Recommemd 1/2 impact wrench

[Mr.Nutcase]

My matco composite ( IR made) has broken the anvil, should have rebuilt, or best to buy a new gun? I been using this gun. since 2012. Don't recommend me milwaukee m18, mine stop working, i gonna have to send thst gun for warranty. How are guns in the pictures? Any have used the snap on ones? They seem heavy

 

[dchawk81]

Rebuild is going to be less expensive, obviously. Or should be in a sane world. Nothing wrong with that route.

I have the MG725 and Nitrocat 1250k. The 1250k is smooth as butter compared to the MG725 but they're about equal on power, at least if you give them plenty of air.

The 1250K uses a different hammer mechanism, which is why it's so smooth. I prefer it over the MG725

That IR looks familiar. I don't remember if I had one many moons ago but that photo reminds me of it. I wasn't overly impressed. I didn't know then what I know how with respect to air though either, so knowing me I was probably trying to run it with 1/4" hose, restrictive fittings, and a pancake.

 

[rbgearz]

I've had my IR for years. Highly recommend it.

 

[msharley]

IR has an EXCELLENT SERVICE DEPT.!

They are very reasonable...

 

[Rinspeed]

I've had the Aircat 1150 for a couple years and have been very happy with it, more than enough power for any of my needs. IR is nowhere near the company they were 30 years ago.

 

[Mr_B]

Astro 1894 .
might be around half a pound heavier than some options but the stubbier shape keeps weight balanced thus feels easy in the hand & easier fit in tighter work areas .

 

[bob15]

Air or battery?

Air: my 2131 is still hanging in there after 23-24 years....food for thought
battery: makita xwt08z

 

[Walkers]

Should be able to get a new anvil for it.

 

[speed bump]

I'm pretty happy with my Aircat 1250, I've had it for at least ten years and while I don't use it much anymore it does the job.

Outside of that I would look at the Astro stubby, not as powerful but it's a lot smaller

 

[wafrederick]

Since it is a rebranded IR,get a new anvil from IR

 

[setfocus]

The IR 2135qxpa, from what I've read, is essentially the same as the old quiet model 2135qtimax (the quiet version that matco and Mac use to sell rebadged) but with aluminum hammer case and rated something like 80 ft/lbs less torque. That said, the quiet versions didn't have as much power as the non quiet, even though they were rated the same

I've been using my old 2135qtimax for years and recently put a tuneup kit in it. But even with tuneup kit, it's not like a brand new gun and I'm still rocking the original anvil and hammers. Then I've got the newer 2235timax for stubborn fasteners but I still use the old 2135qtimax the most. It's a bit smaller and lighter than the 2235.

Never heard anything bad about aircat impacts but don't have alot of hands on experience with them. I feel like the tool truck impacts are way over priced for maybe a marginal performance increase and warranty isn't any better

I would watch the torque test videos. Lot of good info there.

 

[dnschmidt]

Air Aircat 1250K. Cordless Milwaukee (five year warrantee), The ASTRO Thor looks interesting but I don't have one so I can't recommend it. I have a 1250K and an 1150K and both are great but the 1250K has more power.

 

[redwrench60]

Get the IR 2235tiMAX. It’s the **** of the walk. Lightweight and balanced. High speed and high torque, hard hitting power. All the guys in the shop knew to come ask me to borrow mine when their MG725, Aircat or Whatever wouldn’t get it done.

 

[mepstein]

Get a new one and rebuild the old one. It can’t hurt to have a spare.

 

[dchawk81]

Astro 1894 .
might be around half a pound heavier than some options but the stubbier shape keeps weight balanced thus feels easy in the hand & easier fit in tighter work areas .

I have this one too but didn't mention it since OP didn't ask. It's not much better than the MG725 and 1250K in my real world with 1/2" hose, fittings, and 60 gallon 125psi compressor. I don't have a TTC test rig but I do have a semi with lug nuts.

I also bought the generic TZtool version out of curiosity. Same deal. Good gun just nothing magical.

Definitely not what TTC and Eric made the Astro out to be and the TZtool is almost identical with one less vane.

 

[BeansBaxter]

I have this one too but didn't mention it since OP didn't ask. It's not much better than the MG725 and 1250K in my real world with 1/2" hose, fittings, and 60 gallon 125psi compressor. I don't have a TTC test rig but I do have a semi with lug nuts.

I also bought the generic TZtool version out of curiosity. Same deal. Good gun just nothing magical.

Definitely not what TTC and Eric made the Astro out to be and the TZtool is almost identical with one less vane.

If you didn't have any air impacts, which would you buy?

• Snap-On MG725 for $620
• Aircat 1250K for $250
• Astro 1894 for $155
• TZTool for $123

 

[dchawk81]

If you didn't have any air impacts, which would you buy?

