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impact wrench

blazsawgras

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Dec 5, 2010
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282
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southern va.
my impact wrench is getting weak think it is getting ready to quit. in your opinion what is the best impact for the money. looking for quality without spending a fortune. what is your opinion?
 
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CoreyVanDine

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Dec 5, 2010
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Fayetteville Ar.
I've had my 2135 IR for about 7 years. I think that when they first came out. Hands down the lightest strongest impact I've used. The 3/8's version is nice too although I prefer the SO mg325 for 3/8.
 

pipsters

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I'm on my second 2135timax. The first one was returned because I seriously didn't believe how little power it had vs. my $30 Kobalt.

Got one from Sears today, and same thing. It is WEAK. Do these not come pre-greased? It came oiled, it was dripping out the inlet. I must be missing something but my $30 350 ft-lb rated Kobalt hits harder.

In light of this I am probably going to return this one too. I wanted a US made good impact, was willing to pay, but am sorely disappointed. I'm thinking of getting the HF Earthquake now.

Also, look at the specs for the quiet vs. regular. Very little difference when running it while hitting. Really no reason to get the quiet version IMO.
 

Danglerb

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If what you own is a decent brand rebuild, otherwise I would pick up a cheap/used IR or more likely if a decent sale comes up the HF Earthquake.
 

jkeyser14

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Dec 19, 2008
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1,816
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(rural) Maryland
I have the IR Thundergun. It's 100 less ft-lbs of torque (625 instead of 780) but it's a bit cheaper and has worked very well for me. I actually need to remember to dial it down when I use it on smaller fasteners. I recently broke a rusted U-bolt on an exhaust with it (thankfully it was something easy to replace).
 

diesel research

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gulf coast, TEXAS
Got one from Sears today, and same thing. It is WEAK. Do these not come pre-greased? It came oiled, it was dripping out the inlet.

For the minimal amount of money grease/low profile grease gun costs, shouldn't be a concern. Not to mention it would be recommended for long term use anyways. (sometimes monthly or more depending on usage)
 

pipsters

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For the minimal amount of money grease/low profile grease gun costs, shouldn't be a concern. Not to mention it would be recommended for long term use anyways. (sometimes monthly or more depending on usage)

I'm OK buying it, I'm not OK buying it if this is the best the gun will perform. If this is the best it will do, I'm returning it and keeping my $30 Kobalt.
 
OP
B

blazsawgras

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Dec 5, 2010
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282
Location
southern va.
so many different opinions. checked hf the earthquake gun is on sale this month $79 was wondering about tring this gun says 625 lb torque.
 

thiems

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Dec 24, 2010
Messages
7
Location
OKC, OK
so many different opinions. checked hf the earthquake gun is on sale this month $79 was wondering about tring this gun says 625 lb torque.
I actually picked this thing up today. With all of the positive reviews it has gotten plus adding on a 20% coupon, I don't think you can go wrong. :beer:
 

1931S/X

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Sep 16, 2007
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143
i have the 1/2" earthquake, i like it and im not crazy about a lot of HF stuff.
 

nato

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Dec 23, 2009
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Location
Northeast Ohio
I recently pawned my 2135Ti (go ahead everyone, laugh at me!) to buy some other tools and another impact w/ the extra cash I had leftover. I picked up another I/R, only this is a 2100G (Impacttool-Edge Series). Rated @ 550 ft/lbs. max reverse torque and utilizes the same twin-hammer design in the 2135. I picked this guy up for $100 shipped on ebay, brand new! This thing is awesome for what it is. It's a composite housing w/ an aluminum nosecone. Has a side-to-side forward/reverse switch in the back that's easier to navigate than it looks from the pics. It's very nice in the hand. Not heavy, but not light....I think it's roughly 5 lbs. Very comfortable just like the 2135. It has a 2 level power regulator toggle switch on the back for running in the forward postion.
As far as usable power, it hasn't been able to NOT do anything my 2135 coulnd't so far....it's quite the beast and a bargain at that price!!!
I highly recommend it. There's another version of it that I/R had made a couple years ago too. That one is like greyish/purple and black w/ red forward/reverse switch.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200342893_200342893
 

Marlin

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Joined
Dec 6, 2007
Messages
1,037
I'm on my second 2135timax. The first one was returned because I seriously didn't believe how little power it had vs. my $30 Kobalt.

