Suggestions for a 1/2" Impact and impact socket set

[road1will]

Hi all, I'm need to purchase my first 1/2" air impact and socket set. I have been eyeing the Snap-On MG725 but am open to other suggestions. I don't mind spending a good chunk of change to get me a good tool that will last a long time. But, if there are more affordable options out there, I would consider them too.

I also need to purchase some impact socket sets. I figure i'll start with a deep metric set.

Can anyone offer any suggestions? I will be using this tool to earn a paycheck, so it needs to be reliable.

Thanks,
Will

 

[metaleltr]

I would go snap on for sockets if your making money with them.

 

[jonb347]

ive bounced around from ir to matco to snap on etc. Snap on MG725 is the WAY TO GO!!! nothing beats it and there haven't been any issues with them, checked with two snap on guys. (about to buy my own mg725). matcos seem to be junk, and the closest ir isn't that much cheaper. been using professionally for a long time and snap on impact guns are always the ones that last, especially if you take care of em. I use craftsman impact sockets, havent had one fail yet and they wont argue to replace them individually as needed. usually run 70-90 depending on the sale. snapons are like 300+!

 

[Aklass]

Hi all, I'm need to purchase my first 1/2" air impact and socket set. I have been eyeing the Snap-On MG725 but am open to other suggestions. I don't mind spending a good chunk of change to get me a good tool that will last a long time. But, if there are more affordable options out there, I would consider them too.

I also need to purchase some impact socket sets. I figure i'll start with a deep metric set.

Can anyone offer any suggestions? I will be using this tool to earn a paycheck, so it needs to be reliable.

Thanks,
Will

I have a QTIMAX, while its decent, the MG725 in my shop has removed stuff the QTIMAX couldn't so i say get the 725 or a TIMAX, I'm pretty sure the sound deadening in the qtimax kills some power

 

[archirelic]

Sunex or Grey Pneumatic for your impact sockets.

 

[powertrip]

What about HF chrom/moly impact sockets. Snapon would be better but for the savings its hard to pass up.

 

[road1will]

How are Matco's impact sockets? I just checked their site, and a set of deep metric impact sockets is only $120 through the student program.

 

[lastgoodusername]

i've had good service from both craftsman and grey pnuematic for sockets. i have a IR 2130 1/2 drive and an old craftsman in 1/2 inch. i work on big trucks so almost everything is done with one of these two. johnny

 

[pipsters]

How are Matco's impact sockets? I just checked their site, and a set of deep metric impact sockets is only $120 through the student program.

Those are probably the import re-brands...

Same or similar to Sunex would be my guess

 

[road1will]

I just checked our tire distributors website (they offer some air tools and impact sockets, etc.)
They have Sunex impact sockets. They offer a 29pc. SAE/Metric deep impact set for $94.50. Is this a decent deal for the Sunex?

 

[jhelrey]

IR 2135 and GP Impacts

 

[kartracer55]

Good impact sockets seem to wear out with time, not break. Impact swivels bind up or break, but either way these are signs of wear. Having a truck brand might serve you well in the future. As quality as GP or Sunex or SK may be, not having that face to face relationship with a dealer might make it a little tougher to get a tool warrantied, if it leans closer to "worn" than "defective" if ya know what I mean.

Also, I'd seriously consider picking up two impacts, a 231C, and either a 2135 or a MG725 or a Nitrocat. For 90% of automotive work, the 231C is all you will ever need power wise. Keep the higher end gun in your drawer (maybe even in its box) and beat up the cheap gun. Composite guns definitely have a finite life to them, and rebuilding a snap on gun can get spendy.

 

[pipsters]

Also, I'd seriously consider picking up two impacts, a 231C, and either a 2135 or a MG725 or a Nitrocat. For 90% of automotive work, the 231C is all you will ever need power wise. Keep the higher end gun in your drawer (maybe even in its box) and beat up the cheap gun. Composite guns definitely have a finite life to them, and rebuilding a snap on gun can get spendy.

Alternatively, in a head to head test with a 30mm crank pulley, my Harbor Freight $72 Earthquake was just as strong maybe a little stronger than my Nitrocat 1100k @ $150, and beat the pants off my 2135qtimax @ $270.

 

[Monte]

Impact sockets ? Momento !

www.momento.se

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1Q4qiknsssA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Obie]

My gun is the 1/2" Aircat Nitrocat 1200-K. Gobs (and I mean gobs!) of torque, quiet, low vibration, and very comfortable. Twin-clutch design. Can be had for $160.

