HF Earthquake Pneumatic Impact Wrench

[phitat]

I'm thinking about buying either the 3/8 or the 1/2. I'm going to be using it mostly for changing the wheels on my car. They're only torqued to 80 ft. lbs. The socket included when I bought the lug nuts is a 3/8 drive. However, I've been reading and everyone seem to have the 1/2 impact for removing lug nuts. Do you guys think the 3/8 impact will be enough? If I buy the 1/2 then I would have to buy an adapter, which I don't mind at all. I just rather not if I don't have to.

The two impact wrenches I have in mind are HF Central Pneumatic Earthquke 68424 (1/2 drive) or the 68425 (3/8 drive).

So which one would be a better fit for me? Oh and this is my first impact wrench ever, which is why I did't wanna buy the 18v battery powered Makita or Milwaukee, or anything high end. I'm not a mechanic and that's just way out of my price range (college student). Thank you.

 

[ex-x-fire]

1/2 is more useful in changing tires & other things, 3/8 is useful in tight areas.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I would suggest 1/2 inch as well. Also, know that once you have it, you will find more than lug nuts to change; there will be suspension bolts etc. that you may need to tackle.

I understand what you are saying about your budget. At the moment, since you only need to take off lug nuts, if I were you, I would keep doing those by hand. I would save a little more and get a Ingersoll Rand 231 series that would last a lifetime for a home mechanic. If you ever wear it out, you can get a tune up kit for it as well for around $30. I doubt that a home mechanic will wear it out though, if properly maintained, oiled, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRM3I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just check the air requirements to make sure your compressor can keep up with it.

 

[bcradio]

I would definitely go for the 3/8" Earthquake gun in your case. It can handle most lug nuts with ease. The advantage for the 3/8" impact over the 1/2" though is re-installing the lugs. If you set the 3/8" to the middle power level and add a 6-8" extension before the socket, you will tighten all your lugs to 50-60 ft-lbs. Then you just go in and do your final torque with the torque wrench. A 1/2" will overtighten lugs much easier when re-installing.

I would also not save up and get the IR 231 gun either. Those Earthquake guns are EXCELLENT no doubt. If you are even thinking of getting an IR gun over the Earthquake, it wouldn't be worth it unless you are going to get their high end timax guns.

 

[CobraChevelle]

The more power the better... If you bring in your car to the shop for work some of those techs go overboard with there air guns and that 3/8 wont break the lugs... Had this happen to me 2 weeks ago before doing a break job.. Cordless 1/2 could not break them loose and breaker bar was about to snap.. had to use a high torque milwaukee impact

 

[dnschmidt]

I vote for the 3/8". It will go to 200 foot pounds and is much smaller and lighter along with the sockets being much smaller and lighter. On my Pontiac Grand Prix I've never needed to use the 1/2" impacts that I have as the 3/8" Earthquake has done everything from wheels to suspension without fail.

I do use my 1/2" impact for wheels only because my torque stick has a 1/2" drive. Oddly I take them off with the 3/8" and put them on with the 1/2" exactly for that reason.

The HF Earthquake line is outstanding. If you think the Earthquake impacts are good try the Earthquake impacting ratchet. IT'S THE ABSOLUTE BOMB.

 

[doan]

I bout the 3/8" earthquake for size. It's rated at 300 ft/lbs, but not sure it's actually that powerful. It is very small which is nice for a lot of jobs. For stuff I really "need" an impact wrench for, I find myself using my 1/2" drive (often due to socket size availability).

If it's your only impact wrench, get the 1/2" drive

Also, things I do with the 3/8" are often easily handled by my 18v cordless impact driver with a socket adapter.

 

[phitat]

Well, it looks like the 1/2 is much more capable of removing the lug nuts, but the 3/8 is better at retightening them since it's much more moderate in power. I should note that I'm using this purely for removing/tightening lug nuts on my family's cars only, which is at 80ft. lbs., conveniently for all the cars.

I have a strong feeling that if I use the 1/2 to retighten, it will for sure strip them and might even break the studs. Looks like I'm heading to HF and getting the 3/8 and a low profile jack.

