other Air Tool Advice Needed

[bnam]

I'm considering buying some air tools.  I'd like to be able to drive a impact wrench of ~400lbft capacity (I'm assuming that's what I'll need to take of stubborn nuts like the output flange nut on the 5-speed, etc).

 

I'm considering a single phase 30gallon 2hp campbell hausfeld compressor like this one:

 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_268707-1126-VT6389_0__?productId=3824207

 

or this (what's the difference?)

 

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-VT6358-Air-Compressor/p7723.html

 

I've also hear good things about IR:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200339041_200339041

 

These have a ~5.5 scfm rating at 90psi.  Search indicates that many are using this type of compressor, but not clear if it sufficient to drive the impact wrench capacity I have in mind.  This is only very occasional use.

 

I can't use a 2phase compressor as my garage is on the opposite side of the house from my mains/fuse box.

 

Anyone here have a similar setup/use or has feedback on this?

 

Thanks,
Byas

[M3M3]

those compressors have plenty of capacity for an impact gun. where you need the big cfm numbers is tools that are in continuous use, like grinders, drills, paint guns, sanders, etc.

but...if all you are using is an impact gun...what are you using it for? wheels? small stuff? for that type of thing i would recommend a battery powered impact gun. perfect for those uses i listed, takes no space and is much cheaper. brands like snap-on are of course good, but expensive. i have found that the "goodyear" brand of cordless guns from pep boys are the best bang for the buck. way under $100, more than enough power for those uses, and my first one lasted for 8 years of complete abuse in my shop and at the track servicing multiple race cars. when it died i immediately go another one.

[bnam]

Primary use would be for high torque nuts like crank nut, output flange nut etc. I have a HF electric cordless impact, but it struggles even with wheel bolts unless fully topped up and sometimes even then.

[roadhog0]

In my experience, as long as you have about 15 gallons and a belt style pump, you're OK. I rock one like this and it does everything I need with my big impact gone. As far as an impact gun, don't buy a Kobalt one, me and my dad with very light use have gone through 3 or 4 of their nice ones and they just kept breaking. I REALLY like the HF earthquake one, we like em so much both me and my dad bought one!

 

[skipsfcr]

Roadhog, I have that EXACT same portable air compressor in my little motorcycle shed at home. Just put a new drive belt on it this morning! As far as air tools go, I'm very partial to Ingersoll-Rand products. I'll definitely second Marshall's recommendation, however, of a cordless for lighter duty stuff. They've helped revolutionize the auto repair industry, tool-wise. Continuous use of air tools is really hard on your hearing and your hands.

[M3M3]

 

Primary use would be for high torque nuts like crank nut, output flange nut etc. I have a HF electric cordless impact, but it struggles even with wheel bolts unless fully topped up and sometimes even then.

HF cordless ones are pretty useless.

for your uses, you do need a air powered one. don't skimp on the actual gun. looks like cobalt not too good. i have a craftsman that won't spin tough nuts. my IR232 model works just fine though. especially helpful for the rear axle nuts. the heavy stuff is all i use it for, the cordless one gets all the regular duty work.

Edited March 8, 2014 by mlytle

[roadhog0]

Roadhog, I have that EXACT same portable air compressor in my little motorcycle shed at home. Just put a new drive belt on it this morning! As far as air tools go, I'm very partial to Ingersoll-Rand products. I'll definitely second Marshall's recommendation, however, of a cordless for lighter duty stuff. They've helped revolutionize the auto repair industry, tool-wise. Continuous use of air tools is really hard on your hearing and your hands.

Mines actually yellowish. Got it from my Grandpa. Love it

[thehackmechanic]

I've had a Sears 3hp 20 gallon 120VAC compressor for about 25 years. It's been perfect for running the impact wrench and the air ratchet in the garage. I don't use it to paint. As I say in the book, it gets off normally tight nuts very quickly, but it doesn't get off incredibly tight nuts. For those I have to resort to a 3/4" breaker bar and a 4' pipe. It's had no trouble with transmission output flange nuts. But things like rear hub nuts, I wouldn't expect it to get those off.

[jimk]

I have one of those old Sears suckers too.  Must have been popular.  It's top heavy though.  Wish it would wear out so I can get a new one that is better balanced.

[mike472]

The HF "Earthquake" 1/2 inch air gun is a good buy for about 79-89 and it will get off any bolt on your 02 including the rear hub nut. I run it off my sears 5hp compressor. Do not buy their cheaper model at 59. It isn't anywhere near as good

The HF "Earthquake" 1/2 inch air gun is a good buy for about 79-89 and it will get off any bolt on your 02 including the rear hub nut. I run it off my sears 5hp compressor. Do not buy their cheaper model at 59. It isn't anywhere near as good

[rover1]

Make sure there no water or moister in the system. Air tools don't like water!

[rms_sandiego]

The Klutch heavy duty impact gun from Northern Tool is a great buy as well. 600+ foot pounds in forward and reverse, and runs at only 4.5cfm. I got mine for about $75 during a sale, but they normally go for $99. Its a good choice for a smaller compressor. The specs on the Earthquake gun from HF shows it needs more cfm and my experience with their products is that most are air hogs.... 

 

+1 on a cordless tool, but for those consider the battery technology and charger as much as the tool. in my experience. the HF cordless stuff has horrible batteries. I haven't tried the Goodyear stuff that Marshall recommends, but have had good experience with the Ryobi 1/2 inch impact wrench from Home Depot.  I got it because I already had some of their other cordless tools and the battery life was excellent and the charge/recharge cycle was quick.

 

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396563_200396563

[bnam]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milwaukee-2763-20-Cordless-M18v-FUEL-1-2-High-Torque-Impact-Wrench-NEW-w-Ring-/121269975405

 

Anyone have feedback on this wrench?

['76mintgrün'02]

Be careful with that one!

 

[BillWilliams]

Bryan

 

I have the blggest single stage IR compressor from Tractor Supply and use the IR 1/2" gun, the IR 3/8" gun and the 3/8" air wrench. Not much I can not remove or not break with this set up.