I had been buying cheapie tools from Princess Auto (Canadian version of Harbour Freight?).

In 2 years, my second 1/2" impact wrench packed it in completely, and for months it could barely manage 75 ft/lbs.

My darling wife sprung for an early birthday present, and bought me a Husky 1/2" impact from Homedepot. I am impressed!!!

It feels and works great...can't believe what I've been missing.

What tools do you favour and why? Any good / bad experiences to share?

What's the quality of campbell Hausfeld like - they are available everywhere here?

And while we're at it - what type of outlet setup do you run? I have a general purpose filter, a regulator, and 3/8" goodyear rubber hose. I also have a "desicant dryer" from Princess Auto, but it doesn't work very well...the sandblaster clogs every 15 minutes...so it's kept me from spraying paint yet:mad:

Anyone use / like the "in-line" oil filters...most oldtimers say no.

Anyone use / like the coiled hoses?

Here are some links I dug up:

Ingersoll Rand -
http://www.irtools.com/

Chicago Pneumatic -
http://www.chicagopneumatic.com/

Snap-On -
http://www.snapon.com/

Porter Cable -
http://www.porter-cable.com/

Cambell Hausfield -
http://www.chpower.com/index.asp

Danair -
http://www.danairinc.com/

Matco
http://www.matcotools.com/

Proto -
http://www.prototools.thomasregister.com/olc/prototools/

Puma -
http://www.pumatools.com/

superior pneumatic -
http://www.superiorpneumatic.com/

Viking -
http://www.vikingairtools.com/

I have used a lot of them, My 2 favs are the brand new snap-on and the Mac tools classic, they are hands down the lightest, and most powerfull

I just use 3/8 air hose, no coiled stuff for the home

Originally posted by welndmn
I have used a lot of them, My 2 favs are the brand new snap-on and the Mac tools classic, they are hands down the lightest, and most powerfull

I just use 3/8 air hose, no coiled stuff for the home

eh. my IR 2131 is a hell of a lot more powerful than the snapon it replaced... course that was an older one. For the money though Ive been totally impressed with the IR's. I use 3/8 hose as well. Cant stand the coiled stuff. And refuse to use inline oilers. I tend to oil when I pick the tool up and when I put it away. makes sure its lubed when you start using it and keeps the water vapor off when you put it away. Try an oil/water seperator.

Most of my air tools are cheap junk, but I did spring for the IR 2131 gun and glad I did, nice and light and powerful enought for what I do.

Pete

I have mostly cheapo air tools by Chicago Pneumatic (aka Harbor Frieght) but they work for what I need to do with them. And for the 1/3 the price of "quality" tools, its worth it to me to buy the generics. They will most likely last just as long the way I use them so why pay the extra money? Now if I worked on my truck every weekend or was a pro, then I'd go with at least an IR setup.

I have a basic 4hp 13gal Campbell Hausfield 110v 4.3cfm@90psi compressor that works for me. I don't paint/blast as my father-in-law is an industrial blaster/painter so I have those needs covered. No problems with it. Its a bit underpowered for my cut-off tool, but it does turn it fast enough. The compresor just runs nearly 100% of the time I am using it though.

I have both 1/2" and 3/8" quality Goodyear hose though, and a 1/4" coiled setup. I do like the coiled for top of the engine type stuff when hung from overhead. Helps keep the hose from getting tangled up on accessories, brackets and such.

I beleive my fittings are the simple "auto" style. Can't recall the letter off hand.

I have a 5hp/30gal? Campbell compressor, and it works fine. Had it for a few years with no problems. I have a campbell 1/2" impact, and it has worked great for years. I hardly ever oil it, I drop it in the dirt all the time, etc. ;) it works great. It came with my compressor.... I have Husky Pro 3/8 impact, and it's kinda weak. I have a Husky 3/8 air ratchet, that works pretty good, and is very handy for the tight spots. I also have a husky air hammer/chisel, drill, and a chicago pneumatic die grinder. The die grinder requires shitloads of CFM, my compressor can't keep up with it.

i have a emglo airmate compressor that is small but it has its advantages, like when removing lugnuts you have time in between lugnuts for beer. it would be fine if it had a huge tank but it doesnt so i just make sure i have beer in the fridge.

