Should be an interesting test... (HF Impact)

[Hiball]

How the HF holds up doesnt matter even a little bit, what this thread has taught me is that the tool truck guys KNOW its **** and its already dead in their mind, the non-tool truck guys KNOW it'll last a few years and keep banging away day and night. No one here is interested in what actualy will happen, they just need to get their .02 in before it happens just in case they are wrong.

I suspect you should go back and re-read the thread, I'm so sick of the "tool" and "non tool truck" comments. I didn't see one derogatory comment against the earthquake gun, i also believe based off "Only" reviews that I've read over the past couple years was that the previous earthquake model was better than the new ones. Which one do you have? Everyone has there own thought process on what to buy, here's mine.... If I used a specific brand in a professional environment and got 7 years worth of use out of it, it's a no brainer when your talking about the $50 dollar difference between rebuilding one from a company who specializes in the genre or buying a new one from a company who specializes with manufacturers and who the lowest bid. <----- this is only my thinking, please don't associate that with any group.

 

[pipsters]

I suspect you should go back and re-read the thread, I'm so sick of the "tool" and "non tool truck" comments. I didn't see one derogatory comment against the earthquake gun, i also believe based off "Only" reviews that I've read over the past couple years was that the previous earthquake model was better than the new ones. Which one do you have? Everyone has there own thought process on what to buy, here's mine.... If I used a specific brand in a professional environment and got 7 years worth of use out of it, it's a no brainer when your talking about the $50 dollar difference between rebuilding one from a company who specializes in the genre or buying a new one from a company who specializes with manufacturers and who the lowest bid. <----- this is only my thinking, please don't associate that with any group.

I had the old Earthquake and new one side by side. The new one is lighter (composite handle), stronger, quieter, and more ergonomic. In no way that I have experienced is the old Earthquake better than the new one.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628&showall=1

 

[Hiball]

I had the old Earthquake and new one side by side. The new one is lighter (composite handle), stronger, quieter, and more ergonomic. In no way that I have experienced is the old Earthquake better than the new one.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628&showall=1

I have owned neither, I just recall all the uproar when they where discontinuing the older model and changing over, I can definitely see how ergonomics Can play a huge part in something that is used on a daily basis.

 

[pipsters]

I have owned neither, I just recall all the uproar when they where discontinuing the older model and changing over, I can definitely see how ergonomics Can play a huge part in something that is used on a daily basis.

People here tend to be "old men" scared of change and think everything older is better...

Plus so many people talk out their butts and like to jump on the bandwagon.

 

[Hiball]

People here tend to be "old men" scared of change and think everything older is better...

Plus so many people talk out their butts and like to jump on the bandwagon.

Lots of members tend to skew there opinion based off personal purchases also... How long was the previous earthquake model around prior to changing the design?

 

[91bronc300]

I have the old 1/2" Earthquake. It does OK at 90PSI, I'm not overly impressed. It does quite a bit better at 120-130PSI. I thought it was worth what it cost. I'm just a home shop but it would be nice to see it go the distance in a pro shop. I would think it is definitely worth the money then if it can do that.

 

[pipsters]

Lots of members tend to skew there opinion based off personal purchases also... How long was the previous earthquake model around prior to changing the design?

I don't know, it went unchanged for many years though.

 

[pipsters]

I have the old 1/2" Earthquake. It does OK at 90PSI, I'm not overly impressed. It does quite a bit better at 120-130PSI. I thought it was worth what it cost. I'm just a home shop but it would be nice to see it go the distance in a pro shop. I would think it is definitely worth the money then if it can do that.

I don't know about your set up but in mine, when I set my regulator at 90 psi, the pressure at the tool is roughly 70 psi. I have to set my output to around 120 psi to see 90 psi coming out of the regulator and even then, you lose ~10 psi using quick disconnects.

 

[Skin]

Yes, but by the numbers the MG725 smokes the HF, plus the SO lasted me a good long time, been a tech for 7 years now and got this during my first week or so. Will the HF hold up for 7 years under industrial use? Only time can tell. Unfortunately, my paycheck is made by my tools and I don't have the room to be the 7 year long guinea pig.

The MG725 hasnt even been out 7 years. It came out 4 years ago. Sure you dont have an 7100?