Now what's a reliable torque wrench? I work at Autozone so if their Duralast brand is good then I can just grab one today when I work. But based on the quality of their flex head ratchet (I bought one), I'm a little shy away from their tools quality. If the one from HF is good then I'll get it together with the impact and jack. Thanks for all the infos so far. This is an incredibly active and helpful forum.

 

[madcrisis]

he one from HF is plenty good enough for lug nuts. Wouldnt use it on critical engine parts but perfect for wheels. If your worried about inaccuracies you can get the digital gauge and compare the two.

 

[bcradio]

HF torque wrench is great for tires. Get a $9.99 coupon for it and you're set.

 

[phitat]

Oh I forgot to mention that I'm also looking at the corded/electric impacts from either Milwaukee (9071-20) or Dewalt (DW293). The prices of those 2 are as high as I'm willing to go though. I work on the cars inside my garage so it's not too bad at all. Plus if I ever need to take this thing on the road, I can always just get a power inverter and use it as that. Anything wrong with those 2 choices?

 

[roofster]

For putting wheels on with my 1/2" earthquake, I put it on its low setting and regulate the air to 60 or 70 psi. Takes some playing around, but that gives about 80-90 ft-lbs, then I top off to 100 with a torque wrench.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I bought an Ingersoll Rand 231 used at a pawn shop for 25 bucks. It is awesome. I would not get the harbor freight stuff. I go into Harbor freight all the time and walk out empty handed, I just cant do it. check this one out:

View media item 44936

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

What do you have for a compressor?

I'm a home wrench, and my only impact is a 1/2". If the gun doesnt fit I run it off by hand.

 

[phitat]

I have a Porter Cable C2002 air compressor. It's actually my dad's, I have no idea why he bought it. I think because it was on sale. I'm not sure if this is enough to run the HF Earthquake impact. How's everyone's view on the electric impacts? Milwaukee (9071-20) vs. Dewalt (DW293).

 

[86k10]

If your only getting one gun I would also recommend the IR231. The Earthquakes are fine but the IR is better IMO. I have a 2 hp 20 gallon air compressor and it really don't give all the air impacts really need to hit those torque numbers.

 

[lightning02]

I have a Porter Cable C2002 air compressor. It's actually my dad's, I have no idea why he bought it. I think because it was on sale. I'm not sure if this is enough to run the HF Earthquake impact. How's everyone's view on the electric impacts? Milwaukee (9071-20) vs. Dewalt (DW293).

if thats the compressor you have i would look into cordless impacts.

i had a 15gal 2.5hp compressor with a 1/2 impact and it sucked to take off tires. anything more then airing up tires it was useless for.

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm thinking about buying either the 3/8 or the 1/2. I'm going to be using it mostly for changing the wheels on my car. They're only torqued to 80 ft. lbs. The socket included when I bought the lug nuts is a 3/8 drive. However, I've been reading and everyone seem to have the 1/2 impact for removing lug nuts. Do you guys think the 3/8 impact will be enough? If I buy the 1/2 then I would have to buy an adapter, which I don't mind at all. I just rather not if I don't have to.

The two impact wrenches I have in mind are HF Central Pneumatic Earthquke 68424 (1/2 drive) or the 68425 (3/8 drive).

So which one would be a better fit for me? Oh and this is my first impact wrench ever, which is why I did't wanna buy the 18v battery powered Makita or Milwaukee, or anything high end. I'm not a mechanic and that's just way out of my price range (college student). Thank you.

I would recommend looking into buying the 3/8 mini M7. It's only $120 on Amazon, and it's the smallest impact available. Rated at 350ftlbs, it's just as powerful as the 1/2" impact I have at home, and I've never needed anything more. This will do most anything you would ever need,and will allow you to get into places you could only dream of with other impacts.. You may never even need a 1/2 drive with this, and if you decide you'd rather have a 1/2, the 1/2" m7 is only a few dollars more and rated at 500ftlbs.. This would definately be the brand I would invest it now if buying my first.. They even make another model comparable to the ingersol rand hammered for like $200.. Check them out online. They all get outstanding reviews and it's something that will cost you just a few more bucks over harbor freight. Money well spent if you ask me..

