HF Earthquake Impacts on Closeout?

[RangerDaleXp]

I jumped on the wagon too and got both the ½ and 3/8 impact guns. Thanks for the heads up. I’m a hobbyist so will probably never need another for wear reasons or even upgrade from all the positive posts I am reading. I am now thinking about the ratchets before there all gone. So; pardon my ignorance when asking for what or when you would you grab for the 3/8 or ¼ ratchets. They don’t feature a hammering action for breaking loose tight bolts do they? I’ve never used one and am looking for the applications when you would grab these. It makes sense to me to use if you had a ton of fasteners to loosen or tighten in a single sitting all of the same size; a situation I would probably never encounter. Just curious; sorry if I am over thinking it. Thanks

I use the 1/4 on small stuff like transmission work and anything in the engine area like most water pumps, Valve Covers. I guess anything 1/2 size socket and down. 3/8 I would say anywhere from 1/2 to 7/8 socket size like maybe alternator brackets, shocks, brakes and so on. I also have a 1/2 inch for anything over 7/8 on an inch.....

I look at it on a per job bases on what to pull out of the roll away versus the job at hand....

 

[RangerDaleXp]

congrats. you guys are tempting me to get the 3/8" EQ... i just don't think I would really use it much; already have 1/2" EQ.

It is amazing on how much smaller EQ 3/8 is. The 3/8 Kobalt I have is somewhere in the middle of the 1/2 EQ and the 3/8 EQ. It is noticeably smaller then the Kobalt is and will try to do a torque comparison between the two in the next few days since they have the same claimed torque numbers.....

 

[MNRZR]

It is amazing on how much smaller EQ 3/8 is. The 3/8 Kobalt I have is somewhere in the middle of the 1/2 EQ and the 3/8 EQ. It is noticeably smaller then the Kobalt is and will try to do a torque comparison between the two in the next few days since they have the same claimed torque numbers.....

Very interested to here your opinion on the EQ vs Kobalt. I have the Kobalt now and I've been debating on picking up the 3/8 EQ to replace it.

 

[bimmerZ5]

It is amazing on how much smaller EQ 3/8 is. The 3/8 Kobalt I have is somewhere in the middle of the 1/2 EQ and the 3/8 EQ. It is noticeably smaller then the Kobalt is and will try to do a torque comparison between the two in the next few days since they have the same claimed torque numbers.....

Dude... stop tempting me!!! I don't need a 3/8 EQ... (repeating to myself)

But definitely let us know about the torque test.... do you have a 1/2" hex/allen socket? you could try putting that socket on a torque wrench and put the torque wrench in vise. then impact the 1/2" hex key with a 1/2" socket with 3/8" hole. start 10% higher than rated torque and dial it down a few lbs at a time until you get a click...

 

[oldtools]

The 1/4 HF ratchet has a torque of 40 ft-lbf. You can remove lot of bolt with that. The highest IR quoted for their 1/4 ratchet is 25 ft-lbf.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Dude... stop tempting me!!! I don't need a 3/8 EQ... (repeating to myself)

But definitely let us know about the torque test.... do you have a 1/2" hex/allen socket? you could try putting that socket on a torque wrench and put the torque wrench in vise. then impact the 1/2" hex key with a 1/2" socket with 3/8" hole. start 10% higher than rated torque and dial it down a few lbs at a time until you get a click...

I think you would realy like it

 

[Danglerb]

I was thinking today about all the 3/4 and 1" drive impacts I've seen still on the shelf, and it got me to wondering, how cheap would they have to be for me to buy one given I haven't the slightest use for one?

Anybody else want one of those monsters?

 

[oldtools]

I was thinking today about all the 3/4 and 1" drive impacts I've seen still on the shelf, and it got me to wondering, how cheap would they have to be for me to buy one given I haven't the slightest use for one?

Anybody else want one of those monsters?

If it goes down to $70, I will pick one up. I will use it on crankshaft bolt. My IR 2135TIQMAX has a hard time loosing the crank bolt.

