I am new into air tools, looking to buy a suitable impact wrench for general purpose automobile maintenance, such as changing tires, oil, etc. What is the minimum torque capacity I should get? I have 1/4" hose line installed with 2.5 HP compressor. Thanks for the help!
Need help on buying impact wrench
- Thread starter visedog
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buckwheat_la
Well-known member
I have almost this exact thread a couple threads below
encantofred
Well-known member
i have the aircat and it is awesome. a buddy of mine bought one as well.
tom
tom
Minimum I would get would be 600. You want to up that hose to 3/8" also. Look at an Earthquake from HF if you're wanting to stay on the cheap. Nitrocat's and Aircat's are real strong.( Nitrocat's have pin style hammers, Aircat's have twin hammers) . Also a great wrench is the CAT4150 Cornwell (this is also the Napa 6-1123) Light as a 2135timax, and just as strong, tough as nails, and shorter than other full sized 1/2" impacts. Craftsman 19905 can be had for cheap used on ebay(this is an IR 2131 in Craftsman colors). Nesco NP745xlt is a great one and can be had from many companies, ATD2102, US General sold it some time ago as well, Rodcraft sells it and many others, and it's cheap used if you can find one. They are strong wrenches as well.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I've recommended Aircat 3 times since yesterday, but more importantly, how many gallon compressor do you have? If you only have a 5 gallon compressor or something smaller, you're going to be very limited in what you can do. I use 3/8" hose with 3/8" body automotive coupler plugs.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Aircats haven't lasted in our shop. We've had great success with the IR 2135TIMAX series and the fairly new line of Proto Impact wrenches. I find the new IR2235 to also be a great impact but, it's a little on the heavy side.
However, I don't think any of these impacts will work with your compressor. You need at least 4-6 CFM @ 90 psi.
In reality if all you're going to do is pull wheels, all of these impacts would be overkill.
However, I don't think any of these impacts will work with your compressor. You need at least 4-6 CFM @ 90 psi.
In reality if all you're going to do is pull wheels, all of these impacts would be overkill.
bcradio
Well-known member
I agree with pretty much all the suggestions in here so far, but mainly you need to upgrade to 3/8" hose.
md21722
Well-known member
Ditto on the 3/8" hose.
Unless you are doing truck wheels or crank bolts on a regular occurrence, one of the compact 1/2" guns would be the ticket. You are going to want one of the more expensive guns with that compressor as they are more efficient.
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Agreed. That's why I think the IR stubby is the way to go, and it's not that expensive.
Unless you are doing truck wheels or crank bolts on a regular occurrence, one of the compact 1/2" guns would be the ticket. You are going to want one of the more expensive guns with that compressor as they are more efficient.
Thanks for all the great replies! Aircat looks impressive (though overkill for what I intend to do). Ingersoll Rand 1/2" drive is more in my price range.
Since most of you recommend upgrading to a 3/8" hose line, do you think it will make any difference with my small compressor (8 gal tank, 2.5Hp, 120 psi)?
Since most of you recommend upgrading to a 3/8" hose line, do you think it will make any difference with my small compressor (8 gal tank, 2.5Hp, 120 psi)?
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Aircat is cheaper than IR though and more powerful dollar for dollar. I think that compressor is just a bit too small for any real heavy use.
General Geoff
Well-known member
Not going to run any high powered 1/2" impact gun on a 2.5hp compressor with 8 gal tank. You need at least 6 cfm @ 90psi at the compressor to get consistent full power out of an impact gun, or a bigger tank to at least get a brief hit at full strength.