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Old 01-24-2012, 09:39 AM
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Default air tools

I just got a big air compressor and want to start getting some air tools. What's a reliable brand that wont break the bank? Any sponsors I can purchase from?
Old 01-24-2012, 10:08 AM
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For the price, the Harbor Freight "Earthquake" series air tools seem to be pretty good. In fact, my dad is a GM dealer tech and recently broke his Ingersoll Rand 3/8 impact. Instead of paying $400 for another IR, he bought a $60 Harbor Freight gun and it's been working great all day for the past 4 months- takes a ton of abuse and constant use too.
Old 01-24-2012, 12:42 PM
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I've always used IR, but Aircat is a good compromise.
Old 01-24-2012, 05:00 PM
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chicago pneumatic
Old 01-24-2012, 05:08 PM
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Ingersoll Rand...
Old 01-24-2012, 10:00 PM
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Any brands to steer clear of?
Old 01-25-2012, 04:57 AM
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Don't buy the cheapest at Harbor Freight. I bought the cheap impact gun and it does not even break the lugs loose on my car, pretty much useless now. I have not tried the "earthquake" series yet though.
Old 01-25-2012, 09:18 AM
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I have an earthquake 1/2 impact and it does good.
Old 01-25-2012, 08:58 PM
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Ive got a group of Air tools I will sell you all top quality brand...(Snap on MAC Matco) Pm me if your intrested... Ive got nearly 30 different individual pieces... I never have to change an arbor for any reason... but since I no longer use my own tools at work I'd like to sell a few of them to fund my new TV
Old 01-27-2012, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by CTSmechanic
Ive got a group of Air tools I will sell you all top quality brand...(Snap on MAC Matco) Pm me if your intrested... Ive got nearly 30 different individual pieces... I never have to change an arbor for any reason... but since I no longer use my own tools at work I'd like to sell a few of them to fund my new TV
I would but from what im looking to spend id doubt you sell them. Only looking to spend 200 for now. Thanks though


And thanks for the input guys!
Old 01-29-2012, 01:26 AM
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Originally Posted by bwilde86
I would but from what im looking to spend id doubt you sell them. Only looking to spend 200 for now. Thanks though


And thanks for the input guys!
I bought my IR 1/2 inch "titanium" for close to that price online a few years ago. Do not buy the snapon/mac/matco stuff. They are waaaay overpriced, whereas the IR will suit you just fine for ~$200. IMO, IR is the way to go when it comes to the 1/2 and 3/8 air impacts.

Don't look too much into the whole, "breakaway torque" selling point. Also, your air compressor starts to become the weak point when getting into heavy duty air tools.
Old 01-29-2012, 01:33 AM
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spend the money and buy something nice
Old 01-29-2012, 09:04 AM
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I have harbor freight stuff (actually the lowest end craftsman, I'm assuming it's just rebranded) like the air chisel, grinder, sander, etc. They're cheap but they work when I need them once in a while.

for that price I would look at IR. I bought a 231 used for $40 (only $125 new) and it works great. I've been using one at the shop where I help out for a while and it's great. a friend of mine also has the earthquake and it's pretty good.
Old 02-01-2012, 09:03 AM
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This is what im thinking of...is it a good one?

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...atalogId=10053
Old 02-01-2012, 09:04 AM
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Hope that didn't break any rules.
Old 02-01-2012, 02:55 PM
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The harbor freight "earthquake" is a copy of the IR thunder gun and is a good buy.

It is usually worth it to spend a little more on higher quality air rachets and impact guns. Higher quality ones will actually work better and have better performance. It doesn't matter as much when you are buying simple rotary tools like cut off tools and die grinders. they just spin around, not much too them.
Old 02-01-2012, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by bwilde86
This is what im thinking of...is it a good one?

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...atalogId=10053

Your link didn't work.

It is not worth it to waste your money on an under powered/cheap 1/2" impact gun, it will not perform the way it should and will just frustrate you.
Old 02-01-2012, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by MynameisLee
Your link didn't work.

It is not worth it to waste your money on an under powered/cheap 1/2" impact gun, it will not perform the way it should and will just frustrate you.
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com...px-am_en-35866


thats the kit i am looking at. The kit includes a 231G ½” Impactool, a 170G 3/8” Ratchet, a socket set, and a blow-molded carrying case. seems like a good kit to start out with. then i can look for cheap grinders chisels etc. home depot was selling it for $150
Old 02-01-2012, 03:47 PM
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^^ That's not bad. Something to get you started. It will take your lug nuts off and on with ease, but not the almighty LS crank bolt out(that mug is TIGHT).

If the price is right, I would say go for it.
Old 02-01-2012, 09:30 PM
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I use Ingersol Rand air tools and have had very good luck with them. As for an impact I paid $196 for my titanium 1/2" drive impact about 6 years ago when I started working in the mining indusrty and its still going strong.

I cant stand any of the snap-on or similar stuff. They are all way too heavy and a pain to use, most matcos are just ingersol tools with different colors and higher price tags.


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