Versatile impact wrench

[WAID]

I'm looking to pick up an pneumatic impact wrench to speed up my automotive work at home. I'm consider either the IR 2235QTiMAX or one of various compacts like the Astro 1822. How much quieter the 2235 is vs the Astro, HF, or IR compacts? Does the 1822 have enough power for most disassembly work? Haven't had anything I could get off with a big breaker bar so I can generally fall back to that if needed. I don't have much rust to deal with in this area and am working on a '01 Rav4, a '95 Corolla, and an '86 F-250 and I do all maintenance except tire mounting and alignment. Biggest motivation may be just the time it takes to hand crank the lugs off the F-250 just to remove a tire.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

If i could only have one impact, it would be a full size like the IR you mentioned especially since you're mentioning lug nuts and not getting at awkward chassis bolts. If I could have two, i'd say grab a Nano.

That IR is decently quieter than a Nano despite the Db ratings. Much quieter than a HF.

 

[plinker]

In my experience you need both. If you only can buy one, get a full size first.

What I've noted is the full size impacts seem to hit harder but spins slower. The stubby hits faster and spins faster. I've had one work where the other would not for no apparent reason (then there's the stuff that you need a breaker bar for as neither will remove it).

I'm using Matco impacts, MT2769 & MT2760 stubby.


I had an IR 2135, nice gun, but Not enough forward torque for what I needed. It was getting tired anyway. I dont think you can go wrong with the 2235

 

[WAID]

If i could only have one impact, it would be a full size like the IR you mentioned especially since you're mentioning lug nuts and not getting at awkward chassis bolts. If I could have two, i'd say grab a Nano.

That IR is decently quieter than a Nano despite the Db ratings. Much quieter than a HF.

So say I do mention those awkward chassis bolts, would that change the equation? Would you recommend the 1822 for such. I could have used something for a couple of bolts replacing brakes and a CV shaft on the Corolla yesterday. The lugs on the truck just take an obscene amount of time to get off.

 

[Mr_B]

NS1600F and be done with it.
I got quite an assortment of impacts and that the one that used 95% of the time daily in my shop.
If you got a good compressor and got at least 110psi at the tool it got way over 600ft/lb in a tiny package .
I use it on agricultural equipment too, handles auto and truck scenarios no problem .
Astro are superb for the pricing if that a concern .

 

[OHMS LAW]

Second vote for the Matco 2769. Thing is a beast. Pound for pound strongest 1/2 air impact at work. And we work on truck mounted cranes, the trucks them selves and other heavy equipment

 

[Mr_B]

If astro I would take the 1823 .
Don't bother with the matco, I got one, sure it superb but it not versatile for general scenario auto work .
Buy the hardest hitting nano you can get/afford and job jobbed .

 

[theoldwizard1]

For the average DIY person who is NOT working in tight areas, the latest battery 1/2" impacts are impressive. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2" impact will cost you more (but you can find it on sale sometimes) but it is very handy ! Actually the HF new 1/2" impact has gotten some good review.

 

[454ragtop]

I think you guys are leading him down the wrong track. I'd recommend a mini, he said he can breaker bar tougher stuff if needed. Since I got my King Tony mini I think I've needed my big IR gun twice. But the mini has done so much work where the full size gun just wouldn't fit. Not to mention how much nicer it is to use a lighter gun.

 

[marineman]

If i could only have one impact, it would be a full size like the IR you mentioned especially since you're mentioning lug nuts and not getting at awkward chassis bolts. If I could have two, i'd say grab a Nano.

That IR is decently quieter than a Nano despite the Db ratings. Much quieter than a HF.

You asked about buying several brands, a rep from astro, one of the brands you mentioned comes in and recommends a gun from a different brand because it best fits your needs that you outlined. I want to buy this guy a beer, then buy his tools just because.

 

[Professional Tool User]

If you can only have either a stubby impact or a full sized impact, I would go with the full sized impact. It's better to have the extra power when dealing with seized fasteners. With the right extensions, universal joint/swivel impacts, and an air hose swivel hooked up to the gun, my Snap on MG725 is able to access fasteners in tight spots. That being said, my 3/8 stubby Air Cat rated at 400 ft lbs undo at least 90% of automotive suspension bolts. And if noise level is high on your priority list, I would add Air Cat to your list of options and lean towards getting a stubby gun. I'm not sure how Air Cat would compare with IR or some of the other options in real life, but I can use my stubby Air Cat without hearing protection no problem.

 

[ItsNemo]

One big air (I have an IR2135 but would get an IR2235 if I were buying today) for the heavy/hard stuff and then a 3/8" cordless (I have the Dewalt 20v brushless) for everything else. I have some other air impacts (3/8" IR2115 and 1/2" IR stubby and a couple other cheapies) but rarely use them. The big gun is for when stuff is stuck or doing lugs or similar and the cordless is enough for pretty much any other work.

 

[Tonyuk]

I use a facom compact 1/2" often in work and its by far my favourite air impact.

That paired with a set of low profile sockets will get you into smaller spaces than any electric impact i've seen. Far more powerful too.

It'll take wheel bolts off all day no problem. It's rated to around 800nm i think.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Facom-NS...546023&hash=item2133fc45e4:g:SZsAAOSwm3paLnYb

 

[Mr_B]

^
+1
Big impact is not a versatile tool and you simply do not need a 1300lb/ft brick do lug nuts and tight chassis bolts.
I do it daily for a living and nano like the ns1600f is about as versatile as it gets (over 630lb/ft if run over 100psi at the tool) .
Absolute perfect for a home gamer who mentions he not dealing in heavy rust or heavy vehicles.
Proper hard hitting nano do lug nuts and chassis bolts on average autos all day long no drama and less user effort and impact socketry needed make it usable ...
I do farm machine lugs and crank bolts with my ns1600f no problem, hardly ever need get the big guns out .
Don't bother with battery either if already got a decent compressor, air impact far better control and 3x the tool for 3rd of the price and 3rd of the size lol. Battery great if mobile or truly benefit no airline but as some of best game changer tools are air only you going benefit massively having and using air .