Advice on air tools
11-21-15, 07:51 PM
#1
Advice on air tools
Hey guys, I am looking at investing in a compressor (small) and possibly an impact gun and wrench for using in my home garage. I was wondering if any of you guys could shed some light on what specs i should keep in mind when shopping around/researching. I figure if you have a compressor only outputting 100psi and an impact gun with a working pressure of 90psi, the tank will be running pretty often and may not have enought juice?
Anyways, sorry for the crap explanation.
TLDR, what specs should i look out for when buying a compressor and air tools?
Anyways, sorry for the crap explanation.
TLDR, what specs should i look out for when buying a compressor and air tools?
11-22-15, 07:45 AM
#3
half inch impact
i used an Ir 2135TI ( the best on the market) at work with 170 psi shop ai, and two 80 gallon tanks.. the gun gets off flywheels and front pulleys( u have to heat the front pulley most times with (oxy-ace)
i bring the gun home to my 60 gallon at 110-125 psi. and it has most of it's power.. whereas before i used a kobalt/craftsmen and rockford impacts( all around 100-150 new) and could do lug nuts at best, no crank pulleys on anycar..
that being said, if i was in the market for home tools.. i would go lithim ion. the snap on or matco versions are 700 but the IR you can find for a little less and it maybe even a bit better.
air-rachet-
i use a snap on lithum ion rachet ctr761
3/8 impact
i didn't have one for the longest time now i use a snap on lithium ion ct761
those are the 3 fastern removers i use daily. and you can get them all without air...
things you can't get without air
die grinder- matco had a sale for a 1/2 hp stright and 1/2 hp 90*.. for 200 best deal for VERY VERY nice grinders/polishers
air hammer- i went matco the larger model, work 100x better over my old small rockford impact. it's also 3x larger... its a real impact.. snap on makes them too as IR.
air is also helpful for just cleaning, blowing out bolt holes, so it's hard to say
you can NOT have air.
i used an Ir 2135TI ( the best on the market) at work with 170 psi shop ai, and two 80 gallon tanks.. the gun gets off flywheels and front pulleys( u have to heat the front pulley most times with (oxy-ace)
i bring the gun home to my 60 gallon at 110-125 psi. and it has most of it's power.. whereas before i used a kobalt/craftsmen and rockford impacts( all around 100-150 new) and could do lug nuts at best, no crank pulleys on anycar..
that being said, if i was in the market for home tools.. i would go lithim ion. the snap on or matco versions are 700 but the IR you can find for a little less and it maybe even a bit better.
air-rachet-
i use a snap on lithum ion rachet ctr761
3/8 impact
i didn't have one for the longest time now i use a snap on lithium ion ct761
those are the 3 fastern removers i use daily. and you can get them all without air...
things you can't get without air
die grinder- matco had a sale for a 1/2 hp stright and 1/2 hp 90*.. for 200 best deal for VERY VERY nice grinders/polishers
air hammer- i went matco the larger model, work 100x better over my old small rockford impact. it's also 3x larger... its a real impact.. snap on makes them too as IR.
air is also helpful for just cleaning, blowing out bolt holes, so it's hard to say
you can NOT have air.
Last edited by lastphaseofthis; 11-22-15 at 07:54 AM.
11-22-15, 08:31 AM
#4
The IR2135TI is debatable as being "the best", however I will agree with you that it is among the best. There's some pretty heated discussion on GarageJournal from guys who use this and the other leader's guns every day.
For a DIYer who's probably on an budget, the Aircat brand guns are getting a lot of hype, including from some people who are switching from the IR, or using as a backup for their Snap-On. The Nitrocat 1250K is their "big-boy" to compete with the IR, the 1375XL is a mini gun which packs plenty of punch in a small package for almost anything you'll do (it easily took care of a flywheel nut), have not tried one on a front cover bolt so no comment.
