Now Christmas is over...

Bird · Jan 1, 2002

Nuru, since you apparently know some of the Ingersoll Rand model numbers, I guess you're acquainted with their web site at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.irtools.com>http://www.irtools.com</A>? The 261 is a step up from the 255, of course. There are a lot of cheap clones on the market, but the only name brand models I'd say to avoid would be the IR235 and Snap-on IM5100. Don't ask me why, but it seems that those two just do not have the power expected, even when new, and I've known too many professional mechanics who were unhappy with them.

wdn · Jan 2, 2002

Mike,

The "CHICAGO ELECTRIC POWER TOOLS" model from Harbor Freight is NOT the same tool as the DeWalt DW290. Chicago Electric is Harbor Freight's store brand. Their tool is a made in China knock-off made to the lowest price/quality point, the DeWalt is a heavy duty made in USA by DeWalt.

Bird · Jan 2, 2002

There's certainly nothing wrong with buying tools from Harbor Freight; they have some good deals, but you DO want to do it with your eyes wide open. When I was repairing air tools, I found that they sell some for which parts are ONLY available from Harbor Freight, and I tried their "800" parts and service number to try to get some parts for a customer and NEVER succeeded in getting to talk to a live human.

TerryinMD · Jan 2, 2002

A small bank barn....

Bottom floor to store my implements and have a root cellar. Top floor for shop/garage space. Attic for stuff.

Oh yeah!! To be retired - but that has to wait... sigh. /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

therrien · Jan 2, 2002

Bird
It's funny you mentioned draining the compressor and lubing your air tools.
Funny but true
When I started repairing autos I bought all high priced Chicargo Pneumatic tools and oiled them daily.My boss had all cheap Florida pneumatic tools and never lubed them. The only lubrication they got was when water from compressor would spray out of them like a garden hose. One day I thought I was being nice and lubed all his air tools. within two days they all gave him problems. The oil must have been uncompatable with water?????????

Bird · Jan 2, 2002

That's pretty good, Doug./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I've never known of lubricating one to cause it problems except when someone uses the wrong stuff. Some tools have some plastic or rubber throttle valves and there are some solvents that will destroy them, and I got quite a few of those. I don't know how many Florida Pneumatic tools are out there, but in 3 years, I think I only had a couple of them to repair. However, I sure did sell a lot of Florida Pneumatic 3/8" drive universal ratchet head kits. If I had just used the Florida Pneumatic head kits without saying anything, customers probably would never have known the difference, but I just wouldn't do that. I'd tell them what an OEM head kit for their name brand ratchet cost and what the Florida Pneumatic head kit cost (frequently 1/3 or less), their choice, they usually wanted the cheaper one, and I never had a complaint or one come back.

therrien · Jan 2, 2002

Bird
The oil I used should not have been the wrong stuff, It worked OK in my tools but I don't know if his tools had the throttle valves you mentioned.
I still work part time for this guy, and because it is part time and we have been friends for over 25 years, I work out of his toolbox. The standard saying (joke) he has is "DON'T TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY AIR TOOLS"
What type or brand of air tool lube do you reccommend?

Nuru · Jan 2, 2002

Bird, thanks for the info, Yes I am familiar with their website.

Nuru

Bird · Jan 2, 2002

Doug, I really doubt that the lubrication you did had anything to do with his tool problems. When I mentioned solvents, it's because some of the air tool manuals recommend a tablespoon full of solvent through the air intake occasionally to remove any glaze from the cylinder. No problem if you use something like Varsol (which is what I use) or lots of other solvents, but don't use Brakleen (or similar products than can "melt" rubber or plastic) like some mechanics have been known to do./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif As for air tool oil, most any brand that is specifically labelled as being "air tool oil" (personally, I use Marvel Air Tool Oil, but there are lots of other good brands). It should say "gum solvent" on the label also. The other thing a lot of people don't seem to know is that air tool oil goes into the air inlet (can't hurt anything with too much because any surplus will just get blown out the exhaust), but a lot of air tools also have another "oil plug" and while any oil is better than nothing, those plugs are made for either 20W or 30W non-detergent motor oil, not air tool oil. And even some mechanics don't know about that little thing that looks like a tiny dimple with a very small ball bearing in the middle on the housing of some air tools, but that's a grease fitting to be greased with a needle type grease gun.