New Tools Delivered

[CLee0507]

Hi all, FedEx just delivered a package today that I ordered from Tooltopia a couple days ago. I ordered a 1/4" and 3/8" Gearwrench ratchet, 1/4" extension set and a 1/2" standard and metric Sunex impact set. Tooltopia shipped it out in two packages, everything was in this one except for the 1/4" ratchet which will be here Tuesday.

Anyway just wanted to say the impacts are very nice and I like the fact they laser marked them along with engraving for the sizes. They feel very heavy duty and have a great finish. The Gearwrench stuff is very nice as well, I have heard alot of great reviews on their ratchets and thought I'd try them out myself. I do have both the roto ratchets and quality is awesome.

Here is a pic of my new tools.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Those Sunex impact sockets look to be a smoother finish than other Sunex sockets I used/seen. They are more like the new Gearwrench impact sockets, makes me think hmmmmm......

TheGrooveking

 

[diesel research]

I have sunex that survived years of use and still have great finish to them.

My personal preference in 1/2" drive is the 39/40 pc deep/shallow sets.

The finish should stay that way for a long time and even survive the wire wheel pretty well. (don't ask, just an experiment)

Would choose them over GP if only for the easier warranty, even though I haven't ever had to use it. The GP guys usually claim that sunex doesn't have stamped markings. Mine did, glad to see they still do. Although the laser stuff hasn't really came off either.


Will go so far as to say the finish is far superior/durable compared to usa brands such as the older williams/kobalt, matco, cman, and snapon. Not sure what they are doing in taiwan, but they have plating/coating technology down pat. Before someone claims that is a purely superficial argument, let me remind them that coatings protect against rust. Rust is more than simple appearance. Even with frequent oiling, the snap ons especially, flash rust quick. Plus the coating came off within a month or 2. Admittedly, they were significantly easier to read after the coating came off.

 

[CLee0507]

Regarding GP vs Sunex, for me it was literally a toss up. I read reviews here and other places for a while and came to the conclusion they are pretty much 50/50 as far as preference goes. I think I read that GP's are warranted on the one of the tool trucks but I don't have that option so I chose based on price, which basically was just a few bucks. After I ordered I did notice that the GP set I was looking at had a removable lid which would have been nice, but I am in no way disappointed. Time will tell how they hold up, I just work on my own cars and help some friends at home so this "should" be the last time I buy impacts, besides the deep ones of course.

This is my first set of impacts btw. I am currently shopping locally for a nice IR 231c. Found a what seems to be nice set at Lowes of a 231g wrench with a 3/8" air ratchet for $149. It comes with a few sockets which I don't need now but I can't decide if I should get that or go with a 231c or 2130 composite model. Spending extra on the 2130 I don't know if it's worth it really, its not like I'm going to be using this everyday like a mechanic, but it would be more comfortable when I do. My funds are not unlimited but I would like a nice gun with decent torque, but I don't need one of those NASCAR guns either.

 

[diesel research]

You can't really go wrong with most of the 1/2" IR guns. Coworker has the lowes kit. The gun is actually a slight upgrade from 231C. Think it might be called "g" or something. A slight difference in torque rating and a rubber grip. For the price, the air ratchet is almost free. The SLTG (nascar one) is ok, but didn't notice much difference between 231c/g and sltg. All similar weight (a bit heavy) all rugged, all similar sound and power.

Of course I would say 2135timax, but that is probably out of your price range.

 

[CLee0507]

You can't really go wrong with most of the 1/2" IR guns. Coworker has the lowes kit. The gun is actually a slight upgrade from 231C. Think it might be called "g" or something. A slight difference in torque rating and a rubber grip. For the price, the air ratchet is almost free. The SLTG (nascar one) is ok, but didn't notice much difference between 231c/g and sltg. All similar weight (a bit heavy) all rugged, all similar sound and power.

Of course I would say 2135timax, but that is probably out of your price range.

You know what, I'm heading to Lowes then!!! Thanks for the quick reply. I did check those timax's out and you are right...to much for me but that Lowes deall seems just right.

Anyway I was also gonna mention I saw the HF Earthquake's too on sale for $79.99 one night, then I went to the local pawn store and found the same gun for....guess what $79.99. The only difference was the one at HF is new and the one at the pawn store looked like it had been through hell and back.

My point is, around here people think that their used junk is worth new prices, and btw the guy behind the counter does not like to dicker with price either. What's on the tag is what he wants bottom line. It *****.

 

[diesel research]

Here is some handy stuff if you ever want to use those sockets with 3/8" drive stuff like that air ratchet.

http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-103ra.aspx

 

[fordbroncodave]

heck i coulda sold you 10-27mm deep impact sockets. i got $35 for the set when i sold them

 

[pipsters]

Walk don't run to HF and get one of those Earthquakes. I just got one, $71.99 after 20% off. It is really good. Also HF's hi-flo connectors are all on clearance. Got a couple of those too, and a new Goodyear hose.

I'm impressed with the Earthquake, I had a Kobalt/Lowes 1/2" and thought it was pretty good, but nope!

No idea about the 231C, but I believe they are now made in Taiwan/China as well now. And they are HEAVY. Heavier than the Earthquake IIRC.

 

[CLee0507]

Well, I just got back from Lowes. I did pick up the 231G kit they had with the 170g ratchet. Also picked up a Bosch 18v cordless drill and some bits and drivers. Thanks for the replies, I need to go play with my new toys.

 

[CLee0507]

Here is some handy stuff if you ever want to use those sockets with 3/8" drive stuff like that air ratchet.

http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-103ra.aspx

I didn't see your post until after I replied. Looks like a great idea. Also, do you guys recommend using impact sockets with the air ratchet or could I get buy with my chrome ones. I've heard both befo reand honestly I don't see why I couldn't because the air ratchet isn't putting out more force than I do manually sometimes.

 

[diesel research]

Chrome is fine.

Most of IRs products have been made overseas for quite some time if I'm not mistaken. I haven't seen any USA made impacts in actual use except for some snap on MGs. Saw a sioux, but the tech never uses it.

 

[tonydanzah]

Chrome is fine.

Most of IRs products have been made overseas for quite some time if I'm not mistaken. I haven't seen any USA made impacts in actual use except for some snap on MGs. Saw a sioux, but the tech never uses it.[/QUOTE

The hammerhead is made in the US and my 3/8 titanium says USA and the 1/2 says assembled in the USA

 

[CLee0507]

The one I got is made in China. It does not bother me that much. At least it will match some of my other tools, lol. Tooltopia does have a 231USA model with the stars and stripes paint scheme that is supposedly made in the US for $130 (I think).

 

[diesel research]

The hammerhead is made in the US and my 3/8 titanium says USA and the 1/2 says assembled in the USA

Can't find any COO on my 3/8 TI or matco rebranded 2135ti