You can also get the Aircat 1000TH if you want a gun assembled in the USA. Twin-hammer design.

http://www.aircat.com/products/item/11
http://www.aircat.com/products/item/6/

And I use the Craftsman (USA Made) impact sockets and have not had a single one fail.

 

[jaredlucky16]

I have a MG725 this thing is loud without the muffler and very heavy to be using all day. Wish i wouldve bought a 2135

 

[woody 73]

Good impact sockets seem to wear out with time, not break. Impact swivels bind up or break, but either way these are signs of wear. Having a truck brand might serve you well in the future. As quality as GP or Sunex or SK may be, not having that face to face relationship with a dealer might make it a little tougher to get a tool warrantied, if it leans closer to "worn" than "defective" if ya know what I mean.

Also, I'd seriously consider picking up two impacts, a 231C, and either a 2135 or a MG725 or a Nitrocat. For 90% of automotive work, the 231C is all you will ever need power wise. Keep the higher end gun in your drawer (maybe even in its box) and beat up the cheap gun. Composite guns definitely have a finite life to them, and rebuilding a snap on gun can get spendy.

Good points to keep in mind about the sockets I have both the 231c and the 2135 and I like that 2135 very much.

If you don't care so much about the warranty I have both the sk,HF,kobalt,craftsman,gp and others (mind is blank)sockets and they all have served me well; but like Kartracer said get the truck sockets and let them worry about thge warranty for you.

 

[Jawn]

Take a look at SK's impact sockets. Shallow and deep metric set (SK 4053) is at tooltopia for $167. 8-24mm shallow, 10-24mm deep.

I'm going to snag a set for myself soon.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

the 2135timax is the overall best. mg725 has the same power but is much heavier and louder.

for sockets cman, snappy, hf, whatever fits you budget.

 

[enrare]

I just checked our tire distributors website (they offer some air tools and impact sockets, etc.)
They have Sunex impact sockets. They offer a 29pc. SAE/Metric deep impact set for $94.50. Is this a decent deal for the Sunex?

If that's Sunex 5153DD the price is about on par from what I found. I'm getting started in impacts and looking into purchasing a few 1/2" Sunex Metric and SAE impact sets to get started. I originally was going to get the 5153DD as a "starter" set, but decided to go a little different route since I want deep and shallow sockets. Tooltopia has the 5153DD for $92.99, and free shipping for orders over $99. I've found Tooltopia to be about the best bet if yor order will qualify for the free shipping. A few places have Sunex sets for cheaper but after shipping costs are added the prices are either about the same as or more than ToolTopia's price.

 

[GoBlue]

Impact sockets are the one area that you can go cheap. Many here (myself included) have used cheap chinese impact sockets profesionaly with no problems at all. As far as the impact goes i think they best on the market is the Snap on. Second place goes to the big Aircat. Best cheap gun would be a H.F earthquake. As powerfull as the forementioned but very heavy and not balanced well.

 

[tbobbo]

I am a suspension and brake mechanic......I use the IR 2135TI maxx gun. I sold my snap on mg725. I just wish I didnt loose the money. The snap on has a touch more power, but for making a living with them in your hand, the ir fits better for all day use. I really want to like snap on air tools, but IR makes the best in my opinion. Thats not saying the snap on is junk, its the second best on the market, but having had them both I vote IR. I also notice the snap ons dont keep thier power as long, same with aircat. Thats just my observation, but I oil my guns at least 5 times a day. (And grease the IRs every other day) So I take great care of my tools so I think I have a good grasp of todays air tools

I use grey pneumatic sockets, great value, last very well, tough as nails, they dont round fasteners, and they have some of the most complete lines in the business. I have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sockets in sae and metric, hex, torx, and swivels. I might literally have a ton of it. They all have exceded my expectations. For my money there is no better value in a complete line of tools. I dont even use chrome sockets for hand use anymore. So my GP stuff sees double duty and holds up awesome!

 

[MattPersman]

check out the matco adv line if you are getting a tool truck discount, could be some great deals there. if not i have used stanley deep impacts professionally with no issues. I am sure HF and many other 20 dollar sets are just fine too. you don't really have to go crazy on cost for impact sockets. if you find yourself wearing the same one out over and over get a pro brand that will be easy to warranty. last thing you want to do is get in debt and spend most of your pay on tool payments

mg725 is great, a little heavy compared to the IR 2135 line. the mg725 the anvil stops when you let off so your stuff does not go flying as often as the IRs that just free wheel.