Reccomend a 3/8" butterfly impact?

[jmlcolorado]

I'm looking for a small, comfortable inline style impact. There are tons out there, but I don't want a cheap model.
I'd like at least 175 ft lbs, but the more the marrier right?
I'd just like some I out from those that have one and what they like/dislike about it, as well as anything in particular I should look for in one.
Thanks in advance!

 

[wyo george]

175 is a lot of torque for a 3/8 butterfly. Snapon makes one that goes to 90ft/lbs and the one from Matco goes to 75 ft/lbs.

 

[jmlcolorado]

175 is a lot of torque for a 3/8 butterfly. Snapon makes one that goes to 90ft/lbs and the one from Matco goes to 75 ft/lbs.

Indeed. I think I meant 75. As I research, I do see a few that get up to that 175 range.

 

[wyo george]

Gotcha, I havn't seen one that high. My old ancient IR is rated for 60 (I think) and I was thinking it might be time for an upgrade if the newer ones are putting out that much

 

[SantaAna12]

I have the old Chicago. Bulletproof.

 

[jmlcolorado]

Gotcha, I havn't seen one that high. My old ancient IR is rated for 60 (I think) and I was thinking it might be time for an upgrade if the newer ones are putting out that much

Do you find yourself using your often?
It seems like a very useful tool and wanted to add to the box.

Here are a few in the upper range
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-3-8...59?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2a526eea33

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-R...hash=item35b972a1cc&item=230744564172&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-R...813?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item259bb5ebcd

 

[wyo george]

Do you find yourself using your often?
It seems like a very useful tool and wanted to add to the box.

Here are a few in the upper range
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-3-8...59?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item2a526eea33

Honestly, no. I probably use it two or three times a year. I still like it and will grab it from time to time just for the heck of it.

 

[jmlcolorado]

Honestly, no. I probably use it two or three times a year. I still like it and will grab it from time to time just for the heck of it.

Is that because it just doesn't have enough umph?

I noticed that since I upgraded my air, I'm using pneumatics a lot more. It just wasn't running the 60 gallon oilless compressor. The oiled 2 stage is much more pleasent to run.

 

[wyo george]

Mainly I just don't use a lot of air wrenches, I have more than enough air supply and plenty of air tools, but since I'm no longer turning wrenches for flat rate I enjoy the relaxation of using hand tools. When I do need a 3/8" impact my pistol grip one is just more handy than the inline, except in certain situations.

I do like it when I need to zip up a dozen or so bolts that I will be going back over with a torque wrench, but mostly I use it when I'm feeling nostalgic (brings back memories)

 

[doan]

Honestly, no. I probably use it two or three times a year. I still like it and will grab it from time to time just for the heck of it.

I used mine for repetitive low torque stuff BEFORE I had good battery tools.

 

[jmlcolorado]

I used mine for repetitive low torque stuff BEFORE I had good battery tools.

I've got a solid Dewalt lithium brushless impact, which I really enjoy.

I'm already seeing a common denominator here that these don't get used frequently :/

 

[Rico.]

I'm just a DIYer and I was thinking about getting a compact impact for years, but
never pulled the trigger (pun not intended).

Like you I was looking at a butterfly and some normal 3/8" impacts. However,
also like you, the torque was always lacking for me. Also the main reason to
get a compact impact is the anvil to back case measurement, and all butterfly's
seem too be about 6 inches front to back and 2 inches in diameter.

After careful deliberation I finally decided to go with a mini 1/2 impact. The
same dimensions as a 3/8" but even though my one was a cheapie, it still
has 280ft lbs of torque and can be dialed down to only 11ft lbs for delicate
fasteners. I'm so glad I went this route instead of a weedy butterfly that
couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

Only if you're absolutely sure that the trigger handle of a normal 3/8" impact
or mini 1/2" will get in your way, could I begin to suggest buying one.

Otherwise get a powerful normal 3/8" or a mini 1/2" with a fully adjustable
power setting and you can use it for almost everything.

A quick pic of my mini 1/2" to give you an idea of the size..
It's less than 6 inches front to back.