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I need a good air hammer

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TheToolMan

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Jun 19, 2008
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N.J.
Hey guys i am in need of a good air hammer, i have a cheap one now that let me down this weekend, I have been eye ballin the snap-on one and it looks **** as hell but i need one that really packs a punch, I see that they are rated in blows per min but that dosent tell you how strong the blow is, I really dont care how fast it will cut something but that it will actually knock the **** out of something. This will mostely be used at work in an industrial enviroment so it needs to be rugged, and i also do exhaust work every one in a while and want it to cut apart exhaust pipes. I also need a suggestion on bits as well, So what do you have?
 
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TheToolMan

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See this is why i ask you guys before making a purchace, What model would you suggest?
 
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Fedwrench

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Dec 9, 2007
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Valley of the sun
I've used the Snap on PH3050 with good results. I also used the Chicago Pneumatic 7110 all black long barrel model before that. I'm not sure if they still make the CP hammer. Whichever model you end up with, get an air hammer with a long barrel. It gives you a longer stroke, which means more power, and improves your ability to pound something into submission.
I would also recommend the addition of a quick change chuck retainer. It really makes changing bits easier. Messing with a retaining spring is not the way to go. As for the air hammer bit, I've used Old Forge with good results. They're US made, hold an edge ok, and are a bargain if you shop around. I consider the bits to be consumable so, when they wear out, I just replace them. Price has scared me away from the gold colored snap on bits. :beer:
 
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AutoTech

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Jul 30, 2007
Messages
332
Like Fedwrench said you can't go wrong with the PH3050! It has a feather trigger and is also adjustable from a slight rattle to full out knocking the **** out of something. I use mine for mostly front end work ball joints etc. Highly recommended! If the snap on is out of your price range you might look at the Matco Part# SE915K. I don't know how well they will hold up to everyday abuse like the snap on but a guy at work bought one of the matco's and it packs a pretty good punch.
 
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TheToolMan

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N.J.
Merkava_4 said:
What are you going to do with it? Are you going to rivet skins on a Boeing 777 or are you going to cut bolts in half on the old Titanic?
Click to expand...

Cutting exhaust parts, bolts, splitting motor cases, auto front end work, Removing siezed couplers and pullys
 
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chad s

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Apr 3, 2006
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I have a very short barrel snap on that they dont make anymore. It works great for me, but Im not rebuilding suspensions. For the occasional need to chisel off a seriously rusted bolt head or encourage a stubborn part to move, its more power than I could ever need.
 
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chad s

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Merkava_4 said:
What are you going to do with it? Are you going to rivet skins on a Boeing 777 or are you going to cut bolts in half on the old Titanic?
Click to expand...

Merk, I was wondering the other day. I never use rivets for anything, but I am going to need to set a few aircraft rivets soon in the restoration of a very rare snap on storage unit (details will come soon!). Can I use my short barrel air hammer? What the difference between a rivet gun and an air hammer? They look very similar to me.
 
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SteveU

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Nov 20, 2006
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TheToolMan said:
Cutting exhaust parts, bolts, splitting motor cases, auto front end work, Removing siezed couplers and pullys
Click to expand...


I have an IR-121 which I have used for this type work, works good. Also agree with the quick change retainer, makes changing bits a lot easier.
 
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goodfellow

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Dec 17, 2006
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chad s said:
Merk, I was wondering the other day. I never use rivets for anything, but I am going to need to set a few aircraft rivets soon in the restoration of a very rare snap on storage unit (details will come soon!). Can I use my short barrel air hammer? What the difference between a rivet gun and an air hammer? They look very similar to me.
Click to expand...

The difference is control. Rivet guns build power slowly regardless of stroke, while air hammers build it almost instantaneously. A rivet gun is a much more precise air tool --

Don't try to rivet with an air hammer, by the time you learn how to set even one rivet, you'll have ruined the part with all the failures.
 
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TNToy

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Oct 11, 2006
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West Tennessee
I have a long-barrel Matco at work, and it's great. The Snappy PH0350 is a great tool, also. But I don't use one enough to justify the expense.
 
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ricleh

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Nov 2, 2007
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Location
Sacramento, CA
I have 2 Snap on PH3050 air hammers and am very happy with the quality and results. If you need a powerful air hammer you can't go wrong with this one.


Rick
 
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ImportTuner

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SteveU said:
I have an IR-121 which I have used for this type work, works good. Also agree with the quick change retainer, makes changing bits a lot easier.
Click to expand...

I also have the IR121 ... excellent air hammer. I bought the Matco quick change retainer for it. :bounce:
 
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GDA

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Nov 19, 2006
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935
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Dallas, Texas
I have the SO PH3050 and got a great deal on it used. It also had the SO quick release chuck. The QR is very nice and very easy to use. Its one tough hammer and has easily handled everything I've thrown at it.
 
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