What is the max torque on a IR 231c?

[passmaster16]

Hi, I'm looking at the IR 231c impact on Amazon for $108. IR's own specs http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/IS/modelComp_full.aspx?item=33374&print=1 say 600 ft-lb however I keep seeing 425 ft-lb pop up on other sites such as this http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10046 so which one is right?

Also, any other suggestions for buying new in this price point? I know there isn't much and while I'd love something in the 2135 series, I don't use the impact enough to warrant spending that kind of cash.

Thanks!

 

[peter_x]

Maybe 600 is the breakaway torque.

There is no better gun for the money than the 231. Go for it.

 

[billymade]

Used is a option too; I see these type of guns in pawn shops in my area, they are typically in the $30-$60 range.....

 

[Snap on]

It is 600 ft-lbs break away torque and it is 425 ft-lbs of working torque, i.e. holding the trigger for a length of time. When you first hit the trigger that is where the 600 ft-lbs of break away torque comes from, then the gun will level out at 425 ft-lbs.

The Snap On MG725 is something like 1100 ft-lbs of break away torque and 810 ft-lbs of working torque.

 

[Marlin]

600 is not the break away, it is the torque in reverse. 425 is the torque in forward. The reverse torque is arrived at by tightening a left hand thread bolt and then determing the torque achieved.

 

[a390st]

The 231 impacts are great. The only problem with them these days is that some people with stronger wrenches hammer away so that you can't break things loose when you want to. Years ago most people had wrenches that were similar in torque. Now the newer and more powerful guns make it tough on those with older guns.

 

[daveblank]

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/IS/modelcomp.aspx?am_en=33374

IR rates their working torque at 350 not 425. I have a 2007 catalog that rates the reverse bias torque at 425. I believe (but am not sure) that the way they are tested was changed, thus resulting in now having 600lbs in reverse.


But, in all honesty, the 231 is a great impact. It's a little heavy when compared to the 2135, but, if you're not using it all the time, it will do you right.

 

[Marlin]

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/IS/modelcomp.aspx?am_en=33374

IR rates their working torque at 350 not 425. I have a 2007 catalog that rates the reverse bias torque at 425. I believe (but am not sure) that the way they are tested was changed, thus resulting in now having 600lbs in reverse.


But, in all honesty, the 231 is a great impact. It's a little heavy when compared to the 2135, but, if you're not using it all the time, it will do you right.

Working torque is the recomended torque range i.e. it is capable of 600 ft-lbs but if you require 600 ft-lbs for the majority of your work you should move to a more powerful tool.

 

[passmaster16]

Guys thanks for the responses. Now I'll ask one more question with hopes of not starting a flame war I'm not a big fan of HF anything but I've read some positive feedback on the Earthquake impact. So given the choice, would you choose the 231c from Amazon or Central Pneumatic Earthquake from HF? For me it's not purely a money issue as I'll gladly pay the few extra bucks for the 231c. I'm just talking in comparing their real world power, feel, build quality, durability, etc. My use for the tool is occasional and I'd probably sacrifice a few less torque if one unit is built better and will last longer than the other. Since I don't have experience with either tool, I'd appreciate your feedback and real world comparisions between the two. Thanks!

 

[daveblank]

231c. It's a proven unit. They have been around for a long time & if you ever need parts, you won't have any problems finding them.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would get the IR231C. It was the industry standard until the titanium series came out. You really can't go wrong with it. Look at it this way, imitation is the highest form of flattery. The 231 has been cloned and copied by many. However, who has tried to copy the Earthquake impact? Buy the 231c.

 

[fordracing200]

consider a nitrocat? 168 shipped....way more power, the pistol grip is un matched, even by IR, and its quiet too, like a QT
http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36675

 

[volvo420coupe]

When you look up impact wrench in a dictionary you will see a picture of the IR231c. (I know impact wrench is two words so it wouldn't be in a dictionary, but it sounded good)

 

[765kVFlash]

Speaking of copies:

231 Clone?

 

[volvo420coupe]

I wonder how many brands there have been selling re-badged 231's that would be a cool slideshow.

 

[mhm993]

someone's selling a titanium on the classified section. Check it out. (No affiliation)

 

[fordracing200]

the rebadged stanley version is clearenced at my local wally world for 78 or 68 bucks, idr exactly, still a good deal.

 

[Vinko]

231c. It's a proven unit. They have been around for a long time & if you ever need parts, you won't have any problems finding them.

I have 7 or 8 of these. We got them when they first came out. We use them about 8 hours a day non-stop, and another 8, off and on. They're great. They cost a lot more then than they do through Amazon now. My experience is in accord with all the positive things said about this model. When the guns have failed, it's usually been because the operator didn't maintain it or abused it. But it seems hard to do that as well. They seem to stand up to the abuse.

They are heavy -- which ***** if you're holding it for a few hours at a time. But you get used to it.

 

[Marlin]

the rebadged stanley version is clearenced at my local wally world for 78 or 68 bucks, idr exactly, still a good deal.

Just fyi. That tool is actually a copy, not a re-badge. A re-badge would mean it was made for Stanley by IR, which it is not.