Topic: good Impact Gun

[Big Mike]

Well ill start off ive been wrenching for 4 years now from cars to trucks to Lawn Mowers and ive herd both stories about air impacts. Right now i have a 20v Dewalt 1/2" to 3/8" drive impact which is really only good for engine work like pulling cyl heads & valve covers off. I have herd of Ingersol Rand being good and also snap on. I have only used Snap on & craftsman. The craftsman is good for home use not something you would use everyday. The snap on ones are very good but they need to be oiled more than usual for impacts. Whats every ones choice for impacts looking for something that will last a few years under heavy use.

[The Tank]

Ingersol Rand 231A is my overall favorite.

[cycloneracer]

Buy a old used one.    The new stuff isn't as good. 

[rceagle1a]

Air Cat impacts are actually pretty good. Quiet and powerful.

[redline]

I use Ingersoll Rand titanium impacts.
 All day at work.
 I neglect them, abuse them, and they keep going.
The "tool truck" impacts are usually made by someone else, not in house, and you pay extra for their name on it.
Spend the bit more, and get the quiet versions if you go with I/R, your ears and co-workers will thank you.

One guy in the shop has Aircat impacts. They seem nice, but they don't seem to be as powerful as my Titaniums.

[rceagle1a]

I have a titanium IR also, great gun and tough!

[PJG56]

I like my IR,impacts the 261 3/4"drive and the 293 1" drive are as good as it gets,iv'e also had a2131 1/2 drive for over 15 years now and it still performs well. Landmesser Tools is a great place to by these tools at a good price,they have anything you want.

[trbinrat]

I  agree with all above. I have used IR mostly.  But were I work we abuse the heck out of them. They get used under water and in damp locations and most times get used a few time and get thrown away. The last time a bought a craftsman professional one for the divers to use and that darn thing has lasted 4 years now. I don't understand why, it just has.

[crazycraftsman]

IR 1/2 gun titanium. Been using it for 6 years. Oil it like once a year. Cost 230 bucks. Compared to equal snap on or Mac gun 400-450. Plus the truck only gives you a 1 year warranty and if you buy it from a tool store you get a 2 year warranty .
Owen

[Honey Badger]

The titianium is the way to go. Mine falls on the floor often and never gets damaged.  BTW there is a needle grease fitting you need to hit every once in a while, just under the front snout of the gun for the front bearing.  The IR 231 is like the Nextel of guns.  It really hard to break that and they take a ton of abuse

[Burwell555]

I like the Ingersoll 2135 titaniums myself as well. Light weight and nasty!

 If you decide to go electric again, I just bought a Milwaukee Brushless Lithium Ion piece...same specs as my IR 2135 and I will say, numbers are legit! Battery life is surprising not bad either.

[BIG AL 202]

I AGREE WITH THE REST, THE INGERSOLL TITANIUM IS A GREAT GUN! LOTS OF POWER, LIGHT WEIGHT AND DURABLE. I ALSO DON'T SEE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE ONES THE TOOL TRUCK GUYS SELL AND THE ONES ON LINE OR AT TOOL SHOWS! JUST MAKE SURE IT'S THE SAME PART NUMBER.

[berthyd]

I like using a 20 pound maul, any brand or color. Loud and heavy, that's how I roll.

Bert

[Old Goat]

Dang, Bert! I know Ed has a pretty hard head, but a 20 pounder!

I've been a mechanic for the past.............well I forget, but its been a LONG time! I currently work at a truck dealership and have always used the IR 231 gun. They have decent torque and last a long time, but I might try a 2135 titanium if I ever wear out my trusty 231. IR is the King of 1/2" drive airguns. 

[redline]

I hate to break it to you Bert, but all that noise when using a 20lb maul is from your knees and hips.