What's wrong with aircat?

[Jwych]

In a post a couple days ago someone was asking about an impact and another guy commented "here comes the random hf and aircat suggestions"

My question is whats wrong with aircat airtools? I have an 1000-th and its been pretty good to me, plenty of power bothe loosening and tightening. So what is everyone's thoughts on this brand?

 

[bsaint]

I think they are pretty good, their marketing is annoying.

 

[Farmall450]

I think IR is just a more recognized and proven brand.

Don't forget Snappy too.

 

[sparky7]

how about the chicago pneumatic cp7748?? whats wrong with it, there is literally only one other thread about it on this forum and everyone started talking about the IR2135Timax...lol so tired of seeing that model number

not only that but there is a detailed video on how to completely disassemble the cp7748 on youtube... the video is made by CP!!!

 

[Jwych]

Im fairly apprehensive about cp, ive used them in the past and the impact I used took a hell of a beating i suppose, so maybe I shouldn't be apprehensive

 

[sparky7]

Yeah i dunno all the reviews on amazon say that it is better built and stronger than the 2135 Sorry for stealing your thread!

 

[scarney1988]

Nothing is wrong with aircat products.

They make quality products at an affordable price (IMO).

 

[Ruger_556]

They tend to not last as long but there's nothing wrong with them

 

[motofool33]

you guys have wore out a aircat impact gun? or cracked the case from dropping it?

 

[firebox40dash5]

No hate on Aircat in particular... I was just referring to the "what's the best impact gun?" topic. Might as well ask what the most superior pizza topping is. Most, myself included, are going to tell you theirs is the best. I gots nothing against Aircat, although I know a few people in real life who have also mentioned a lack of longevity. I considered them, but stumbled across the IR I preferred, at a better price than I could buy an Aircat.

My boss has an older CP composite gun, and it's no slouch... but for me, the combo power level and reverse dial is inconvenient. I don't think they're junk either, just don't fit my needs. I like switching directions with my thumb and usually leave my guns on max power. I'm sure others prefer the CP dial since you can't bump it into the wrong direction weaseling it into a tight spot.

 

[AndrewV]

I've used them. They're not that bad, just heavier/clunky feeling.
Same for hf earthquakes. But i love my forward/reverse buttons. Just use my thumb

 

[motofool33]

i could not find anything close to the aircat i found with 1200ftlbs of torque and light weight. i used 3 other impacts of various brands trying to break loose some 1 3/8 (socket size bolts) on my Motor Home Hitch. even the aircat took multiple trys on the highest setting for each bolt.

i didn't expect it to last forever just not read of someone having trouble yet. its bound to happen things wear out eventually

 

[rlitman]

i could not find anything close to the aircat i found with 1200ftlbs of torque and light weight.

My IR is lighter than my Aircat. My Aircat is quieter. Power, meh, I can't feel the difference. My Snap On sounds more powerful, but is so darned loud, I don't use it any more.

I'm up in the air on the IR thumb buttons. I like their ease of use, but have accidentally bumped them in tight places enough times to be annoyed with them. I'm not unhappy with the Aircat knob.
Really, I reach for whichever is closer at the moment.

 

[jmm]

I've only ever heard the longevity thing on this board. I take it with a grain of salt.

I love mine. I work on big rigs and once, out of curiosity/laziness (I hate lugging around a 1" impact), I used it to take a wheel off (that's 10 lugs torqued at 450-500 foot pounds). Handled it no problem. Granted, the thing isn't designed to take a beating like that, but I still found it impressive. It's got some serious *** on it, it fits my hand well, and it's quiet.

I can't rightly say it's the best of the best (it probably isn't...), but in my opinion it's one of the best.

 

[motofool33]

I've only ever heard the longevity thing on this board. I take it with a grain of salt.

I love mine. I work on big rigs and once, out of curiosity/laziness (I hate lugging around a 1" impact), I used it to take a wheel off (that's 10 lugs torqued at 450-500 foot pounds). Handled it no problem. Granted, the thing isn't designed to take a beating like that, but I still found it impressive. It's got some serious *** on it, it fits my hand well, and it's quiet.

I can't rightly say it's the best of the best (it probably isn't...), but in my opinion it's one of the best.

best i dunno but i can say for the 169$ i paid for it the Bang for the buck is a damn good.

 

[Jaralaccs]

you guys have wore out a aircat impact gun? or cracked the case from dropping it?

I have cracked an anvil. The older ones had problems with the vanes breaking apart and clogging everything but the newer style are stronger, also available to replace in all their guns, like $2 ea. x6 of them

They might weaken over time. I think I'm on my 3rd in 6/7 yrs, but I beat them everyday. Would last a lifetime if you just work on your own stuff.

