Thinking about a used MG31

[Danglerb]

Poking on CL I saw an ad for a pair of Snapon impacts, MG31 and MG725, $150, $200, or $300 for both, which got me curious, and looking on ebay I see that the MG31 frequently is selling for less than $100. Apparently this is due to the MG325, and not any special issues with the MG31.

I like the does it all 3/8 idea, but I am only going to spend this kind of money on ONE impact wrench, so if I need a good 1/2 that means no fancy 3/8".

Is a used MG31 a good model to buy?

Some look pretty beat, do they wear out or does the oil bath thing work?

Thanks

 

[chadster1]

The MG31 is a pretty bulletproof impact. I have seen guys use them for tire work. I rarely have to send any in for repair. The first 4 digits of the s/n are the year and week that it was produced. Example a s/n beginning with 0630 was built in 2006, 30th week of the year.

 

[GTO]

Keep checking on Ebay,I got a NIB for $165.

 

[Danglerb]

Keep checking on Ebay,I got a NIB for $165.

Some I have seen the owner put a silicone sleeve on them, so the sleeve takes all the wear and the impact looks almost new.

OTOH if they don't break, $75 for a beater might suit me better.

 

[GTO]

Some I have seen the owner put a silicone sleeve on them, so the sleeve takes all the wear and the impact looks almost new.

OTOH if they don't break, $75 for a beater might suit me better.

NIB means NIB. Mine was not used at all.It was brand new.It took me a while to find it, you just can't jump on the first one you see.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

They are tough impacts, but I HATE the forward/reverse button. And the power adjustment is a total PITA when your hands are dirty. Just my 2 cents.

 

[1loudsuv]

It's the tool I use the most... Mg31 for wheels on most cars and mostly everything else

 

[LGMechanical]

the mg31 is definately worth getting. i have one and i love it. as chadster1 said, they are bulletbroof.

 

[CamarosRus]

Other than a Snap On dealer, do I have any alternative vendor choice for a protective sleeve for the used MG31 I just picked up ???

Any idea of sleeve cost ???

Thanks

 

[Skyline]

I have had two MG31s, and both were troublesome. I bought one NIB off eBay, and it never worked right. Perhaps a bit gummed up from sitting, so I took it apart, cleaned it, and relubed. Every time it sat for more than a few days, it had trouble getting moving. That trouble persisted until I switched over to the HVLP hose fittings, and since doing that, it's been fine. The other one I got in a tool collection, and had similar problems until I cleaned it out. I know that these problems are not due 100% to anything other than disuse, but I've never had so much trouble with a particular model. My gut feeling is that they are a bit fussy, AND need more air than most tools. If I had it to do over, I would absolutely look for an MG325.

All that said, if I had to have only one impact gun, there's no way it would be a 3/8". While the 3/8" gun is nice to have, it can always be replaced with hand tools. For the jobs where hand tools just don't cut it, neither will a 3/8" gun. I'm not impressed if a guy uses it for tire work....few wheel studs are supposed to be torqued over 100lbs. Try the 3/8" gun on some large, rusted on fasteners. If any impact gun is a must-have it is a 1/2", at least for cars and light trucks.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have a MG725P and i don't care for it. It's bulky and seems alot weaker than my 2135timax.

That being said, i'll looking for the 2135's cousin.

 

[chad s]

I have had my MG31 for maybe 1.5 years. You WILL NOT regret it. I rarely pull out my 1/2" IR.

 

[chadster1]

Other than a Snap On dealer, do I have any alternative vendor choice for a protective sleeve for the used MG31 I just picked up ???

Any idea of sleeve cost ???

Thanks

MG31BOOT, list price $8.10. Available to order online, free shipping.

 

[gofastman]

I have had my MG31 for maybe 1.5 years. You WILL NOT regret it. I rarely pull out my 1/2" IR.

there was almost nothing I liked about the MG31. I would try to find an MG325, or an IR Ti or TiMAX gun

If I were to get only one impact wrench it would be a mini 1/2". I have a Nitrocat one, there are also offerings by IR and Snap-On.

 

[CamarosRus]

Thanks for all the new comments.........

Just like any other internet board, everybody has an opinion. Above I have Chadster who is a S.O. dealer saying they are pretty bullet proof, and rarely has to have one serviced. How many MG31's has Chad sold, and how many customers does he deal with ?

I picked up a used one yesterday in a LOT of S.O./Mac tools that I paid $200 cash
for everything, including the MG31, 1/4 S.O. Air Rachet, Blue Point Cart, PILE of Mac Pliers, etc etc.

Chad, Thanks for your offer on the boot. I dislike paying retail for anything. I saw a MG31 Boot on EBAY for around $4.00 plus shipping.............so might just go with your offer.
This particular MG-31 has the ID plate missing and alot of Red Powder Coat missing.
Definitely a used gun, but evidently still a player.

Thanks, Chuck

 

[psychoclaw84]

I do not know much about the MG31's, but I own a MG325 and Love it.

Purchased used on eBay and it was almost new for $175.

Pros: Small package, great power for 3/8 drive.

Cons: Not powerful enough to break lug nuts on a F350 Super Duty Dual wheel set up. But when changing a dual wheel tire a 1/2 impact is needed. I am asking way too much from a 3/8 impact for this job.

I understand the MG31 & MG325 are similar, except for power ratings, the MG325 is slightly more powerful.

If the wrench is in almost new condition it would be a bargan at $150, but if it has some hours on it look else where for a better deal.