I bought a "cheap" CH impact and air chisel set from Walmart for $50, mostly for the plastic carrying case.

It's my "junk" wrench that goes in the trail rig most of the time, or tow-rig when I'm goin' racing. It gets dropped in the dirt, used w/o oil, blah blah and still works well.

I keep planning on buying a better air gun for the shop, but never get around to it.. ;-)

My CH 3/8" butterfly is great for lighter stuff - fits in places the impact won't go, and I really liked using it when I rebuilt my engine - I used it with my thread-chasing taps. Work it back n' forth just by rocking the control.

The CH 3/8" air-ratchet doesn't get used very often.. just not enough umph, and I can usually get one of the other guns on it.

The Harbor Freight 3/8" air drill has seen use a couple times away from home.. I haven't really used it as a "drill" at home (that's what the electrics are for) but occasionally on the trail, it's fine.

The CH 1/4" die grinder is an air whore. :D

So is my sand blaster..

I carry two of the 25' 1/4" coiled hoses in an ammo can in my trail rig. That's the only place I'll use it. The 1/4" hose is too restrictive for "shop use" when running the impact wrench. It works fine for airing up tires and it *does* store nicely in the ammo can.

I used to run a single 50' hose, but when they get cold (-20 in Montana some times) they get brittle and will eventually break. Better to carry two 25' hoses that you can hook together.

I can get everyone on MY rig with just one 25' hose - a lot easier with both, but do-able with one. Thus I always have a spare handy.

In the shop I have some 3/8" 300psi blue hose I bought from.. yep, Walmart for $10-$15 for the 60' reel. Two of 'em. One was cut up to make hoses for my on-board air, the other is full length for when I need air somewhere in the backyard.

Most of the time I use a lighter weight 3/8" hose that's 20'+ long.. $5 at the hardware store since it's an odd size (cut shorter than 25')..

I bought one of the cheap CH ones from Wal Mart and it wouldn't even turn lug nuts (no shit).

Then I brought it back and got the CH "Serious Duty" (or some such shit) one, and that has been fine. it's not super powerful, but has done well.

Charly

Originally posted by Pavemen
I have mostly cheapo air tools by Chicago Pneumatic (aka Harbor Frieght)


Chicago Pneumatic (CP) tools are not to be confused with most of the cheap Chinese knockoffs at Harbor Freight. CP pneumatic wrenches are (I believe still today) made in the USA and they are good stuff. I used them every day in the shop for 4 years with no breakdowns. The Chinese K/O brand that is easily confused is Chicago Electric.

Originally posted by BillaVista
.

What tools do you favour and why? Any good / bad experiences to share?



well lets see

IR2131
1/2" Ultra Duty
Air Impact Wrench

IR261
3/4" Super Duty
Air Impact Wrench

AT700E
Ratchet, High Torque, 3/8" Drive

IR301
Standard Duty
Multi-Purpose Air Angle Die Grinder

MT1732
1/4" IMPACT WRENCH

IR326
Heavy Duty
Air Cut-Off Tool

MT1720
3/8" IMPACT WRENCH

IR301
Standard Duty
Multi-Purpose Air Angle Die Grinder

AT105
Die Grinder, 1/4" Collet

Craftsman Medium Duty Impact Hammer

Craftsman 1/2 in. Professional One-Touch Drill

And my latest tool, given to me by my wife for xmas

AIR POWERED VACUUM QS9R


All the above are Snap on, IR, MATCO, or Craftsman

I tried the Cheepie brands, and found then to be under powered, did not last long, cheap plastic parts that could not take hard use.

I'm a tool guy.....If a tool is needed for a job, it is bought, and just considered the price of doing the job, not an extra cost.