Snap-Ons flat rate repair system is very liberal. You can crush the thing under a truck and they'll replace it.

 

[SpawnedX]

Two things I want to stress, the SO gun has been very good to me at work and the HF has been very good to me at home. Now obviously if the SO gun can handle industrial use, home use will be a cakewalk for it. My interest in this is if the HF gun will prove reliable and strong in industrial use. I already know it is an excellent home gun, it's not that loud, it gets everything off that I need it too on side jobs, feels good to use and has so far held up with no issues, including 6ish hours of use on Friday, at work.

This is what you would call my back-up gun, I want to see how good of a back-up gun it is. This will also help people getting into the industry to decide if getting this gun is a great way to get started. Most new techs get 9.00 to 10.00 flat rate to start at my dealership (and others) and buying a 450.00 gun right away for an industry that you have no clue if you are cut out for, is steep.

If this gun holds up, I will recommend it for new techs, or other techs as a back-up gun and a way to use some money to put towards other tools.

Please don't turn this into a HF versus SO thread, it's a useless topic, as I do not actually hold economy tools in the same regards as purpose built money maker tools. Being an automotive technician is expensive, and we do not make engineer level money or money that some of the people here make (as evidence by some of your home shops, one of which is bigger than most of our houses). If this little experiment makes it easier for techs to get into this field and get started, than I am happy. If it saves them from buying a 100.00 piece of **** and just going for the gold on day one, than I am happy.

 

[SpawnedX]

The MG725 hasnt even been out 7 years. It came out 4 years ago. Sure you dont have an 7100?

Snap-Ons flat rate repair system is very liberal. You can crush the thing under a truck and they'll replace it.

Poorly typed statement on my behalf. I have used a SO gun since I started and this is my second, which I think I got 2-3 years ago and sold my original gun.

 

[Hiball]

Curious? On average how much use can a auto tech expect to get out a air tool before it needs to be rebuilt? I realize there are a lot of things that factor into that answer, such as air line maintenance, how much it's used a day, etc...

 

[SpawnedX]

Curious? On average how much use can a auto tech expect to get out a air tool before it needs to be rebuilt? I realize there are a lot of things that factor into that answer, such as air line maintenance, no much it's used a day, etc...

I don't know if there is a good answer for that.

With daily oiling on a well maintained system, I don't see why 10+ years is out of the question.

I sometimes visit my old trade school to say hi to my teacher and in 2009 I went to see their new facility and they still had the same IR guns I used almost 9 years earlier, which weren't new when I started, either.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I had the old Earthquake and new one side by side. The new one is lighter (composite handle), stronger, quieter, and more ergonomic. In no way that I have experienced is the old Earthquake better than the new one.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628&showall=1

I have played around with the new one and I think the older one is a better built gun. It even shows on there own on site reviews. As for the other members statement that the SO is $450. Well you can buy 4.5 HFEQ models for the cost of that gun. SO is way overpriced and there are much better products out there for a half or quarter of the cost. I gave up on SO years ago because of that....

 

[Marlin]

I have the old earthquake and used it for a long time at the shop without a problem. It was heavy compared to my other guns (nitrocat and IR quiet composite) but it was on par with the nitro cat for power and more power then the IR quiet for sure. I keep it at my parents place now where it still gets a good amount of use. I would say it has held up better then the IR as well as I have had to replace the direction buttons already after only a year of use.

Which model IR?

 

[SpawnedX]

Full Day 1 - Gun worked as intended, got every bolt, nut and lug out that I needed it too without a whimper. After zipping on some wheels, I checked with a breaker bar to make sure the lugs were tight, and they certainly were.

Even had to let a new tech borrow the gun to get a couple of rusted bolts out that his IR (which I need to point out that he bought used) did not get out.

 

[bcradio]

Full Day 1 - Gun worked as intended, got every bolt, nut and lug out that I needed it too without a whimper. After zipping on some wheels, I checked with a breaker bar to make sure the lugs were tight, and they certainly were.

Even had to let a new tech borrow the gun to get a couple of rusted bolts out that his IR (which I need to point out that he bought used) did not get out.