Got one from Sears today, and same thing. It is WEAK. Do these not come pre-greased? It came oiled, it was dripping out the inlet. I must be missing something but my $30 350 ft-lb rated Kobalt hits harder.

In light of this I am probably going to return this one too. I wanted a US made good impact, was willing to pay, but am sorely disappointed. I'm thinking of getting the HF Earthquake now.

Also, look at the specs for the quiet vs. regular. Very little difference when running it while hitting. Really no reason to get the quiet version IMO.
What air pressure are you running? What is the length and diameter of your hose and how many/what size quick disconnects?
 
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pipsters

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What air pressure are you running? What is the length and diameter of your hose and how many/what size quick disconnects?

I ran the Kobalt off the same line so it was "apples to apples", but


  • 3/8"
  • 50'
  • 1/4" NPT, 2, one at the compressor one at the tool
  • 130-ish PSI at the regulator static, 110 PSI dynamic, estimating 90+ at the tool
 

Marlin

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I ran the Kobalt off the same line so it was "apples to apples", but


  • 3/8"
  • 50'
  • 1/4" NPT, 2, one at the compressor one at the tool
  • 130-ish PSI at the regulator static, 110 PSI dynamic, estimating 90+ at the tool
Was there any difference between the first tool you had and the second one?
 

mrholeshot

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Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
8,043
I recently pawned my 2135Ti
The pawn shops in my area wouldn't give you enough to buy a happy meal at McDonalds for an air tool. I was in shopping around one day looking at the current guitar offerings and some guy came in and wanted to pawn his IR231. They offered him 7 dollars for it. It was very lightly used, still had all the decals on it and he had the original box. "How about if I sell it to you?" They offered him 12 dollars. He asked for 20 and they wouldn't bite. I gave him 25 dollars for it. I hate the way our local pawn shops take advantage of people when they are at some of the most desperate times of their lives.
 

chewy7

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Dec 27, 2010
Messages
872
Location
WISCONSIN
I'm on my second 2135timax. The first one was returned because I seriously didn't believe how little power it had vs. my $30 Kobalt.

Got one from Sears today, and same thing. It is WEAK. Do these not come pre-greased? It came oiled, it was dripping out the inlet. I must be missing something but my $30 350 ft-lb rated Kobalt hits harder.

In light of this I am probably going to return this one too. I wanted a US made good impact, was willing to pay, but am sorely disappointed. I'm thinking of getting the HF Earthquake now.

Also, look at the specs for the quiet vs. regular. Very little difference when running it while hitting. Really no reason to get the quiet version IMO.

do you have restrictive air fittings and plumbing? Its make a big difference. my CP734H really woke up after i switched to milton v series fittings used with our 135psi. rol-air air compressor.
 
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moparmuscle88

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Apr 30, 2010
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250
Location
Westminster, MD
those guns have different cfm requirements

if you plumbing from the tank to the gun is to restrictive, the IR will act weak, becasue its not getting enough volume, not psi, volume of air

hook it directly to the tank and see what it does, because i have a pair, the matco version and the ir version of the 2135timax... they are more powerful than some 3/4 guns ive owned
 

pipsters

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those guns have different cfm requirements

if you plumbing from the tank to the gun is to restrictive, the IR will act weak, becasue its not getting enough volume, not psi, volume of air

hook it directly to the tank and see what it does, because i have a pair, the matco version and the ir version of the 2135timax... they are more powerful than some 3/4 guns ive owned

It's not any more restrictive than normal. Hooked directly to the tank the Kobalt will run just as strong. They are literally equal in power. I was so amazed I had to buy another just to see...yep. Plus if you read the specs the 2135 requires 1 cfm less air.

I might just have the odd-ball $30 super Kobalt, I dunno.
 

pipsters

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Was there any difference between the first tool you had and the second one?

None

I can hold the socket in my hand with the 2135, with my Kobalt it rips it out of my hand when trying to hold it still and operating it. Using it taking off nuts such as my crank pulley, the Kobalt was quicker (albeit slightly) than the 2135. Lug nuts? Kobalt rips em right off, the 2135 hammers for just a second when torqued to an equal amount. I'm very unimpressed with this $260+tax gun. While it is strong, as it did take off my crank pulley, personally I think there are cheaper options out there that are just as strong. By cheaper I mean 20%-30% of the price.

