Pneumatic/Air tools

[matthew_turner]

Well I think I am finally going to get some air tools. It had been awhile and I used one at my brother’s house the other day and it is so much nicer than my HF electric impact (that won’t break a lug nut loose).

With this, I am looking for recommendations; this is more hobby than anything so I don’t need anything super powerful, in fact I wouldn’t mind saving some on an impact so I can get other air tools. Here are some of the tools I have looked at (all IR mainly because it is what my brother has and they seem to have good reviews but I am open to others):

Ingersoll-Rand 2130 1/2-Inch Heavy-Duty Air Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand 2115TiMAX 3/8-Inch Air Impact Wrench (more $ but maybe better than the 2130 above)

These range from about $50 - $150 each on Amazon

Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8-Inch Edge Series Drive Air Ratchet, Black
Ingersoll Rand 105-D2 1/4-Inch Air Ratchet
Ingersoll Rand 1105MAX-D2 1/4-Inch Composite Air Ratchet
Ingersoll-Rand 3102 Super Duty Composite 1/4-Inch Angle Die Grinder
Ingersoll-Rand 7803RA Heavy Duty 1/2-Inch Reversible Pnuematic Drill
Ingersoll Rand 326G 3-Inch Edge Series Cut-off Air Tool, Black
Ingersoll Rand 302A Heavy Duty 1/4-Inch Angle Die Grinder
Ingersoll Rand 7807R 3/8: Standard Duty Air Angle Reversible Drill
Ingersoll Rand 3/8" Air Drill Keyless Chuck 7811G
Ingersoll-Rand (IRT5108MAX) Straight Die Grinder - Premium
Ingersoll-Rand (IRT5102MAX) Angle Die Grinder - Premium
Ingersoll Rand 308B Air Straight Die Grinder
Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 114GQC

There is also no way I would be able to buy all of these tools at once, so if you want to provide most used or most loved to have.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Burntrubber87]

From one noob to another. Buy an IR 2115 ti 3/8. You won't EVER regret it. as a trans tech i've squeezed that gun into some spots you can't even get your hand into, the lightness and the amount of power..crazy!

When I brought it into work the first day, it blew me and everyone else in the shop away when it was pulling lugnuts and engine/trans mount bolts, frame bolts, you name it..Never had I seen a 3/8'' gun do that before. Especially not deep in the Northeast rust belt. You just need to pay attention when tightening fasteners, and sometimes the selector switches likes to fall out occasionally. If I could only have one air tool for the rest of my life..my 2115 would be it. Buy a set of quality impact swivel sockets..(snap on) and you'll be unstoppable as far as auto fasteners go.

Also..a nice 1/4'' air ratchet. I have a Matco 1825 and it also impressed me, the more expensive IR 1/4 Ti air ratchet i'm sure is amazing, haven't used one yet. A 2135 or comparable 1/2'' gun, and a decent air hammer will get you pretty far with just about any job. Don't forget a hose swivel and prevost QD air fitting..

 

[Marlin]

Check out the IR Edge Series, for an impact I would recommend 2132G, which is based on the old 2131 design, real decent power at only 4.5 lbs.
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/edge-series-tools

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Check out the IR Edge Series, for an impact I would recommend 2132G, which is based on the old 2131 design, real decent power at only 4.5 lbs.
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/tools/edge-series-tools

Marlin,

How does the 2132g compare in reliability and build quality to the older Sears Craftsman Professional model 19905 and the IR2131QT (new model also sold at Sears)?

Also, were all the Sears 19905 models made in USA?

thanks,

 

[shampoop]

I have IR air tools and love them, but for a hobbyist the harbor freight earthquake stuff looks like it's your best bet. Having perfect balance, perfect trigger and throttle control, and being confident that it will last a few decades of daily heavy use doesn't matter that much for a hobbyist. The two most important things are how powerful it is, and the price. You won't care about not having a feather light trigger if you only use it sparingly. You will care however that it's got enough power to remove your crank bolt and axle nuts, and that it's cheap enough that you can afford other air tools.

