Thanks.......I am coming to the conclusion that I am old & getting weak! It's tough on the ego. I am looking for a suggestion on a good, strong 1/2" air impact. I really don't have a price range, but am afraid of harbor freight air tools & probably don't want to pay snap on prices. I am preparing to one day do a frame off. From what I have read, if you have a decent compressor, air impacts are the way to go for torque. Suggestions???????

 

ingersoll rand makes some nice ones. I think mine is a 2135 quiet model.

 

When it comes to import tools, nobody has the buying power of H/F. They get the best quality air tools. I've frankly never had one of their air tools ever fail (and I have several ...and USE them). Usually they're exact duplicates of more expensive air tools. If it's just for periodic use, they have several that would work well for you. Buy the replacement warranty if it makes you feel better. The composite units are lightweight, great for aging guys ...compared to much heavier aluminum air tools.

I personally would avoid the real high-torque impact wrenches with like 700# of torque. Too easy to get into trouble with and bust bolts and studs. Some are almost TOO strong. One that has 450 lbs (or so) loosening torque is a good number for automotive use. If you don't feel comfortable with Harbor Freight, buy a CP / Ingersol Rand (they're made in China too - probably on the same line as the H/F's) ..or a Snap-on. You won't feel bad buying a name brand ...although the 'good' HF units are just fine for home use.

I personally have the classic IR231 and a CP composite. The IR is heavy but they last forever. The CP is nice and smooth. I probably would have bought a HF impact but a certain deal came up and I bought what I did. But I have several buddies who have the HF units. The most important thing IMO is to get one that has exhaust in the handle (doesn't blow brake dust in yer face!). I would also look for one that's fairly quiet (why not?). If doing wheels, buy some of those torque limiting extensions (a real time saver). You definitely don't want to warp a C3 rotor by overtightening wheel studs. Once you get it, lube it periodically and don't install your moisture trap on your compressor (which doesn't do any good). It needs to be installed about 15-20' away from the compressor (so the warm air cools down and moisture condenses out prior to the moisture trap).

Another valid option is a battery-operated 18V cordless impact from Milwaukee/Makita/Dewalt. They work really well, yer not limited to the air hose, little quieter, don't need to lube or have dry air. Take it on a road trip if needed (??). I might suggest considering one of those over an air-impact personally. Lot of guys buying them nowadays.

I personally don't use air impacts very often. They screw up wheel nuts, bust off smaller bolts and you can't gauge tightening torque very well. I use a 4-way wrench for tightening wheel studs.

I'm sure others will have certain suggestions.

[Edit] I meant 20v cordless
.

 

I bought one at Sears and it works great. You can’t beat the lifetime warranty.

 

I like mine.
maybe 35 years now.

 

Yours or Sears? (Lifetime).

 

I have the Ingersoll 231 also. Great gun. If I were looking now i would seriously consider a cordless Dewalt especially since I already have some of the other 20v tools.

 

I highly recommend the battery powered 1/2" DeWalt!!

 

Does it have to be air? I haven't encountered anything that this DeWalt 20V couldn't do, and the batteries interchange with stuff I already have. I use a torque limiting extension for tightening lug nuts, and follow up with a torque wrench.

DeWalt's air inflator is a pretty useful tool, too, and a lot more convenient to use than compressed air.

 

I have a couple of these:

Hard to beat for the price!

Jebby

 

I was talking to the guys in the shop that did my trans swap. They are all using Milwaukee battery powered tools.

 

MarkG, keep promoting the HF impacts, the Chinese love 'em.
Run a side-by-side test against an Ingersol-Rand and you'll see why HF air tools are off the table for me.
You'll see the same thing when you compare HF's new red battery powered stuff that's built to look like Milwaukee.

OP: Leave that compressor alone, it's better suited to airing up tires and paint work. Since I've switched to Milwaukee Fuel 18V stuff, all of my air tools are gathering dust. No air hose needed so you can use them anywhere - in the shop, on the side of the road or even in auto graveyards to scavenge parts. I have a 3/8" Fuel impact that I should have bought first because I may have skipped the 1/2" impact, the 3/8" has broken loose everything I have put it on.

But while you're at Hazard Fraught, pick up one of their 18" breaker bars for less than $10. I've put 2' cheater bars on 'em and have yet to break or damage one. I have twisted off a couple of 5/8" bolts, though. I put one in each of my kid's cars along with the correct impact for their lugs. Damned if I'm getting called in the middle of the night because one of them has a flat and can't break the lugs loose.....

 

Harbor Freight , Earthquake

 

Ir china made too..not the o
like the old ones..
note if air tool route, buy a good male quick disconnect..not all created equal..make sure ID large as you can buy..higher airflow.. best compressor will not matter with crappy fitting.

i have been looking for impact..probably stay 1/2 inch as most impact tools are that size.
debating Milwaukee, dewalt, other system.
have the bosch 12v line for 90% of all use..and porter cable electric impact on refurbished deal that is heavy, but works well..

 

If you want a Milwaukee, Iwent with the M12 line. https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...tening/2462-20 I have had an older version of this 1/4" hex impact for 8 years now. They have adapters to run 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets. It does a really good job and is light weight enough to use everyday if needed. I have an old DeWalt 1/2 18V impact I would use at the track to change wheels, but it just sits on the shelf these days. I rather use my air impact more than anything else, because the electrics just do not have the same torque.

 

I have a friend that overheard this conversation, he's a contractor & a tool junky. He said I have a older Ingersol-Rand that was top of the line, I'll sell it to you for $75. So, that's what I'm doing! He did say he wouldn't buy anything but a electric one. Thanks for the info, I'll post my experience!

 

The electric/battery ones seem big and bulky

 

I have a Dewalt 1/2 and a 1/4 inch 20 volt that I am very happy with. Have used them extensively to the point I selling my up right air compressor.

 

I tried to provide a range of ideas (including cordless or IR/CP) ..and general overall things to consider when buying an impact wrench. Fact is a lot of guys are going to go to HF and look, so might as well discuss them too. As I said, I personally own an IR and CP air tools ..and some HF air tools too (Professional Series). Between me an guys I know we all own about every kind of air tool from HF/ Snap on/ Craftsman/CP/IR/Hutinson, etc. They all have their place and most do a great job if you have good air, lube appropriately, and don't abuse them.....

.

 

Water trap. Run the line out of your compressor up to the top of a pegboard. And then zigzag it down so you have about 10 or 15' of hose going downhill. Then mount your regulator and water trap there.