Wanting first impact wrench

[Scooby074]

My toolboxes are Gerstner. Kennedy is for the apprentice. When your tools are in a Gerstner, you've arrived in paycheck. Gerstner is in Dayton, Ohio by the way.



I'll stand corrected then. I'm not a devout any brand person except for precision tools and then it's LSS, Weber or Mitituyo.

I have 4 roll around boxes with top chests, lets see, a Waterloo and 3 old line Crftsman plus 2 Gerstners, one mahogany and one oak, 3 lathes 2 milling machines, 2 surface grinders, a 3 axis CNC Haas, a LeBlond Frequency controlled servo shift, various presses, Mig, Tig, Smaw, OA, plasma, spray arc and a CNC plasma table not to mention 3 compressors, 2 reciprocating and one rotary..... and a couple employees too. Air conditioned in the summer and heated (floor heat) in the winter. I like to be comfortable and productive.

To think I started out in pre fabricated garden shed.

Gerstner makes a fine box ( as does kennedy) but you have to watch as Gerstner has an Import line now. Bugs me that these companies import from China and trade under their historic name. Its beyond ironic when you consider these companies cut their teeth and gained their reputation in the american manufacturing industry, yet by offshoring are doing their best to undermine that very thing.

 

[Bird]

Going to have to take exception to that. Ive used and owned both Snappy and MAC branded IR. The snappy is just better. And only about $150 more than my MAC is. My MAC is good, but if i wasnt made a sweet offer i would have replaced my Snapon with a Snapon.

Were you comparing apples to apple; i.e., the same power rating. Snap-on sold one particular model of half inch impact wrench that I quickly learned to decline to even work on at all, because the complaint was always the same; no power. I don't know why, nor did any of the experts I talked to know why it just did not have the claimed power, nor could anyone "fix" it so it would have.

Thats not correct. Snapon runs their own foundry. They make most of their own tools. They do contract some "fringe" tools out, especially under the Bluepoint brand, But if it says SNAPON there's a 99% chance it was made in-house.

I don't know what dates of manufacture you might be talking about, but when I was repairing them, they even had "Japan" stamped in the housing.

 

[Lt CHEG]

US made? Theres only one manufacturer left AFAIK. Snapon.

The MG725 is a HOG.MG725, Impact Wrench, Air, Heavy Duty, Magnesium Housing, Standard Anvil, 1/2" drive Absolutely the best out there in 1/2. It WILL take the place of a 3/4. Magnesium housing too so its light. I dont own one but tried one several times, I had an older snappy that died and the MAC guy made me an offer on a package of stuff i couldnt refuse.

In my deal with the MAC guy, i got a older version of this : https://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-318395-12-impact-wrench.aspx Which is essentially an IR 231. Its been a very good gun, used commercially by myself. However it isnt even close to the MG725. Cant speak to the COO of the current one, but mine was made in Taiwan i believe.

Your compressor and air line are fine for any of the 1/2" guns for your use. However if you step up to 3/4 or 1" you should increase your hose size.

That's good to know, I just bought the MG725 as my first impact. I know Snap On makes great stuff but it's nice to hear from a pro that my MG725 should be able to do what a 3/4" impact will do, especially with my brush hog and what not. I'm just a tinkerer and not a professional by any stretch, but I do appreciate quality tools and really prefer Snap On for a bunch of tools. I've replaced all my Craftsman ratchets with Snap On Dual 80's and a couple of Matco 88's (I prefer Matco's locking flex head ratchets because I like their locking mechanism). I love my Snap On 24" breaker bar and some of my specialty sockets too. I'm fine with Craftsman sockets though for my normal stuff and have all of the chrome sockets they offer in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I even use the raised panel Craftsman combo wrenches because I can't justify the cost of Snap On for most wrenches either. My tools all sit in a Matco 4s dual bay roll cab though.