 

[pipsters]

I bought an expensive IR impact as well, the 2135timax. My 1/2" Harbor Freight Earthquake was more powerful. I bought a 1/2" air impact because I needed balls to take stuff off, so I kept the Earthquake.

I'm sure IR makes good stuff but for my home use the HF Earthquake fit the bill, and the $75 price tag after 20% coupon was nice as well.

 

[RivennHewn]

Here's my little air tool binge:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179463

If you have the time, and put in a little effort, you can buy new tools for a lot less on Ebay.

Most of what I've pictured here have been bought for 1/3 the money of buying from Amazon.

Some are used, but rebuilt by reputable sellers.

I have a new IR 231c coming that I paid $51 for.

 

[Danglerb]

HF Earthquake is good stuff and cheap.
1/2 impact wrench is as powerful as anybody needs.
3/8 air ratchet is impacting, it is an incredible good deal for what it does.
Skip the 1/4 air ratchet, this is where a good cordless is worth the money for no air hose.
Cutoff tools are great, many prefer other HF abrasive discs.
Get the deluxe air hammer for $12 instead of the cheaper $7, its worth the money.
Who needs an air drill?

 

[Mastermind]

i agree the HF impacts seem like the bang for the buck, for air ratchets, i rarely use anything other than my 1/4" astro pnuematic, wich is tiny but packs decent power. the others collect dust. cut off wheel HF all the way. air hammer, i would spend a couple bucks on, the cheaper ones don't have the stroke or beats per minute to do much. heard good things about the IR ones, i have a matco wich i believe is an ir rabadge. snap on is the baddest, but way too expensive for a rarely used tool by a diy'er. die grinders, HF ones work, i have a couple for different things, my daily used one is a rebadged IR. air drill i would go name brand on. less noise more power, and a drill is gonna run a couple minutes in most cases.
oil when they come outta the toolbox, most anything will last a lifetime for a weekend warrior.

don't forget pawn shops, ebay, CL etc, if you find used truck brand stuff at HF prices, its a win win. and things can be rebuilt.

 

[Marlin]

Marlin,

How does the 2132g compare in reliability and build quality to the older Sears Craftsman Professional model 19905 and the IR2131QT (new model also sold at Sears)?

Also, were all the Sears 19905 models made in USA?

thanks,

The reliability is the same. The 19905 was assembled in USA with a large % of the components made in the US, however not enough to meet the FTC's requirement to label Made In USA.

 

[justanengineer]

I'd suggest buying used unless youre dead set on having one of those perfectly matching pretty boxes. Ive had great luck w/SO air tools being both cheap to buy used initially (<$50), (mostly) working when bought, and having rebuild parts available for the ones that dont. IR is another good choice, but it seems to me that they get abused a bit more than SO and Ive had less luck getting rebuild kits.

 

[billymade]

I have had good luck with used air tools: (ALL my air tools are USED)
Pro Brands to consider: IR, CP, Hutchins, National Detroit, Snapon, Mac, Matco etc. Many tool brands are rebadged IR's; Florida Pneumatic, Air Cat (Mac) etc.; so, keep a sharp eye out for those and parts can be had when you identify which model they are.

These below usually work and ready to go with typical run through with lube or air tool conditioner:

impact guns (retention rings usually need replaced; make sure anvil is in good shape, anvil is a good indicator of amount of use the gun has had, DON"T skimp on this tool! Get a Pro GRADE (IR, CP, SNAPON, MAC, MATCO etc.) and it will do the job that you need it to. Cheap guns many times will not even get typical or stuck lug nuts off e.g. craftsman $29 models)

air drills (make sure chuck is in good shape; Jacob chucks can be expensive on 1/2" drills, get models with forward/reverse feature)

air hammers (for the most part, some needed internal disks, stay away from guns that have barrels that have to be hand tightened constantly, AVOID models beehive retention spring but with go with the quick change chuck retainer guns, much better and quicker to swap out different chisels etc.)

auto body rotary sanders (check the dual action "wobble" bearings, part connects to the sanding pad)

saws (make sure all the parts are there, especially the saw retaining portion)

cut off tool (die grinders, check bearings are not binding, safety trigger good idea to have, shields keep flying debris from hitting you)

worst case scenario; I have had to take them apart, clean lube, possibly replace a o-ring or two, plastic triggers etc. IR air tools are easy to "refresh" using their tune up kits.

