I found this site about a week ago and I am enjoying all of the information. I have done some searching about impact guns and have narrowed my choice down to a Nitrocat. This impact gun will only be used at home and on the weekends. So it won't get a lot of use. I know people would suggest getting a full size 1/2 and then a 3/8 impact. I won't use it that often and I don't have a lot of money to spend on tools, so would I get by with a mini 1/2 Nitrocat? It should have enough power to do most tasks, right? Thanks again for the help.
Nitrocat Mini 1/2 or Full Size Nitrocat 1/2
- Thread starter 98riv
- Start date
If I can only have 1 gun it would be 3/8" drive nitrocat impact, it would tackle the most jobs due to the sockets are slimmer. I think the 3/8" and the mini 1/2" is the same stuff inside just the square drive size is different, at least the specs are similar
l_bilyk
Well-known member
Probably yes, but then there is suspension work that requires a 1/2" gun. Most of the stuff the 3/8 gun will handle you can probably remove with just a ratchet. But then you're going to come across larger bolts that are awkward to remove using breaker bars and the sort and that require a larger impact wrench... so i think it's better to start off with the 1/2 drive. Why don't you just buy something like an IR231? They are cheap and tough as nails
I have one, its really nice. very light, powerfull too, however its no where near 700 ft lbs like it advertises, I did a test with a 12mm bolt and nut, one end went in a vice and the socket on the other to see if/how long it would take to break the bolt, the Nitrocat was slightly ahead of my IR 2115QTi
so I would guess 350-400 ft lbs is reasonable, it obliterated 2 Mac thin wall impact wheel lug sockets without much effort.
Its quiet, louder than my IR2135QTiMAX however.
The final thing I noticed about it is the fact torque sticks arnt very accurite with this gun, the lowest forward setting puts nuts on at about 50 ft lbs the second setting puts it near 110 ft lbs with my snappy 80 ft lb stick
my IR puts them 75-85 almost every time on the second setting.
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I have the regular 1/2" and love it. As for torque sticks...each to their own, you'll never catch me using one.