Wanting first impact wrench

[Scooby074]

I didn't know that either (Gerstner). I'm a member of the Owners Club and make the pilgrimage to Dayton every couple years. My boxes were made in Dayton. One is 40 years old, my dad bought it for me when I took my apprenticeship. It a Starrett Signature Box and according to Gerstner, there are only 3 know to exist today and mine has never had tools it it. It's pristine. My other box, my working box, is just as old but oak and looks used.

I've been offered 5 grand for the Starrett Box but it's not for sale.

Not to derail the thread any more than it has been, but do you have a pic (or link) to that Starret box? Sounds pretty cool. 1 of 3:thumbsup:

A link to Gerstner International, its a bit of a shame: Gerstner International - Wood Tool Chests

Considering these two 1/2" impact wrenches:

1) Ingersoll Rand 2135 (various models) says "assembled in USA"

2) Snap On MG725 says "made in USA"


USA may not be a big thing to some but is surely is for me. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of "both" of these. How to they pan out head to head?

thanks

If Made in the USA is a requirement, then Snapon all the way. Actually heres a video of its manufacture. (older model MG31, but essentially the same) :How Its Made 03 Pneumatic Impact Wrenches - YouTube

Personally, Id go for the Snapon assuming the additional cost isnt an issue, but either gun will serve you well. Some actually prefer the 2135

 

[Bird]

Needed a tire on Duetz 6806d rear.Tire repair truck man shows up.
I don't recall what type of compressor or impact set up he had but with his equipment and us trying cheater bars on lugs could not break-em loose.I tell him hang on one minute I go to my truck get a hand impact tool.Like this one :
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Wack all lugs with it put on air impact and they zipped off !
Don't know if many of you's own one but I have on occasion used one for years on stubborn stuff.Good tool to have w/impact stuff IMHO.

Boone

Boone, I'd forgotten about those. I had one 30+ years ago to use on screws; don't recall ever using it on nuts and bolts, but yep, they can be very handy.

 

[crazyal]

I tried to use Lowe's best IR, rated at 600 ft/lbs to break loose the blades on my MX6 rotary cutter. After it failed, I returned it and bought an aircat 1200 1/2 " drive from ebay. It's SUPPOSED to have 1200 ft/lbs of torque. I don't know if it actually does, but it DID slowly loosen the 1 1/2 inch nuts on my blades. :thumbsup:

Make sure you are using a 1/2" air hose with 3/8" quick disconnect fittings. CFM from your compressor is less important than getting as much air as you can to your gun when it comes to busting loose nuts and bolts.

 

[deereman75]

Needed a tire on Duetz 6806d rear.Tire repair truck man shows up.
I don't recall what type of compressor or impact set up he had but with his equipment and us trying cheater bars on lugs could not break-em loose.I tell him hang on one minute I go to my truck get a hand impact tool.Like this one :
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Wack all lugs with it put on air impact and they zipped off !
Don't know if many of you's own one but I have on occasion used one for years on stubborn stuff.Good tool to have w/impact stuff IMHO.

Boone

My dad has one, it can be usefull for some stuff, lots of power, but I cant see one of those putting more force on a nut then a breaker bar, with a 5 foot snipe on it.

 

[bullbreaker]

My dad has one, it can be usefull for some stuff, lots of power, but I cant see one of those putting more force on a nut then a breaker bar, with a 5 foot snipe on it.

Agree with you but I just wanted to share that exprerience and tell folks here that thats a good tool to have under correct circumstances.I'am telling you I witnessed/experianced it with my own eyes.What I don't remember is if on first couple of whacks we had it going clockwise(tihtening it) and then whacked it (left)counterclockwise and then put air gun on it and they came off.As you know when you hit the manual driver it turns maybe 1/8 or 1/4" every time in theory.
I recently bought one for one of my sons in Home Depot for like $22.
I bought mine from Sears back when they sold scouting equipment(AKELA) and sold chocolate and peanuts in middle areas of there stores.

Boone

 

[mojoinco]

I went through the same issue on an impact choice a few years ago. Then again a couple of years later when a friends son graduated diesel mechanics school.

Of the things I have learned over the years:
1/2" impact is the 'standard' of your shop. Works things that will hurt you the most.

A 1/4" butterfly will save you from breaking things, keep you from needing a 3/8" air ratchet, and not wear your arm out using it.

A swivel connector on the tool will make it fit in tighter spaces (watch for loss of volume/flow).

Flow for the big jobs is important. I keep a 1/2" line with 3/8" fittings around just for those times the 3/8" hose will not do it.

The larger the tank, the longer you will be able to work on the really tough nuts. You can add in used (non-flammable) propane bottles for more reserve (will take longer to recover, but that's the sacrifice).

I found that a cheap impact was just that. Reading the fine print on the specs for a unit really can make a difference. If it is not clear on the model, or you want to know which other brands/models are the same, look up the repair parts kits. Usually a good idea of the same guns, performance wise. No one makes there own private label gun, but they may spec it with unique details. Craftsman will sell you there private label right next to the OEM version for less.

You pay for less weight.

3/4" sockets are not appreciably stronger than 1/2", but 1" is. If you can find some you justify paying for go for it. Look at the general specs (may have to go to a good name to find useful specs).

Hogue (gun grips fame) makes covers (can't think of the right name, gloves?) for some of the big makers.

Add a dryer into your system. You don't want water (condensation) in your lines.

 

[pharmvet]

Anyone here familiar with ATP brand impact wrenches? What is your opinion? Looks like they are made in USA.

 

[Scooby074]

Anyone here familiar with ATP brand impact wrenches? What is your opinion? Looks like they are made in USA.

Ive never heard of them. Looking at their catalog, their 1/2 looks pretty wimpy at 250 ftlbs.

Their 3/4+ guns look decent however

 

[cowski]

my 3/4 sockets are a lot stronger than 1/2 and my 1 in are stronger than 3/4.i still would get a 1/2 ir titanium. snap on products are starting to have made in china on them .with snap on i do not know where china stops and usa begins.

 

[automech]

Snap on is still generally the highest quality stuff out there. Yeah you can find some rebranded stuff but in general their hand tools are still top notch. I have the US made magnesium 3/8" gun and can vouch for its quality. The best 3/8 gun I have ever had. You can find some rebranded junk even in the snap on line, but if you want US made quality, snap on has it if you want to pony up the cash. If you don't
Know where china stops just look on the tool where it says made in USA.