These guns are in the ballpark of $200, less than half of the IR or Snappy. With occasional use and oiling, they should last you fine. In a professional environment with heavy use, buy a tool-truck gun with a lifetime warranty because they ALL have reports of reliability issues.
For a DIYer who's probably on an budget, the Aircat brand guns are getting a lot of hype, including from some people who are switching from the IR, or using as a backup for their Snap-On. The Nitrocat 1250K is their "big-boy" to compete with the IR, the 1375XL is a mini gun which packs plenty of punch in a small package for almost anything you'll do (it easily took care of a flywheel nut), have not tried one on a front cover bolt so no comment.
These guns are in the ballpark of $200, less than half of the IR or Snappy. With occasional use and oiling, they should last you fine. In a professional environment with heavy use, buy a tool-truck gun with a lifetime warranty because they ALL have reports of reliability issues.
11-22-15, 09:49 AM
#5
Engine, Not Motor
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If all you want to use the air for is to run an impact gun, the why not just an electric impact? I used one for years before I had air with no real issues. Battery powered tools have come a LONG way.
That said, even a small oil less compressor with a 5 gallon or so tank will be fine to run most reasonable impact guns, tire inflation, nailers, touchup spray guns. Won't run a blow gun very well as the pump will be running constantly to keep up. Also won't do a die grinder, sander, air saw, etc.
You need to look at the CFM, not pressure, ratings of tools that you wish to use and then buy a compressor to suit. CFM ratings on compressors are generally from the pump. So if it is rated for 5CFM, you can run that 10CFM tool until the pump starts to run using what's in the tank. But then you need to stop and wait for the tank to fill again.
Best to buy twice the compressor you think you will need.
And unless you only intend occasional use with tools having a low air requirement, stay away from anything oil less.
That said, even a small oil less compressor with a 5 gallon or so tank will be fine to run most reasonable impact guns, tire inflation, nailers, touchup spray guns. Won't run a blow gun very well as the pump will be running constantly to keep up. Also won't do a die grinder, sander, air saw, etc.
You need to look at the CFM, not pressure, ratings of tools that you wish to use and then buy a compressor to suit. CFM ratings on compressors are generally from the pump. So if it is rated for 5CFM, you can run that 10CFM tool until the pump starts to run using what's in the tank. But then you need to stop and wait for the tank to fill again.
Best to buy twice the compressor you think you will need.
And unless you only intend occasional use with tools having a low air requirement, stay away from anything oil less.
11-22-15, 08:11 PM
#6
I wouldn't mind having battery powered tools however I think that they just dont have enought punch for say some of the larger things.
Personally I am looking for something that i can use on things like axle nuts, powerplant frame nuts, and especially flywheel nuts.
To me it will be a back up for those PITA situations when space is limited and a breaker bar + cheater bar is not going to happen.
I think you guys covered what I wanted to know, some brands of tools and also how the CFM rating of tools an pump come into effect along with the PSI
Personally I am looking for something that i can use on things like axle nuts, powerplant frame nuts, and especially flywheel nuts.
To me it will be a back up for those PITA situations when space is limited and a breaker bar + cheater bar is not going to happen.
I think you guys covered what I wanted to know, some brands of tools and also how the CFM rating of tools an pump come into effect along with the PSI
11-28-15, 10:35 AM
#7
Engine, Not Motor
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I've never found a flywheel nut or front bolt that my "300 ft-lbs" Chinese made electric impact couldn't remove. Heat is an important first step due to the Loctite.
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11-28-15, 11:00 AM
#8
Ive used a dewalt impact with 700 ft lbs and a breakaway torque of 1200, and it's a beast. I'm gna get one of these being that all my construction tools are dewalt. This way I don't have to buy more batteries. It can do everything you need, and yes you would still need heat on the main front bolt of the motor. There is just too much loctite.