In the case of my MG725, I was picking up my new FR80 3/8" quick release ratchet from my Snap On guy (I have an account with him, even though I pay in full and I meet him at a shop while I'm on my lunch break) when he showed me a special deal that they were running. I got the MG725 at normal price and a Blue Point 3/8" drive heavy duty air ratchet for free so I said what the heck. I'll be running it with a Kobalt dual stage belt driven compressor as I was limited to 120 volts for a compressor in my current garage that I rent and the Kobalt had the best output for the best price. I can't wait to try out the Snap On MG725 when I rotate my tires in 2 weeks. I know it's more impact than I need but I figured that by getting such a top quality unit, I really could buy one impact that would take the place of 2 for my needs and I'm glad to hear that a professional tech agrees.

 

[Scooby074]

Were you comparing apples to apple; i.e., the same power rating. Snap-on sold one particular model of half inch impact wrench that I quickly learned to decline to even work on at all, because the complaint was always the same; no power. I don't know why, nor did any of the experts I talked to know why it just did not have the claimed power, nor could anyone "fix" it so it would have.



I don't know what dates of manufacture you might be talking about, but when I was repairing them, they even had "Japan" stamped in the housing.

I was comparing my MAC to the snapon MG725. This would be a few years ago when the 725 came out. It was the Cats PJ's. Guys were rightfully proud of their purchase and liked to "prove" how much better theirs was than yours

Their also is a lighter duty MG3255 available in 1/2". Its only 325 ftlbs compared to 810 (1190 MAX) ftlbs for the 725. The 3255 has a smaller body and is good for some things, but it really is underpowered.

Both the 3255 and 725 are made in USA.

If your talking about a 1/2" made in Japan, id bet it was a Bluepoint. Theyre still made in Japan to this day. I havent heard much good about the BP's. Usually its either the SO or IR (or one of the branded clones) that guys buy.

That's good to know, I just bought the MG725 as my first impact. I know Snap On makes great stuff but it's nice to hear from a pro that my MG725 should be able to do what a 3/4" impact will do, especially with my brush hog and what not. I'm just a tinkerer and not a professional by any stretch, but I do appreciate quality tools and really prefer Snap On for a bunch of tools. I've replaced all my Craftsman ratchets with Snap On Dual 80's and a couple of Matco 88's (I prefer Matco's locking flex head ratchets because I like their locking mechanism). I love my Snap On 24" breaker bar and some of my specialty sockets too. I'm fine with Craftsman sockets though for my normal stuff and have all of the chrome sockets they offer in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I even use the raised panel Craftsman combo wrenches because I can't justify the cost of Snap On for most wrenches either. My tools all sit in a Matco 4s dual bay roll cab though.

In the case of my MG725, I was picking up my new FR80 3/8" quick release ratchet from my Snap On guy (I have an account with him, even though I pay in full and I meet him at a shop while I'm on my lunch break) when he showed me a special deal that they were running. I got the MG725 at normal price and a Blue Point 3/8" drive heavy duty air ratchet for free so I said what the heck. I'll be running it with a Kobalt dual stage belt driven compressor as I was limited to 120 volts for a compressor in my current garage that I rent and the Kobalt had the best output for the best price. I can't wait to try out the Snap On MG725 when I rotate my tires in 2 weeks. I know it's more impact than I need but I figured that by getting such a top quality unit, I really could buy one impact that would take the place of 2 for my needs and I'm glad to hear that a professional tech agrees.

Good choices in tools. Nothing wrong with using quality even if its not your livelyhood. My grandfather was a mechanic who got run his own trucking company. He was Snapon to the core. He's the one that gave me my appreciation for quality tools. Although im no longer wrenching (went into the electrical field) i still have that love of a well made tool. Buying good tools last a lifetime, I still have all my tools and could go back to being a mechanic... not that im looking forward to it, but the way things are going in my field, i might have to.

Ratchets: I have a soft spot for the FX80. Ive been wanting one for years. I hear Matco's 88's are sweet, but matco has no presence in Canada. Or at least my part of the world.

You did good in your deal for the 725.I should clarify that as good as the 725 is, sometimes the brute force of a 3/4 or larger is required. It can take the place of a lesser powered 1/2 gun to save digging out a more powerful and physically larger 3/4 gun. Basically it gives you a little more oomph than a normal 1/2 . Sometimes there really is no replacement for displacement.