Typically need rebuilt used:

air ratchets

In the case of Snapon air tools; I bought 1/4 far25a, 3/8 far72b's that needed rebuilt for dirt cheap (less then $30 each). With the flat fee for rebuild (around $100); I still came out way ahead of retail. Snapon flat repair rates are typically; 1/3 cost of retail, so keep that in mind. This generally applies to other air truck tools as well; so, keep this in mind when considering truck tool brands.

Overall, I try to get used air tools for "dirt cheap" that way if they do need to be serviced/rebuilt; then you have room to get a "tune up kit", or other broken parts and still be ahead of the game. Many pawn shops will let you try them out at your shop for 24 hours and return if not working correctly. Again, it is the AIR RATCHETS that are typically toast (heads stripped out) and need repair; thus, pawned or sold. At fleas and garage sales; you typically, don't have the ability to test them out or return them, thus... my "dirt cheap" rule.

Current example: I bought a 1/2" craftsman badged older style IR impact 2131qt with no trigger; same model as in my box for $7! The trigger shaft was broken (inside) the body. I took it apart; removed the broken shaft, cleaned things up, lubed and swapped the trigger from my old gun.... WORKS PERFECT!

Rebuilt air tools from air tool service shops on ebay are also another option; typically, come with warranty etc.

If willing or able to service air tools yourself; I would point you in the direction of Ingersoll Rand: because of parts availability and reasonable prices for the tune up kits.

Snapon has some unique and excellent air tools that (to many) have become standards in the field and I personally, have truly come to appreciate! These models come to mind: far25a, far72b, PH3050B.

Lastly, on impacts: DO buy the new composite body 1/2 and 3/8 models, you will be rewarded LESS wrist and body fatigue! Newer air tools are attempting to address many years of NOT looking at ergonomics and temperature, reducing vibration, impacting blows from the human body! You many not think about this when you are starting out but these are important concerns for your long term health and impact that using these tools have on your body as the years go by. Gloves, eye, face and ear protection are a MUST and should not be ignored! Many of the new 3/8" impacts such as the Titanium series for IR will do the work of many older all metal very heavy 1/2 impacts and get into spaces they won't. Buy Pro Grade tools at cheap prices! Work smart; not harder!

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[atikovi]

Well I think I am finally going to get some air tools. It had been awhile and I used one at my brother’s house the other day and it is so much nicer than my HF electric impact (that won’t break a lug nut loose).

I got the latest IR 20V impact wrench and it puts all other cordless wrenches to shame. If your garage is in a residential area, the Quiet model of IR's Titanium impact wrench will keep your neighbors happy and is worth the extra money.

 

[crewchief888]

for the hobbiest spending big money on air tools is a waste.

i'd recommend
IR231 1/2" impact
IR212 (?) 3/8" impact (if you really have the need for air powered)
(i'd grab a cordless 3/8" impact)
SO 2050 or 3050 air hammer (cheap air hammers aint worth the space the take up in a toolbox)
HF 3" cutoff ( best tool you can buy under $10)
no air drills, grinders or sanders (money is better spent on corded electric versions)

dont get me wrong, i have, and use, most of the air tools you mention in a working shop environment where we have more than enough air to supply them.
at home i prefer electric, except for a 1/2" dr air impact.

just my $0.02

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My first question would be: What kind of air compressor do you have?? Air tools that take a large volume of air would maybe be a poor investment if your compressor is not large enough to run them for an extended period of time..

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I'm a big fan of Chicago Pneumatic air tools. I bought an IR 2135QTI but returned it after it wouldn't remove some nuts I thought it should. I didn't like the feel of the switches either. I went with a CP 7748 and it had no issues removing the nuts that the IR couldn't. I also have a CP 1/2" air ratchet, and air saw.

