Old air tools and parts

[_brian_]

I have an old Craftsman impact wrench, Model 875.188840, that just sits on the shelf. I assume this is one of the 250 foot pound rates units. The tool works, everything moves and it will tighten and remove a lug nut, but either I have just adjusted too much to more modern high power units, or age and wear has taken its power. I did pull it apart and give it a cleaning and lube refresh, but little difference was noticed.

What do those here do with such things? I am sure someone somewhere would like to have parts at least. I am in search of a "parts" Earthquake EQ38R, the part I need will cost me more than a new unit, which seems common. Is there some place people go for such things (parts tools), aside from eBay? I doubt it is worth rebuilding due to cost, throwing it away seems wasteful (especially since I know what it is like to be in need of parts), and letting it rot on a shelf is just as wasteful.

Do you folks think that parts tools have any real use? Do I just toss it on eBay for $10? I just do not want to throw it away when as a person who fixes things, I know there is value in parts.

 

[vssjim]

That Craftsman impact is not and was never a powerhouse really almost by design. It is very durable but a standard Japan made sold by many impact wrench made for lots of companies but not much in demand because of low power compared to even a number of other models back when it was made.

 

[sberry]

the part I need will cost me more than a new unit, which seems common. Is there some place people go for such things (parts tools), aside from eBay? I doubt it is worth rebuilding due to cost,

You answered the question. There is no glory in being a compulsive just collector, any parts in it are worn out, throw it away and see how you feel about it in a month.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'd just sell it off on ebay or a local marketplace. Somebody can buy it and it's their responsibility, or it can sit unsold for 6 months and you can put it in the scrap bin. Who knows, it could get melted down and reused in another impact. I get not wanting to be wasteful, but it's a serious pain to have to hold onto and store things like that.

 

[dsimatt]

Give it to someone if they could use it or just throw it out as its worth nothing. The problem is these days you can buy a brand new cheap impact with as much or more power for the same price parts will cost.

I run IR well now Matco air impacts, I replace keeper rings and 1 anvil, when the 2nd anvil is worn out I throw the gun away and buy a new one.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Get rid of it. Even HF's all metal construction earthquake guns are more powerful.

 

[sberry]

People pay 4$ for a coffee, 30 cents for a cigarette, cant toss something in to the recycle has 15 cents of value. I get it all the time, find a can of spray knocked around cause they find a returnable can they save in the tool box has 10 cents return if you could find a store that took it.
Someone cleaned the cans the other day, good, took the ones they could return easy, I threw the rest in the trash, someone dug then out, wants me to save them.
Same for hose clamps,,, but they are good,, ok, take them home. I replace a regulator , found the broke one back on the shelf in a box,, wtf,,, we'll I can fix it. No concept I would have to pay an hour, we stock them, cost more to make a shakey repair.
I know this sounds contrary to some I write here but it isnt. I fix stuff we need, lots of times its faster, most of the time we don't need to source parts at added cost, can do it easy in reasonable time. It's usually a concious decision. I threw an impact in the scrap a while back, one of my guys wanted me to save it,, we'll it kind of works,,, hard to understand I don't want to splain it to everyone what it is, have guys pick up a faulty tool, realize it doesn't work etc.
I was tempted to fix a couple old bat drills then I got one for my son for Xmas, cost 50$ and works better that the old one that cost 3x as much, only has 3/8 chuck, even with new battery has 1/2 the power. I am all about re use and salvage but I try to keep an eye on the practicality of it. Building cost of 100$Sq ft and people provide warm storage for garbage.