 

[Danglerb]

I shop two ways, decide on a specific item and hunt down the best price and buy it, or decide that any of a number of choices will work and wait for the first really good deal to turn up. This has turned into one of the latter types.

 

[chadster1]

Thanks for all the new comments.........

Just like any other internet board, everybody has an opinion. Above I have Chadster who is a S.O. dealer saying they are pretty bullet proof, and rarely has to have one serviced. How many MG31's has Chad sold, and how many customers does he deal with ?

I picked up a used one yesterday in a LOT of S.O./Mac tools that I paid $200 cash
for everything, including the MG31, 1/4 S.O. Air Rachet, Blue Point Cart, PILE of Mac Pliers, etc etc.

Chad, Thanks for your offer on the boot. I dislike paying retail for anything. I saw a MG31 Boot on EBAY for around $4.00 plus shipping.............so might just go with your offer.
This particular MG-31 has the ID plate missing and alot of Red Powder Coat missing.
Definitely a used gun, but evidently still a player.

Thanks, Chuck

I have sold 65 of them before they were discontinued.

 

[CamarosRus]

I searched for Snap On MG31 Boot and/or MG31 Boot on EBAY and got ZERO back.

Does Snap On still offer the part for MSRP of $8.10

Does ANYONE have picture of gun and (newer) boot to send my Email or Post Here.
Just wanting to know if placing new boot on my gun with missing RED paint will make me
feel better about owning this.

Gun seems to work fine, but I need to test on something tight like ???? (Wheel Lugs)

Thanks,

 

[chadster1]

I searched for Snap On MG31 Boot and/or MG31 Boot on EBAY and got ZERO back.

Does Snap On still offer the part for MSRP of $8.10

Does ANYONE have picture of gun and (newer) boot to send my Email or Post Here.
Just wanting to know if placing new boot on my gun with missing RED paint will make me
feel better about owning this.

Gun seems to work fine, but I need to test on something tight like ???? (Wheel Lugs)

Thanks,

The price has gone up by a quarter. It is a clear boot.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19909&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

 

[CamarosRus]

Dont like the sound of the clear boot............

Anybody reading ever masked off and repainted the RED on Snap On Air Ratchet

Suggestions for aeresol brand and color red ???

 

[CamarosRus]

Chadster or Shaun,

I'm an amatuer user of power tools. I might as well keep my MG31 as it seems to operate fine. I've never tested it on anything tight and dont know how to gauge its ability.
Other than the cosmetic problem with missng red paint it's in good shape.

I searched on EBAY and found seller selling RED "Snap-On" Boots for the MG325. He did know answer to following question.

With re: to Boot fitting, Is the MG325 the same physical size as my old MG31 ??

Thanks,

 

[chadster1]

MG325 is slightly smaller and has a more tapered nose.

 

[CamarosRus]

Chadster, Big SHOUT OUT!!!!!........

Thank You for saving me the annoyance of ordering MG325 Boot that will not fit
the MG31 (properly/correctly)

 

[ricleh]

There are minor physical differences between the MG31 and the MG325, but the boots are very interchangeable. I took the clear boot off one of my MG31 impacts and put the MG325 boot on it. It fits very well. I could not tell it was not made for the gun if someone didn't tell me.

The fit on the MG31 is just as good as on the MG325 in my opinion.

 

[CamarosRus]

Thanks for the report, pictures and opinion.

 

[nato]

I don't want to be the antagonist player here, BUT, I'll weight in soley b/c I bought a new MG31 about 3-4 yrs ago and traded it about a year and half ago for an IR2115ti. I hated how my MG31 always seemd to get "stuck". Like someone packed it full of hi-temp bearing grease and lodged it fully. Along with it's annoying impact functioning delay when you simply wanted to "blurp" it. It seems only happy when at full tilt in any setting.
I also hated it's "balls". I know, I know...it's a badass torque machine for it's size. A good and bad thing. It seemed to have no gradual strength, just brute force whenever you tried to ease into breaking something loose. Even if you had the stupid dial down (my other pet peeve for ditching it) to the min. setting. I remember breaking a lot of things that I didn't want to actually break.
It's such a smoother transition into breakway w/ my 2115. Even on the lowest setting, I feel more comfortable/confident/reassured that as soon as something is broken loose, its not completely broken.
I think most of my grief for it is personal use related, but iIjust wanted to help out.
Yes, if you're interested in another 3/8" impact that does have balls, I suggest an Ingersoll 2115. I've never been steered the wrong way w/ them yet.
And as far as resale, it should be relatively cheap to find one. I took a hard blow w/ mine, BUT...my Cornwell dealer received a limited, "promotional" supply of 2115Ti's and was hacking them for $189 plus tax...yes, a sweetheart deal.
I ended up selling my MG31 for only $125 + shipping. Ouch.

 

[mrshaun]

you could always turn it down.

the mg325 it awesome. the prototype testing went great and of the ones that I have sold no one is disappointed.
the mg31 has also held up real well.

 

[ricleh]

I personally prefer the MG325 to the MG31, but both have performed very well for me. I have no complaints with either model.

 

[mrshaun]

if any gun is too powerful then just turn it down. with the anvil stop feature in both guns it makes control a little easier.

 

[nato]

if any gun is too powerful then just turn it down. with the anvil stop feature in both guns it makes control a little easier.

Like I said, I did that. It was always like spraying WD-40 into your gun before using it. Way more power for the moment.
I haven't used the new version, so maybe that's where the imporvement lies