Impact Recommendations...

Caver Dave

Caver Dave

Just holdin' it down here in BFV
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Joined
Mar 10, 2005
Location
Hooterville (24171)
Well, after 10+ years of driveway wrenching with handtools (still get it done), I'm wanting an impact... more than likely will put it on my Xmas list for the family.

However, the POS "All-trade" my dad loaned me it less than worthless. I'm not looking for the NASCAR grade goldplated "pro" impact... nor do I want something so underpowered it can't strip a plastic nut...

Maybe a $150 cap? So what's the minimum torque I should be looking for the small amount I'll use it (occasional Jeep repair, etc.)?

Watcha got? Pros/Cons?
 
www.thetoolwarehouse.net best prices I've seen, and over $100 purchase is free shipping.

I've bought several things from them and have really pissed tool dealers off when I told them the prices I was buying for.

If you are not looking for BRUTE POWER, the IR 231C is an awesome gun, strong, and if properly lubed will last for YEARS,

As will all of them, you need a good air supply
 
Ive got the $40 from harbor freight and Ive had it for about 3 years with no problems. It isn't quite as strong as me with a breaker bar, but ive been pretty impressed with its strength (supposedly 250ftlbs, but probably more like 150-175). I got it on sale for like $25-30, so its fine to leave in the jeep. I would still be mad if someone took it, but not near as mad as if it were 100+ dollars.
 
IR 231 at Northern Tool probably 6 years ago. It beat the hell out of my old Craftsman. Still going strong.
 
Mine's an IR, not a real nice one, but something in that price range.. "Had" to have it "right now" so I bought it from Lowe's.

Check fleabay...
 
rockmafia said:
IR titanium, anything less you are just playing around. Look on ebay, you can get a used one under 150.
Click to expand...


Yeah, that "used" one you buy may be the one stolen from me 9 months ago !!!

Ebay, the modern day Pawn shop.
 
rockmafia said:
IR titanium, anything less you are just playing around. Look on ebay, you can get a used one under 150.
Click to expand...

Yep... 2135. I got a brand-new one from Amazon for $250 or so a couple of years ago.
 
Thanks for the info!:beer:

Anybody had success having an older IR rebuilt? My dad has a nice collection of older impacts (were my grandfathers = diesel/cement truck wrencher) from the '60s-'70s... and since he has no air to run them, thought about asking for them. I was told by several mechanics (& 1 IR employee) that IR made *most* of the impacts on the market (SO, Mac, Cornwell, etc) and rebuild parts are available for them... for around $40-50 the "truck peddlers" would do them for you. OTOH, even if I could rebuild/have rebuilt one of my Paws old impacts, not sure I'd want to use it do to sentimental value...
 
Dave one of these days my tools will go to my son I am sure, I would want him to use them, would make me happy. So the few tools I have that were my dads, makes me think of him every time I use them. I can still remember him saying something about putting them up right when I am finished!
 
I would vote to get the old tools, and still ask for something new. I love using my grandfathers tools. He passed a while back but everytime I grab a tool or fishing pole that came from him I remeber and smile. Save the present money for all the little things you need once you move to air.
 
i bought a IR 2135PTi off of ebay and for 117 shipped and i've been really happy with it. if i got another one it'd be IR and either be the thunder gun or another of the Ti series
 
Caver Dave said:
Thanks for the info!:beer:
Anybody had success having an older IR rebuilt? My dad has a nice collection of older impacts (were my grandfathers = diesel/cement truck wrencher) from the '60s-'70s... and since he has no air to run them, thought about asking for them. I was told by several mechanics (& 1 IR employee) that IR made *most* of the impacts on the market (SO, Mac, Cornwell, etc) and rebuild parts are available for them... for around $40-50 the "truck peddlers" would do them for you. OTOH, even if I could rebuild/have rebuilt one of my Paws old impacts, not sure I'd want to use it do to sentimental value...
Click to expand...

rebuilding is an option, but you'd be $$ ahead to try and clean them first.

I used to do repair power tools (electric and air) and found with air tools most often they were gummed up from an unfiltered air source ( the norm) and little lubrication.

as long as the bearings would spin free, and the motor bodies were not heavily grooved, dressing the vanes with emmery cloth, and a good cleaning, most would perform like new. there were a few that needed O-rings and such.

the trick is knowing how to disassemble/reassemble with out causing any more damage. tolerances are tight, and things bind very easy.
 
Thanks again guys! I have a few of my Paws tools (& some of my dad's too) that get used occasionally... mostly some taps/dies, etc. gleaned from his shop while the cousins were inside fighting over furniture :shaking: and I do think of them every time I pick one up!

Since I already have air (dad brought his compressor over a year ago, since he has use for it...), I should ask him for the air tools to go with it! :D
 
Yo,
Whatever you decide to get (I too suggest one of the IR's) make sure its a double-hammer type. The elcheapo's are single hammer and are good for your lawn mower. To pull a crank balancer bolt, need air pressure and a good quality doulble-hammer impact wrench. Be sure to get the 1/2".

My $0.02
:beer:
 
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