Picking Impact Wrench and Ratchet for New Compressor

[alex123]

Hey Everyone - I'll be buying the 30 Gallon Husky air compressor (5.3 cfm @90). I'm looking at putting together a shopping list to go with the compressor and would appreciate some input on my selection:

Compressor - 30 Gallon Husky

Impact Wrench - Kobalt 1/2" 1000 ft lb

IMPACT Ratchet - I'm looking for a decent IMPACT ratchet. What are some known good ones? The Chicago Pneumatic one from HF does not have good reviews.

Air Hose - Not sure which hose I should be going with? Type? Size? etc... ?

Couplers - No clue?

This is my first compressor, and I intend to use it just for automotive work. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Do not get a pvc hose!! They ****. I have a rubber hose that came on a reel that was being thrown out at work. If i were to buy one it would be the flexzilla or the diablo from hf. I can’t stand to listen to an air ratchet and compressor running if i can help it. I use hand ratchets and cordless impact wrench. I do have a craftsman one and it’s an upgraded one from there kit that came with my compressor

 

[dacan23]

This for a shop or home use? I dont know why any DIY home mechanic would go with air over battery tools.

I got a big compressor about 12 years ago, then 6 years ago I started to invest heavily in cordless tools. All my air tools and compressor were sold long ago, have never looked back.

Husky compressors are meh, friend just got a nice quiet Kobalt model. If I was going to invest in air tools, nothing Husky, HF, or Kobalt would be on that list. The nicer brands like Astro etc are not that much more. Surely some air tool fans can suggest more besides the big box junk.

 

[alex123]

This for a shop or home use? I dont know why any DIY home mechanic would go with air over battery tools.

I got a big compressor about 12 years ago, then 6 years ago I started to invest heavily in cordless tools. All my air tools and compressor were sold long ago, have never looked back.

Husky compressors are meh, friend just got a nice quiet Kobalt model. If I was going to invest in air tools, nothing Husky, HF, or Kobalt would be on that list. The nicer brands like Astro etc are not that much more. Surely some air tool fans can suggest more besides the big box junk.

This would be for home use. I agree with you on battery tools having its advantages, but they have one major drawback. When companies decide to go from the current 20V lineup to something more powerful... say, like a 24V battery. All the 20V tools become useless unless you're either willing to pay for an adapter (IF the company offers one). With air tools, even if the whole compressor goes... you're still left with tools that can be used on another compressor. Don't get me wrong... I'm not a fan of the loud noise air compressors make either... but constantly upgrading batteries is a perpetual problem.

 

[alex123]

Do not get a pvc hose!! They ****. I have a rubber hose that came on a reel that was being thrown out at work. If i were to buy one it would be the flexzilla or the diablo from hf. I can’t stand to listen to an air ratchet and compressor running if i can help it. I use hand ratchets and cordless impact wrench. I do have a craftsman one and it’s an upgraded one from there kit that came with my compressor

I'll check them out. Thanks!

 

[Locker537]

I'm all in on cordless tools, but I still want a compressor at home for nail guns, die grinders, paint application, and probably a few other things I can't think of off hand.

 

[jcthorne]

This would be for home use. I agree with you on battery tools having its advantages, but they have one major drawback. When companies decide to go from the current 20V lineup to something more powerful... say, like a 24V battery. All the 20V tools become useless unless you're either willing to pay for an adapter (IF the company offers one). With air tools, even if the whole compressor goes... you're still left with tools that can be used on another compressor. Don't get me wrong... I'm not a fan of the loud noise air compressors make either... but constantly upgrading batteries is a perpetual problem.

The newer Milwaukee Fuel line fixed that issue. Fuel tools use and inverter drive so the battery voltage no longer has much bearing on how powerful the tool is. Many are MORE powerful than the air or corded tools they replace. The M18 battery set is going to be around for many years. Air tools are outdated and cumbersome. I for one will never go back.

 

[alex123]

The newer Milwaukee Fuel line fixed that issue. Fuel tools use and inverter drive so the battery voltage no longer has much bearing on how powerful the tool is. Many are MORE powerful than the air or corded tools they replace. The M18 battery set is going to be around for many years. Air tools are outdated and cumbersome. I for one will never go back.

I'm not doubting what you're saying, but just curious to know why they would go from 18V to 20V if battery voltage no longer has much bearing on how powerful the tool is?

Edit: Just to be clear... not saying that Milwaukee went from 18 to 20... but rather competitors in the industry that are offering 20V

 

[GrayFlattop]

Tool companies that market their cordless tools as having a 20V battery are stretching the truth. In fact, DeWalt cordless tools sold in the EU are marked 18V.