Great cusomter service, parts made in asia but assembled in the US. I'll keep buying from them.

 

[smoking stroker]

ive had a nitro cat for years and love it had 0 issues with. its even taken bolts out that my friends ir2135 couldn't. maybe it just got lucky idk lol.. we were both impressed by that

 

[rtole]

I also think aircat is a great bargin. I had one, but for me the ir has a better feel. I also think cp makes quality tools. As a pro, I like what works best for me as I get older, and can afford it. I went many years on an old cp 734........I have always taken great care of my air tools, and that cp lasted untill I upgraded. It went for home use, then someone borrowed and lost it. As far as whats the best.........going to be different for everybody. The top guns will do the same job close to the same, its the little differances that will set them apart from each other.

 

[tbaggz]

I was quoted as mentioning an Aircat but it was a cornwell impact I suggested.not made by aircat.it was a cat-4150.i didn't understand it either. all the aircats ive seen or used were great,i just got a cornwell cat4150 for cheap and really like it.aircat was what I wanted and my cornwell has similar ratings.

 

[MattPersman]

I had problems with them all. IR, aircat, cp, snap on. You can gems or turds.

 

[mopar01]

I had problems with them all. IR, aircat, cp, snap on. You can gems or turds.

Yep had a mac 3/8 air cat. Problems with the fwd rev switch
My mg725 needs to be sent again 3 times in three years
Im not even that hard on it.

 

[dlcwent]

I bought an aircat. Nice noise level, but found myself reaching for the IR235Ti every time. I don't think it had as much wallop as the IR. I sold it to another tech that needed a new gun. He seems happy with it.

 

[KinzeMech]

I think it's a great middle tier impact wrench, but when for just a few dollars more, I can have a top tier impact such as an IR, or a used snappy in nice condition, I don't think I'll ever own one.

 

[4x4gearhead]

What is wrong with aircat? I had one of those th-1000 guns when they first came out and the thing only lasted a year. I work on snow grooming and various other tracked vehicles so a 1/2" impact does take a beating. I have currently a matcosol rand composite, snap on IM6100 and MG725, these 3 guns have been going for years, I just get a new one when the older one starts getting a little tired. The two first mentioned still work great but the 725 sure does show them whos boss. Maybe I just got a bad one, but from what Ive heard from others their aircat guns didnt last either.

 

[Bruce57]

I don't own an Aircat but have used one. I thought it was a pretty decent impact.

 

[zakmartin]

I bought an aircat. Nice noise level, but found myself reaching for the IR235Ti every time. I don't think it had as much wallop as the IR. I sold it to another tech that needed a new gun. He seems happy with it.

Pretty much every other Aircat vs. IR test this guy did ended up the same way: Aircat always won.

 

[dlcwent]

Pretty much every other Aircat vs. IR test this guy did ended up the same way: Aircat always won.

I'll stick by my opinion. I am not claiming to be right. Maybe the one I bought had a problem.

"But you can believe me that I never lie, and I'm always right. I am not a crook" RMN

 

[Marvelicious]

My neighbor has an IR 2135 that he was convinced was a piece of ****. No power at all, from the moment he bought it. I finally convinced him that it wasn't supposed to be like that and to have it looked at. Now it works like a champ. My point is that any tool company has a few duds slip through here and there. My regret is that I didn't just offer to buy it off him for $50 - then again, he just would've borrowed it back like he does with all the rest of my tools!

 

[stikman56]

I was quoted as mentioning an Aircat but it was a cornwell impact I suggested.not made by aircat.it was a cat-4150.i didn't understand it either. all the aircats ive seen or used were great,i just got a cornwell cat4150 for cheap and really like it.aircat was what I wanted and my cornwell has similar ratings.

I've had most of them and used them. I think the CAT4150 is a great gun, myself. Shortest full sized 1/2" I can think of, weighs the same as the 2135timax, 1200 BBT, strong as heck. Great gun. I think the Aircat's are great as well, super strong, I own one, too. I had a CAT4135 (same wrench, just different shaped hammer cover) guy in the shop couldn't get the hub bolts out of a coach with his 2135ti, I gave him mine. It took them out, he had to have it, he traded me out of it, he had it quite a while, until I got a Nitrocat. The Nitrocat did stuff that wrench couldn't quite do, so then he got a Nitrocat 1200K. We all ended up with Nitrocat's on our shift when it was over. I still am quite fond of the CAT4150 though, great wrench.