I use 3/8 line on every thing, both in the garage and on the Bronco On board air. No in line oiler. Like somebody else said above.,,, I keep the bottle of oil next to the cabnet, when I pick up a tool, it gets 2 drops of oil, when it go's back in the box, it gets 1~2 drops

I have two roll-a-ways, a top box, a middle box, two side boxies, two med size three drawer box's. Tools are good :D

Sure is nice to have the Snap-on, MATCO folks stop by once a week.... :)

Don't get an inline oiler if you want to spray paint with the hoses it's attached to later.

I have two 1/2" IR impacts, they rock. I also have a 3/8" IR impact so my 3/8" air ratchet doesn't get used as much. It also uses less air than the ratchet does.

My 3/8" air ratchet is a cheapy. I found good ones and cheap ones last just as long. I use it until it has no power and throw it away. The cheaper the better.

The rest of my air tools are Mac or Snap-On.

Don't buy cheap coiled hoses they kink easy. I have a nice 3/8" coil 25ft hose that has lasted a long time. I also have a bunch of 1/4" coiled hoses and 3/8" Goodyear hoses.

in the last shop i worked in we had a compressor that was set at 180 PSI the CH tools would last about a month if we were lucky while the IR stuff would last a decade or more...
i have a little CH compressor in the little one car garage, apartment dwellers like me get to work out of, with a bunch of CH air tools.. one day when i have a real shop with a real compressor ill get some IR air tools cuz they are the best...
peace
Jw

I'm not sure if it's still the case, but IR used to make MAC airtools...

I have a bastard collection of airtools from Mac to Snap-on to Cambell Hausfield...If I had to buy more now, I would buy CH for the cheaper items and probably Husky for the rest...Mac/IR and Snap-on are too much $$$

Ive got hat husky 1/2 inch from HD also, its a beast, ive heard the same company in FL makes snapon that makes husky but I dont know, its for damn sure a good tool, alot better than the crap that comes with an air compressor.

die grinders and such can be chep, the way they are used eoesnt load them much, and they last ( ive got a few ultra cheap ass of these YEARS old with alot of abuse)

but impact wrenches are you get what you pay for.

ive got an air ratchet also, I rarely use it.

IR tools with a water collector. I still need to oil before and after use because of moisture. When I spray paint, I use two old air cleaners that use a roll of toilet paper that last me about a spray job and a inline filter on the gun.:)

I had been using a cheap set of tools that I got at Northern. Blew the Impact to peices one day. Picked up a IR 2131. DAMN! what a joy to use. I have as yet to find anything it can't get off.
I had a dead Supra motor that I needed to strip. I was stupid and forgot to loosen the crank bolt while it was still in the car. To give you an idea of what it takes to loosen one of these the general method of removal is put the car in 3rd, chock all four wheels get out the 24 inch breaker bar...kiss it for good luck that it doesn't snap. slap it on the nut and slide a 4ft peice of 2x2 trailler hitch tube over it and lean on it. Serious. Them things freeze on and it takes about 300lb of torq to get them loose.
So I walk up to this motor on the engine stand with no plugs in it . I had about knocked the thing over 4 times trying to get this bolt off. Put the IR on 4 let the compressor get full. Hit the trigger and bam it was off.
IR has my vote. As the rest of the junk tools die they will all get replaced with a IR.

Hmmm...lots of votes for IR - I must find a distributor, any Canucks know any?

Just finished building the Rockstomper beadlocks with the husky...32x4 nutcerts to cinch up = 128. At 40 ft/lbs, no test of strength, but the smooth consistency was great. At setting 2 and 90 psi it pulled them all up evenly - very nice.

Badfish - what is this TP contraption of which you speak? Can i rig it for sandblasting?

So who the fawk uses these inline oilers...I can't find anyone - Shoot - the little Husky book recommended it, so I called the tech line, talked to a grizzly old buger...he said...naw, don't use it, just a couple of drops before and after use, and run it for a while at no load.:)

Good conversation!