If you take a DMM and measure the voltage of a freshly charged Milwaukee, or Bosch or Makita 18V battery, you will get a reading slightly over 20V. Same with the DeWalt battery. Over time, the AVERAGE voltage for all will be 18V.

Battery voltage is one measure, current delivery is quite another. And then you add in Brushless technology and your modern cordless tools will outperform most air tools.

Now a compressor is still a vital tool for many reasons, but impact wrenches are not one of them - particularly in a home shop. The Milwaukee Fuel (and Bosch or Makita brushless as well) impacts have tons of power.

 

[alex123]

Tool companies that market their cordless tools as having a 20V battery are stretching the truth. In fact, DeWalt cordless tools sold in the EU are marked 18V.

If you take a DMM and measure the voltage of a freshly charged Milwaukee, or Bosch or Makita 18V battery, you will get a reading slightly over 20V. Same with the DeWalt battery. Over time, the AVERAGE voltage for all will be 18V.

Battery voltage is one measure, current delivery is quite another. And then you add in Brushless technology and your modern cordless tools will outperform most air tools.

Now a compressor is still a vital tool for many reasons, but impact wrenches are not one of them - particularly in a home shop. The Milwaukee Fuel (and Bosch or Makita brushless as well) impacts have tons of power.

Hmmm... good point! So how long would 18V be around? Realistically speaking.

 

[dacan23]

Theres no such thing as a 20v tool, its a scam, its really 18v. Sure there are 24v or 40v 80v yard things. As long as battery tech helps increase the amps, the volts dont need to increase.

Milwaukee is committed to the M12/18 line in the long term. Only thing which might change is multiple battery tools for big high demand things like Makita is doing with the 18x2 stuff.

I am a big DIY mechanic and will never recommend air tools for a friend. Not dragging that hose around and having to swap tools on the hose only being able to use 1 at a time is unimaginable to me.

I'm not doubting what you're saying, but just curious to know why they would go from 18V to 20V if battery voltage no longer has much bearing on how powerful the tool is?

Edit: Just to be clear... not saying that Milwaukee went from 18 to 20... but rather competitors in the industry that are offering 20V

 

[Negen]

https://www.spairusa.com/product-category/ratchet-wrench/

https://www.spairusa.com/product-category/impact-wrench/

https://www.spairusa.com/product-category/impact-ratchet-wrench/

Impact ratchets are much much larger than air ratchets and I question their functionality for anyone besides industrial construction ( we used them for steel stair cases assembly) or maybe large engine disassembly. I could be wrong though.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[dacan23]

To be specific, the nominal state (not in use) of the batteries is 20v and under load (when tool is running) they only supply 18v.

All the 18/20v tools use series of 5x3.6v (18v) cells, these cells read slightly higher 3.7-4.0v when fully charged and not in use, they are only designed to supply 3.6v when being used.

Tool companies that market their cordless tools as having a 20V battery are stretching the truth. In fact, DeWalt cordless tools sold in the EU are marked 18V.

If you take a DMM and measure the voltage of a freshly charged Milwaukee, or Bosch or Makita 18V battery, you will get a reading slightly over 20V. Same with the DeWalt battery. Over time, the AVERAGE voltage for all will be 18V.

Battery voltage is one measure, current delivery is quite another. And then you add in Brushless technology and your modern cordless tools will outperform most air tools.

Now a compressor is still a vital tool for many reasons, but impact wrenches are not one of them - particularly in a home shop. The Milwaukee Fuel (and Bosch or Makita brushless as well) impacts have tons of power.

 

[alex123]

Theres no such thing as a 20v tool, its a scam, its really 18v. Sure there are 24v or 40v 80v yard things. As long as battery tech helps increase the amps, the volts dont need to increase.

Milwaukee is committed to the M12/18 line in the long term. Only thing which might change is multiple battery tools for big high demand things like Makita is doing with the 18x2 stuff.

I am a big DIY mechanic and will never recommend air tools for a friend. Not dragging that hose around and having to swap tools on the hose only being able to use 1 at a time is unimaginable to me.

Well, the good news is I haven't invested much in the compressor setup yet. Pretty much everything available on pneumatic is also available cordless. Except air hammers. That's a big one for me and am not sure what options would be available if I were to go the cordless route?

