The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest air tool brands ?

which is best, or maybe about the same? Cambell- Hausfield or AutoPro [NAPA]? maybe the xtra $$ for one isn't worth it?

Bill

I turn wrenches for a living, and I don't have a lot of experience with C-H or Napa air tools.

I would highly recommend shopping from Harbor Freight, getting either a Chicago Pneumatic (not Central Pneumatic) or Ingersoll Rand impact wrench.

I have a CP-749 1/2" drive impact that I really like. It has a LOT more smoke than the Snap On guns the other guys use. It cost me $160, where Snap On runs $350+. My latest purchase is a Ingersoll Rand 2112(?) 3/8 drive composite impact wrench. It has 260 ft.lbs. of power in reverse and 240 max in forward. It will snap off 3/8" bolts with ease. It is REALLY fast and VERY light--something like 2 lbs.

I realize these both may be a little more money than you might wish to spend, but I feel they are both well worth the money, especially at Harbor Freight's prices.

don't have much choice in my area - specially no Harbor Freight. most of my air tools are garage sale or freebies, but decided to get a die grinder [or 2 - strait and angle] and here/now there's a choice of the 2 brands, unless I leave town, which I can't justify rite now.

Bill

You can always go to harborfreight.com

I bought a $30 1/2" impact from them about three years ago and it's going out. I just received their latest flyer which has the same 1/2" impact for $19. I'm on my way to their store to buy one. At this price, I can't go wrong.

BTW, At www.harborfreight.com you can view their catalog and order.

this is not a paid advertisement but I've used the old Sears store for years. At least 95% of all my woodworking and mechanical tools are Craftsman. Its nice to know I can still buy brushes for my 1973 belt sander and their replacement policy is second to none...yesterday I took a hammer back that I have used for about 12 years. I broke the handle trying to pull a railroad spike out of a crosstie. Yep, got me a brand new one free. Just bought a 7hp two stage 80 gal compressor with over 17cfm's. Price was right and better than home depot, lowes, total compressor stores. You just have to wait on da sales man! On the lighter side I have some old western auto wrenches (wizard brand) that I've used for over 30 years. They are pretty worn but still some of my favorites and better than a lot of the cheap crap I see some try to push off on you. There is better, I know, but value for buck you can't beat the old sears store.(not the sears brand now, but REAL craftsman)I will admit to having S&K socket set I cherish! can't break the dang things!

maybe they should pay me.

I have order from Harbor Frieght, all of the air tools have a 1 year warr. for the little time I will be using them I think they are a great deal here is there web link.

http://www.harborfreight.com/

When you get to the page you will have a pop up, Look at the ad, Tis will be some of there clearence items. I just bought on clearence the following 1/4 die grinder $7.99 with a full set of bits and a cut off tool $12.99 you can't beat them, Next week I will probally order the flange/punch tool $32.99 and the nibbler $29.99.

Makes life a whole lot easier.

Jake

Most places only sell the import stuff anymore. Even Campbell H is import now, and what Sears sells. I think even Walmart has those and good selection of air tools where I'm at. I have a local HDC or Homier's Import place, they have same brands as Harb FR, just cheaper yet! I have no problem with the $25 ones, when they go bad, ditch it and buy another. It takes quite awhile for that to happen. ONe problem with 1/2" impact of mine is it doesn't always loosen things I CAN get loose with a breaker bar. It works stronger to tighten bolts though. I use it mostly for speed and convenience when dissassembling items.
If your a too Nut, pay $200 or more and get the ONE that Last's a liftime! Sure!

I've been told by someone who repairs pneumatic tools that the Harbor Freight "Professional" (not the "heavy duty" or other designation) 1/2" drive impact is internally identical to the name-brand models. The case has more plastic, but the internal parts are identical.

His assessment is that there appears to be maybe three overseas manufacturers of these items, and all are pretty much variations on one or other of those designs.

Impact wrenches, no matter what brand, work far better at 175 psi of air than the 125 psi of most homeowner type compressors.

some of you probably think i'm crazy but for YEARS I have used my 1/2 inch impact wrench on ALL my family cars and trucks including front and rear wheel drives. I've never had a problem getting the lug nuts off and never a problem with any coming loose. I despise having to take a 2ft breaker bar to loosen lug bolts after they dang near wring them off for safety sake. My compressor runs at the 175lbs and I use it for a lot of stuff but not for the lug nuts. I guess I just want to get something started :p about the guys that think the wheels will fall off is they don't twist the threads on the studs. This isn't to mention the idots that run the first lug up and pinch the rotor and U know what that will sometimes do! Just do it once and do it right

Squeeze, there is a Harbor Freight store in Everett, WA if you feel like taking a ferry ride for the day.