 

[fxt]

If it goes down to $70, I will pick one up. I will use it on crankshaft bolt. My IR 2135TIQMAX has a hard time loosing the crank bolt.

I'm also waiting on the 3/4 inch to go down more. I think it'll be good for those stubborn bolts.

 

[Marlin]

The 1/4 HF ratchet has a torque of 40 ft-lbf. You can remove lot of bolt with that. The highest IR quoted for their 1/4 ratchet is 25 ft-lbf.

Truth in advertising? I know the IR does 25 ft-lbs.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Truth in advertising? I know the IR does 25 ft-lbs.

I am sure it is close to 40 Ft lbs....

 

[bimmerZ5]

I think you would realy like it

Stop... I was at HFT today and saw only one left of the 3/8 EQ. I was tempted but I didn't get it.

 

[MN4x4]

Thanks for the post on the HF Earthquake impact wrenches.

I picked up the 1/2" gun and the 3/8" & 1/2" ratchets. Used a 20% off coupon on all three by making three trips through the checkouts...AND got 3 more free flashlights.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Stop... I was at HFT today and saw only one left of the 3/8 EQ. I was tempted but I didn't get it.

Your inner voice is going to tell you at some point that i should get one. But like a bad nightmare you will find out that they are all gone and you will be very, very sad

 

[Marlin]

I am sure it is close to 40 Ft lbs....

40 ft-lbs out of a ratchet that is about 6" long means you have 80 lbs of force you are pulling back on or is crushing your fingers between whatever unmoveable object is in the way. I'm pretty sure if you run that tool to stall on a bolt and measure the torque achieved you won't see 40 ft-lbs.

 

[Bocefus]

I found not all the stores would take the 20% off coupon since the Impacts were labeled as clearance. I went to another store and the items were just labeled with a white "Sale" price and they accepted the 20% off coupon.

 

[WRX/Z28]

As others have suggested, have them call corporate. Their coupons work fine on clearance items, and I purchased a 3/8 impact and 1/2 impact with no problems. They were even kind enough to allow me to purchase them on seperate transactions (to use 2 20%off coupons) after walking in 10 mins before they close.

A+ for the Ewing NJ store IMO.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I found not all the stores would take the 20% off coupon since the Impacts were labeled as clearance. I went to another store and the items were just labeled with a white "Sale" price and they accepted the 20% off coupon.

yes, once they are "marked" as clearance, they are not suppose to take the 20% off coupons even though if they scan it it will work. they were not marked "clearance" before and the price was lowered already.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

40 ft-lbs out of a ratchet that is about 6" long means you have 80 lbs of force you are pulling back on or is crushing your fingers between whatever unmoveable object is in the way. I'm pretty sure if you run that tool to stall on a bolt and measure the torque achieved you won't see 40 ft-lbs.

My statement was close to 40 which would mean at least 35 to 40 pounds. Cornwell had this same ratchet and claimed 35 as well and there replacement claims 42. But I do have to ask, Do you own this ratchet???...

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[WRX/Z28]

Probably not, seeing as he says he works for IR.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Probably not, seeing as he says he works for IR.

I remember seeing that somewhere else and that he was defending the IR stuff. I did not know he was with IR. I love all my IR stuff but they are not the only player on the field and have had my problems as well with there products....

Like a IR 170G air ratchet that broke in half 4 months out of warranty.....

 

[Marlin]

I remember seeing that somewhere else and that he was defending the IR stuff. I did not know he was with IR. I love all my IR stuff but they are not the only player on the field and have had my problems as well with there products....

Like a IR 170G air ratchet that broke in half 4 months out of warranty.....

Correct, I do work for IR and have usually mentioned that in my posts. I realize we are not the only game in town. I'm not here to bash the HF stuff, just here to help with IR product information where I can and correct misinformation that gets too far out of whack. FWIW ratchet ratings are some of the most over inflated in the industry, and not many manufactures test the same way so comparing catalog specs just doesn't work. If you've had good luck with your HF units that's all that matters.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Correct, I do work for IR and have usually mentioned that in my posts. I realize we are not the only game in town. I'm not here to bash the HF stuff, just here to help with IR product information where I can and correct misinformation that gets too far out of whack. FWIW ratchet ratings are some of the most over inflated in the industry, and not many manufactures test the same way so comparing catalog specs just doesn't work. If you've had good luck with your HF units that's all that matters.