 

[GrayFlattop]

I know that Milwaukee has really "doubled-down" in terms of the 18V LiIon platform - continuing with it for many new tool releases - including applications that were previously "off-limits" for cordless.
https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/milwaukee-m18-tools-voltage-isnt-everything/40853/


Look, I know that compressed air will likely be around for a long long time and in high volume shops, it can still be the smarter choice, but air tools are cumbersome. Honestly, I haven't used any of my air impacts at home for a long time. Now we still use 3/4" and 1" air impacts at work from time to time, but rarely. The high torque Milwaukee was the default choice for machinery riggers and ironworkers that wrapped up a big project here last year.

Air ratchets? I have them and never been a fan. Many a bruised knuckle...

 

[alex123]

I know that Milwaukee has really "doubled-down" in terms of the 18V LiIon platform - continuing with it for many new tool releases - including applications that were previously "off-limits" for cordless.
https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/milwaukee-m18-tools-voltage-isnt-everything/40853/


Look, I know that compressed air will likely be around for a long long time and in high volume shops, it can still be the smarter choice, but air tools are cumbersome. Honestly, I haven't used any of my air impacts at home for a long time. Now we still use 3/4" and 1" air impacts at work from time to time, but rarely. The high torque Milwaukee was the default choice for machinery riggers and ironworkers that wrapped up a big project here last year.

Air ratchets? I have them and never been a fan. Many a bruised knuckle...

Do the Milwaukee ratchets have an impact mechanism?

 

[Tallpilot]

I'd buy a cordless impact and ratchet but you will still find the compressor useful for a die grinder and air hammer. It's also useful for vacuum brake bleeders and of course you can even fill your tires with it! I wish I could get rid of my compressor but we're not there yet.

For air tools I recommend Astro. Pro quality at prices not too far above the DIY junk.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Do the Milwaukee ratchets have an impact mechanism?

I do not believe so. I personally do not know of any cordless impact ratchets (assuming you mean something with a pin clutch?) - that doesn't mean they do not exist - I would never really look for one. I've got air ratchets and the Milwaukee 12V ratchets (rarely used, but that's just me).

Specifically what do you propose using a ratchet with an impact mechanism for? Just curious as the new generation of stubby impacts allow one to deliver a ton of power in compact spaces.

Milwaukee does make right angle impact drivers in M12 and M18 that I've found to be useful when working in close quarters, but that is 1/4" hex drive so it is really designed for working with insert bits - driving screws, running smaller nuts, etc. - not so much for busting out old fasteners.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I'd buy a cordless impact and ratchet but you will still find the compressor useful for a die grinder and air hammer. It's also useful for vacuum brake bleeders and of course you can even fill your tires with it! I wish I could get rid of my compressor but we're not there yet.

For air tools I recommend Astro. Pro quality at prices not too far above the DIY junk.

Good points all around!

 

[kctyphoon]

What’s an air tool? I have a 30 gallon compressor I haven’t touched in years. Dont bother.

 

[fordgasm]

What’s an air tool? I have a 30 gallon compressor I haven’t touched in years. Dont bother.

This. My 30 gallon Craftsman is sitting in my parents garage collecting dust. Once you go cordless you’ll never look back.

 

[Bill C]

Well, the good news is I haven't invested much in the compressor setup yet. Pretty much everything available on pneumatic is also available cordless. Except air hammers. That's a big one for me and am not sure what options would be available if I were to go the cordless route?

Good point on the air hammers. There is no electric equivalent.
While I have a lot of cordless tools and love them for the extra mobility, I think there is still great benefit to air tools beyond the impact wrench and ratchets.
The tools that justify investing in an air set up that cordless electric has no equivalent are:

• Air Hammers
• Die Grinders
• Cut-off tools
• Super compact R/A drills
• HVLP Spray guns
• Sand blast cabinet

Then there are also some tools which are very useful in the air-powered format such as air nailers/stapers... Plus vacuum oil extractors or brake bleeders.
Also... what about two of the most basic things:

• Filling up tires
• Blowing sh*t off

So if you think you will be using any of the above with enough frequency to justify the investment... do it. I still love having my air compressor and use it often.
As for the impact wrench. Honestly the Harbor Freight "Earthquake" impact family is pretty well regarded. I also second the Astro Pneumatic recommendation for most air stuff.

 

[Mr_B]

For auto work in a shop seting impossible do much efficiently if ain't got air, hard beat air for all round coverage & use, if using leak down testers, smoke machines and want nano tools and speed/power then air it is .
The simple blow nozzle is reason enough want a compressor ...