 

[cheechi]

I would only get an air drill if you need an air drill. They take a lot of air for something a cordless will do good/better job at. If you like the smaller size/weight of the air drill vs 18v, get a 12v! Unless you work with air because you have to.

Generally I would say if you have the money, IR would be my #1 brand of choice for anything air; tools, compressor, hose (though I haven't seen them brand hose in a while, maybe just places I'm not looking) accessories, everything. Back when I was learning about tools, IR = pro. Everything else isn't necessarily bad, and they may not be top dog (or never were) but that's just how I would do it.

That being said, my own air tools are combination of used IR, cman (an inflator/blower I HATE), HF mostly & Northern. Generally the advice earlier get a good top brand impact is good advice, but the 1/2 & 3/8 Earthquake impact guns are worth the money.

Generally I get an air tool either for something that air does it better than anything else (air hammer, cutoff, die grinder) or for tools that are another option or 'go with' tools I already have & use. I have the air powered oscillator tool that HF sells, actually needed it someplace near water where electric wouldn't be good and didn't even really trust cordless (sparks from the motor), so generally I will pick up an inexpensive HF air tool just to have another option. If I use it enough to learn it has limitations, or break it, it goes on the list of what I eventually buy from IR.

Impact, ratchet (if you want), air hammer, die grinder, cutoff, inflator/blower would be the 'basic' air tools I would get for a DIY garage, and anything from there you can get as you need/want. Crewchief makes a good point but I personally don't like electric die grinders or cutoffs. I do use my Dremel for everything it makes sense to, but I work with lots of small things and don't try to use it for something it isn't.

 

[matthew_turner]

My first question would be: What kind of air compressor do you have?? Air tools that take a large volume of air would maybe be a poor investment if your compressor is not large enough to run them for an extended period of time..

It is an older craftsman, with a vertical 30 gallon tank. I do need to check the CFM output, if I remember it is around 5 @ 90. I know if I start throwing money at a compressor too it might get silly to start going to air tools.

 

[RivennHewn]

If you shop, you can find a version of most any tool that requires 5 CFM or less.

I have grinders, drills, scaler, palm nailers, air hammers, rivet gun, impact and ratchet All of which are under 5.

 

[machine_punk]

I like to have one pneumatic die grinder for each type of tool I use (one set up for 2" ROLOC, 3" ROLOC, and a couple of different shapes of carbide burrs, etc). I was getting ready to spend big money on a few CP die grinders, but I realized that the HF model I bought (52848, pneumatic right-angle die grinder) has actually worked pretty well. So, for $25 a pop, I can easily afford to get a few of those (especially if I use a 20% coupon on them).

I really like the IR heavy duty body saw (IR 4429). It also has a muffler on the exhaust, so it is very quiet for an air tool.

For whip hoses (actually for any air hose), I like the Flexilla hose a lot.

I usually put a swivel of some sort on each of my air tools, so the hose doesn't get in my way while working.

My air hammer is actually a rivet gun for riveting, but it is fabulous. Find yourself an old Cleco 4X riveter/hammer.

The Husky reversible 3/8" air drill has worked well enough...that is, I don't have any complaints so far, but I do want a smaller, 1/4" drill for what I do. Of course, drills are something I like to have a few of too, so I can do each phase of a project without switching bits (pilot drill, final hole size, countersink, maybe one set up for a different size rivet, if my project has two different sizes of rivets in it). So, I've been picking up old CP 787's for cheap on eBay. They are not reversible, and they are a bit on the heavy side, but they have a cool case design, they work beautifully, and they are super cheap on eBay.

Kev

 

[RivennHewn]

So you're the one bidding up all the cool tools on Ebay.

 

[ekimneirbo]

Heres my take..........

First I agree with the guy that said .....don't buy air chisels with the beehive spring on the front. Watch Craigslist until one of the name brands comes up for sale that has a retainer on the front. Much much better tool. Too expensive new.

Second I would get a good quality die grinder that doesn't bog down easily.

Third Get a HF Earthquake 3/4 drive impact and a 1/2" reducer and you can remove anything you want. I have a 3/8 IR air impact ......never use it for anything because anything it can break loose, I can do by hand or use the larger impact if needed. They are a waste of money unless you perform a specific task regularly that only needs light impact.

