Which Air Impact Wrench Do You Prefer?

[crankbait2009]

Out of all the 1/2" air impact wrenches on the market, which ones do you prefer for the at home DIY'er? Are there any that are very reasonable in cost and that last forever with a lot of power?

[tipptruck1]

My top two for air tools. Snap on/blue point and craftsman. Snap on/blue cost a lot but so worth it. They have so munch touqe its not even funny. They will last for ever if taken care of.

Craftsmans also makes good air tools. You should be able to get a 1/2 impact for less then 300. They dont have the balls like a snap on/blue point has. But they will get the job done. They will also last a long time. Sorry those are the only brands I have owned or used. There is also a reason why 9/10 car guys will have them brands impacts. They get crap done and take a beating.

[00 mod]

Craftsman is a quality brand at a lower price. I also have a longacre 1/2 drive battery impact that I would put up against my Snap on batter impact in a heart beat. It weights a little more, but well worht the $200 price tag!

Jeff

[FD.]

I use a kobalt from Lowes. I use it in my job and it has been in the dirt and mud for over 2 years now with no problem. At around 50 bucks with a lifetime guarantee.

[OHIO]

Ingersoll Rand without a doubt.

They make amazing tools.

[tipptruck1]

Ohio I forgot about them. Yes they make great tools. I just have never used there impacts. Chicago Pneumatics are also a great brand. But since a get a 40% sears discount no matter what. I also get snap on cheap. I tend to stick to them.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I tend to use my work tools around the house so I may not be much help.

However I like the Chicago Pneumatic tools. Never tried their half in. impact, but the 1in. I have works like a champ, its been put through hell over athree year period and is still running like a champ. I imagine that their smaller tools would work just as well. Get some nice Proto impact sockets to go with and you'll be set for life.

[clayton86]

Snap on gets the nod for me I got mine a few years back couldn't tell ya the model but it was there new big red one with the dual hammer or what ever new and different thing it had i was sold on it soon as the rep brought it in and i heard that thing spin up it will break your wrist if your not holding it good and tight.

iv used almost all of them IR would probably be my 2nd choice they have a nice polymer one iv been using for a while with no problems, CP is ok iv had em loose strength on me after a year or 2 same goes for some matco's iv had some that take a beating and never have failed others that after a month im at the reps truck trading it in for something else cuz its a POS. I have also used craftsman and yeah life time warranty and available at sears is nice and conviviality. Iv found they don't have the torque at times less so then the matco or cp's just flat out out of the box adjusted right with the same pressure just cant handle some jobs.

[tholmes]

My pick would be Chicago Pneumatic. Not the least expensive, but built to last.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_370419_370419

Tom

[crankbait2009]

Ohio I forgot about them. Yes they make great tools. I just have never used there impacts. Chicago Pneumatics are also a great brand. But since a get a 40% sears discount no matter what. I also get snap on cheap. I tend to stick to them.

tipptruck1 - I'm listening.........uhhh, how bout sending that 40% discount my way so I can buy a craftsman Impact wrench

[crankbait2009]

I have seen this brand around Home Depot as well as Wal Mart, has anyone ever used Campbell Hausfeld? Junk?

[crankbait2009]

When it comes to impact wrenches, I notice that the socket slides off the shaft of the driver very easily. I like on the standard Craftsman ratchets, you have to push the center button in to get the socket on the wrench. Why do the impact wrenches not have this ability? Im constantly having to reseat the socket and continue. Kinda gets to be a pain in the arse.

[clayton86]

When it comes to impact wrenches, I notice that the socket slides off the shaft of the driver very easily. I like on the standard Craftsman ratchets, you have to push the center button in to get the socket on the wrench. Why do the impact wrenches not have this ability? Im constantly having to reseat the socket and continue. Kinda gets to be a pain in the arse.

there should be a ring to kinda hold it in place but any extended use oh chrome sockets and its pretty much junk or the socket breaks also i dont think the mechanism on a hand ratchet that u push could hold up to the beating of an impact. I dont think iv even seen an air ratchet with the push button just the normal ball detent.

[OHIO]

tipptruck1 - I'm listening.........uhhh, how bout sending that 40% discount my way so I can buy a craftsman Impact wrench

I get 50% off Snap On and Mac. Depending on how close you live to me we could strike a deal.

[crankbait2009]

Oh Snap!! (no pun intended )

OHIO, PM sent

[MyKeyBe]

I have seen this brand around Home Depot as well as Wal Mart, has anyone ever used Campbell Hausfeld? Junk?

CH is supposed to be a decent brand. I've never used them much. I have used the ones sold at Wal Mart and it is a total POS. I would guess if you bought one from a good parts house it would be of much better quality. I've used Craftsman with good luck. That Kobalt for around $50.00 with a lifetime warranty sounds like it maybe a pretty good deal.