IR 3/8,1/2,3/4 impact--IR air hammer- 3 IR die grinders(angle&straight)USED most often , IR D.A., Rodac 3/8 ratchet (hardley ever ued).
I have never had any problems with any IR tool. It should be noted that even IR uses taiwan sources for some LOWER line items ( the cheaper & smaller die grinders as an example) look at the tool tag before you buy.
Also some of the expensive manufacturers IE snap on mac etc. source impact wrenches directly from IR !!! Look at craftsmans' upper line (professional) that top line 1/2 is most definately a IR 2131.
weldpro

is the 2131 that plastic thing they brought out

IR-244 is the 1/2 KING
scary to use it is so fast, pump the pressure to 130 and watch out.
does Cummins headbolts when everyone else has to drag out a 3/4 gun

I see they downgraded its advertised output to make the plastic look better

I have a Campbell Hausfield 4 horse oilless 20 gallon(stand up tank). My impact is CH it works pretty good but sometimes I wish for a little more power, air rachet is a Craftsman. DA sander is a CP and that thing is a real pig my little compressor can't keep up. I've got a no name air chisel but it was free so...

If I had to buy another compressor it would definately be cast iron. The damn oilless is so noisy and doesn't perform like it should. At the time I bought mine there weren't any portable tanks with cast iron compressors available. Now there are and when this one dies I will get a cast iron one to use on my current tank.

we have a little bit of everything at my house....IR, CH, harbor frieght, mostly IR though....As soon as I get a good job, Im gunna start my own collection of air tools rather than using dad's all the time.

We had a Mac 3/8 impact at the tranny shop I used to work at that would snap bolts....I want I want I want

I have one of those new $260 Snap-on "special" impacts. it is great quality, but I would rahter have the IR. The snap-on is big, heavy and uses more air. and the direction thing in annoying.

The IR is lighter, uses less air, is very strong. and I like the selection buttons. easy to hit with your thumb to change directions. and its alot cheaper. I could get 2 IR for the price of a snap-on.

My dad uses the IR in his tire shop. very nice. :D

IR and craftsman are awesome... most of craftsmans stuff is made by IR, but is a few bucks cheaper. the impact i have is the composite cased IR unit but has a different sticker on it, it kicks serious ass! a ton of torque and sooooo light.

I use Craftsman simply because the store is close by (haven't tried all the mega brands). I bought the CH with it's nice plastic carrying case for the trail. It works pretty well considering the abuse it gets. I've got an inline oiler in my CH carrying case - it hasn't moved. The CH tools get oiled via the onboard air (haven't installed my seperator yet) and the Craftsman tools get oiled when I get around to it...

Rookie

Speaking of the "king" of impacts, wouldn't that have to be a BRUNNHOELZL SILVER BULLET ...in price at least! only $1200:eek:

http://www.pitstopusa.com/IMPACTSANDSOCKETS.asp

Wonder if BRUNNHOELZL makes them or just modifies someone else's?

I've no idea what makes them worth so much....speed I would guess. they're no more powerful than a 2131 (or 244 ;) )

Would be cool to hand around the campfire and brag about :flipoff2:

I work for a company that has international trucks and in the garge we run all Ingersoll Rand air tools and the 3/4 & 1/2" impacts are over 8 yrs old and I would take them any day over a new one I have used some craftsman air tools and I think they are good for light use but the one I used was used everyday for 1 month and had to be taken back

No air tools at home yet, well I have a few but no compressor.
I work on Big trucks and all I bought for years was Snap-On.
But I have been buying IR products from the Cornwell guy because they are half the price of Snap-on.
I just bought a heavy duty air hammer with a bunch of bits and case and a QD chuck for $120.
It has the same rating as the snapon version but costs over $200 less and the snapon one just comes with gun.
A guy on my shift just got an IR air rachet with 70 ftlbs of torque.
I think he paid $150 for it.
It looks just like the Snapon one I bought 8 years ago for $325.
My next lil toy is gonna be the IR air saw.
But the new IR 1/2 impact looks to be a good buy as well.
Another guy at work got one last week and says that it is a lot better than the Snap on one he traded in on it.
I doubt I will ever buy another Snap on air tool, IR seems to be a better tool and a hell of alot cheaper.

$1200USD for a single hammer POS!!!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BillaVista

Badfish - what is this TP contraption of which you speak? Can i rig it for sandblasting?