11-30-15, 09:25 AM
#9
If you want air impact but are on a budget the Earthquake 1/2" from Harbor Freight is under $100 and actually does a great job. Mine is about 10 years old, but I doubt they have changed it for the worse in that time. It is quite heavy but that's really the biggest drawback for it compared to my much more expensive IR. If you are not on a budget, I really do like the IR.
Whatever impact you get a minimum of 600 ft/lbs rating is needed for pulling apart a rotary. That will get the flywheel nut and when you add in some heat and luck it will also get the front pulley.
Whatever impact you get a minimum of 600 ft/lbs rating is needed for pulling apart a rotary. That will get the flywheel nut and when you add in some heat and luck it will also get the front pulley.
11-30-15, 01:49 PM
#10
Originally Posted by Tom93R1
If you want air impact but are on a budget the Earthquake 1/2" from Harbor Freight is under $100 and actually does a great job. Mine is about 10 years old, but I doubt they have changed it for the worse in that time. It is quite heavy but that's really the biggest drawback for it compared to my much more expensive IR. If you are not on a budget, I really do like the IR.
Whatever impact you get a minimum of 600 ft/lbs rating is needed for pulling apart a rotary. That will get the flywheel nut and when you add in some heat and luck it will also get the front pulley.
Whatever impact you get a minimum of 600 ft/lbs rating is needed for pulling apart a rotary. That will get the flywheel nut and when you add in some heat and luck it will also get the front pulley.
11-30-15, 03:50 PM
#11
I'll throw my support in for the Earthquake as well. That impact and the floor jacks are about the only machinery I trust to work out of the box without fail from HF nowadays.
I will caution you that any of the heavy hitter impact guns will need a lot more compressor than you might be lead to believe. At 110psi, my friend's pancake compressor lasted about half a second when I used my IR before plummeting to 70psi. Like mentioned above, SCFM is pretty much everything for air tools.
Then again, you can live without them. I have air tools, but I rely on my Craftsman C3 1/2" Electric Impact more. It puts out enough torque for most jobs and will tear off lug nuts all day if you ask, without the hassle of the hose. Some jobs a die grinder does can be sort of done with a Dremel (although if you plan on porting, just use the die grinder) and a blowgun can be substituted by those duster cans for keyboards (I did this for a while actually, not cost effective though).
I will caution you that any of the heavy hitter impact guns will need a lot more compressor than you might be lead to believe. At 110psi, my friend's pancake compressor lasted about half a second when I used my IR before plummeting to 70psi. Like mentioned above, SCFM is pretty much everything for air tools.
Then again, you can live without them. I have air tools, but I rely on my Craftsman C3 1/2" Electric Impact more. It puts out enough torque for most jobs and will tear off lug nuts all day if you ask, without the hassle of the hose. Some jobs a die grinder does can be sort of done with a Dremel (although if you plan on porting, just use the die grinder) and a blowgun can be substituted by those duster cans for keyboards (I did this for a while actually, not cost effective though).
11-30-15, 09:13 PM
#12
As stated above, it's amazing at how far cordless and battery powered tools have come. If you are just doing at home stuff, I would look at the Harbor Freight 21 gal upright compressor. The motor might not last forever, but it's affordable. For at home use, it's perfect. It's also $170 right now.
21 gal. 2.5 HP 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor
I have been in the auto industry for ten years now, and my experience is to get the best air tools you can afford (ie Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc) A big note is that most Matco and Cornwell air tools are Ingersol Rand built, so I wouldn't go name brand unless you managed to get a sweet pair of gold plated knee pads in the deal. I have worked with the HF Earthquake gun before and have been impressed by it's power. However they are loud. Really really loud, like, you accidentally stuck it in the wrong hole on prom night loud. They are also stupid heavy, so go for a composite gun for less wrist fatigue from even occasional use.
This is affordable and an awesome tool. I have the same one in Matco casing
Ingersoll Rand Composite Air Impact Wrench — 1/2in. Drive, Model# 2100G | Air Impact Wrenches| Northern Tool + Equipment
As far as smaller impacts, or ratchets. Go cordless. I did and have almost never looked back. I use Matco cordless 1/4" impact wrench and a 1/4" ratchet. I can do close to 80% of the work with those tools alone. Milwaukee and Makita also make decent units for the price.