• Snap-On MG725 for $620
• Aircat 1250K for $250
• Astro 1894 for $155
• TZTool for $123

I'd get the 1250K. No hesitation.

 

[BeansBaxter]

I'd get the 1250K. No hesitation.

Thanks for that reply. What makes it worth the ~$100 premium to you over the Astro?

 

[dchawk81]

Thanks for that reply. What makes it worth the ~$100 premium to you over the Astro?

It's subjective but for me it's the smoothness of the hammer mechanism. It's just nicer to use. It's also long and narrow instead of short and fat.

The power/direction dial is a large switch on the back of the gun on the 1250K instead of a spinner at the bottom of the handle for power and a lever at the trigger for direction for the TZ/1894. I prefer the former although it's not a big deal.

The 1250K has a smoother trigger. It's easier to feather. The TZ/1894 is notchy. Some say it smooths out over time but with so many impacts to use I haven't gotten there with it.

Either gun is good. The Snap-on just isn't worth the price though. IMHO.

 

[Mr_B]

I have this one too but didn't mention it since OP didn't ask. It's not much better than the MG725 and 1250K in my real world with 1/2" hose, fittings, and 60 gallon 125psi compressor. I don't have a TTC test rig but I do have a semi with lug nuts.

I also bought the generic TZtool version out of curiosity. Same deal. Good gun just nothing magical.

Definitely not what TTC and Eric made the Astro out to be and the TZtool is almost identical with one less vane.

I would say your air supply the limiting factor, Astro 1894 proved pretty decent to me and certainly bettered the MG725.
I like the controls too .
The Astro version is better motor design, pretty good support too if need any rebuild parts in the future, impressive tool at the price point & is truly sensible and simple control design .

 

[dchawk81]

I would say your air supply the limiting factor, Astro 1894 proved pretty decent to me and certainly bettered the MG725.
I like the controls too .
The Astro version is better motor design, pretty good support too if need any rebuild parts in the future, impressive tool at the price point & is truly sensible and simple control design .

My air supply can run 1" impact guns. A 60 gallon tank and half inch hoses affect your run time but not your raw power. They get 90 at the tool.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't have any recent experience with Aircat Impacts. I really like the older IR 2135Ti series. I find the IR2235 to be on the heavy side, great gun otherwise. My daily user is a Proto 1/2 compact impact wrench. It's powerful, lightweight and I like it.

Proto® Titanium Series Air Impact Wrenches - Proto Industrial

I also have its larger brother should I need something more powerful :

Proto® Titanium Series Air Impact Wrenches - Proto Industrial

These have never let me down over several years of use.

 

[Mr_B]

My air supply can run 1" impact guns. A 60 gallon tank and half inch hoses affect your run time but not your raw power. They get 90 at the tool.

does it maintain 90 or drop off .
I use short hose length 3/8 normally (don't use restictive hose reals) and only step up to 1/2 for long hose scenario or truly needing more from tool and run around 105 to 115psi dynamic and the 1894 been a great performer to point turn power down a notch most of time .

 

[dchawk81]

does it maintain 90 or drop off .
I use short hose length 3/8 normally (don't use restictive hose reals) and only step up to 1/2 for long hose scenario or truly needing more from tool and run around 105 to 115psi dynamic and the 1894 been a great performer to point turn power down a notch most of time .

I never said the 1894 was a bad tool. To me it just isn't the big snot that it's made out to be. It's on par with other top air guns.

I don't usually sit and hammer for 15-20 seconds to see where the max is though. I just run fasteners off.

Anything that needs a half inch to hammer for 20+ seconds gets the 1" gun that knocks it loose quick.

 

[71firebird400]

1894 is a beast. Gotta be careful online, a lot of folks give out bad info not realizing their air system is to blame. Measure pressure AT the tool. Watch for restrictive regulators, lines and fittings. Don’t run more hose length than you need.

 

[dchawk81]

1894 is a beast. Gotta be careful online, a lot of folks give out bad info not realizing their air system is to blame. Measure pressure AT the tool. Watch for restrictive regulators, lines and fittings. Don’t run more hose length than you need.

Yeah that's why I have a gauge with fittings for the tool end. I don't need to always have it connected but it's good to see what the tool sees.

 

[ItsNemo]

Another 2135TiMax user here...but honestly all of the top tier impact wrenches mentioned here will usually do the job. Pretty much any of the time things won't come apart, 10% extra torque isn't as good of an answer as heat or other measures.

 

[Odd-job]

I have a thing for Aircats due to their patented noise reduction technology. They hit hard and ear protection seems optional or maybe I am already deaf? Have had an 1150 for years. Might be able to snag one on Amazon warehouse for around $115ish which would be a great backup or primary gun to your Matco.

If I needed to buy another gun in the same class the Astro Thor might be on the list. Although Astro admits hearing protection is recommended.

