Last year I bought an air compressor, and this year I want to start buying air tools. I'm just your average home mechanic, but I would rather plunk down a little more money to get a better product. I was thinking an impact wrench, ratchet, die grinder, and air hammer. What is your opinion?
What Should I Buy For Air Tools?
- Thread starter camaron32
- Start date
sberry
Banned
Forever Fixin
Well-known member
I never use my air ratchet, but the other three are the main three. So much so that I have a backup to each of them in case one of them goes down. HF's Earthquake Impact I'm impressed with. I only use the 1/2" impact, but I'm thinking of picking up the 3/8" How big of a compressor do you have?
KMdef9
Well-known member
What size compressor? What CFM?
Some cheaper air tools have a higher CFM and will drain your comp really fast, especially when using that grinder. So pay close attention to those numbers.
I personally have Ingersoll Rand (IR) products both at home and at work. Small, light and powerful. They're arguably the best pneumatic tools on the market. Check out the 2235, you won't regret it. The also make a several kinds of ratchets, like impacting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UM8VV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
But, with these quality tools comes a big price tag (not as expensive as SO). Keep your eye on ebay, I've scored a couple barely used tools for a very used price.
Some cheaper air tools have a higher CFM and will drain your comp really fast, especially when using that grinder. So pay close attention to those numbers.
I personally have Ingersoll Rand (IR) products both at home and at work. Small, light and powerful. They're arguably the best pneumatic tools on the market. Check out the 2235, you won't regret it. The also make a several kinds of ratchets, like impacting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UM8VV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
But, with these quality tools comes a big price tag (not as expensive as SO). Keep your eye on ebay, I've scored a couple barely used tools for a very used price.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I never really use my air ratchets either. Sometimes I'll grab one just to say I did, but generally I'll use a normal ratchet or cordless impact. For the rest, I'd recommend buying Aircat, CP, Astro or even Harbor Freight. Or, buy used truck brands off eBay, especially for air hammer.
maxpower_hd
Well-known member
I have a Snap On MG425 1/2" drive impact that I use a lot at work. I am finding that I have an occasional need for a 3/8 but I don't currently have one. I have an IR 1/2" drive at home I use a lot as well. I don't know the model as it is pretty old. I've been happy with both.
I also have a 3/8" IR drill I use a lot at work.
The die grinders with sanding and cut off wheels are essential. I have two in each box. One is IR, one is CP from HF, one is husky and one is an old IR. All seem to work well. If I could only by one I would use the angled one as opposed to the straight one since that is the one I use the most.
I also have a 3/8" IR drill I use a lot at work.
The die grinders with sanding and cut off wheels are essential. I have two in each box. One is IR, one is CP from HF, one is husky and one is an old IR. All seem to work well. If I could only by one I would use the angled one as opposed to the straight one since that is the one I use the most.
I think air tools are used much less these days with all the developments in rechargeable electric tools. I would agree with the other folks except that I very rarely use an air hammer any more, even though one was my first air tool, and no one truly needs an air ratchet, even though they save time and I have and use them.
maxpower_hd
Well-known member
Actually I do use my air hammer a lot at work as well. But almost never at home. At work I occasionally have to remove many rivets at a time. Yes I could use a hand chisel or grind them off but the air hammer is the way to go for making money.
3" cut off tool, 1/4 die grinder in straight and 90* (with burrs, stones, Roloc/sanding discs, and a wire wheel), and an air hammer.
1/2" and 3/8" impacts are a must have if you don't have them in cordless. I'd skip the air ratchet and go cordless.
1/2" and 3/8" impacts are a must have if you don't have them in cordless. I'd skip the air ratchet and go cordless.
I never used my air ratchet either, I like 1/2" air impacts. 3/8ths electric I prefer.
Also painting and spraying stuff is much better with real 2 stage paint with a compressor.
Rustypigeon
Well-known member
I have, and can recommend the following. They strike a good balance between price and performance...
Aircat 1150 1/2" Impact
Aircat 1300TH 3/8" Impact
IR 114GQC Air hammer
OEM 24416 Air ratchet
My die grinders are from HF
I never liked to use my regular sized air ratchet. I recently got a small impacting ratchet. The regular size ratchets are too big for tight spaces and bust your knuckles if they are not impacting. I recommend the OEM tools 24416 air ratchet. It is $70 and you can get 10% off and free shipping. This ratchet appears to be identical to the Astro 1128 that sells for almost twice the price. They are both made in Taiwan and have the exact same part list. The only difference I can see is the color of the handle.
http://mobiledistributorsupply.com/...-drive-super-duty-air-impact-ratchet-oem.html
Aircat 1150 1/2" Impact
Aircat 1300TH 3/8" Impact
IR 114GQC Air hammer
OEM 24416 Air ratchet
My die grinders are from HF
I never liked to use my regular sized air ratchet. I recently got a small impacting ratchet. The regular size ratchets are too big for tight spaces and bust your knuckles if they are not impacting. I recommend the OEM tools 24416 air ratchet. It is $70 and you can get 10% off and free shipping. This ratchet appears to be identical to the Astro 1128 that sells for almost twice the price. They are both made in Taiwan and have the exact same part list. The only difference I can see is the color of the handle.
http://mobiledistributorsupply.com/...-drive-super-duty-air-impact-ratchet-oem.html
tonyciambrone
Well-known member
I recommend getting a 90 degree and a straight Die Grinder if you're going to get one or the other. A long reach cut off wheel tool is good, for the short kind I'd rather use an angle grinder. Air Hammer is a must, needle scalers are nice if you do rust and paint removal.
DerekV
Well-known member
The only air "hand" power tools (aka not a blast cabinet, plasma cutter, etc.) I find myself using are both 90* and straight 1/4" die grinders and air hammers. Everything else, cordless/corded...or regular old hand tools.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
The 3 that sberry picked take a lot of air ! Probably need a 5hp compressor.
If you are a typical home DIYer, save yourself a lot of $$$ and start with a good, compact 3/8" drive impact like an Astro 1828 and a full set of sockets like a Sunex 3342.
Pneumatic ratchets have their place, but they are much weaker than an impact gun. Make to get a "reactionless" ratchet.
If you are a typical home DIYer, save yourself a lot of $$$ and start with a good, compact 3/8" drive impact like an Astro 1828 and a full set of sockets like a Sunex 3342.
Pneumatic ratchets have their place, but they are much weaker than an impact gun. Make to get a "reactionless" ratchet.
sberry
Banned
Yes, they are for "real work" hahahaha
md21722
Well-known member
sberry
Banned
I use the 4 inch right angle for cut off wheels. I like them better than straight as well as wire wheels. I have 3 of them, they have run long time and never so much as had to tighten a screw on one. Due to power cost we do most common grinding with 4 1/2 electric but the air sander and wire are fast.