I would have to agree about the inflated torque rating of air tools. It is really hard to believe that such a small impact like the 3/8 aircat or even the clutch can deliver 320 to 500 foot pounds on a 3/8 tool. It would be nice to see some real testing of products and not rely on what the factory claims

 

[hammlm]

In my store they didnt show anything clearance on the shelf, but rang up at the clearance price. No problem applying the 20%. Even got another cheesy multimeter.

I have used a 1/2" that I got a while ago on sale and I have been very pleased with it (lug nuts, mower blades, other rusty equipment fasteners.). I really like how compact the new 3/8ths is.

I hope I like the new one as well.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

In my store they didnt show anything clearance on the shelf, but rang up at the clearance price. No problem applying the 20%. Even got another cheesy multimeter.

I have used a 1/2" that I got a while ago on sale and I have been very pleased with it (lug nuts, mower blades, other rusty equipment fasteners.). I really like how compact the new 3/8ths is.

I hope I like the new one as well.

They technically are not supposed to take the 20% off and it says on the coupon that it can not be applied to that in the small print. But I think some cashiers do it anyway or just do not know.

I have been pleased with all the earthquake stuff I have....

 

[Danglerb]

All the Cashier can do is scan the coupon, the register decides if it applies or not, unless a manager does an override.

 

[3 at 8]

Alot of talk about the 3/8 and 1/2 impacts and mostly if not all positive. What about the 3/4 impact. Is it a copy of an IR model or some other reputable brand. Just curious.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Alot of talk about the 3/8 and 1/2 impacts and mostly if not all positive. What about the 3/4 impact. Is it a copy of an IR model or some other reputable brand. Just curious.

All of the earthquake stuff is made by the same OEM's that supplies to a bunch of different sellers.

As for the rateings, they have been at least 90% or more positive on the line which is good....

 

[RangerDaleXp]

All the Cashier can do is scan the coupon, the register decides if it applies or not, unless a manager does an override.

Very true, but the coupon does say that it can not be used on any blow out sales which is what the Earthquake line is doing and this also applies to any other discounts....

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[MN4x4]

Very true, but the coupon does say that it can not be used on any blow out sales which is what the Earthquake line is doing and this also applies to any other discounts....

I'm pretty sure your information is not correct in this case. This is not a "blow out sale", as you put it. A 'Blowout Sale' (note the caps) is a specifically scheduled event, which happens several times a year. It is accompanied by a flyer that advertises it as a 'Blowout Sale' and lists specific items that are part of the sale.

Neither closeout items nor clearance items are excepted by the 20% coupon, which is why I and others have been able to use 20% coupons on these items.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I'm pretty sure your information is not correct in this case. This is not a "blow out sale", as you put it. A 'Blowout Sale' (note the caps) is a specifically scheduled event, which happens several times a year. It is accompanied by a flyer that advertises it as a 'Blowout Sale' and lists specific items that are part of the sale.

Neither closeout items nor clearance items are excepted by the 20% coupon, which is why I and others have been able to use 20% coupons on these items.

It may be true that it may not be considered as a blow out item, but it is a clearance Item and per your statement. "Neither closeout items nor clearance items are excepted by the 20% coupon". I read that as if it can not be applied to the discount coupon?

Also the line that says, "Can not be used with any other discount or coupon" say it all as well.

I guess it is how it is interpreted like all legal stuff. some people were turned away and some not, I was not one of them and to the others that was able to do it as well.....

 

[MNRZR]

It may be true that it may not be considered as a blow out item, but it is a clearance Item and per your statement. "Neither closeout items nor clearance items are excepted by the 20% coupon". I read that as if it can not be applied to the discount coupon?

Also the line that says, "Can not be used with any other discount or coupon" say it all as well.

I guess it is how it is interpreted like all legal stuff. some people were turned away and some not, I was not one of them and to the others that was able to do it as well.....