For the rest of the tools, I would go with electric for angle grinders and buffers. Much easier to use than air tool.

For a drill and light duty impact I would go with Lithium Battery Brushless tools. I really like the Kobalt . They are inexpensive and have a 5 year tool warranty. $99 on sale at Lowes. Then spend $49 for a 4AH battery (3 yr guarantee) But, better yet, buy their combo with adrill ,small impact/sawsall/flashlight. You WILL be surprised how powerful they are. Trust me, I have a LOT of air and electric tools that I accumulated over a lifetime, and you will be happy with these tools.

If you drill a lot of aluminum (build airplanes) you will want an air drill. Other than that, you really don't need one.

Don't fall into the "beautiful toolbox" genre and try to make all your tools match. Get what works best no matter what the "name" is. You always end up with empty spaces on the tool organizers and different brands too. Harbor Freight impact sockets are cheap and work just fine. Regular sockets though, Craftsman or some comparible brand. My shop is probably better equipped than 90% of home hobbiests. I have a mill, a lathe, 2 drill presses,a 4ft and a 10 ft sheetmetal brake,2 migs,Tig, Plasma, Ohead crane,sandblaster,4 air compressors. Not saying that to brag, I just want the OP to know that I have the experience to make decent reccomendations about what works best........at least for me.

 

[sberry]

Avg air tool rating is 25 to 30% of the actual. Its not a true number but for plant engineering to use as a number for sizing service. a 6 inch DA sander uses 18-20 cfm, a heavy air impact near 25. Most real sanders almost 20.

 

[Doughnuts]

For the 3/8 mini gun the new IR15qmax is a better option it has a cut off snout. Better for clearance and weights nothing. You loose some power but it's for smaller bolts anyways. Also take notice that any ingersoll that has the q as an option is a wise idea. Without it the 2115 is way too noisy. The difference is a suppressor(its a 3 dollar piece of felt) way quiter. We actually turned my son's 2115 into a 2115q.

 

[Doughnuts]

I personally own the 308b and I dont love it. I had a snap on back in the day. I loved that one. The 308b has a ****** hard plastic casting that just doesn't feel very nice and I'm a huge fan of ingersoll. I also despise their 231 or similar aluminum guns. I owned one for a week and ditched it. Too heavy too loud and too weak. I actually prefer the original plastic 2131 to even their titaniums.

 

[sberry]

I should have a right angle. I have all 3 drive sizes in air ratchet, I actually use 1/2 drive some. For impact I am primitive and have a 747CP and a few swivels for when I cant hmake it work simple on a little brake caliper stuff. I have just enough scattered that I can make all my impact 1/2, don't even have any 3/8. I got a couple battery drive and a pool of sockets and for me it would just be another layer of tools I have been doing without for long time. Different than a rate specialist, if it takes 5 minutes longer it does, it cant take 5 hrs but its super simple.
RA would make it easier to remove brackets without turning the wheels but its not all that big a deal. I got 1 gun and should have 2, should have bought 2 over 20 yrs ago. Only upside is I am so used to this, got 4 speed fwd. My Bud brought me some deal from IR and it sounds like a Nascar and the CP is a Caddy.
New designs probably hit a little harder, this is old. Only some welded stuck stuff has given it a problem but more power is always good in this class, nothing on a car it cant do.

 

[Doughnuts]

One thing no one has mentioned maybe you're aware of milton hiflos on all of your fittings. The opening is almost twice the size on the same 1/4 adapter. Increases power tremendously over the regular fittings. My Top 4 are big gun, mini gun, air ratchet, right angle grinder probably in that order

 

[theoldwizard1]

Air tools are fading fast, especially for the DIYer. Unless it is a tool that need to be run for along time (grinder/sander) battery electric are much more practical.

When it comes to drills, I always recommend a light/medium duty (3/8") battery operated drill and a heavy duty (1/2"), triple gear reduction CORDED one. At least one should have a hammer drill capability.