Needle Scaler, Who Makes A Good One?

[Renegade1LI]

I just tossed the HF Chicago electric one, every time I go to use it I have to disassemble and clean. I guess for 20 bucks it was ok, now looking at the Ingersoll rand 125A or maybe try the better one from HF? It's one of those tools that's nice to have when you need it. My air is clean, filtered, oil the tool before and after use but I think the Chicago electric one is junk. Any good suggestions? Thanks.

 

[nadogail]

You paid only $20 and got a working needle scaler? yes it needs maintenance, but I am sure your investment has been returned.

Try a Chicago Pneumatic, Grainger sells them; $20 might cover the shipping.

 

[Renegade1LI]

You paid only $20 and got a working needle scaler? yes it needs maintenance, but I am sure your investment has been returned.

Not complaining, just need a better one.

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

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[HAP]

If you want a good one, look at the pistol grip M7 needle scaler.

 

[GeoBruin]

Not complaining, just need a better one.

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

On the same aisle at harbor freight is the Chief model. It's a different animal than the "compact" version. Bigger, and much heavier duty. It's a beast. Several of their air tools come out of the same factory as Chicago Pneumatic and it wouldn't surprise me if this were one of them.

Edit: I looked at a picture of the CP and sure enough, it looks identical to the Chief. So it's a difference of $99 for the Chief and $189 (Amazon) for the CP. And the Chief goes on sale occasionally or you can use a coupon.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a 10 year old HF pneumatic inline one and it works fine. Before I went with the cheapo HF, intended for very occasional use, I did some research and everything at that time was imported- I didn't check tool trucks

 

[tom in nh]

Ingersoll Rand is what you need.

 

[plinker]

I've got this one, pretty sure its a rebadged IR, had the first one for quite a while, 5+ years, no issues. Traded it in for a new one last fall-ish. Near daily use.
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/mt1250/heavy-duty-pneumatic-straight-needle-scaler


I picked up the HF compact unit last time I was there a few weeks ago, 25$ seemed decent, pretty sure it's the same as the Bluepoint AT1212 (have one, wore it out after a couple years of regular use) which is possibly rebranded and/or a copy of the Astro 4320. The HF & Blue point are identical externally, hard to say much further then that.
https://www.harborfreight.com/compact-air-needle-scaler-96997.html
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Needle-Scaler-(Finishing-Tools)/Needle-Scaler-(Blue-Point)/AT1212A
https://www.astrotools.com/product/in-line-needle-scaler/

The compact ones are half the size and weight of the Matco, which is nice at times.

 

[TJMtl]

I have an IR, used it on my rusty TJ frame. I mistreated it with my old compressor that would drip water when it was run too long. It worked great.

 

[cgrutt]

I have the IR 125 haven't used in a while because I don't have my large compressor anymore but it worked great. Had very good reviews when I bought it.

 

[speed bump]

We abuse the **** out of these at work but they aren't cheap.

TX1B Scaling Hammers | Texas Pneumatic Tools

Additional Information Product Line Sheet Replacement Parts Needle / Chisel Scalers Made in the U.S.A. World class value pricing. Quality equal to or better than competitively made scalers. Tools have been proven in thousands of applications. Tens of thousands of these tools are in the field...

www.airtools.com

 

[Renegade1LI]

Got sucked in at HF, bought both, the little one was 25$. I might go back and get a couple more of the minis, just a nice size plus they're on clearance. Will give them a good work out this week end and see how they do.

 

[snakeeyes]

We use only texas pneumatic at work. Like stated earlier they are pricey, but made in usa and a workhorse.

 

[dutchgray]

I have a Chicago Pneumatic, it works well.

 

[cannuck]

recently bought a 100 looney one from Princess Auto (cdn version of HF). used on 1 job and paid for itself. Worked well enough but no idea of durability

 

[scooby074]

I have the Propoint one from Princess. Its a knock off of the IR. Ive beat it pretty hard removing rust, paint and weld flux. No complaints. I just broke my 1st needle after about 4 or 5 yrs. https://www.princessauto.com/en/air-needle-scaler/product/PA0008843625

 

[BarrelRoll]

I have a CP at work, it's survived almost 3 years in a mine covered in mud and rock dust getting run hard at times. I like the fact it comes with a chisel as well as needles.

 

[no704]

Just got the chief one from harbor freight. Made quick work of stripping plaster off castings.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I had an old central pneumatic, maybe 10 years old so I figured try the new ones out. I just just the mini and I have to say if works pretty good and a handy size.