Just Pulled Trigger 1/2" Impact Gun (First Air Tool)

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

I just got a BendPak HD-7W 4 Post Lift a week ago and a Puma 20 Gallon Air Compressor from Northern Tool. I was looking at Impact Guns so I can become a " Real Man". I wasn't sure if I wanted a 3/8" or 1/2"

I likley will use it for taking off the tires for brake work and just basic removal of parts off our 06 Lexus RX330, 01 C5 Corvette, and 09 Infiniti G37.

I never used an air tool before and read a post here and just decided to pull the trigger since it seemed to be a good deal. I hope I made the right decision.

I ordered from Lowes (on-line), even though there is a Lowes 1 mile away from me. I found a 10% off coupon code so thats why I did it on-line with an in store pick up. I will get it tomorrow as they are closed. Is this what I need? Also, do I need deep sockets, or will these included ones be decent?

I guess I need a 1/2" to 3/8" converter so I can use it on smaller bolts, etc.

With my 10% Coupn it was $134. Total Out the Door Costs WITH TAX
was $145. Honestly I am not sure how much I will use it, but now I have a few tools for a decent price.

I got a "Kit" with a 1/2" Gun and 3/8" rachet and some included sockets.

Ingersoll Rand 500 ft/lb Air Fastener Driver/Drill

231G Impact - 500 ft-lb max torque
• 170G Ratchet - 60 ft-lb max torque
• Variable speed trigger on 231G Impact
• Ergonomic Grips

9 Reviews on their site showed 4.5 out fo 5 Stars, so people seem to like them and I knew IR231G is a good gun, a little LOUD, but for the limited time I will use it, who cares.

If I don't like it,I can always return it easily. I almost got the Harbor Frieght One (Earthquake with 700 lbs.torque), but I like the looks of the IR better and do I really need 700 lbs?

Thanks Guys!

The Bandit........

P.S. I promise to post a bunch of pictures of my 2012 Garage Project and New BendPak 4 Post Lift very soon. I love it!

 

[garboui]

if your working on a jap car, be sure to get yourself a set of metic sockets. 12, 14, 15, 17, 19 , 21 are the important ones.

 

[brownbagg]

the ir 231 is the best gun ever made, I looks at all the tire people and that all they had so I bought one, its been ten years with no problems none at all. My next gun will be the same gun

 

[cowboy73]

Great start! Deep impacts are definitely needed for lug nuts. Get some impact extensions also in short, and long.

 

[G-Ram]

I've had that same gun for about 5 years now. I use it all the time, and freakin love it!! Good choice for sure.

 

[Cobra4B]

The 3/8" won't produce enough torque to get lugs off. I have one of each; 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 and I find that I rarely use the 3/8" for my automotive work. I use the 1/2" for getting big stuff loose like lugs and crank bolts and then I use the 1/4" all the time or taking body panels off where there are lots of little screws/bolts. The 3/8" is generally too bulky to get into tight areas and it doesn't make any torque that I can't make by hand... thus it sits on the air tool rack much of the time.

 

[SGKent]

Loosen each lug with a breaker bar just a little while the car has part of the weight on the tires. Lift the car and finish it by learning the feather the gun trigger. When you put them back on start each one by hand then again feather the trigger to snug them up gently and finish with a torque wrench. I've seen many wheels and studs damaged by a gorilla with an air wrench. Usually I put some grease or anti-seize on the threads.

 

[Kevin C]

The gun should have a throttle to snug the bolts up with. I always hand start lug nuts, run them down with the gun set on low and finish with a torque wrench.

My CP gun is still running strong after 30 years. I did buy a 3/4" HF gun for driving a screw type bearing press for my Passat's front wheel bearings. For the $70 I paid for it its a great tool, just way too heavy for regular work.

Impact sockets are always a good thing. From what I have read, they are actually =y better for the gun.

 

[DIC]

You did good with the Ingersoll Rand........

 

[Cobra4B]

1. Never start or torque lugs on with an air gun. Get them started a few turns by hand and only use the gun to run them on and get them snug. Tighten by and and then with a torque wrench. Check torque again after you drive around the block.

2. If you do use some anti-seize use it very sparingly. Most OEM torque specs are dry so using a lubricant increases the effective torque. I.e. 100 ft/lbs with lubricant is > 100 ft/lbs dry and in some cases can over-torque the stud. If yo over stretch the wheel stud it will weaken and deform. This could lead to it snapping or the nut galling the next time you try to remove it. That said, I use a tiny smear on my studs on my racecars where the wheels come on/off a whole bunch. I've had brand new Gorilla brand lugs (quality stuff) gall on new ARP studs... started using a tiny bit of anti-seize and it never happened again.

 

[Bull]

Everyone on here talks about the 2135. Nice to hear about another IR gun for once.

 

[machine_punk]

Good job! Once you get used to air tools, you will wonder what you ever did without them.