It's really basic, anyone could make one. You would need to make a canister with and ID that is the same OD as toilet paper roll. You plug the middle of the roll with something then make the air pass though layers of paper. It works very well and when you take it apart, you can unroll the tp and see how well it is working.

Never used and inline oiler:)

so, if i eat a lot of beans and then wait a little while can i hook this hose up to my butt and have air for my air tools. then i won't need a compressor! maybe i can even store the beano air in my air tank!:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

OK - since there's lots of experience and pros on this thread...I have a general interest question...what type of "fitting" do you use on your hose / tools? And why the heck are there like 12 different kinds anyway? Anyone know? Mine are all "M" style.

I can't find any info as to why one would be chosen over another.

But one local place stocks M,A,T,AMT,P,L,H, AND G !!!

Bellavista: Acklands sells Ingersol...
I bought a IR2131 from my out of the Snap-on truck.
That should tell you something...IMO, Snap-on AIR tools, impacts especially, are over-rated and underpowered. MAC are better, though.
Love the 2131, save for the plastic case which i busted and it wasn't covered under warranty. This gun will tighten stuff that a Snap-on gun wont even attempt to break loose.
Other than that....I have an old Blue Point 3/8" impact that i use all the time. I've never liked air ratchets, and this thing really doesn't have enough power to do too much damage.
Of course this is just my opinion, i could be wrong.

Mr Happy...thanks for the tip...

You know what I found out.....You can actually get sime IR air tools at Sears and Canadian Tire.....they even got them in smalltown BC don't they? :)

Have used it a bit more...and I'm still really impressed with the Huskey...but it's not a competitor with the 2131 (also 1/3 the price!).

Ok, I run a 30 gal 5.5 hp craftsman compressor, craftsman 1/2" impact, huskey saw, CH air hammer, and a CH 3/8" air wrench. The craftsman impact impressed me, the huskey saw was ok, and gets used alot, the air hammer sucks WAY too much air than it will ever need, and my compressor can barely power it, and the air wrench is ok, but nothing special. When I bought my impact wrench, I knew nothing about air tools, but I bought it, then started looking at harbor freight and saw an IR impact that looked identical. Now 2 days ago I went to home depot and saw the huskey 1/2" impact looks identical to my crafstman. I honestly think they are all the same. I know my craftsman impact gets my vote. Never broken a bolt because it has smooth engagment, and also taken out every bolt I have ever put it on. Works GREAT. I beat it too. I have never oiled it, well. maybe once.. gotta start doing that more, but it stills works like new. I have dropped it in all kinda of stuff from sand to dirt, and ran over it a few times too. It keeps working great. I love it. BUt I do have to say, I wish I had not bought those CH tools over at home depot. they are not worth it. I will end up replacing them, probabally with IR tools.

Originally posted by bronco78


well lets see

IR2131
1/2" Ultra Duty
Air Impact Wrench

IR261
3/4" Super Duty
Air Impact Wrench

AT700E
Ratchet, High Torque, 3/8" Drive

IR301
Standard Duty
Multi-Purpose Air Angle Die Grinder

MT1732
1/4" IMPACT WRENCH

IR326
Heavy Duty
Air Cut-Off Tool

MT1720
3/8" IMPACT WRENCH

IR301
Standard Duty
Multi-Purpose Air Angle Die Grinder

AT105
Die Grinder, 1/4" Collet

Craftsman Medium Duty Impact Hammer

Craftsman 1/2 in. Professional One-Touch Drill

And my latest tool, given to me by my wife for xmas

AIR POWERED VACUUM QS9R


All the above are Snap on, IR, MATCO, or Craftsman

I tried the Cheepie brands, and found then to be under powered, did not last long, cheap plastic parts that could not take hard use.

I'm a tool guy.....If a tool is needed for a job, it is bought, and just considered the price of doing the job, not an extra cost.