For home use auto work look at astro pneumatic, reactionless impact ratchets are game changers as is air riveter/hammer, 1842 and/or the nano impacts (1823, 1822, 1828) do you good and kick serious *** if run decent dynamic pressure .

Put more $ towards decent compressor and less on the tools .

 

[Tallpilot]

What’s an air tool? I have a 30 gallon compressor I haven’t touched in years. Dont bother.

That’s because it’s in your basement and you don’t have 300’ of hose.

 

[unslow1]

Since I bought an Astro Nano I haven't used any of my other impacts.

 

[kctyphoon]

That’s because it’s in your basement and you don’t have 300’ of hose.

Ah but I have 150' - and who wants to run that outside for small projects???. Granted if I had a garage it would be ALOT more convenient. I HATE not having a garage. Its tough sometimes to see what people get for their money in terms of an "average guy's house" that gets posted on here compared to what's available and affordable in my part of the county. Spending over $300,000 on an older house that's not what you really wanted, with no property and no garage is unimaginable to some people I bet. I envy what people can get elsewhere - but at least I dont have to get airlifted to a hospital and home Depot / Lowe's are both 2 miles away lol.

I tell myself - well at least your not in Brooklyn having to fight for a place to park..

 

[javajaws]

Good point on the air hammers. There is no electric equivalent.
While I have a lot of cordless tools and love them for the extra mobility, I think there is still great benefit to air tools beyond the impact wrench and ratchets.
The tools that justify investing in an air set up that cordless electric has no equivalent are:

• Air Hammers
• Die Grinders
• Cut-off tools
• Super compact R/A drills
• HVLP Spray guns
• Sand blast cabinet

Then there are also some tools which are very useful in the air-powered format such as air nailers/stapers... Plus vacuum oil extractors or brake bleeders.
Also... what about two of the most basic things:

• Filling up tires
• Blowing sh*t off

So if you think you will be using any of the above with enough frequency to justify the investment... do it. I still love having my air compressor and use it often.
As for the impact wrench. Honestly the Harbor Freight "Earthquake" impact family is pretty well regarded. I also second the Astro Pneumatic recommendation for most air stuff.

I'll add 2 to the need air list:

- wet polishers like the Astro 680
- hopper guns (For drywall, concrete, etc)

And in the nice to have list:

- vacuum clamping with a venturi vacuum (For veneering, etc).

 

[bobcatdan]

How do you guys without air compressors pump up tires or blow things off without a compressor, cordless inflator?

 

[Mr_B]

^
yeh I wonder the same !
I just done a 10 wheeler tyre as a quickie drive in 'can you do me a favour' job, wonder how long it take get that on the bead with a cordless inflator lol .

If you want good full capabilities in auto type workshop and do work in timely fashion a compressor is a must .

 

[Mr_B]

Since I bought an Astro Nano I haven't used any of my other impacts.

Yeh nano facom ns1600f is my most used tool for suspension and brakes work along with the air hammer .
The astro 1823 nano max is a cheap all round capable compact impact and the 1822 and 1828 ideal when only the smallest or light weight tool required .
They absolute pleasure use with low fatigue and no struggling fitment like a bulky large impact tool .
on a proper air setup with ballpark of 120psi dynamic pressure the power to size is insane .

 

[Tallpilot]

Ah but I have 150' - and who wants to run that outside for small projects???. Granted if I had a garage it would be ALOT more convenient. I HATE not having a garage. Its tough sometimes to see what people get for their money in terms of an "average guy's house" that gets posted on here compared to what's available and affordable in my part of the county. Spending over $300,000 on an older house that's not what you really wanted, with no property and no garage is unimaginable to some people I bet. I envy what people can get elsewhere - but at least I dont have to get airlifted to a hospital and home Depot / Lowe's are both 2 miles away lol.

I tell myself - well at least your not in Brooklyn having to fight for a place to park..

You have my sympathies. I lived in the city for a few years. Back then I more or less lived out of a suitcase so the lack of space didn’t bother me much.

At least most of the homes on Staten Island have driveways.

 

[C.L S2000]

Couplers - No clue?

If you are going to go with a compressor set up (I have a 20 gallon and use it all the time in my home garage) , this is the one I have used for a few years. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008V6ZKDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[alex123]

Thanks to everyone for the great information and support. I thought about all the pros and cons for both compressors and cordless. It seems to me that the best approach is to have certain tools as cordless, and others as an air compressor. I priced out each tool, and based on the the chart, the following tools will be purchased as cordless:

• Impact Wrench
• Ratchet
• Cutoff Tool
• Saw (Hackzall)

The next 4 tools will need to be pneumatic:

• Air Hammer
• Scraper
• Brake/Fluid Extraction Kit
• Tire Air Hose w/ Gauge

Given my requirements for air tools, which size air compressor would suffice?