Glad to see its holding up for you

 

[Zaylor]

Full Day 1 -

Thanks for the update, keep em comin

 

[RCStocker]

People here tend to be "old men" scared of change and think everything older is better...

Plus so many people talk out their butts and like to jump on the bandwagon.

I will second that.
New is better when it comes to women. The younger they are the better they work. LOL

 

[pipsters]

A user here "GoBlue" used his professionally as well. Not sure what happened to him but he liked it.

Guy in this thread said the HF Earthquake beat out his MG725

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2113564&highlight=earthquake#post2113564

Not bad for $75...

 

[fflintstone]

Two things I want to stress, the SO gun has been very good to me at work and the HF has been very good to me at home. Now obviously if the SO gun can handle industrial use, home use will be a cakewalk for it. My interest in this is if the HF gun will prove reliable and strong in industrial use. I already know it is an excellent home gun, it's not that loud, it gets everything off that I need it too on side jobs, feels good to use and has so far held up with no issues, including 6ish hours of use on Friday, at work.

This is what you would call my back-up gun, I want to see how good of a back-up gun it is. This will also help people getting into the industry to decide if getting this gun is a great way to get started. Most new techs get 9.00 to 10.00 flat rate to start at my dealership (and others) and buying a 450.00 gun right away for an industry that you have no clue if you are cut out for, is steep.

If this gun holds up, I will recommend it for new techs, or other techs as a back-up gun and a way to use some money to put towards other tools.

Please don't turn this into a HF versus SO thread, it's a useless topic, as I do not actually hold economy tools in the same regards as purpose built money maker tools. Being an automotive technician is expensive, and we do not make engineer level money or money that some of the people here make (as evidence by some of your home shops, one of which is bigger than most of our houses). If this little experiment makes it easier for techs to get into this field and get started, than I am happy. If it saves them from buying a 100.00 piece of **** and just going for the gold on day one, than I am happy.

I am very interested to see how this turns out for you. I too am sick of HF VS snap on. I think that as a backup gun it will be great.

I don’t wrench for a living but I have an IR “thunder gun” that I bought about 10 years ago at a HF store believe it or not. This was before 20% coupons. I believe it was around $180 10 or so years ago. I am quite happy with my impact.

I find the Taiwan made air tools at HF to be a great value for a home mechanic. If I wrenched for a living I may feel different.

 

[Fishey]

Which model IR?

2132G and 2131QT the 2132G actually broke the handle after less then a year of shop use. Still very useable and hardly noticeable except the handle cap will not stay in. I think it has to do with the larger handle shape. I also have a 2131 that is the original style and it broke after about 8 years. I got it rebuilt just because it had proven to be so reliable also no handle problems on that one. Now its like a 4th backup.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/546161_10100738370501468_773093652_n.jpg

 

[Marlin]

2132G and 2131QT the 2132G actually broke the handle after less then a year of shop use. Still very useable and hardly noticeable except the handle cap will not stay in. I think it has to do with the larger handle shape. I also have a 2131 that is the original style and it broke after about 8 years. I got it rebuilt just because it had proven to be so reliable also no handle problems on that one. Now its like a 4th backup.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/546161_10100738370501468_773093652_n.jpg

Ok, I was just asking because I had never heard of issues with buttons on the 2135 based product but that is not what you were referring to. Thanks

 

[Fishey]

I have had a few of the push buttons on the back come out over the years on my original 2131 and the design is the same on the qt and 2132 model. It doesnt happen often and my truck driver got replacements for me on the cheap.

 

[SpawnedX]

Day 2 - 2 tire rotations, 1 tire repair, brake job, no issues. I should also tell you that I oil this gun daily as is expected.

Also loaned the gun out to the foreman since his 725 also crapped the bed this weekend. He needed it for axle nuts, did the job.

 

[SpawnedX]

So far it's made week one with no issues, no loss of power. Our compressor died today, probably from how disappointed it is that my HF gun isn't dead yet.

 

[E.T.Privott]

ha' yes, SPAWNED X you got us all watching and reading, waiting to find out just what we all "would love to try", testing two items under work conditions to see and understand just what in the world can and well happen to these two tools in the work place !!!! this is not staged as a tool on tool test of companies but a true test of cost to quality test, you have a great amount of interest from some of the best people on this site talking and telling how they feel and the way they see it. boy howdy SPAWNED X, give it hell as we are here til the end to hear about the outcome of your week - day by day. i guess now you got to get the air pump to bumping so you can get back after it cause we're all here waitin'...... give it hell brother !!!!!!!

