IR 244a vs Thunder gun

[The Shop]

I've read a lot about the thunder gun but, I don't see that much about the 244a. Now at work my coworker swears by his thunder gun but, he has to replace it about every two years. Because by then it's flat wore out. And we are heavy truck mechanics so we pretty much use impacts all day long. Now i'm looking for a "no frills" impact that will take a beating and just keep on going, which brings me to the IR 244a impact. I know that it isn't rated as strong as the thunder gun but, i'm hoping that it will last longer. So, if anyone has any experience using the 244a please let me know.

And I just have to ask this for the fun of it. What did you buy first, the impact, or the impact sockets?

 

[#1SomeGuy]

IR 2135TiMax or 2135QTiMax...just buy the right one first.

 

[woody 73]

Our local sears store is closing this week, so I had been hoping; more like eyeing the thunder gun. Seems like the cheapest price on the web is about $212.00 dollars, darn that sears store has it priced at $290.99 on sale at 30% off plus on top of that you also pay the state sales tax, still cheaper to buy it on the web with free shipping.

 

[BK13]

To your second question, I STILL don't have a 1/2" impact... but I have sockets from 3/8" to 1-1/4".

 

[DavesGarage]

Ive had a 244 for nearly 20 years and never had an issue with it....until a few days ago when something happened with the trigger. When I plug the air hose onto the gun the thing takes off. I used it quite a bit back in the day (diesel mechanic) but I have never used a thunder gun so I cant compare the power.

 

[czgunner]

No thrills?
No frills?

 

[Fast LT1]

Nitrocat 1200k or 1150k or snap on mg725

 

[The Shop]

No thrills?
No frills?

I'm a better mechanic than a speller any day of the week.

 

[crewchief888]

IR231

IMHO best bang for the buck.

been using them for 25 years on const equipment.

bought my last one from summit racing, $139 delivered to my door.

 

[cassidy]

I am a heavy truck mechanic at a Freightliner dealer, I just don't feel the 231, while is a great value, has the power needed. Surprised you use it on construction equip. Then again I use my half inch for taking off semi truck wheels and rusty headbolts from truck engines.

 

[crewchief888]

thats why i have a 3/4" dr impact.

 

[SS5150]

I used a 244 for about 6-7 years, was a good, strong, reliable gun, but a little heavy. I tried a thunder gun for a week from my Cornwell dealer around '05, just didn't care for it. I ended up going for a 2135, (think that's what it is, it's the plastic bodied 1/2 IR) and I'm still using it. Hasn't been rebuilt yet. It's better all around than any other 1/2 I've tried.

 

[jredmond1107]

IR 2135... baddest in the land... buy an mg725 or an aircat if you want to buy the 2135 when either one dies in a year

 

[devoncoolman]

I have the 244a. Good gun. Not the most powerfull thing on the block. I used to have the thundergun too. That had more power but ungodly loud and spun really fast. Used to throw lug nuts across the floor. Ive had the mg725 snapon for over 5 years never had a hickup. Great gun. Used it on heavy truck repair also. Always broke bolts loose my coworkers titanium irs wouldnt. My buddy also has the mg725. He used really hard for heavy truck repair also for 6 years. He just sent it in for rebuild. Not bad for 6 years of abuse. And snapons flat rate repair is really good.

 

[MLB0611]

I own a 231, 244, and the 2135, the only reason I upgraded to the 2135 is weight and more power, great workhorse gun you will not go wrong with one of these

 

[GSteg]

I had the Thundergun and it was insanely loud. It's a cool gun, but not something I want to use every single day. Upgraded to the 2135QTiMax and it's done more than what I could ask for. I also own numerous MG725, but they get weaker over time. My IR is still running strong.

 

[cassidy]

thats why i have a 3/4" dr impact.

I see your point but It's a pain in the *** to drag out the big air hose and gun for just a few minutes worth of work

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Ive had a 244 for nearly 20 years and never had an issue with it....until a few days ago when something happened with the trigger. When I plug the air hose onto the gun the thing takes off. I used it quite a bit back in the day (diesel mechanic) but I have never used a thunder gun so I cant compare the power.

pm'd you on how to fix it

 

[cassidy]

I have been using the Cornwell Bluepower 1/2 composite gun at work on heavy truck repair for the past few years, it's been a good gun. Had to have the selector fixed on it once. I also have the 3/8 version and have beat the **** outta both of them, no complaints. Powerfull, light weight, and quiet. And better priced than most.

 

[bustdknuckle]

I have a ir 2135timax that I bought about 5 years ago and has been great. I have abused it at the freightliner I'm at now and at the Deere combine shop I worked at when I bought it.

 

[malibutwins]

I have the 244 it is heavy but powerful. About 8 years old on heavy equipment. I think it is almost like the thunder gun.

 

[cassidy]

The cornwell 232 is the same gun as the thunder gun except with a muffler and no fancy coating. google them both and check them out. The composites are they only way to go now.