Edit: I totally forgot about die grinders. I won't be using it much, but in case I do need it, would a simple Dremel tool suffice? I already own a Dremel rotary tool.

 

[hangfirew8]

For couplers, I highly recommend Milton V High Flow's. They're inexpensive but not cheap. Be sure to replace the on one your compressor to get the best performance through the whole system.

High flows (a different brand) transformed my 10gallon, 1/3HP air compressor into something useful to run a 600 ft/lb impact wrench. I had just enough air to take off all 6 lug nuts (on setting "1" of "5") before it had to recharge. So if I timed it correctly I with jacking and tool fetching I could stay 100% busy. With 30 gallons you'll be doing great.

I bought quality air impacts first (Astro Nano 3/8 and an IR 1/2) but for other tools I've been doing a try before you buy program. I get the $10 Harbor Freight air tool, and if I find myself using it over and over again, upgrade to a "real" tool. What I've found is that while a HF air die grinder is useful, it doesn't have 1/2 the RPM of a real brand like CP or Aircat.

And the cordless people really need to stop ******* in the wheaties. Name me a small handy-sized 1/3HP or 1/2HP cordless die grinder or reversible cutoff tool that runs at a solid 22,000 RPM and costs $99. Instead you get these monstrosities:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076S9YBMH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That expensive mess won't even fit under the fender! And for $149 doesn't even come with a battery. Sorry, cordless tools are not a universal replacement for air tools. And good luck getting one job done with less than 3 fully charged batteries.

 

[hangfirew8]

Edit: I totally forgot about die grinders. I won't be using it much, but in case I do need it, would a simple Dremel tool suffice? I already own a Dremel rotary tool.

That's a good approach, I have cordless tools I wouldn't want to do without. I would consider moving the cutoff tool to the air side of things.

As a die grinder, the Dremel is only good for small/soft work or polishing work. I still use both of mine often for that. There is orders of magnitude, no comparison to an air die grinder. And as a cut-off tool the Dremel is just awful.

I made do for years with a Dremel tool, with quality fiberglass cutoff wheels. Cutting off a single frozen suspension end link or 3 Ford ball joints rivets would take a half hour and an hour respectively, including multiple wheel changes.

With an Aircat reversible cutoff wheel, I could choose which direction the sparks went, and I cut off two 1/2" thick steel end links on my Honda in about 10 minutes, and that included changing out a wheel that was near end of life. Twice the work in 1/3 the time.

Dremel is 1/25HP or so, air die grinder is 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2HP depending on which one you buy. Think about that. Your 30 gallon will run a 1/4 or 1/3 just fine just not at 100%, even a 1/2HP with some waits to recharge, but consider that most grinding bits or wheels need a little cooling time anyway!

Think about that.

 

[alex123]

For couplers, I highly recommend Milton V High Flow's. They're inexpensive but not cheap. Be sure to replace the on one your compressor to get the best performance through the whole system.

High flows (a different brand) transformed my 10gallon, 1/3HP air compressor into something useful to run a 600 ft/lb impact wrench. I had just enough air to take off all 6 lug nuts (on setting "1" of "5") before it had to recharge. So if I timed it correctly I with jacking and tool fetching I could stay 100% busy. With 30 gallons you'll be doing great.

I bought quality air impacts first (Astro Nano 3/8 and an IR 1/2) but for other tools I've been doing a try before you buy program. I get the $10 Harbor Freight air tool, and if I find myself using it over and over again, upgrade to a "real" tool. What I've found is that while a HF air die grinder is useful, it doesn't have 1/2 the RPM of a real brand like CP or Aircat.

And the cordless people really need to stop ******* in the wheaties. Name me a small handy-sized 1/3HP or 1/2HP cordless die grinder or reversible cutoff tool that runs at a solid 22,000 RPM and costs $99. Instead you get these monstrosities:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076S9YBMH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That expensive mess won't even fit under the fender! And for $149 doesn't even come with a battery. Sorry, cordless tools are not a universal replacement for air tools. And good luck getting one job done with less than 3 fully charged batteries.

Thanks for the great info! I actually didn't know I had to change the fitting on the compressor itself.

 

[alex123]

That's a good approach, I have cordless tools I wouldn't want to do without. I would consider moving the cutoff tool to the air side of things.