I wanted a Made in USA gun that performed like it was priced, and I was completely disappointed. I hate to say it but I think the Taiwanese and Chinese got us beat here. If it was more powerful than my Kobalt I wouldn't hesitate paying the price and keeping it, but there is no way I can justify spending 900% more for a lesser product. No way Jose.
 
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disquek

Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2010
Messages
17
I have the IR 2135QTIMAX also, and have the same feeling about it's power. I had an old SO (late 70s-early 80s) and it was actually stronger than the 2135QTIMAX.

I've got a very similar setup to pipsters with 3/8" hose all the way to the quick disconnect, which is a 1/4". I've run it straight from the tank and it's no better.

Honestly, I never use it because it so weak. It sure does look nice though.

I have the 3/8" IR Ti and it's very strong for it's size.

Maybe there is an issue with some of these guns?

-Kyle
 

pipsters

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Glad I am not going nuts, thanks

I have to wonder how many people on here actually own the 2135 that recommend it.
 

Seanbev24

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Lynnwood, Wa
Glad I am not going nuts, thanks

I have to wonder how many people on here actually own the 2135 that recommend it.

2 people I work with every day have them and love them. I consider the 2135timax and mg725 (which I have) to be the 2 best guns on the market.

I think there is something going on with your air setup. Find a shop that will let you hook up to their air before you blame the gun.

Being able to hold on to the socket is not a sign of a weak 1/2" gun. It's a sign of an improper air setup or a broken gun. Since you tried it with 2 new guns, I'm thinking it's your compressor. IF you could even hang on to the socket, a normally functioning 2135 would snap your wrist like a twig.
 

ImportTuner

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Glad I am not going nuts, thanks

I have to wonder how many people on here actually own the 2135 that recommend it.

I own both the IR2135ti and the IR2135tiMax .. if you can hold a socket with your hands on either impacts when I squeeze the trigger, I'll give it to you free ... :)
 

mrholeshot

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I have to wonder how many people on here actually own the 2135 that recommend it.

2135 and 2115 in my wood box. A few more scattered out in other boxes. Absolutly the best Impacts I've ever owned. Now I do run them on 150+ PSI.

IMG_0977.jpg
 

disquek

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Nov 4, 2010
Messages
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I'm not doubting that the 2135 "can" work properly.

What I'm (we're) saying is that it appears that some of them are not working properly. I'm guessing that they are defective units.

FWIW: I've spoken to other folks who have bought these guns and returned them because they were weak.

I can tell you in my case 100% it's not the air supply. The 40 year old SO I have is stronger on the same air line in back to back tests. I dont have issue with any other tools. And straight from the tank I get the same results.

What ticks me off is that I bought the gun at a very busy time for me (move, new job, wedding, home rehab, etc) and it's now out of warranty. My bad, but lesson learned.

Do any of you guys have a suggestion beyond "it works here"? Is there something inside the gun we should be looking at?

-Kyle
 
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Marlin

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Dec 6, 2007
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I'm not doubting that the 2135 "can" work properly.

What I'm (we're) saying is that it appears that some of them are not working properly. I'm guessing that they are defective units.

FWIW: I've spoken to other folks who have bought these guns and returned them because they were weak.

I can tell you in my case 100% it's not the air supply. The 40 year old SO I have is stronger on the same air line in back to back tests. I dont have issue with any other tools. And straight from the tank I get the same results.

What ticks me off is that I bought the gun at a very busy time for me (move, new job, wedding, rehab, etc) and it's now out of warranty. My bad, but lesson learned.

Do any of you guys have a suggestion beyond "it works here"? Is there something inside the gun we should be looking at?

-Kyle
How old is it? It should have a 2 year warranty.
 

pipsters

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2 people I work with every day have them and love them. I consider the 2135timax and mg725 (which I have) to be the 2 best guns on the market.

I think there is something going on with your air setup. Find a shop that will let you hook up to their air before you blame the gun.

Being able to hold on to the socket is not a sign of a weak 1/2" gun. It's a sign of an improper air setup or a broken gun. Since you tried it with 2 new guns, I'm thinking it's your compressor. IF you could even hang on to the socket, a normally functioning 2135 would snap your wrist like a twig.

That doesn't explain how a $30 Kobalt is stronger on the same air line than the $260+tax 2135.
 
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