Impact Wrench

[bucs012]

I am in the market to buy one of these things..... There are so many cheap options out there but when you research you find out they are ****. I have read the Sears PowerMate is JUNK?!?

What are some of the BEST ones out there for say $40-$80?

What amount of foot/pounds of torque should I be looking for to handle most jobs around the garage at home? 300, 400, 500?

 

[pseudorealityx]

Electric or Pneumatic?

 

[jj3]

I'll tell you that people will laugh about this, but just last Friday I picked up a Craftsman 1/2" impact and a 3/8" ratchet combo set. I bought it because it was one of their 'daily stupid deals' or something of the equivalent.

Anyway, I didn't expect much out of it b/c the impact is only 340 ft lbs and wanted it more for small things but I came home, threw the 21mm socket on there and it broke lug nuts just fine.

Oh, the kicker is that the combo set, after showing my craftsman club card, was only $22.50!

I'm supposed to have an IR 231 coming to me though so I didn't want to throw away too much money, I bought this more out of curiousity.

 

[benjamming]

Any timing belt jobs in your future that you want to use this impact wrench on?

 

[bucs012]

I mainly want to remove TIGHT lug nuts, alternator nuts and other home stuff. I want to hook it up to my compressor. Plan on buying the Husky 30 gallon, 2hp compressor.

 

[Keep]

I have used a craftsman impact for years. Never had a problem with it not being able to break things loose.

The one I have is the older all metal model made in Japan. Bought in 97 or so.

I also have a newer craftsman that came with the black rubber thing on it. Not so happy with that one.

 

[Falcon67]

I bought a Craftsman 1/2 impact gun at a black Friday sale in 2006. Paid like $40 for it. It's done plenty of bustin' loose and seems to work petty good. IIRC, it is about a 250 ft/lb model. I'd have to dig it out and look up the model.

 

[TAftw]

Ingersoll-Rand Thunder Gun FTW! .

IMO, if you're going to buy an impact, I'd stick to Snap On or IR. Both build quality units that are almost guaranteed to last. But in all reality, it doesn't seem like you'd be using it for anything too ********, so a Craftsman one would be good. I think with your situation the most important thing would be better to match it to your compressor's CFM.

 

[GDA]

IR 231C on sale at tooltopia - http://www.tooltopia.com/ingersoll-rand-231c.aspx

Great gun for the $$

 

[Red Green]

It's a little above your price range but I have an AirCat 1000-TH and have been very impressed with the power and durability.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I have had my IR 231C for over two years now. It is solid.

 

[stricht8]

I have had my IR 231C for over two years now. It is solid.

That baby is now made in china. Not even Taiwan or god forbid japan. Otherwise I would buy one.

 

[tfi racing]

Ingersoll-Rand Thunder Gun FTW! .

This one rocks,mine got dragged under a late model for a pit stall or two and still cranks off just about anything!That being said,I don't think that you can go wrong with a Craftsman for casual use,if you shop right you can get them dirt cheap.

 

[brownbagg]

That baby is now made in china. Not even Taiwan or god forbid japan. Otherwise I would buy one.


Are you sure it made in China or are you just making this up?

 

[nissan_crawler]

It's a little above your price range but I have an AirCat 1000-TH and have been very impressed with the power and durability.

I have a 1000-TC and love it. With high flow fittings, it's almost too much sometimes.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Get a name brand. If you are new to having air tools, there are often package deals with a muti set of the most common tools in a case. A good way to get started.

Most people don't need the super strong guns. I think you would be fine with a decent mid grade unit, because even a 250 foot gun will outperform a 1/2 inch breaker bar by a fair margin. If you ever wear out your first gun, or find an application where it won't work, then go out and buy a better gun.

Just a thought.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

OTOH, buy the compressor that you think you will need in five years now, and you will never regret it.

 

[APEowner]

My IR231 is over 20 years old now and while I've bought other newer, more powerful guns over the years that's still the one I grab first.

 

[jmack]

Any opinions on electric impact wrenches?

I'm specifically looking at th Makita BTW450 since I already have a set of makita lxt tools and plenty of batteries. I could just buy the bare tool for ~$100 off ebay.

The specs are:
-Makita built motor delivers 325 ft. lbs. of torque in a compact size
-Motor provides 1,600 RPM and 2,200 IPM for added muscle for tough jobs
-More compact design at only 10 1/2" long and weighs only 7.5 lbs. for less operator fatigue