As a die grinder, the Dremel is only good for small/soft work or polishing work. I still use both of mine often for that. There is orders of magnitude, no comparison to an air die grinder. And as a cut-off tool the Dremel is just awful.

I made do for years with a Dremel tool, with quality fiberglass cutoff wheels. Cutting off a single frozen suspension end link or 3 Ford ball joints rivets would take a half hour and an hour respectively, including multiple wheel changes.

With an Aircat reversible cutoff wheel, I could choose which direction the sparks went, and I cut off two 1/2" thick steel end links on my Honda in about 10 minutes, and that included changing out a wheel that was near end of life. Twice the work in 1/3 the time.

Dremel is 1/25HP or so, air die grinder is 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2HP depending on which one you buy. Think about that. Your 30 gallon will run a 1/4 or 1/3 just fine just not at 100%, even a 1/2HP with some waits to recharge, but consider that most grinding bits or wheels need a little cooling time anyway!

Think about that.

Funny you mention Honda end links. I have a Dremel tool and tried cutting off the end links a few weeks ago. As a Honda owner, you know how horrible the design on those things are... AND to to add insult to injury, they design it so the hex head rounds off easily. Anyway, using the Dremel for that was a total nightmare, and honestly, that's what got me on this thread. I need me some decent tools. LOL .

Edit: You mentioned considering moving the cutoff tool to the airtool side. I heard air cutoff tools take a massive amount of air... and only run for like a minute on a 30 gallon tank before the compressor kicks in?? Is this true? If so, I wonder how long the Milwaukee cutoff tool can go on one charge? I'm considering the Milwaukee line if I go with the cordless cutoff.

 

[Tallpilot]

Many people use a die grinder as a cutoff tool. That's probably not the safest idea. I'd say 1 minute is about correct with a 30 gallon tank until the piston starts pumping but it will keep providing 15 cfm of air for probably 30 more seconds. You can cut through quite a bit in 1.5 minutes. Then it's only a minute or two until the tank is back up to pressure.

Compressors are like everything else. Bigger may be better but it's also much more expensive and harder to move. For 1 guy doing non production / non flat rate work 30 gallons is fine.

If you are trying to beat the book or painting for a living then by all means get a 240V two stage. Otherwise a 30 gallon for 1/3 the price makes more sense.

 

[thefoobag]

Good point on the air hammers. There is no electric equivalent.
While I have a lot of cordless tools and love them for the extra mobility, I think there is still great benefit to air tools beyond the impact wrench and ratchets.
The tools that justify investing in an air set up that cordless electric has no equivalent are:

• Air Hammers
• Die Grinders
• Cut-off tools
• Super compact R/A drills
• HVLP Spray guns
• Sand blast cabinet

Then there are also some tools which are very useful in the air-powered format such as air nailers/stapers... Plus vacuum oil extractors or brake bleeders.
Also... what about two of the most basic things:

• Filling up tires
• Blowing sh*t off

So if you think you will be using any of the above with enough frequency to justify the investment... do it. I still love having my air compressor and use it often.
As for the impact wrench. Honestly the Harbor Freight "Earthquake" impact family is pretty well regarded. I also second the Astro Pneumatic recommendation for most air stuff.

been waiting for someone with a bit of sense here. If you are doing minimal work battery is fine, but if you're doing everything on a vehicle having an air compressor is invaluable for the exact reasons you have stated. doing any work in the mid west with the salt on roads without a die grinder/angle grinder/air hammer physically cannot be done without these tools. how the hell ya airing up tires? Those little pumps are cool but would take forever to fill my f350 tires. I use battery almost exclusively for impacts/ratchets but for everything else air is still king.

Harbor freight earthquake is the bees knees also.

also look for a used 60 gallon tank. I got my Husky 60gallon for 200$ used and have had it going on 10 years. They are hard to kill and will save you time and noise going up a size.

 

[hangfirew8]

Cutoff tools have to run enough to get the wheel hot but not too much and overheat the wheel. If you buy a good (not $15) efficient air tool, go for 1/3HP instead of 1/2, and pace yourself, you will still outrun a dremel cutting speed by 4:1 or more. Plus smaller air cutoff tools fit in tight places the cordless will not.

A small die grinder has a 2" wheel and while they lack a guard, lack the cutting capacity of the 3" cutoff tool, they are small and can get in really tight places. Smaller ones use less air but still outrun a dremel. Plus at 2" a face mask is sufficient protection if they shatter.

I have both.

Buy quality US wheels for whatever you get.

-HF