Milwaukee ratchet kit from Northern Tool + Equipment
This is a Makita drill/driver combo. I have both and love them.
https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...5T-_-205302530
Just keep in mind how often you will use the tools and what you expect from them, but the best advice I can give is get the largest compressor you can afford. Use electric tools for general work, and buy composite tools. Composite tools are lighter, dampen vibration, and don't freeze your hand to the gun in winter due to water in the lines.
21 gal. 2.5 HP 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor
I have been in the auto industry for ten years now, and my experience is to get the best air tools you can afford (ie Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc) A big note is that most Matco and Cornwell air tools are Ingersol Rand built, so I wouldn't go name brand unless you managed to get a sweet pair of gold plated knee pads in the deal. I have worked with the HF Earthquake gun before and have been impressed by it's power. However they are loud. Really really loud, like, you accidentally stuck it in the wrong hole on prom night loud. They are also stupid heavy, so go for a composite gun for less wrist fatigue from even occasional use.
This is affordable and an awesome tool. I have the same one in Matco casing
Ingersoll Rand Composite Air Impact Wrench — 1/2in. Drive, Model# 2100G | Air Impact Wrenches| Northern Tool + Equipment
As far as smaller impacts, or ratchets. Go cordless. I did and have almost never looked back. I use Matco cordless 1/4" impact wrench and a 1/4" ratchet. I can do close to 80% of the work with those tools alone. Milwaukee and Makita also make decent units for the price.
Milwaukee ratchet kit from Northern Tool + Equipment
This is a Makita drill/driver combo. I have both and love them.
https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...5T-_-205302530
Just keep in mind how often you will use the tools and what you expect from them, but the best advice I can give is get the largest compressor you can afford. Use electric tools for general work, and buy composite tools. Composite tools are lighter, dampen vibration, and don't freeze your hand to the gun in winter due to water in the lines.
12-04-15, 01:02 AM
#13
I would first consider the budget and what you want your impact for. Do you need so much power when you impact wheels your torqueing to 150+ ft lbs?
I've only needed tons of power on Honda crank pulleys, and 13b flywheel nuts.
If you do get an air compressor, a bigger tank is nice so you don't have the compressor going off after removing a wheel or 2, your neighbors will hate you. Also, if your working on a pretty girls car and she happens to be sitting next to the air compressor, it might scare her away when it goes off. It kills the mood when she is checking out your butt crack and belly as your maneuvering around her car.
ive converted to electric tools recently, but air is nice when you want to fill tires with air and use the air nozzle to blow stuff away. Also, I like my mini air ratchets for tight spacers.
If all you want the air compressor for is a 1/2" impact, I would just get an electric impact.
If you want to start collecting power tools, air will be cheaper in the long run. I like IR, they were the shiznit years ago, but I guess im reading there is a new player in town. But you wont need more power and reliability than the IR titanium series
I've only needed tons of power on Honda crank pulleys, and 13b flywheel nuts.
If you do get an air compressor, a bigger tank is nice so you don't have the compressor going off after removing a wheel or 2, your neighbors will hate you. Also, if your working on a pretty girls car and she happens to be sitting next to the air compressor, it might scare her away when it goes off. It kills the mood when she is checking out your butt crack and belly as your maneuvering around her car.
ive converted to electric tools recently, but air is nice when you want to fill tires with air and use the air nozzle to blow stuff away. Also, I like my mini air ratchets for tight spacers.
If all you want the air compressor for is a 1/2" impact, I would just get an electric impact.
If you want to start collecting power tools, air will be cheaper in the long run. I like IR, they were the shiznit years ago, but I guess im reading there is a new player in town. But you wont need more power and reliability than the IR titanium series
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