Kev

 

[theoldwizard1]

Nothing against IR, but I have found most ratchets don't have enough torque to do **** !

Anyone own an IR 109XPA (76 ft-lbs) ?

 

[Bull]

Nothing against IR, but I have found most ratchets don't have enough torque to do **** !

Anyone own an IR 109XPA (76 ft-lbs) ?

I own one of those. It will break some fasteners free, sure. I use it mostly to speed up removal after cracking stuff loose with a ratchet.

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

Thanks so much guys. I KNOW this isn't a $400 gun and there are better, but for my pansy ***, it will do just fine. I am not that much of a "pansy", just sounded good, so I threw it in there.

Thanks for the advice to get some different sockets for the Infiniti (Nissan). I might go pick it up right now on the way to work. I ordered it from the wrong Lowes (not the one 1 mile from my house), but the one 7 miles from my house. LOL

It's on the way to work, so here I go. m it's funny when you get new tools you look for a reason to use them. I am SURE I am going to go in the garage and hook it up and just screw around with it like a toy and shoot it in the air, vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, vvvvvvrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmm, I like the sound of the impacts. Next is tools to fill up my 3 level Craftsman FRolling Tool Chest I got 50% off on Black Friday.

Any suggestions on deep socket sets, or brands? I have a Northern Tool Close and all the other big box stores, but will buy online too.

Thanks so much for all the Positive replies. Yeah, the rachet said 60 ft lbs. tq., that doesn't seem like a lot???

 

[Alaric.H]

I remember my first impact gun I used to to screw every thing up.

 

[Vinci]

I just got my first non-inflator air tool this Christmas (IR 2130). I am really looking forward to not having to fight with removing driveshaft bolts!

 

[W650Mike]

Video with vvvrrroooommm sounds would be nice!

 

[tmcowboy]

Mr Bandit: When you go to pick them up, don't forget the oil...

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

Video with vvvrrroooommm sounds would be nice!

LOL

I might do it! As I said, I am way behind in my Bandit 4 Post Lift Thread. I need to post Part 3, the Final Chapter, which is me actually getting the lift (and the high lift garage doors, etc etc).

Maybe I will throw in a video of the vrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I play guitar now as my main instrument and played drums for since I was 6 (but rarely play anymore), so I have some rhythm and I'm sure I can make some IR231 syncopated vrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmm vrrrrrrrrrrrmmm sounds. I might even thrown in an air chisel to round it all out and do a few Saw Bends with a saw and screwdriver

I keep seeing the IR 2130. I remember looking at that one too.
Honestly, price wasn't a huge concern (but I am cheap), however, since I know I am not going to be using this tool ALL the time, it seemed like a very good deal with the rachet included too.

I didn't pick it up yet.

I am sure my new Gun will have a Huge "Impact" on my Life.

 

[graffix000]

Mr Bandit: When you go to pick them up, don't forget the oil...

Good point TM. Be sure to pick up a bottle of the air tool oil and use it everytime you use air tools. A couple of drops will keep the tools lasting and working well for a long time. IR air tools are hard to beat. I am a big fan.

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

OK, hopefully just a few guys will see this, but here is a little guitar work I did just messing around. No one ever sees it because I just posted it for me.

Now I have a wide taste in music, country, rock, mellow 70's, new stuff, even John Denver, LOL

This was me just testing my late 80's heavy metal guitar skills. I am almost embarresed to post this, Almost! LOL

Happy 2013 Guys!

The Bandit.....................

 

[sublimate]

Loosen each lug with a breaker bar just a little while the car has part of the weight on the tires.

Why? Is your gun not strong enough to loose them by itself?

 

[Cobra4B]

Why? Is your gun not strong enough to loose them by itself?

Yeah... the whole point of a good impact gun is so you don't have to go through the extra step of a breaker bar.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I own one of those. It will break some fasteners free, sure. I use it mostly to speed up removal after cracking stuff loose with a ratchet.

I actually had to break out my old 1/2 CP to get the caliper bracket bolts out of a 2008 F150 a couple of months ago !

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

Just got it. The model # says 2317G

Maybe because that's the number for the 231 that is included in the KIT?

 

[ixlr8]

Bandit- What are you using for the air disconnect fittings? You want the ones that will flow the most air to get the most out of your new toy.... tool. I upgraded my shop the "L" type fitting I was using to the "V" type, which has a higher flow. My IR impact wrench now has a lot more power and I have had to lower the air pressure to it to prevent over torquing when tightening.

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

ixlr8,

I don't know exactly what I am using. LOL I have several standard 3/8" connectors I got from Lowes for my compressor, rolling jack (BendPak RJ-45) and lift. I just got several standard male and female quick connects and I assume I just attach ity to the bottom of my IR Impact.

Like this stuff:

MyNew GUN gun has a Black plastic cover over the bottom with plastic screws. It looks like I need to break the black plastic cover off so I can connect the gun?

