1" Impact gun, how important are these to own?

[JJT]

I'm picking 1 up tomorrow. I have the same 15% coupon. The lugnuts on my truck are 1", spec's say torque to 400#. These haven't been off in 15+ years and my 1/2" gun won't do a thing. I also need to replace the blades on my brush hog, again, the wimpy 1/2" gun will not do the job. I have a 60 gallon air tank with a twin cylinder 6.5 horse compressor, I'll be adding some 1/2" hose and I'll be fine.

 

[automech]

I also think the 1" is too heavy and unwieldy. I'd rather have a decent 3/4 gun than a cheap 1" gun. My 3/4 has enough power for most heavy duty jobs in the shop. The 1 inch gun comes out for OTR tractor wheels and dozer track work, that's it. It's just too heavy for most jobs. The sockets cost more too.

 

[_RaT_]

I'm picking 1 up tomorrow. I have the same 15% coupon. The lugnuts on my truck are 1", spec's say torque to 400#. These haven't been off in 15+ years and my 1/2" gun won't do a thing. I also need to replace the blades on my brush hog, again, the wimpy 1/2" gun will not do the job. I have a 60 gallon air tank with a twin cylinder 6.5 horse compressor, I'll be adding some 1/2" hose and I'll be fine.

I take it you don't drive the truck much. If you need considerably more torque then 400 ft lb to remove the lug nuts, examine carefull the stud. Once you twist it, it is just a matter of time before it breaks off.

 

[cp1969]

Sometimes the tools at Harbor freight are less then stellar performers.

Indeed. Even the brand names seem to be seconds or something. I bought an Ingersoll Rand 1/2" (model 231?) from Harbor Freight that is pathetically weak.

I was accustomed to using the next model up, the black one with the dial selector for torque on the back. A friend of mine owned the school buses for our district. He also had dump trucks and a loader. On the bench, gathering dust, were various 1" and 3/4" impact tools. The only one in daily use was the 1/2" IR. It was strong enough to do anything that needed done on his equipment.

I didn't think I needed that much torque, so I opted for the next one down in the product line, then bought it from Harbor Freight. Big disappointment.

Also, I think the more impact tools are used, the better they are. Sitting on the bench does nothing to improve their strength.

 

[_RaT_]

Indeed. Even the brand names seem to be seconds or something. I bought an Ingersoll Rand 1/2" (model 231?) from Harbor Freight that is pathetically weak.

I was accustomed to using the next model up, the black one with the dial selector for torque on the back. A friend of mine owned the school buses for our district. He also had dump trucks and a loader. On the bench, gathering dust, were various 1" and 3/4" impact tools. The only one in daily use was the 1/2" IR. It was strong enough to do anything that needed done on his equipment.

I didn't think I needed that much torque, so I opted for the next one down in the product line, then bought it from Harbor Freight. Big disappointment.

Also, I think the more impact tools are used, the better they are. Sitting on the bench does nothing to improve their strength.

I had several 1/2" impact wrenches. I bought an IR with the dial on the back. It cost $200, $300, I don't remember. Fairly light, quite compact and usually breaks the nut loose or twists it off.

 

[patrick_g]

'mon guys, let the guy enjoy himself. A HF 1 inch may not produce more torque than an Ingersol Rand 1/2 inch so he gets some exercise and isn't particularly dangerous. Likewise the larger hoses etc. Ya don't gotta. Also these days for a few bucks you can get a lifetime replacement guarantee on HF tools. If it breaks they swap for a new one just as crappy as the first In the unlikely event that it could actually produce MONSTER torque, the smaller air lines will help keep him out of trouble.

The reduced size hoses should not reduce torque too much but will lengthen the time to do the job as it will provide fewer hammer blows per unit time. This will help him pace himself.

Pat

 

[Bird]

I bought an IR with the dial on the back. It cost $200, $300, I don't remember

Maybe an IR2131 with a composite body; most powerful 1/2" made when it first came out.

 

[shvl73]

I would think the cost and availability of 1" drive sockets would make me look for a 3/4" impact.
My 1/2" is rated for 500 ft/lbs, that's enough for me.

 

[schmism]

no prob on the 1" sockets

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93805

$60 nets you a 11 piece set.

so you print out 2 15% off coupons.

buy the 1" impact before lunch, go to lunch come back and buy the sockets with the second coupon