SNAP ON just released a MG3255 which is a 1/2 anvil on a 3/8 body sweet gun...
That's not a new release. I've been lusting after one for over a year now. Definitely not as common, as there's none of them to be found on ebay.
2115 cons
loud unless you get a qtimax
technically requires a small grease kit to properly lubricate the anvil housing
I have a 2125, which is the same gun, but with a 1/2" anvil.
I cannot speak to the volume of the non-q models, as mine is a qtimax, but it's volume is not objectionable.
The grease kit is a necessity. I used mine for about 7 months, and the hammers started sticking. Pulling the trigger, the anvil just freewheeled in direct drive, and if you put it to a load, you just heard, "Pfffffff" as air leaked through the stalled motor. I bought the lube kit that comes with a bottle of air tool oil, a tube of grease, and the mine greasegun/injector syringe tool. Grease the hammer case, and the hammers stuck a little less frequently. It took two full days of use before it got to the point that the hammers never stuck at all. I guess the grease needed to get distributed throughout. Moral of the story being, grease it before it shows problems.
The kit was $40 at NAPA. Potential buyers comparing prices should factor this in. Mine got daily use, 7 months was as long as I could run it before it needed the grease. If you're not using it every day (weekend warrior), you may never need the grease kit, but everyone else should probably plan on it.
I love the 3255 with the 1/2" anvil!
Between the IR and the SO though...no way I'd pay the new price on the SO. Too much...so I'd opt for the IR. But, used the SO is available in the $200-225 range, which is reasonable and more competitive with a used IR (~$150ish). And since many don't want a 1/2" anvil on a 3/8th's body...they tend the 3255's sell on the lower end of the scale on ebay.
BTW, if you want, you can also buy a 325, purchase the 1/2" anvil from SO and swap them out if a 3255 is what you want but you're having trouble finding it used. But, the anvil is around $50 from SO.
I've been wanting a 3255 with 1/2" anvil, but I too don't want to pay the new price. Lots of 325's on ebay, but few/no 3255's. I've been looking at getting one and converting it.
I have little use for a 3/8" gun. I have much use for a small, light 1/2" gun. My half inch impact socket set covers 3/8" through 1-1/2". The only thing I would gain with 3/8" impact sockets is sizing going down to 5/16" (who seriously needs impact power on fasteners that small?), and very slightly smaller sockets.
I'm torn between looking for a 325 with a pinned anvil, and just permanently leaving a 3/8"-1/2" adapter on it, or changing anvils. The adapter route does leave me the option of already having a 3/8" impact in the future if I find a use for it, and the pinned anvil *should* always stay on the gun when I pull the socket off the adapter.
I already have a IR 2125, so my needs are already met (hence the reduced need means I can't justify retail price of new), but there are situations where some disassemblies would be simplified having a gun with anvil stop to keep from slinging nuts.
thanks in advance
Sure I could send it in for their flat rate repair, but they're asking more than what the gun is worth. Hell, I could buy another used 2115timax for the price. It was great when it worked, but never again will I buy another Snap On air impact gun.