 

[sberry]

If they fix the thing for 125 thats ok but anymore I mail order or buy from auto parts store sale flyer, CP usually although I got nothing against IR. Not sure why I would want to pay a truck 2x for the same gun.

 

[KinzeMech]

If you have an MG725 rebuilt, does Snapon back up that rebuild with any length of warranty?

 

[SpawnedX]

If you have an MG725 rebuilt, does Snapon back up that rebuild with any length of warranty?

90 day. I gave the SO guy the 725 on Friday to rebuild and he offered me a loaner gun for the time being, a 725 as well. I took it just in case the HF died, but I am sticking with the HF just to see what sort of abuse it can take.

Compressor was up and running around noon today, used the gun non-stop since that time, no issues. We are now having a bolt breaking competition at work for fun. We see whose gun breaks bolts easier, so far I am able to keep up. The guys really like the speed and direction switch design on my HF, other than that all guns are doing as intended.

 

[SpawnedX]

Almost forgot, the other tech whose gun took a dump last week is now borrowing my gun for his jobs, so the HF is seeing double duty right now.

 

[entryleveltech]

I just came across this thread, I'm glad to see your using the HF earthquake I also use this gun (working for ford) as my main 1/2 impact gun. I do oil it everyday as you have said but that is also instructed in the manual. It has yet to let me down. I think i got it ordered it online on-sale for like $80. You cant beat this gun since it "claims" to have 700ft of torque and breaks loose anything that I have put it up to. Even though all the other tech's give me a hard time for using the gun. Doesn't matter to me though because it works great and when the two tool trucks come by on Friday i never have to pull out my wallet =-) =-) while everyone is emptying theres. I'll be reading more of your post's thanks for making this thread spawned x

 

[KinzeMech]

The guys really like the speed and direction switch design on my HF, other than that all guns are doing as intended.

Really? That switch is what has kept me from trying that gun. It looks like it would require two hands to operate. I like my guns to operate one handed.

 

[SpawnedX]

Really? That switch is what has kept me from trying that gun. It looks like it would require two hands to operate. I like my guns to operate one handed.

I have never once needed to quickly switch from reverse to forward in the auto repair business. I have accidentally switched my guns to reverse or tighten from their counterpart when working quickly, which does not happen with this gun. Plus it has 3 speed select for tighten, which is nice for some things.

 

[Matt018]

Really? That switch is what has kept me from trying that gun. It looks like it would require two hands to operate. I like my guns to operate one handed.

I never thought it was a big deal to switch directions quickly.

 

[SpawnedX]

Still working, no issues.

 

[KinzeMech]

On a Kinze planter, the disc opener blades on one side are right hand threads, the other left hand threads. Working your way across a planter, either removing, or reinstalling, involves 62 blades, and 62 changes of direction. Thumb switched impacts are the tool of choice for this particular application.

 

[DFW-LSX]

Even though all the other tech's give me a hard time for using the gun.

I would fit it with a Snap-On boot just to further rub their noses in it! ha

 

[J HAV]

I have the HF impact. Going on about 3 years now. I work for GE in the gas turbine and steam turbine repair business. It has withstood the abuse in this environment and is still going strong. My co-worker has had his longer than me and it's still going strong also. Neither of us have had a rebuild or returned them. This MY experience with this impact. It has paid its dues for me I'm not here to argue or anything. Just thought I would give some confidence for the original poster if he decides to get one. It's strong

 

[SpawnedX]

I have the HF impact. Going on about 3 years now. I work for GE in the gas turbine and steam turbine repair business. It has withstood the abuse in this environment and is still going strong. My co-worker has had his longer than me and it's still going strong also. Neither of us have had a rebuild or returned them. This MY experience with this impact. It has paid its dues for me I'm not here to argue or anything. Just thought I would give some confidence for the original poster if he decides to get one. It's strong

I am using the recently re-designed gun, that is why I made this thread, to see if the new design is just as good as the old.