I use 3/8 line on every thing, both in the garage and on the Bronco On board air. No in line oiler. Like somebody else said above.,,, I keep the bottle of oil next to the cabnet, when I pick up a tool, it gets 2 drops of oil, when it go's back in the box, it gets 1~2 drops

I have two roll-a-ways, a top box, a middle box, two side boxies, two med size three drawer box's. Tools are good :D

Sure is nice to have the Snap-on, MATCO folks stop by once a week.... :)


All Snap On on errr Blue point here... $15,000 total in 2 years

Whew..Only owe $600
So whats YOUR Account at Bud :O)

Originally posted by DaBeef



All Snap On on errr Blue point here... $15,000 total in 2 years

Whew..Only owe $600
So whats YOUR Account at Bud :O)

Umm, rule #1, Never and I mean never, add up what you spend on tools, no good can come of it.

Rule #2, never actually put in to words the numbers at the bottom of the statement, it makes it real,,,, Just cut the check every month and go on about your happy life.


:rolleyes:

Been using a CH gas powered AC with honda 5.5 motor since 1994. I bolted it to pick up bed floor. Got a hose wheel which is nice. One of the cooler things I got for it was an air over hydr jack. Its rated at 12 tons and works with or without air. Also plumbed in bars from my rollbar for extra capacity. Wanted to have on board air without using truck motor, works great.:smokin:

I just bought an IR 2131 from HF for 149.99 on sale, have been using a friends 2131 and was blown away with the power and overall ease of use of it compared to my 24.99 cambell housefield junk ... definitely a case of you get what you pay for the 600 ft. lbs of torque in reverse is definitely appreciated.

- jack

Hey,
In the market for a new 1/2" to be used in the shop AND truck.

The truck is limited to 100lb cuz of the ARB.

Is the IR2131 overkill in this case?

What model is the Husky and will it perform well at 100lb?

Thanks,

My Husky is the H4110 rated to a max of 350 ft/lbs @ 90psi input.

There's no such thing as ovekill if you can afford it !

2131 will run fine at 100 psi

I can't believe that nobody has mentioned the fact that Sears carries a rebadged IR2131!

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1069142738.101 0082765@@@@&BV_EngineID=feadcdcdhidlhbggcmgclchl.0&vertical=TOOL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=&pid=00919905000
(hope that link works!) 600ft-lbs in reverse! All the bolt busting power most shade tree mechanics will ever need!

i just got the ir2131 about 6 months ago................ wooo hooo love it

Originally posted by Mo
I can't believe that nobody has mentioned the fact that Sears carries a rebadged IR2131!



yep, and the one from sears has a shiny chrome nose piece on it ...

I use an IR244, but I also have a POS C/H 1/2" impact that now just sits in the bottom of my tool box. I love that 244, it is my second favorite tool right behind my saws-all. I also use a Craftsman air rachet that is swichable between 1/2" & 3/8" and an IR 1/4" air rachet. My cut-off wheel is an el cheapo but it works fine. My air hammer is a POS C/H and will be replaced with an IR next time I need to use it. I rarely use a corded drill anymore, I either use my cordless or my Rodac air drill. I also have a Rodac air file and D/A but my compressor has a hard time keeping up with them.

Got a Husky compressor about 4 months ago, 60 gal. tank, 10.2 cfm @ 90 psi, iron cylinders oil sump and belt drive - ca. $398 + tax. Single-stage two-cylinder, siamesed cylinders, needs a 20-amp 220 circuit. Would've preferred the big IR two-stage they had, but at $1598 + tax I just couldn't justify it. The hungriest tool I can forsee running for extended periods is a die grinder and/or cutoff wheel, and they "only" eat 9 cfm @ 90. I've been very impressed with the compressor; we got it for use building our house, and within a few days the old one that the framing crew had brought up died. This one has fed all the framing hammers, roofers, and me painting the soffit and eaves, simultaneously, and without any trouble at all.

For tools, my only good one is an IR ratchet given to me by a guy that I helped move. Remainder is a set of Costco cheapies, about 5 years old, that will be replaced with good stuff as they die or I get tired of the crap. I'm very happy to see this thread, since I'll be looking for better air tools soon.