Kobalt 1/2" Impact Wrench

[SoDoodoo]

So, I recently got a job at a dealership as a Lube Tech, and they told me I need an impact gun for lugnuts. I can't really afford an ir2135qtimax yet, so I need a relatively cheap one for now. So, I was looking at this one. http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1
And I was wondering if anyone thinks this is a good impact just for lugnuts. And if there are any other suggestions you guys had.
Also, there is no Harbor Freight out here and it's a GM dealership, so the big trucks should have some pretty high torque specs.
Thanks

 

[Super Sport]

Your best bet is to read the reviews on the link you gave us.

And HF does do shipping on their website, but you're still looking at 2-3x the cost as this one.

 

[firebox40dash5]

350 lb/ft, eh? I was going to say how could you go wrong for $30, but...

I have a 2135, and there have been times (rust, Jiffy Lube, etc) that it's had problems getting lugs off. I don't think it's ever failed to do the job, but I usually use a flip socket on a 3" extension, and there's times I've had to swap for a regular old socket to get enough breakaway.

I say if you want the 2135, hit up a tool truck, or check CL. The Matco and SO guys were both happy to give me a $300(+) truck credit line, no real questions asked, and no interest, and I have no issues using it if I really need something. When I was looking, I found that the Matco version was usually a good bit cheaper on the used market vs. the IR. I think I paid $150 for mine, well used.

 

[Johnnie]

I've read good things about this HF gun. It costs a little more but this should hold you over for a long time. You can keep the Lowes gun as a back up.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html

 

[MG44]

that kobalt impact will be a waste of money. Its not going to loosen real tough lug nuts, even with the advertised 350ft-lbs which in real torque is probably closer to 160ft-200ft-lbs.

I have a 1/2 and 3/8 earthquake, they are the older models. The 1/2 i used daily for years. the forward selector doesn't operate anymore as it only has "6" speed for forward (which is fine), but it loosens 98% of what I need it to. When it doesn't loosen them, I have a Cornwell (PTP) 1/2 that does the job.

 

[billymade]

If you want to keep the price low but still professional IR quality ; go with a classic Ingersoll rand IR 231C or the lighter composite body IR 2130, a composite gun is nice when working with it all day. The IR's are great because parts are available and they offer tune up kits that are affordable, if/when they need to be rebuilt. These are both less then $200; get some lug nut sockets and your set!

If you want to go really cheap; you can find both of the above used, all of my impacts I have gotten used have been operational and at the worst needed, a retaining ring or buttons, triggers replaced. Try pawn shops or flea markets; good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Marlin]

Get an IR 231, it will last you a very long time and will be a good back up if you ever buy a higher end impact.

 

[BobKovacs]

I've got that Kobalt impact, and it works fine for lug nuts and most other jobs I've thrown at it. I've got an older BluePoint, and the Kobalt is stronger. Don't know how it'll hold up in daily use at a dealership, but it's worked fine for me.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I've learned never go cheap with air tools...I would look at a good used SO of IR...I see them all the time on CL...Don't get the Kobalt....I've got one in the bottom of my toolbox, that should be in the bottom of my trashcan..

 

[pipsters]

When I first bought my air compressor I bought a kit from Lowes that had that gun in it. Incredibly, it took off everything on my older Volvo including the 30mm crank nut and 34mm axle nuts. Like butter. I bought the (old version) Harbor Freight Earthquake and it was a little stronger, but not by a whole heck of a lot. Thought I would "upgrade" and bought an IR 2135qtimax. That Kobalt was stronger. Surprised, I returned the qti and bought a straight 2135timax from Sears. Again, same story, the Kobalt was a little stronger and the HF gun kicked it's ***. I also bought the new version of the Harbor Freight Earthquake and it was by far stronger than all of them.

For the money, I would honestly spring for the HF Earthquake. 20% off makes it around $75 plus the flat $7 shipping.

If money is real tight you cab probably get away with that Kobalt.

 

[RM209]

If you're considering the ir2135qtimax, you've got very good taste; I'd like one, or a 2115, but just wouldn't use it enough to justify the expense.

However, I've used the previous generation of that Lowes' impact wrench, and it did a great job. I borrowed it form a friend who is a GM tech, and it was his spare. Did a great job breaking some bolts loose. Certainly a bit heavier than a 2135, but a great value. Lowes will also let you return it if you're not satisfied.

RM209

 

[fourtythree]

You can pick up a HF earthquake for 63 with the 20% off coupon. Its tough to find a better deal than that on a new impact.

 

[pipsters]

You can pick up a HF earthquake for 63 with the 20% off coupon. Its tough to find a better deal than that on a new impact.

They are $95, unless you bought one a couple weeks ago on sale you can't buy one for that right now. Also that was the lowest price I'd ever seen them at.

 

[fourtythree]

They are $95, unless you bought one a couple weeks ago on sale you can't buy one for that right now. Also that was the lowest price I'd ever seen them at.

They must have just gone back up, I picked one up not eve n 2 weeks ago. I'd still look on ebay. they usually have new out of box earthquakes for pretty cheap

 

[pipsters]

I wouldn't buy a single thing from HF on ebay. Not worth it.

 

[crewchief888]

IR 231

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