 

[phitat]

Yeah I was kinda sure the compressor was actually too weak for the impacts. It looks like electric is the way to go for me. Like I said, since cordless Impacts are way out of my price range, I'm just going to buy the corded one. Right now it's look like a very close call between the Dewalt DW293 or Milwaukee 9071-20.

 

[MRunabout]

I agree. It's gonna be pretty tough with a six gallon compressor no matter how good it is. A 30 gallon would be more suitable to use with impacts.

Having said that, I would go for the 1/2" version because you can regularly get a coupon to buy it for $80 and it's fairly easy to feather the trigger so that lug nuts are not overtorqued.

 

[kctyphoon]

And IF want an awesome compressor, look into the HF 8 gallon 2 stage.. It's an upgraded model sold in home depot and puts out more air.. DO NOT think you need a 30 gallon compressor. The 8 gallon (and they make a 10) put outs more cfm than most of the oilless 25 - gallon models.. You can buy the compressor and the m7 impact I mentioned for less about the same price as a cordless might cost you.. i would gladly trade my 30 gallon compressor for that 8 gallon 2 stage. My friend has the homed depot model and it's a much better compressor for home..



And a word on compressors.. The oilless models are loud and slow.. Tank size is not everything, and neither is the HP rating. What you need to pay attention to is the cfm rating. Also many compressors that advertise HP is "peak HP" and not running HP. For example, the big compressor I have is advertised as "5hp" but is actually only about 2HP while running and filling the tank - which is why an 8 gallon can provide more air than my 30.. It's all a marketing gimmick.

The compressor listed above goes on sale for $99, the 3/8 m7 impact is $120.. So for $220 you get everything you need and have a power source for other air tools you might want in the future..

 

[BikerDad]

The compressor listed above goes on sale for $99, the 3/8 m7 impact is $120.. So for $220 you get everything you need and have a power source for other air tools you might want in the future..

Link to this M7? Who makes it? Where does one find it?

 

[rtole]

I have installed tires for years with a 1/2 impact. I just set it on low, and run em up, then a couple of short blips........then final torque with a torque wrench. If they don't move.......loosen up and start over. It only takes a couple of tries to figure out how much to not overtighten. Remember if the nut does not move before the wrench clicks , back it off and start over on that wheel. I have a m18 electric impact......for me the low setting is to slow,and the high setting is to powerful for just snuggling up lugs.

 

[justme-]

remember the "rating" on a impact tools is always overstated. That 300ft lbs rating for the 3/8 ain't going to happen when you test it to spec. My first was a CH 1/2 that was rated to 200ft lbs. Don't know what world the rating was for, but not this one.
All good impacts have valves for lowering the torque - use them. The original Earthquake was based on the IR 231 series - great gun and the standard in tire shops around the country if not world... the new all plastic model is not the same. It looks like a copy of the 2100 series TI from IR, but I have not read up to see the comparisons.
I have a 231h that I got off ebay freshly rebuilt for the cost of the rebuild kit, and there are plenty of them on there in that range. Very durable tool with enough power to take off almost any car and light truck wheel. I also have the older earthquake.
Fwiw, the HF electric 1/2 impact handles the lugs on my car and our minivan no sweat but has trouble with my 1 ton truck.
Compressor is a big deal in these tools - if you can't give the tool enough air you won't get the power.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

I wouldn't get a corded impact.
Get an air or cordless impact.

 

[fsdogwood]

Taking off wheels with an air impact wrench doesn't need that powerful a compressor.
The air usage is more burst in this case.

I was able to take 5 lugnuts off on a 80 ft-lb spec-ed wheel, move to the next wheel,
get 5 off, ...; all done with the Makita mac700 . You are working on your own car, at home, no need to hurry and have to have all 4 tires off in 5 seconds...

I'd get the 1/2 HF EQ, just because it's more powerful.
I'll manually or use a cordless drill if lazy to put the nuts back on, then spec with torque wrench

 

[Kirbot]

I have the 1/2 and I have NEVER found something that it couldn't loosen or snap...

That said, I think I might pick up a cheaper 3/8 gun for small stuff. Sometimes the 1/2 gun is just a little unwieldy

 

[RECox286]

If a little is good, more is bestest !

