What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Best (within reason ($)) 1/2" impact and 3/8" air ratchet?

blowedupmotor87

blowedupmotor87

1/2 ton status
Joined
Mar 14, 2007
Posts
2,505
Reaction score
22
Location
Charlotte, NC
Well, looks like I need to buy more tools (not that I mind ;) but, I am low on funds). I am currently jobless and seems like every time that I have applied for a job, they ask "do you have air tools?" I don't have an air compressor so, I have not had reason to buy any but, looks like I have to have some to get hired! So, I am looking to buy a 1/2" impact gun and a 3/8" air ratchet, anybody got some recommendations? I want something somewhat affordable (remember, no job!) but, I am willing to spend the extra money to get good tools that will last me! (No point in buying junk that I'll end up having to replace later!) Thanks in advance! :waytogo:
 
For your need right now, with no job, i'd try and buy whatever brand name you can get a deal on used on craigslist.
 
I have an IR 2135 Ti 1/2" impact. It is rated at like 900 or 1000 ft/lbs reverse and 600 or 700 forward. It is also composite, so it weighs far less than some others. My friend had to borrow it a few weeks ago because his blue point that he spent just as much money on, did not have the power to loosen the bolt on a crank shaft. My IR broke it loose with one quick hit. I couldn't believe how heavy his was when I picked it up. My uncle also uses the IR composite 3/8" impact everyday in his transmission/repair shop. He has used snap on and still goes back to the IR. He said that he rarely has to use the 1/2" even when doing brake jobs and removing wheels. Also, I have heard that it is easy to get parts to rebuild an IR direct from the company, and the cost isn't too bad.

I also have the composite IR 3/8" air ratchet and am happy with it. The one I bought was rated at like 180rpm vs. most of the others that run pretty slow (I think below 100 rpm).

I also have the composite IR angle die grinder. It has been well worth what I paid for it. I use it more than the impact or air ratchet. I was able to order all of my IR tools from Sears.com and have it shipped. The prices were also good.
 
I don't have the IR 2135TI YET, but i've heard very good things about them and when i'm back working again and need to buy a 1/2" air gun you bet it'll be the IR 2135TI
 
I have been drooling over that IR. Maybe for Christmas. Right now I have a Husky brand I spent 100 bucks on. Rated 650lbft reverse. Got the crank bolt of my Gen III real quick.
 
Last edited:
BUY IR! You cannot go wrong with IR products. If you don't have a tool guy servicing you, BUY IR! If you have a tool guy, talk to them. IR repair centers are everywhere. Guns are everywhere, so so are parts and rebuild kits.

I'd say the IR 231C is a GREAT, the 107XP is another good one. Both should be able to be acquired for around $300 I'd say. They both carry a 1 year warranty and will do a lot of jobs. Won't be the quietest, most powerful, or lightest. However they will be good and powerful and reliable. For a starting point I'd point towards those.
 
blowedupmotor87 said:
Well, looks like I need to buy more tools (not that I mind ;) but, I am low on funds). I am currently jobless and seems like every time that I have applied for a job, they ask "do you have air tools?" I don't have an air compressor so, I have not had reason to buy any but, looks like I have to have some to get hired! So, I am looking to buy a 1/2" impact gun and a 3/8" air ratchet, anybody got some recommendations? I want something somewhat affordable (remember, no job!) but, I am willing to spend the extra money to get good tools that will last me! (No point in buying junk that I'll end up having to replace later!) Thanks in advance! :waytogo:
Click to expand...

As mentioned, IR's a great name for impacts. I have a "small" one (IR235 maybe?) that, with adequate pressure, has never failed to spin loose whatever I've needed. I got it at Sears 'cuz I had a gift card there, but a bit of trolling of CL might do you well... even a used one I think would serve you better than a cheapo from Home Depot or, god forbid, Harbor Freight. (Note I'm a huge fan of HF and have good luck with some of their stuff... but for an impact you want absolute dependability AND performance.)

-- A
 
I have an IR 1/2" Composite (the Titanium one), a Matco 3/8" Composite (which is just a rebadged IR), and a Snap On 3/8" drive composite. The new Snap On's are stronger than the IR's, but for a lot of years, the IR was superior. I have had my 1/2" IR for 6 years now. it is getting kind of tired, but it still works well, and I use it everyday.

Martin
 
Neither is great but neither is horrible either. Ratchets really are a personal preference. Watch ebay for impacts if you are tight on cash. If your doing automotive you can probably get by with a good 3/8ths gun. IR2115 does it for me;)

Also on the 1/2 inch impacts there is a brand called aircat, big in Asia and trying to establish themselves here. Some of them have problems swallowing water. They are also sold as rebranded Mac's. The latest ones do ok with damp air.
 
The sears near my house does not carry most of the IR product in the store, so I had to order it online. You might get lucky and find it local though.
 
I use an IR 2135Ti as well. It will rattle Head Bolts out of a 3406 Cat or N14 Cummins. Best gun I've ever had. Hit the Pawn Shops if there are any near you. You might luck on to something.
 
blowedupmotor87 said:
Thanks for all the input y'all! Looks like I am gonna be making a trip to Sears to get the IR gun! :waytogo:

Air ratchets, what do y'all think of these? (both IR products):
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200381616_200381616

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-1634-ingersoll-rand-107xpa.aspx

or is there a better choice?
Click to expand...

I have the one from Northern and it's got a lot of torque. Only drawback is it's size. Sometimes too big to get in tight places.
 
I use the IR 2135Ti and it is great. It is light and strong. I build industial engines for a living and it has held up to daily abuse for over 3 yrs. I scored mine on Ebay for less than $200 shipped, new.
 
Cool deal! Thanks for the input y'all! After all this input, I am definitely sold on the IR 2135ti! Any more input on air ratchets? I still haven't made up my mind on them! Thanks! :waytogo:
 
82355 said:
They are hard on knuckles.

Martin
Click to expand...

I have an IR closed head style. But Martin said it all, they are hard on knuckles...Had mine stuck in between the frame and engine on a binder yesterday with the trigger pulled. Yes my hand was in there as well:eek1:
 
I think that craftsman had an air ratchet that was not supposed to "kick back" but I don't think the craftsman even compares to IR for quality, so I went with the IR, and I just cuss like a f......ing truck driver when it happens to me. Oh wait, I cuss like that all of the time anyway.:yikes:
 
I been using a mac 3/8th ratchet for near 8 years now at work. its almost broken my wrist a couple times, never mind smashed knuckles. but its a must have tool really. my 3/8th Husky butterfly impact I use almost exclusively on oilpan bolts its beautiful. had that near 8 years too.

now 1/2" impacts. sure IR has ruled the roost for a long time with the thunder gun.

but I'll tell you I've got the 1/2 and 3/8" new design snap-on guns. and I am impressed. I forget the model numbers but they're serious contenders now. little more money, but maybe down the line/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom