Air-tools?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 74
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Air-tools?
I would consider myself pretty mechanically inclined, and I enjoy working on my car myself. I have a decent amount of hand tools I've accumulated over the years. Just recently recieved my income tax and have some $ to play around with. Looking at an air-impact tool set, I won't be swapping out tranmissions or engines, general bolt on stuff and maintenance, what should I look at getting, if any?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
I would consider myself pretty mechanically inclined, and I enjoy working on my car myself. I have a decent amount of hand tools I've accumulated over the years. Just recently recieved my income tax and have some $ to play around with. Looking at an air-impact tool set, I won't be swapping out tranmissions or engines, general bolt on stuff and maintenance, what should I look at getting, if any?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 761
Likes: 1
From: sunnyvale ca
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
I get more use out of my 3/8" butterfly than my 3/8" ratchet, but both are handy. A 1/2" impact is good too along with quality impact sockets (deep and regular) in 3/8" and 1/2". As long as you are using air, get a air powered pop rivet gun too. They make it easy to set heavier rivets without breaking your hands. A small die grinder is nice too.It really depends on what you are working on regularly as far as air tools go. There is usually a comparable electric tool available and air is usually the most expensive option to buy and run.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Agreed. In Vette and Corvette fever they always have a ad with a 20% a single item coupon. The one tool to invest in is the 1/2" impact wrench. Don't get the $35 one and don't get the $200 one. Get the good one for $90 or so and it will serve you well in the garage.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
I would consider myself pretty mechanically inclined, and I enjoy working on my car myself. I have a decent amount of hand tools I've accumulated over the years. Just recently recieved my income tax and have some $ to play around with. Looking at an air-impact tool set, I won't be swapping out tranmissions or engines, general bolt on stuff and maintenance, what should I look at getting, if any?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Basically, look for a compressor that holds oil and has a real crank shaft and real pistons. Most likely it will be belt driven by the motor. The direct direct drive compressors are noisy and don't pump much air and don't last.
You do want a good 1/2" impact or else it won't have the ***** to loosen the tough bolts and you end up using a breaker bar to start with which defeats the whole purpose of having it.
Peter
You do want a good 1/2" impact or else it won't have the ***** to loosen the tough bolts and you end up using a breaker bar to start with which defeats the whole purpose of having it.
Peter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 761
Likes: 1
From: sunnyvale ca
I get more use out of my 3/8" butterfly than my 3/8" ratchet, but both are handy. A 1/2" impact is good too along with quality impact sockets (deep and regular) in 3/8" and 1/2". As long as you are using air, get a air powered pop rivet gun too. They make it easy to set heavier rivets without breaking your hands. A small die grinder is nice too.It really depends on what you are working on regularly as far as air tools go. There is usually a comparable electric tool available and air is usually the most expensive option to buy and run.
Die Grinders are great .
Air chisels are fun too.
I also like my air drill.
I rarely use a butterfly anymore though since I haven't replaced my airline swivel.
Air tools can become an addiction
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Basically, look for a compressor that holds oil and has a real crank shaft and real pistons. Most likely it will be belt driven by the motor. The direct direct drive compressors are noisy and don't pump much air and don't last.
You do want a good 1/2" impact or else it won't have the ***** to loosen the tough bolts and you end up using a breaker bar to start with which defeats the whole purpose of having it.
Peter
You do want a good 1/2" impact or else it won't have the ***** to loosen the tough bolts and you end up using a breaker bar to start with which defeats the whole purpose of having it.
Peter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 761
Likes: 1
From: sunnyvale ca
BS, I have and have had direct drive oil-less compressors for years. Last one I had is still running for the guy I sold it too. If your using it like most DYI guys, an oil-less is a perfect compressor. All you have to do is drain the water out of the tank every so often.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
Piston compressor is way overkill for most people. If you're talking about using an air tool a couple times a month, then a reed valve compressor is completely adequate, and will actually be less maintenance with that sort of usage. I've painted a car with my 12 gallon reed valve compressor for that matter.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 2
From: kent ct - "if i'm not in the vette, i damn well better be on the yacht."
St. Jude Donor '13
torque stick
Put one of these on your list,http://www.torquestick.com/ they work well and save a lot of time checking and tightening lugs. 
