Impact Gun Question


  #1  
Old 02-29-16, 12:09 PM
M
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 3,913
Received 27 Upvotes on 21 Posts
Impact Gun Question

I'm somewhat of a newbie when it comes to air tools and am looking for clarification on the types of pneumatic impact guns available on the market. I have an Ingersoll Rand IR231C 1/2" impact and it has plenty of power. I'm looking for something a step below that is a little less powerful. Other than the torque rating and anvil size, is there some other classification as to what makes a particular impact better for automotive work for instance as opposed to working on small engines? I run my 231C at 90 psi, so should I just drop the pressure to get more gentle action or should I get a 3/8" impact?
 
  #2  
Old 02-29-16, 12:24 PM
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Canada
Posts: 736
Received 24 Upvotes on 19 Posts
Don't forget torque sticks as well to regulate power (force/torque)
 
  #3  
Old 02-29-16, 12:41 PM
pugsl's Avatar
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 8,161
Received 77 Upvotes on 70 Posts
When I was turning wrenches I always had a air ratchet 3/8 and 1/2 impact guns. I have tried many 1/2 guns and found Ingersoll he best even if they cost more up front. There is a knob to turh down power but the more you use gun you will find you can control it with trigger. I found air ratchets and 3/8 guns any I got seemed to work about the same. I have a friend who uses a 3/8 butterfly type gun that he loves.
 
  #4  
Old 02-29-16, 12:44 PM
A
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 1,054
Upvotes: 0
Received 113 Upvotes on 98 Posts
the 231 should have a numbered indicator at the forward reverse selector where you can turn it back for a lower setting but generally for breaking bolts loose you want full power for tightening your better off using a torque wrench.
there is a lot of variation between impacts so for 1/2 inch drive per example some may have a lot more torque than others would just look at the torque rating would actually rather have tools that produced high torque rather than one that didn't.
you could step down to 3/8 drive impact for considerably less torque I often use air ratchets for many jobs that doesn't require an impact there torque is much less so may have to help break it loose before it has enough torque to work but there thin enough they can be used where impacts cant.
 
  #5  
Old 02-29-16, 07:42 PM
M
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 3,913
Received 27 Upvotes on 21 Posts
I should make it clear that I love my 231C and I'm not looking to replace it. I'm looking for a second impact for less demanding jobs, like small engine work. Something similar to my Dewalt cordless impact driver would be nice, only pneumatic not battery powered. Something along these lines: http://www.maxtool.com/ingersoll-rand-1-4-50-ft-lbs-68-nm-11-000-rpm-mini-impact-wrench?google=1&CAWELAID=230005740000002053&CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=CKGq_JTJnssCFYKQHwodqtkLVw
 
  #6  
Old 03-01-16, 03:59 AM
pugsl's Avatar
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 8,161
Received 77 Upvotes on 70 Posts
Nice little 1/4 gun but pricey, The only expensive gun I have is my 1/2 rest I get 2 to 3 years out of and than toss them. The price of them is almost the same as a rebuild kit.
 
  #7  
Old 03-01-16, 04:10 AM
A
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 1,054
Upvotes: 0
Received 113 Upvotes on 98 Posts
would suggest an inexpensive 3/8 butterfly impact probably around 30-40 bucks has a reasonable amount of torque for the drive size and a little less likely to break bolts.
 
  #8  
Old 03-01-16, 06:42 AM
ukrbyk's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: USA/ Pacific NW
Posts: 3,665
Received 62 Upvotes on 53 Posts
Personally, I have two. One is heck of a gun, old school, that runs forever and was given to me by a buddy. Another one is HFT 600 lb/f and it won't even open a lug nut.
Why I'm saying this. I'd rather ad a cordless impact as air guns are great but you have to hassle with hoses and running comp is not cheap. Cordless is portable and from what I gather, 18 or 24V ones are very powerful.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description: