SO MG725 first impression

[Matt Matthews]

Hello, I mentioned in the mg31 thread. That a close friend of mine works as a machinist at Snap On's Natick Mass. Air tool factory and that with the exception of the bearings(NGK) everything else is made in the U.S.A. Well as you can imagine I by default have to support my Union Brothers job. So as of yesterday I am the owner of a new MG725.

Due to spending the day at the Orthopedics i have yet had the opportunity to run the impact but I will tell you some first impressions I have about the tool.
For one thing it's smaller than the XT7100 and isnt as front heavy. It weighs in a hair less than 5lbs. It is advertised 810 ft lbs. max torque reverse. and a whopping 1190 ft lb breakaway torque, Amazing. One of my biggest complaints about the XT7100 was that a majority of the weight was at the very front of the tool leading me to bend my wrist at an akward angle, That is no longer an issue with the MG725. it also has a forward and reverse button that spins for torque adjustment. vs. the inner outer lever of the XT. Another plus it comes with a muffler kit which im sure steals a tad bit of torque.

Aestheticly.. If this is your thing it has the same Red finish as the others with the Magnesium housing. It has raised Snap On name on each side which is painted black. The factory cover is red (vs. the clear of the xt and mg31) with snap on written on both sides.

I will surely let everyone know how it works as I am doing some suspension work on a 77 f250 on friday. I just hope the can of PB Blaster will keep this impact from exploding bolts.

Also if anyone has any questions about snap on air tools I will do my best to get them answered for you.

Have a great day
Matt

 

[Merkava_4]

No pictures . . . what the hell?

 

[kartracer55]

Some cool "in manufacturing" Pictures would be pretty damn cool, assuming its Ok with snap on of course.

Congrats on the new gun, sounds like an animal

Jim

 

[Matt Matthews]

No pictures . . . what the hell?

How does one post pictures?

I guess this is how

 

[Fedwrench]

Does the MG725 use the trigger from the MG31 or the XT7100? How close in size is it to the MG31?

 

[Matt Matthews]

Does the MG725 use the trigger from the MG31 or the XT7100? How close in size is it to the MG31?

I hope the pictures above help!
my MG31 is in the shop so from memory
it uses the XT7100 trigger and the MG 31 control design.
while the MG31 pretty much fills my hand the MG725 is about the standard size of the old IR231 weighs alot less, and is considerably smaller than the XT7100.

 

[Merkava_4]

Thanks for the pictures.

 

[Matt Matthews]

Some cool "in manufacturing" Pictures would be pretty damn cool, assuming its Ok with snap on of course.

Congrats on the new gun, sounds like an animal

At one time he had some posted on a site. I think S/O even paid him to use a few in a ad. Ill see what I can do.
Jim

Thanks for the pictures.

My pleasure if you need any specific specs or anything let me know, Like I said in the other thread they are working 6 days a week 20 hours monday thru friday (im sure 2 shifts) to meet demand. you will probably see it next time you are on the truck. Cost is about $10.00 over the XT..

 

[DavidtheDuke]

1200 ft lbs? That beats everyone as far as I know. I think I'll sell my XT7100 for it whenever it can come in

 

[jay50]

Was your friend at the plant able to get you a good employee deal on it?

 

[Deafautotech]

How much for MG725???

 

[eschoendorff]

How much for MG725???

Yeah... I like the looks of taht gun. How many arms and legs will it cost?

 

[Deafautotech]

Yeah... I like the looks of taht gun. How many arms and legs will it cost?

Ouch..... I will need keep my arms and legs so i can keep drive my Harley

 

[DavidtheDuke]

I forgot to ask, does it have the anvil stop like the XT7100 and MG31? I really like that feature. Could you post a picture of the " tool features" section of the box?

thanks

 

[Matt Matthews]

There are three models MG725, MG725L (which I imagine is long shank) and MG725P(which would be the pinned anvil). I cannot get ahold of my friend to find out if it has anvil stop. However I dont see why they would exclude that feature. And it is still sitting on the kitchen table, im far to loaded on percocet to get to far off the couch. I did however one up the box side specs w/ a picture of the spec sheet in the owners manual. As soon as I have a definate answer I will let you know.

As for Price here in the midwest list is $359.00 though a find the snap on man negotiates

 

[DavidtheDuke]

There are three models MG725, MG725L (which I imagine is long shank) and MG725P(which would be the pinned anvil). I cannot get ahold of my friend to find out if it has anvil stop. However I dont see why they would exclude that feature. And it is still sitting on the kitchen table, im far to loaded on percocet to get to far off the couch. I did however one up the box side specs w/ a picture of the spec sheet in the owners manual. As soon as I have a definate answer I will let you know.

As for Price here in the midwest list is $359.00 though a find the snap on man negotiates

thanks for that Matt. I'll probably be getting it anyway, and 359 is cheaper than 384 which the XT7100 costs. Looks like they've delisted it from their website, appears that soon the MG725 will take over.

Too bad about the bearing not being USA, but what can you do if NO ONE makes them here? I don't know much about bearing manufacturing but I guess SO doesn't wanna spend the extra $ to make just one facet of an air gun, which I understand. Thanks again.

 

[Matt Matthews]

At one time timken had a huge plant here in columbus ohio, The buildings are gone and so are the jobs.
As far as NGK I think they make a very high quality bearing probably second only to swiss! I had the XT and felt it was very cumbersome I found myself reaching for my MG31 more often.
I was also told by a birdie that snap on plans a MG31 chassis w/ a 1/2" anvil. I mean with the torque thats possible on these new units why not? In almost every Automotive application I can think of, 300 ft. lbs. is sufficient. The MG725 is making numbers that were only capable in 3/4" a year ago.
And to top it off look at the working air consumption it blows my mind.
I hope snap on isn't exaggerating these numbers

matt

 

[Fedwrench]

At one time timken had a huge plant here in columbus ohio, The buildings are gone and so are the jobs.
As far as NGK I think they make a very high quality bearing probably second only to swiss! I had the XT and felt it was very cumbersome I found myself reaching for my MG31 more often.
I was also told by a birdie that snap on plans a MG31 chassis w/ a 1/2" anvil. I mean with the torque thats possible on these new units why not? In almost every Automotive application I can think of, 300 ft. lbs. is sufficient. The MG725 is making numbers that were only capable in 3/4" a year ago.
And to top it off look at the working air consumption it blows my mind.
I hope snap on isn't exaggerating these numbers

matt

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...d=2798&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all


I think that gun is already out.

 

[Rusty67]

Sounds like a really powerful new gun there.

On another note, stop using that PB blaster junk and switch to Liquid Wrench. It is literally more then twice as effective. I saw an article in... I think it was popular mechanics. WD-40 is basically worthless compaired to PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench is yet again that much better then PB.

 

[Jokeman]

I didnt know Snap-On has a plant here in Mass.

 

[Jaralaccs]

For one thing it's smaller than the XT7100 and isnt as front heavy. It weighs in a hair less than 5lbs.

As my snapon guy showed us last week: all the weight is centered through the handle, you can actually stand the gun straight up and down on it (where the airconnect threads in)
the specs are pretty impressive, if I was in the market for a 1/2gun I'd probably go for that one

 

[Moose-LandTran]

looks nice, but to be honest i still wouldn't take it over my IR guns. (2135-series)

 

[DavidtheDuke]

looks nice, but to be honest i still wouldn't take it over my IR guns. (2135-series)

Can't say I don't like it mainly because of it is almost all USA made, has a high resell price, and probably has a 2 year warranty just like the other magnesiums SO offers. The fact that it at least matches or exceeds the best IRs just help out, but I already have a XT7100 when I knew the best to the worst of the impact market.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

i can't vouch for anything on the USA-made front considering i'm English. but i think a lot of you look past forgeign tool because of this "patriotc-loyalty" i know China makes a lot of **** tools. but there are some top-notch european brands and Japan makes some excellent tools too. personally, i buy the best tool for the job (within reason and budget) so i have a mix of brands in my tool box.

it seems crazy to me that you guys make a fuss becaust the bearings are made in Japan and not the US. does it make them any less good?

i chose my IR guns becuase they're light, powerful, quiet and well designed. once they were delivered and i used them i found they had more virtues. (weight balance etc, comfortable to use..) they're perfect for me and all the job's i've used them on.

i don't care where the parts are made so long as the quality is up to scratch.

 

[MarkH]

It is not all "patriotic - loyalty" that feeds buy American.

I had European tools at one time. Now very expensive. Frequently makes Snap on look cheap.

After German - Swedish - Italian tools started getting too expensive, I had Japanese tools. Again good quality. But just like the European tools have become more than I want to pay. That does not include a harder time getting them rebuilt. So it became bye - bye to many Japanese tools.

So the North American tools keep doing what they always have done. Being an option I can afford and get rebuilt.

I tried the others and have found yes many of the Asian tools can compete on quality, interestingly enough they cost as much as I was paying when made in North America.

So it ain't all about loyalty, but a business decision. Kinda nice when it keeps your neighbors working also.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

i suppose it's a double-edged sword. Snap-on are very expensive over here, and comparatively top-quality german tools are cheaper.

i still prefer Snap-on to just about any other tool brand. of the Snap-on stuff i have, none has ever let me down nor have i had any issues with quality. but for some things, you have to look elsewhere. and for me, impact guns come from Ingersoll-Rand.

 

[krusty the clown]

if anyone is interested.........
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-...234753949QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230234753949

 

[MajorPayne]

i want to hear some real-life reviews after you use it...not that i doubt its quality, but reading the side of the box often times can be misleading

 

[DavidtheDuke]

i want to hear some real-life reviews after you use it...not that i doubt its quality, but reading the side of the box often times can be misleading

I'll let you know when I can ****** one from the dealer

 

[eschoendorff]

i can't vouch for anything on the USA-made front considering i'm English. but i think a lot of you look past forgeign tool because of this "patriotc-loyalty" i know China makes a lot of **** tools. but there are some top-notch european brands and Japan makes some excellent tools too. personally, i buy the best tool for the job (within reason and budget) so i have a mix of brands in my tool box.

Roger that... the Euro tools sure are nice. I don't know about now, but my pre-Stanley FACOM stuff is among my favorite to use.

 

[Matt Matthews]

Moose
It is a moral issue for me and let me explain why!

I don't discount Foreign items at all, as a matter of fact I race a Japanese car, Own a Italian motorcycle and rebuild and collect vintage English motorcycles. I own a Esab plasma cutter and alot of Beta as well as King **** tools.

The comment I made about everything but the bearing being made in the U.S. was just a comment about the lack of a American bearing manufacturer.

I could go on and on about the outsourcing of American jobs, to third world countries, the destruction of the middle class etc. But I don't think this is the time or place...

Ultimately quality, and fair wages are what matter to me. I believe in fair and equal trade and will continue to support the economy's and countries that share these values with me...

Matt

 

[Matt Matthews]

Sorry I still haven't the opportunity to use the impact yet I have been pretty much laid up. Using the computer has been the highlight these last few days.

As soon as I can I will write up my impressions of the tool at work.

I use liquid wrench for alot of things, as well as old DOT3 Brake fluid for real resilient nuts etc. Then the torch comes out.

 

[Rusty67]

DOT3 hu ? I've heard ATF works great too but I've had much better luck with Liquid Wrench then the ATF.

 

[DavidtheDuke]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=75955&group_ID=19826

Looks like the MG725 will be 'officially' replacing the XT7100 (which as been delisted online) soon, the part number is it now.

 

[Fedwrench]

Ok, I got my MG725 in yesterday's mail and used it today at work. It's a big improvement over the XT7100 but, I'm not sure if it's better than the IR 2135TI. It is very loud without the muffler installed. It's very fast. It feels top heavy and heavier overall than 5 pounds and I think I like the balance and handle of the IR2135 a little better. The MG725 stops on a dime when the trigger is released. I only used it to pull wheels. Hopefully, I can test it to it's limits on something heavier. You have install the muffler if you want it. I took a couple of pics compared to my MG31 but, they appear to be too large of file. I'll try to get some next to my 2135 too. At the end of the first day with it, I feel it is a fast and strong impact but, I'm not sure if they got the ergonomics right yet. More time with it will tell.

 

[journeyman_justin]

Hi, folks. I'm new to the board and I just have got to use the 725 today. It has no problems taking off truck lugnuts or pinion yolk bolts. It's nice and light, and the center weighted feel gives it great balance and comfort. I'll be ordering mine within the next week or so. It'll be nice to give my MG31 (1/2 in model with long anvil) and torque multiplier a break, lol.

 

[speedy_nico]

Hi, could you send us a picture of the muffler system? Looks interesting and would be curious to see how it looks like.

 

[LWaite]

Does the MG725 use the trigger from the MG31 or the XT7100? How close in size is it to the MG31?

I have the MG31 I love it. Id be interested in getting one!!! Does the the trigger sqeek. My MG31 does!!!

 

[Fedwrench]

Hi, could you send us a picture of the muffler system? Looks interesting and would be curious to see how it looks like.

It's installed in my MG725. The muffler is noting more than an inch long piece of white plastic gauze that is inserted into the exhaust port and covered with the exhaust plate which is held in place with the inlet bushing on the bottom of the handle. The muffler reduces free speed sound pressure to 93 dba.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the MG31 I love it. Id be interested in getting one!!! Does the the trigger sqeek. My MG31 does!!!

The trigger doesn't squeak on mine but, there are other people on this board that hear noises from their tools. The MG725 has a different balance than the MG31. The MG725 is nose heavy. After using it for a couple of weeks, I feel they should have made the handle a half inch longer, rounded it more, and angled it slightly rearward and downward. It is a good impact that that has great power and speed. However, if you're used to handling a 2135ti all day, the MG725 seems heavy and not as balanced. The MG725 is a huge improvement over the XT7100.