I am looking a purchasing an air ratchet, http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=435596. I figured while I am at it I might as well pick up an Air Hammer at the same time. I need to remove some spring brackets anyway. The majority of the Ingersoll-Rand air hammers that Northern Tool carries are well under $100, Except this one. (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200111874&R=200111874) Can anyone explain to me how an air hammer can be $500. The rivets should just get up and walk out the door for that price.

Never seen that one. It's their "Super Duty" model and claims a longer stroke and better tease trigger. Looks pretty sweet and does look to have a long barrel.

FWIW Northern's prices are rarely competitive, esp once you pay their shipping. A google search for "IR132 hammer" turned up a bunch of hits. I didn't look thru them all but already found one for $441. It also shouldn't be hard to find free shipping I bet.

Yeah I always go that route. NT is always a good place to start comparing models because they carry so many, at least in the air tools. I have a local NT store so sometimes the price and tax are a wash compared to another vendors price and shipping. Still, that particular air hammer won't be joining my tool collection, even at $441. I am looking at the 117 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=35659&R=35659) and the 121 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=24001&R=24001). What gets the job done, more BPM or a longer stroke?

ok, slightly off topic question.

But why would you use an air hammer to cut off a bracket when you could use a torch or even plasma?

ok, slightly off topic question.

But why would you use an air hammer to cut off a bracket when you could use a torch or even plasma?



1) air is quick and clean. no worries of cutting into the frame.

2) its quick if you have a system. i did my frame and had 2-4 bits. while i was cutting dad was sharpening.

3) use 2 styles of bits 1) is a flat chisel to cut and 2) is a "pencil" bit to push it out of the hole


and i did the front spring hangers and rear bumper on my cruiser with the $10 with 5 bits harbor freight special. the damn thing gets it


currently its on sale for 6.99 regularly 11.99 and comes with 5 bits part#32940

I have no clue, other than maybe its because it has a 4 inch stroke? Pretty intense but even still. For that $$$ it better be made here too

CP makes a really nice kit, and instead of a spring retainer they give you a screw on bit retainer. Hard to explain but Ive use a snap on with one of these and It just feels more secure.

Jim

What gets the job done, more BPM or a longer stroke?

Longer stroke.

I've got the 117 or real close to it (the serial tag fell off and I've forgotten), and I'm pretty impressed.

But always longer stroke.

EDIT: have you looked at any of the CP hammers?

ok, slightly off topic question.

But why would you use an air hammer to cut off a bracket when you could use a torch or even plasma?


I have an air compressor but not a torch yet. The air hammer will be less than $100. A good torch set is gonna be more than that and I still have to decide if I want to own or rent my bottles. Own I think, which is more money in the short term. The bracket cutting I am looking at doing is really rivet removing. Air hammers are great for that. I dont want to remove the gas tank for this job and I don't wanna blow myself up either.

D60 I haven't specifically looked at CP yet. Did you have a specific model in mind?

NAPA sells one with a longer barrel that looks like it might be pretty good. I use the craftsman air hammer. It cost about $45.00 and works like a champ. Much, much better ergonomics than most of the other hammers I see. My air hammer is usually getting the job done. Especially for the price. The HF isn't bad, I've used it too but the grip is much better on th craftsman.

Just be careful with an air hammer. I got my hand too close to the piece I was working on once and paid the price. I was using the tapered punch bit and it jumped and hit the thin skin between my tumb and forefinger. Needless to say that piece of skin is gone. I've also had it throw chunks of metal into my arm. Great tool though