I'm in the market for a high quality 1/2" impact wrench. Mainly looking at the good brands like Snap-on/Bluepoint, Matco, and Mac Tools.

I've used a few Ingersoll Rand brand impacts wrenches before, and while they're of good quality and very reliable, they've seemed to weigh a little extra than others, and be very loud. And that latter aspect is pretty important to me, because I can't stand a really loud impact gun.

Any suggestions?

My price range is up to ~$250. I'm also looking at used ones in good condition on ebay. Also, how are the composite guns compared to the regular metal ones?

Thanks,

-YB

 

You mentioned you've tried IR Guns - did you try the 2135Ti. I know lots of folks who are happy with it. It's somewhere between $200 and $250 IIRC.

A few pics of it here:

http://toolandfab.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181

 

when i decide to pony up for a decent impact, i'm going with the 2135ti. the 1/2" HF impact my mom got me for christmas won't put down half the effort that i can with a 1/2" ratchet.

 

I have the IR 2135ti and have had no problems with it. Its been a very reliable gun and is well worth the money. Sooo much better than the HF one I had been using.

 

I carry a Craftsman in the back of the rig.
What I like about Craftsman in the lifetime replacment policy.

I bought mine back around 2000 I think, so they change a little, but this one is similiar to mine.

Impact wrench

 

Mac is my choice. Never let me down.

 

I think I've decided on an which gun I'll get. It's going to be the Ingersoll Rand 2135QTi. It's got pretty much all the attributes I'm looking for. Plenty of power, lightweight, high reliability (like a yota ) and quiet. Thanks!

 

I've got a craftsman professional 1/2" impact, got used daily in a shop for over a year and still works as well as the day I bought it.

 

I didnt think craftsmans replacement warranty applied to an impact!?

 

You're correct, 4rnr. Only applies to hand tools, and apparantly torque wrenches aren't counted as hand tools.

 

i have a craftsman impact gun and i love it, they can really save a lot of time, i love having air tools, cool part was i got a compressor, and impact gun for $15, they both work great. the toos i use most are the air ratchit (speeled that wrong) and die grinder, also the tool to pit air in tires, love not having to go to the gas station for air.

 

Im looking at an aircat. they are on ebay for $150 and they are 1000ft/lbs, composite, and have a tuned exhaust that is supposed to be VERY silent! The guys on pirate seem to love this gun too. Does anyone here have one?

 

have you considered an electric version?

i know the guy at one of the local 4x4 shops uses it exclusivly for lugnuts and stuff. His is a snap-on version. I got to use it and thought there was no way it would run the lugs off but it did it quicker than my air one at home.

Great for the trail as it requires no air.

 

I sell tools at sears and only the craftsman hand tools are covered for life. I get so many people come in and want to replace drills and table saws that are older than me. The impacts come with a one year for regular and a two year for the professional. Then you can buy a 2 year merch. replacement agreement that will cover everything for two years. Torque wrenches, the ratchet part is covered for life but thats it. I would also go with the IR 2135 also. But I have a snap on so no new gun for me.

 

A guy that I used to work at my shop with me had an Aircat gun that came with some impact sockets. He only occasionally worked in the back and it didn't get that much use, but it seemed pretty sturdy. Everyone else I work with either has Blue Point or Ingersoll Rand. My dad gave me his old Blue Point and I used it for the longest time until it finally bit the dust.

 

Craftsman air tools carry a 2 year warranty. And you have to pay 6 bucks for it. Ingersol Rand makes some of matco's impact guns, as well as many of MacTools guns as well. Snapon's are inferior to IR guns(matco and mac). Unless you are on good terms with the tool truck drivers, the best air gun warranty is by Craftsman and that's only 2 years...but it is 2 years more than any other brand. Do the research, find out the gun you want from MatCo, or Mac and then find the Ingersol Rand equivalent. And I mean they are the SAME gun without the matco or mac name on it.
peace.

 

Yea that's exactly what I did. Found a super sweet Matco gun, or maybe it was a Mac, and then went and found the IR equivelant. Definately save a chunk of change.

 

I use IR impacts for years. The best and cheaper than the Snap-On and others. The most popular is the IR 231. You can get great deals on Ebay for IR stuff.

James