Uncle Bob

 

[mrpizza]

I used my 1/2" earthquake last night on some rusty suspension parts. Hammered away and took em right off. Small 15 gallon craftsman compressor set at 150psi line pressure.

 

[Marlin]

I would definitely go for the 3/8" Earthquake gun in your case. It can handle most lug nuts with ease. The advantage for the 3/8" impact over the 1/2" though is re-installing the lugs. If you set the 3/8" to the middle power level and add a 6-8" extension before the socket, you will tighten all your lugs to 50-60 ft-lbs. Then you just go in and do your final torque with the torque wrench. A 1/2" will overtighten lugs much easier when re-installing.

I would also not save up and get the IR 231 gun either. Those Earthquake guns are EXCELLENT no doubt. If you are even thinking of getting an IR gun over the Earthquake, it wouldn't be worth it unless you are going to get their high end timax guns.

The 231 will outlast the Harbor Freight 1/2" when use in any tougher applications, for an extra $30 it seems like an easy choice.

 

[kctyphoon]

Link to this M7? Who makes it? Where does one find it?

Just search "m7 impact" on Amazon and you'll find more info.. The prices are unbelievable cheap for a professional grade tool - the reviews are all outstanding. They make a few different models, but the ones im referring too are the mini or compact models.. It's unreal these are not more popular around here if you ask me.. I have yet to see anything bad written about them. Every review is how they couldn't belive how small, how light, and how powerful they are.. Your getting extreme quality and performance for HF prices.. I belive King Tony is another label they are sold under, but M7 stands for Mighty 7.

 

[kctyphoon]

Here's the "hammerhead style " impact .. 1/2" model gives u 250ftlbs. 3/8" is 180 i belive.. Sam as the IR

 

[kctyphoon]

1/2" mini - 3.3 lbs , 500 ft lbs torque, and 10,000 rpm.. AND it's only 4 3/8" long.. For $140.. How can you beat that?

 

[kctyphoon]

Stolen pic from another member on here:

 

[stikman56]

The 231 will outlast the Harbor Freight 1/2" when use in any tougher applications, for an extra $30 it seems like an easy choice.

Maybe, maybe not. Have yet to see any proof of claims such as these. You work for IR, so what else are you going to say? I will take that with a grain of salt. The 231 is a great wrench, but it has it's issues too. I know the weak points of IR impacts, I have seen them many a time. I've been inside the old 1/2"earthquake and the 231's too. The old Earthquake was a really good wrench, no matter what anybody says. Wasn't perfect, wasn't indestructable, but was a good wrench. Can't say a whole lot on the one they sell now, but haven't heard really any bad about it at all.

 

[fourtythree]

I see no reason to believe that the Earthquake won't last for the long term with proper maintenance. It's a great impact and can't be beat for the price.

 

[Marlin]

Maybe, maybe not. Have yet to see any proof of claims such as these. You work for IR, so what else are you going to say? I will take that with a grain of salt. The 231 is a great wrench, but it has it's issues too. I know the weak points of IR impacts, I have seen them many a time. I've been inside the old 1/2"earthquake and the 231's too. The old Earthquake was a really good wrench, no matter what anybody says. Wasn't perfect, wasn't indestructable, but was a good wrench. Can't say a whole lot on the one they sell now, but haven't heard really any bad about it at all.

5 to 7 times the number of cycles on an accelerated life test. For a backyard mechanic it is fine, but if it were me I'd spend $115 and get the original rather than the copy.

 

[lightning02]

1/2" mini - 3.3 lbs , 500 ft lbs torque, and 10,000 rpm.. AND it's only 4 3/8" long.. For $140.. How can you beat that?

have a link or part number for this one?

 

[Danglerb]

Most of the time rather than fire up the compressor I just use my Craftsman C3 1/2 impact, before that I used a corded HF. If anybody is wearing out an Earthquake impact they seem to be keeping it to themselves.

 

[Virgil Cain]

I bought an Ingersoll Rand 231 used at a pawn shop for 25 bucks. It is awesome. I would not get the harbor freight stuff. I go into Harbor freight all the time and walk out empty handed, I just cant do it. check this one out:

View media item 44936

I promise you that the 1/2" Earthquake will kick that Craftsman's ***.