 3/8 and a 1207 3/8. All are great.

 

[TAftw]

Sorry I disagree, I splurged last year and paid $900 for my thunder impact just to have around and show off, I used it a couple times and if I was rich I would definitely use it daily it goes into beast mode with its awesomeness

Is that the non-street legal version of it? Where did you buy it, and was it really $900?

 

[johnsdeere850j]

Is that the non-street legal version of it? Where did you buy it, and was it really $900?

Yep that is the nascar version. I bought it from my neighbor who's a gynecologist. He bought it brand new for 1500 from CV products in North Carolina.

 

[Aklass]

Which ratchet is it? I have the 1105 1/4" the 1105 3/8",a 1225 flathead 3/8 and a 1207 3/8. All are great.

Its the 1207max

 

[Lexustech1]

I literally just ordered my 1/2" 2135TiMax, 3/8" 2115TiMax and the 3/8" air ratchet. Came in a package deal, with my student discount it came out to $640 OTD. Retails for $1300.

 

[Aklass]

I literally just ordered my 1/2" 2135TiMax, 3/8" 2115TiMax and the 3/8" air ratchet. Came in a package deal, with my student discount it came out to $630 OTD. Retails for $1300.

On the web, the 2135TImax is $240, The air ratchet is $130, and the 2115timax is $213, that adds up to less than $630 before shipping.. which is why I'm not getting that package, cost too much

 

[Marlin]

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/IS/Category.aspx-am_en-35546This is the 1207MAX, it has the fwd/rev actuation located away from the head of the tool to prevent you from getting the tool stuck in a confined space.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

IR 2135 hands down. Ive had it for about a year now, and it is a beast.

Agreed. I have two, one is 3 years old, the other 2. Both are QTis, best all-round impacts out there.

 

[pipsters]

I have owned now 3 2135timax's. The first one was a "Q" model bought online. The second two were bought @ two difference Sears. I returned the second two after I was blown away at how little power they had over my other (cheaper) impacts.

I bought a Harbor Freight 1/2" Earthquake, and it had noticeably more power than my cheapie which is now gone. Much more, I was impressed! I hooked it up using hi-flo connectors and a 25' hose to my compressor.

Bought another 2135timax, and compared again. Still not impressed with this $250 impact gun. So I started doing some reading. The 2135 has a bolt capacity of just 14mm or just over 1/2" when producing its torque rating. The Thundergun copy has a bolt capacity of 5/8", so it will produce its torque on a larger fastener. The 2135 has a working torque range of up to 550 ft lbs, the Thundergun copy only 400, but again on a bigger bolt. After using both I returned the third 2135 and am keeping the HF Earthquake.

I know everyone swears by these things but I haven't had good luck with them. I have read a few reports from others stating they were concerned about the lack of power as well, so at least it is not just me.

 

[Lexustech1]

On the web, the 2135TImax is $240, The air ratchet is $130, and the 2115timax is $213, that adds up to less than $630 before shipping.. which is why I'm not getting that package, cost too much

it was $580 before shipping and taxes. That is why I said $640 OTD ...Out The Door...

You wont find them cheaper anywhere else.

 

[Marlin]

I have owned now 3 2135timax's. The first one was a "Q" model bought online. The second two were bought @ two difference Sears. I returned the second two after I was blown away at how little power they had over my other (cheaper) impacts.

I bought a Harbor Freight 1/2" Earthquake, and it had noticeably more power than my cheapie which is now gone. Much more, I was impressed! I hooked it up using hi-flo connectors and a 25' hose to my compressor.

Bought another 2135timax, and compared again. Still not impressed with this $250 impact gun. So I started doing some reading. The 2135 has a bolt capacity of just 14mm or just over 1/2" when producing its torque rating. The Thundergun copy has a bolt capacity of 5/8", so it will produce its torque on a larger fastener. The 2135 has a working torque range of up to 550 ft lbs, the Thundergun copy only 400, but again on a bigger bolt. After using both I returned the third 2135 and am keeping the HF Earthquake.

I know everyone swears by these things but I haven't had good luck with them. I have read a few reports from others stating they were concerned about the lack of power as well, so at least it is not just me.

Were you using high flow connectors on the 2135? The bolt capacity and working torque ranges are just guidelines for optimum durability and are not related to how the torque levels are measured.

 

[pipsters]

Were you using high flow connectors on the 2135? The bolt capacity and working torque ranges are just guidelines for optimum durability and are not related to how the torque levels are measured.

Yes, the 3rd 2135 I bought I hooked up to the hi-flo connectors that the HF Thundergun copy was hooked up to. Ran a 30mm nut down and off with each gun a couple times.

I want to own this gun but just can't justify it.

 

[GSteg]

My previous 2135 was the only one I had that could break crank bolts. If that isn't strong enough, then I don't know what is.

 

[Marlin]

Yes, the 3rd 2135 I bought I hooked up to the hi-flo connectors that the HF Thundergun copy was hooked up to. Ran a 30mm nut down and off with each gun a couple times.

I want to own this gun but just can't justify it.

Did you run it down with the same gun that you took it off with or did you run it down with one and off with the other? Either way, it is hard to tell which is stronger without actually torquing the fastener to a specific torque.

 

[NeilH]

ive used a thunder gun. they aint all that. my friend had one in a garage where i used to work.

ive got a 2135qti max and it gets beat like a ginger step child but its still just as powerful now as when i bought it 3 years ago

 

[pipsters]

Did you run it down with the same gun that you took it off with or did you run it down with one and off with the other? Either way, it is hard to tell which is stronger without actually torquing the fastener to a specific torque.

Ran it down with the HF gun, took it off with the 2135. Then the opposite. Let them impact about 5-6 secs each. The HF gun was noticeably stronger when trying to remove the nut with the 2135.

You are right of course, it is difficult to determine exactly how strong each gun is but from my vantage point the HF gun really was strong and to pay 3x or more in that price range was not justifiable. I do like the "assembled in USA" part, but damn, I can buy a lot of stuff for an extra $150! I am not a mechanic just a home DIY guy so daily use isn't of concern for me, who might use the gun heavily every few weeks or so.

 

[TAftw]

Yep that is the nascar version. I bought it from my neighbor who's a gynecologist. He bought it brand new for 1500 from CV products in North Carolina.

So how is it? .

Is it true they run on nitrogen compressed to 300 psi?

 

[Marlin]

Ran it down with the HF gun, took it off with the 2135. Then the opposite. Let them impact about 5-6 secs each. The HF gun was noticeably stronger when trying to remove the nut with the 2135.

You are right of course, it is difficult to determine exactly how strong each gun is but from my vantage point the HF gun really was strong and to pay 3x or more in that price range was not justifiable. I do like the "assembled in USA" part, but damn, I can buy a lot of stuff for an extra $150! I am not a mechanic just a home DIY guy so daily use isn't of concern for me, who might use the gun heavily every few weeks or so.

Not sure about the HF gun but the 2135 is reverse biased in the motor. This gives up some forward performance in favor of increased reverse performance. This may have skewed your results. Anyhow, if your happy that's all that matters, if you used it to make a living and had to worry about size, weight, durability along with performance then it would probably be a different story.