Air Tool Recommendations

[Robert E.]

Hey Guys,

Recently purchased my first air compressor. I'd like to buy a couple of ratchets and a 1/2" impact, but was wondering if any of you can recommend a particular manufacturer and a vendor to purchase them. Price is sort of an issue, but I don't mind paying for good quality.

Thanks in advance

Robert

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

Robert,

I've always had good luck with Ingersol-Rand air tools.

Mark

[Michael L.]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

Robert, since I don't use my tools for a living, I have found that Harbor Freight an Costco both carry lines of air tools that work well and last. I have had a $69 set of air tools for 10 years that are still in fine shape. They were very helpful in my recent chassis rebuild. If you get a lot of use out of tools, a step up to a professional line is a safer bet, but as a home mechanic these work well for me.Just look at the CFM needed to run each tool before you buy, you want to make sure your compressor can run them without straining.

[tom444634]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

Robert,

I have a heavy duty 1/2" dr Craftsman impact gun and it has served me well for many years. Infact the model I have is on close out for around $100 now. This impact gun has not met anything it couldn't handle .... yet.

I also use Craftsman air rachets, the pro series I believe they are called.

Just remember that your air tools are only as good as the compressor. If the compressor can not supply enough air (CFM) to run the tools, then you will never realize the full potential of the tools.

I have had a compressor and air tools for many years and couldn't imagine being without them.

Now if I could just fit a lift into my garage............

Welcome to the compressor club! You'll be glad you joined!

Tom

[Dick W.]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

If longevity is a prerequsite, then I would purchase either Ingersol Rand or Chicago Pneumatic tools. I have a CP 740 1/2" wrench that is about 25 years old and has had very minor (

[Chuck R.]

Re: I have to agree with Mike #44237

If your only going to use the air tools primarily for your project or occationally when needed, then Harbor Freight would be you most cost efficient way to go.

Along with a compressor that can supply the cfms that you require, also make sure that you keep the tools oiled regularly. This will really extend the usefull life of the tools and keep the internals from rusting and gumming up.

Just keep in mind that when you oil an air tool no matter what brand, it's going to probably puke the oil through and out the exhaust port so keep it away from primed or painted surfaces unless you cover them first.

A 1/2" drive impact wrench and a 3/8" drive air wratchet are certainly key tools, but my 3" die grinder and 1/2" air drill are my favorite automotive weapons of choice.

Chuck #32205

[Mike M.]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

Snap-on, although a tad salty at purchase time, are indestructable but if you do manage to injure one of them, they are repaired at no charge in first year after purchase and after the year is up, rep[air costs are reasonable.. i probably have better than a dozen various snap-on air tools and the only ones i've managed to hurt, on a very regular basis, are the 90 degree angle die grinders. mike

[Gary C.]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

Agree with Mike about Snap On tools. Generally shop e-bay but won't pay over 50% of catalog cost, if you're not in a hurry to acquire. Otherwise, Ingersol Rand makes a quality air tool. Forgot the Harbor Freight disposable stuff. Good luck, Gary....

[Mike M.]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

gary: shame on you for recommending snap-on tolls via ebay. now we'll have additional bidders. seriously, i got a snaop on MT2595 delux scanner off ebay last month for under 400 frogs(listed @ about 3K when new considering all the cartridges that came with mine). now all i gotta do is figure out how to use the damn thing. Mr Willy's LT5 refuses to pull in the 8 secondary injectors . mike

[Larry S.]

Re: Air Tool Recommendations

Well for an impact gun or an air chizzle I would recomend snap on.

Besides durability,

I had a cheap impact and could not remove a bolt, borrowed a snap on impact and I was sold on the benifits of a high quaility impact gun,Removed the bolt in seconds.

Same goes for the air chizzle,

been using a 3/8 air rachet forever and just invested in a little 1/4" one, Now I find myself reaching for the 1/4" drive more then the 3/8 drive

One you get used to using the air tools youll never go back.

As for a drill I will still reach for the electric drills prior to getting out an air drill.

And then there is the right angle grinder that you can put the scotchbrite pads in ,how did we ever live with out this one for cleaning gasket surfaces

[Robert E.]

Thanks Guys

Thank you all for you suggestions. I bought a Craftsman 6hp-30 gal compressor. It is advertised as 7.8cfm@40psi and 5.5cfm@90psi, I hope it'll do the job.

Robert
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[George C.]

Re: Thanks Guys

Robert,

Go with the Ingersoll Rand tools, buy them once and be done. You can buy them at discounted prices now at Harbor Freight, Sears, and some of them at Home depot and Lowes.

George
36908