Air impact wrench suggestions

[96Firebird]

Finally got a compressor (25gal 175psi Craftsman Professional series) and looking to get an impact wrench. I've heard good things about the Harbor Freight Earthquake line, any input? Will be using it for at-home automotive work. Thanks.

 

[HarryLui]

By buddy loves his earthquake.

 

[mztykal]

Earthquake or Ingersoll-Rand

 

[master_shake_]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Drive-Kevlar-Composite-Impact-Gun-Wrench-ACA1200K-Aircat-Nitrocat-1200k-NEW-/181671525965

thank me whenever

 

[Raizinman]

Sort of depends what you intend to do with it. My first compressor and only wanting to change tires and light mechanical work I bought both an impact and air ratchet off Craigslist for $50 used. It still works good. Later on, when I needed better (more torque) I bought an IR. When I needed even more, I purchased a 3/4" IR.

 

[JCH13]

As a casual to moderate user: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Q8A98M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Same tool that master_shake_ posted but less expensive. I've used mine for 2-3 years now and have been quite pleased.

Also, if you buy an impact gun, get some torque bars too. Torque bars are the best.

 

[herm0016]

i have been happy with the all black husky branded one from depot, have husky impact sockets as well. I should get a set of torque bars though. I use it 2 or 3 times a year.

 

[Mandres]

I picked up an old IR 231c for $40 about 10 years ago and it's done everything I've ever asked of it. If you're planning to buy new, the HF earthquake line is the best price/performance out there.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I have a 3/8" drive Earthquake - it works and is solid.

Would probably be better if I had a meatier air compressor, though.

 

[96Firebird]

I'll be using it for automotive work, probably just on my own cars. I've got some stubborn exhaust bolts that I want to break loose so I can install my electric cutout. I'm not sure if I'll need torque bars, since I don't fully tighten with impact wrenches. I'll use torque wrenches for that...

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I'll be using it for automotive work, probably just on my own cars. I've got some stubborn exhaust bolts that I want to break loose so I can install my electric cutout. I'm not sure if I'll need torque bars, since I don't fully tighten with impact wrenches. I'll use torque wrenches for that...

By "torque bar" do you mean a breaker bar? (Sorry, I'm not up on all the lingo.)

 

[herm0016]

By "torque bar" do you mean a breaker bar? (Sorry, I'm not up on all the lingo.)

The color coded bars that the tire shops use to limit the torque they put on your alloy wheels.

 

[JCH13]

I'll be using it for automotive work, probably just on my own cars. I've got some stubborn exhaust bolts that I want to break loose so I can install my electric cutout. I'm not sure if I'll need torque bars, since I don't fully tighten with impact wrenches. I'll use torque wrenches for that...

I did a quick experiment to convince myself that toque bars worked as advertised. I tightened a nut down with a torque bar and then used a torque wrench to sneak up on the torque bar's rating watching for movement of the nut. It showed a really close match. I have no reservations about tightening with a torque bar. You may consider convincing yourself too, it saves a lot of time and lets you tighten some things (like axle nuts) really easily.

By "torque bar" do you mean a breaker bar? (Sorry, I'm not up on all the lingo.)

A torque bar limits the torque applied by an impact gun to an impact socket (typically) letting the user quickly and safely torque fasteners with an impact gun. Unlike a torque wrench, a torque bar can tighten fasteners on nominally free-spinning parts, like axle nuts or lug nuts on a jacked-up wheel.