 

[Jswain]

IMO you already have an IR and you're not likely to buy something that you are going to say dammmn this is so much better...so get it rebuilt or rebuild yourself they are very easy to rebuild.

Even if you get something new I'd still rebuild it, and I would still stick with whatever IR is currently offering in the 1/2" timax department.

 

[dchawk81]

Another 2135TiMax user here...but honestly all of the top tier impact wrenches mentioned here will usually do the job. Pretty much any of the time things won't come apart, 10% extra torque isn't as good of an answer as heat or other measures.

This guy gets it.

 

[anndel]

Repair yours. If looking for new the IR 2235TiMax is the one to get.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Get a new one and rebuild the old one. It can’t hurt to have a spare.

ended getting this, I am to used to the IR trigger. its hard to change, say to snap on or aircat, I have used my coworkers impact for the day for a day. I like the Snap On power, but its to top heavy, Aircat the grip I dont like.
I am having or will rebuild my old Matco and keep as back up
its a MT1769a, what IR gun is it? To order a rebuilt kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LJJPPX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Repair yours. If looking for new the IR 2235TiMax is the one to get.

Ended buying that one. thanks

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Another 2135TiMax user here...but honestly all of the top tier impact wrenches mentioned here will usually do the job. Pretty much any of the time things won't come apart, 10% extra torque isn't as good of an answer as heat or other measures.

Worried more about quality.. than other. I had Matco gun failed on me first week I had it, Matco warrantied it and gave a other gun,

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

If you didn't have any air impacts, which would you buy?

• Snap-On MG725 for $620
• Aircat 1250K for $250
• Astro 1894 for $155
• TZTool for $123

I have tried the MG725 its to heavy. I do own Aircat 3/8 . Matco had the gun on sale, that was only reason i got it, I could have gotten a IR. its same gun.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Air Aircat 1250K. Cordless Milwaukee (five year warrantee), The ASTRO Thor looks interesting but I don't have one so I can't recommend it. I have a 1250K and an 1150K and both are great but the 1250K has more power.

On the Milwaukee............... yeah no. I own the

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench w/Friction Ring Kit w/One 5.0 Ah Battery and Bag 2767-21B - The Home Depot

The MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 1/2

www.homedepot.com

While I like its has gone dead, I know about the warranty.. their batteries **** too.
I had one open up( cracked)
I bought this March. Gonna send in for warranty.
While I like it, I think to big sometimes, and yes I do own the mid torque
(God I miss the old forum layout, it was easy to put the replies in single replie, or this old dog need to learn new tricks !)

 

[dchawk81]

On the Milwaukee............... yeah no. I own the

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench w/Friction Ring Kit w/One 5.0 Ah Battery and Bag 2767-21B - The Home Depot

The MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 1/2

www.homedepot.com

While I like its has gone dead, I know about the warranty.. their batteries **** too.
I had one open up( cracked)
I bought this March. Gonna send in for warranty.
While I like it, I think to big sometimes, and yes I do own the mid torque
(God I miss the old forum layout, it was easy to put the replies in single replie, or this old dog need to learn new tricks !)

I have the 2767 and it's probably my least used impact. It's obnoxiously large and rattles your arm into ramen.

 

[dchawk81]

ended getting this, I am to used to the IR trigger. its hard to change, say to snap on or aircat, I have used my coworkers impact for the day for a day. I like the Snap On power, but its to top heavy, Aircat the grip I dont like.
I am having or will rebuild my old Matco and keep as back up
its a MT1769a, what IR gun is it? To order a rebuilt kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LJJPPX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't blame you. If you like your IR, you can't lose by upgrading to the latest.

 

[ItsNemo]

I have the 2767 and it's probably my least used impact. It's obnoxiously large and rattles your arm into ramen.

Pretty much all the big cordless impacts **** for ergonomics. I have the Dewalt 899 and I rarely use it compared to my 2135 unless I have to (e.g. no air near by). I can't see why people rave about the big cordless impacts, they are heavy and awkward. The mid torques and especially the compact cordless are amazing though I use my DCF923 almost 99% of the time rather than my 2115qtimax or 35MAX.

 

[Jswain]

ended getting this, I am to used to the IR trigger. its hard to change, say to snap on or aircat, I have used my coworkers impact for the day for a day. I like the Snap On power, but its to top heavy, Aircat the grip I dont like.
I am having or will rebuild my old Matco and keep as back up
its a MT1769a, what IR gun is it? To order a rebuilt kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LJJPPX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

According to a post on GJ it's the 2135timax

Matco MT1769A - which IR model?

A couple people on this thread think that the MT1769A is the same as the IR2135TiMAX: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18559&highlight=mt1769a But Matco's rebadge of the 2135 is actually the MT2150. Does anyone know what the 1769A is? I need the front housing for one. Thanks.

www.garagejournal.com