Ok so im about to tear into a donor truck i got for its str8 axle and a few other parts and I just wanna be set up to tackle whatever comes my way. Got a decent MIG, lots of hand tools, and a grinder. I wanted to get an impact gun for really stubbon rusted in bolts so I was getting ready to jump into an air compressor and whatnot but then i thought i could get by with a good corded/cordless impact gun and I can save space in my 1car garage. I was realizing that good power was hard to come by until i found out that the cordless Snap-on impact gun can put out 400 ft-lbs of torque and 600 ft-lbs of bolt break away torque. Two questions come to mind. Whats the difference between torque output and bolt breakaway output? And has anyone had any experience with these?
Heres a link to the cordless Snap-on impact gun im looking at http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....store&tool=all
and no Im not paying THAT much for it. I can get about 50% off on Snap-on so Im getting it for $325 brand new..

 

I've used the snap on model and it works well. I've also used the air impact and it works great. Both are good buys but it depends on your future plans. I love my compressor and wouldn't trade it for the world. it also provides an avenue for more tools for specific jobs like a small grinder air chisel and many more. You kinda have to question what your future needs are and what you'll be modding next. Just my 2 cents but yeah the snap on model works well in a pinch when you don't have an air compressor avalible. If it was my money i would buy a compressor and tools to go with it.

 

Yeah, id say go for the air impact.. i love both of mine.

 

I have switched to almost all electrical impact here at work. Much more ergonomical and easier to handle than a gun with an air hose. Simply put, electrical is much more practical.

The downfall is the cost. Electric guns are crazy expensive, and Air impacts tend to last longer. I do use my electrics every day and they are still working great. The only thing I have to use air on is stubborn suspension parts that are old and rusty.

 

Thing is for old and rusted stuff you can`t beat a breaker bar with cheater pipe .

i just bought a while back a Milwaukee 14.4 volt 3/8ths that is no longer made but it works great for what I use it for.

I also have a nice big 2 stage compressor with a bunch of air tools.

I guess it comes down to what your plans are down the road.

 

I love my air tools and compressor. There's just so many things you can do with it. I even use it to sweep my garage out with the blowgun. You can use it to dry your car when you wash it. Air up toys and tires. If you build stuff at all a framing nailer is sweet to have.
Paint/sand/chisel/grind/etc...

 

I find my self needing both air and electric. However I tend to use my electric stuff more than my air tools. I just don't like have air hoes in my way for just a couple of bolts.

 

Good stuff guys..thanks..I've decided to jump into the air compressor. I'm going for the husky 2.0 HP 30 gal portible compressor..its at homedepot for $370. Probably gonna go with an Ingersol Rand air impact..they seem to be good. I can always get the Snap-On cordless impact later on...

 

ir impacts rule. i love my air-ratchet and die grinder.

 

I personaly have both and they both have there place the cordless is nice for going to the boneyard or where you can't get air to but if you do go air you need to buy a compressor that will run your tool right or you will be waiting for the air to rebuild all the time

 

I would go electric, good junk yard tool too, wish I had one. From the guys at work tell me the dewalt one is as good if not better than the snap on. Not to mention a heck of a lot cheaper.

 

I like the idea of an electric for the junkyard or for a trail tool. But if you have to use it much or use it hard how long is the battery going to last? I have no problem waiting a couple minutes for a (smaller) air comperssor to fill up again but would not enjoy the long wait a cordless tool's battery takes to charge up.

Is there such a thing as a corded electrical impact gun?

 

Yep there is, not bad if i remember like 300ft-lbs