He said excepted not accepted.

 

[Virgil Cain]

40 ft-lbs out of a ratchet that is about 6" long means you have 80 lbs of force you are pulling back on or is crushing your fingers between whatever unmoveable object is in the way. I'm pretty sure if you run that tool to stall on a bolt and measure the torque achieved you won't see 40 ft-lbs.

It really doesn't work like that. An impact wrench delivers torque in brief impulses, so brief that the mass and inertia of the wrench effectively "filters out" the force delivered to you hand. Think of it this way, if a 400 ft/lb IR impact wrench actually delivered 400 ft/lbs for a sustained period it would twist your arm off. I don't know whether that particular impact ratchet actually delivers 40 ft/lbs, but it's certainly physically possible.

BTW, because impact wrenches and ratchets deliver torque in very brief impulses it is very difficult to measure their delivered torque without specialized equipment. You might get some idea of delivered torque by coupling one to a fixed click style torque wrench as suggested above, but I really have my doubts about that. If you had a stationary digital torque wrench that would sample and hold the peak you might get something useful. What you'd really need is a strain gauge set up to measure torque and a high speed data logger. Then you could look at things like peak torque, duration, and repetition rate and get some basis for comparison. I'd probably want to take the data from a data logger and do some integration to get a number for energy delivered per impulse, which is probably a fairly meaningful metric.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

He said excepted not accepted.

Thanks, I miss read It.....

 

[tmoneyr007]

$32 1/4" Earthquake ratchet, only had a couple left.

 

[Marlin]

It really doesn't work like that. An impact wrench delivers torque in brief impulses, so brief that the mass and inertia of the wrench effectively "filters out" the force delivered to you hand. Think of it this way, if a 400 ft/lb IR impact wrench actually delivered 400 ft/lbs for a sustained period it would twist your arm off. I don't know whether that particular impact ratchet actually delivers 40 ft/lbs, but it's certainly physically possible.

BTW, because impact wrenches and ratchets deliver torque in very brief impulses it is very difficult to measure their delivered torque without specialized equipment. You might get some idea of delivered torque by coupling one to a fixed click style torque wrench as suggested above, but I really have my doubts about that. If you had a stationary digital torque wrench that would sample and hold the peak you might get something useful. What you'd really need is a strain gauge set up to measure torque and a high speed data logger. Then you could look at things like peak torque, duration, and repetition rate and get some basis for comparison. I'd probably want to take the data from a data logger and do some integration to get a number for energy delivered per impulse, which is probably a fairly meaningful metric.

The discussion was regarding a ratchet which does not impact, it works via a gear and pawl system so it is a constant torque device and any reaction created must be countered by the user. If it were an impact you are correct for the most part, however, testing on a strain gaged shaft, such as the eclectronic torque testers available does not give you the whole story as it is only measured peak blows of the impact. Tightening a fastner on med to hard joint, such as a hydraulic tension tester and then measuring break away torque in the tightening direction provides a better measure of performance.

 

[Danglerb]

The discussion was regarding a ratchet which does not impact, it works via a gear and pawl system so it is a constant torque device and any reaction created must be countered by the user. If it were an impact you are correct for the most part, however, testing on a strain gaged shaft, such as the eclectronic torque testers available does not give you the whole story as it is only measured peak blows of the impact. Tightening a fastner on med to hard joint, such as a hydraulic tension tester and then measuring break away torque in the tightening direction provides a better measure of performance.

This is one of the reasons people are so hot for the IR Hammerhead impact ratchets, you don't smash your hand when the torque goes up on a fastener.

 

[jgump]

I got the 3/8 today. 20% off the clearance price. $39.02 net..

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I got the 3/8 today. 20% off the clearance price. $39.02 net..

Good going, Get them while you can. Who knows what is next when they are gone....

 

[wood02]

I went to HF in Evansville, Indiana. Tried to get the 3/8" EarthQuake impact #92453 it is $89.99 even at the check out. I had the cashier scan the box at check out. Does anyone have a coupon or at the very least educate me on how to get this deal?
Thanks, Bill.