I KNOW it needs to come off and it's no big deal, but I am just asking. It is a plastic Oval Shaped Cover. my 3/8" rachet just has a bolt attached to the bottom of it which I assume I just unscrew.


Here she is. It is pretty damn heavy actually. I can see why some like the smaller 3/8" Impact Gun for everyday stuff.

Actually, here is the exact Kit and it comes with a nice case:

2317G- Kit




This set includes a 231G air impact wrench and a 170G air ratchet wrench along with a five-piece socket set. The impact wrench's 6-vane motor yields an optimal power-to-weight ratio, while the ratchet wrench's motor delivers 55 foot pounds of torque and 170 RPM of free speed. Both tools sport an ergonomic design for greater comfort. A blow-molded storage case makes carrying the set easy.


Link to IR's Website with this Gun & Kit:

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/edge-series-tools/impactools/2317g


Just looked this up and Home Depot was $159.99, Lowes was $149.99 PLUS I used a 10% On-Line Coupon as I already mentioned $145 out the door with Texas Tax.
Pretty fair deal I'd say.

I don't have an oiler/dryer for my compressor yet. I plan to get one. All I have used it for is to lower my BendPak 4 Post Lift to engage the air saftey locks.

Is it ready to go, or do you have to do any type of maintence? It said somethign about oiling it? Heck, I am just bgoing to hook it up and go!

Also it has 1-5 setting, what do most guys leave it on for basic stuff like tire lug removal???

 

[Chin]

You can get a nice set of 1/2 deep impact sockets at Harbor Freight for a very reasonable price

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pie...metric-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-67904.html

Even better if you can get a 20% off coupon. They might send you a flyer or you can look in the back of road and tracks, there are usually coupons in there.

As far as oil you just need a couple drops into the air fitting each time you use it. You can buy it at lowes or home depot or northern tools.

As far as the fittings the one you got are fine. But the Milton V hi flo will give your gun a bit more power.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200319823_200319823

Let me know if you have any questions

 

[ixlr8]

Those look like standard flow couplers, you should be okay with those, I believe they flow better than the "L" connectors I had. A "V" coupler would be better, but probably not worth changing everything out. Your kit should have included some oil, if not, get some air tool oil. Before you hook up the air line, just put a drop or two of the oil in the air inlet, hook up air line and squeeze trigger for a few seconds, just enough to turn it, every time you use it. This will keep the gun lubed without having to worry about an oiler system. I suspect the 1-5 on your gun is for various tightening torque settings, I have 1-4 on my gun. On mine, 1 won't do much more than finger tight, 4 is threatening to break bolts, I don't use anything more than setting 2. You shouldn't have to break anything to put the connector on the gun. I suspect what you are talking about is the air exhaust port. The black hexagonal piece on the bottom of the handle I suspect is where the air connector gets attached.

 

[cashishift]

how is the puma compressor?

I've been considering that brand...

 

[Mandres]

I have an old IR 231 that's been very good to me. They're the old gold standard; the one every tire shop and auto tech used before they came out with the composite models. I've yet to come across a bolt mine can't loosen, but I'm just a shadetree kinda guy. They're easy to take apart and repair too if the need ever arises.

You'll definitely want to pick up a set of metric impact sockets. The Harbor Freight ones are cheap on sale and well liked.

 

[bcradio]

The 3/8" won't produce enough torque to get lugs off.

You have the wrong 3/8" gun then... mine takes them off with ease.

 

[Monkey Milk]

I say get some safety glasses and a good pair of gloves when you first start out and learn how to feather the trigger. Sockets, nuts and bolts will go flying with force until you learn control. Have fun.

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

how is the puma compressor?

I've been considering that brand...

Puma is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is an Ingersol Rand exact copy made by same company! Solid and already totally assembled too. Just add wheels and oil.

It is really nice! I could have got a 60 gallon for $100 more, BUT I had NO desire for that big of a unit as I needed it to fit in the corner by my lift and this one was perfect $399 on sale and I got a $50 gift Card for a promotion they had so really $350.

i didn't see any OIL with the unit and the plastic thing is definatly a cover they use for shipping. I'll take a picture and post it.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

The black plastic thing is just a plug, you pry it out with your fingers. You shouldn't have to unbolt anything on either tool, the bolt there is to help you tighten your air inlet fitting.
A couple drops of oil in the inlet is essential...grab an air accessory kit, most come with a dropper sized thing of oil (along with a ton of other handy connectors and tape and such).
Use the gun on whatever setting results in enough torque to get the job done.
Never force the issue when it comes to assembly, if it's not threading smoothly by hand, don't use the gun to make it thread.
Always wear safety glasses, you never know what will go flying when things break free...and things can shatter unexpectedly.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I think that impact will serve you for a long time as long as it's taken care of.

If you buy one set of impact sockets at a time, I'd start with deep wells first.

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

Here is that plastic thing on the bottom of my Impact Gun. Do I just rip it off?

 

[2001RedCoupeBandit]

Thanks Guys