 

[2458n]

Went to the Kennedy store in VanWert about 25 years ago. I wanted a really nice box but they had none at the store where they had factory seconds and discontinued items available. After being there for about a half hour some senior salesman said one had become available. The box could not have been newer or nicer. Lifetime customer since.

 

[Transit]

I gave up using air impact wrench, I now use a harbor freight electric wrench, 240 ft-lb. $35. and have taken off 2 inch nuts. Once removed I coat the bolt or nut with anti seize compound for the next time. You should be using a click type wrench to set the torque to the correct value.

 

[5030]

Gerstner makes a fine box ( as does kennedy) but you have to watch as Gerstner has an Import line now. Bugs me that these companies import from China and trade under their historic name. Its beyond ironic when you consider these companies cut their teeth and gained their reputation in the american manufacturing industry, yet by offshoring are doing their best to undermine that very thing.

I didn't know that either (Gerstner). I'm a member of the Owners Club and make the pilgrimage to Dayton every couple years. My boxes were made in Dayton. One is 40 years old, my dad bought it for me when I took my apprenticeship. It a Starrett Signature Box and according to Gerstner, there are only 3 know to exist today and mine has never had tools it it. It's pristine. My other box, my working box, is just as old but oak and looks used.

I've been offered 5 grand for the Starrett Box but it's not for sale.

 

[bullbreaker]

Needed a tire on Duetz 6806d rear.Tire repair truck man shows up.
I don't recall what type of compressor or impact set up he had but with his equipment and us trying cheater bars on lugs could not break-em loose.I tell him hang on one minute I go to my truck get a hand impact tool.Like this one :
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Wack all lugs with it put on air impact and they zipped off !
Don't know if many of you's own one but I have on occasion used one for years on stubborn stuff.Good tool to have w/impact stuff IMHO.

Boone

 

[pharmvet]

Considering these two 1/2" impact wrenches:

1) Ingersoll Rand 2135 (various models) says "assembled in USA"

2) Snap On MG725 says "made in USA"


USA may not be a big thing to some but is surely is for me. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of "both" of these. How to they pan out head to head?

thanks

 

[whistlepig]

Considering these two 1/2" impact wrenches:

1) Ingersoll Rand 2135 (various models) says "assembled in USA"

2) Snap On MG725 says "made in USA"


USA may not be a big thing to some but is surely is for me. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of "both" of these. How to they pan out head to head?

thanks

Snap On stuff is premium quality. I consider them one of the top names in tools. Snap On is very expensive. I believe in buying stuff that will last many years. A few extra dollars for quality has always served me well. You may want to price a Snap On before you decide. Its more than I am willing to spend.

 

[Scooby074]

I didn't know that either (Gerstner). I'm a member of the Owners Club and make the pilgrimage to Dayton every couple years. My boxes were made in Dayton. One is 40 years old, my dad bought it for me when I took my apprenticeship. It a Starrett Signature Box and according to Gerstner, there are only 3 know to exist today and mine has never had tools it it. It's pristine. My other box, my working box, is just as old but oak and looks used.

I've been offered 5 grand for the Starrett Box but it's not for sale.

Not to derail the thread any more than it has been, but do you have a pic (or link) to that Starret box? Sounds pretty cool. 1 of 3:thumbsup:

A link to Gerstner International, its a bit of a shame: Gerstner International - Wood Tool Chests

Considering these two 1/2" impact wrenches:

1) Ingersoll Rand 2135 (various models) says "assembled in USA"

2) Snap On MG725 says "made in USA"


USA may not be a big thing to some but is surely is for me. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of "both" of these. How to they pan out head to head?

thanks

If Made in the USA is a requirement, then Snapon all the way. Actually heres a video of its manufacture. (older model MG31, but essentially the same) :How Its Made 03 Pneumatic Impact Wrenches - YouTube

Personally, Id go for the Snapon assuming the additional cost isnt an issue, but either gun will serve you well. Some actually prefer the 2135

 

[Bird]

Needed a tire on Duetz 6806d rear.Tire repair truck man shows up.
I don't recall what type of compressor or impact set up he had but with his equipment and us trying cheater bars on lugs could not break-em loose.I tell him hang on one minute I go to my truck get a hand impact tool.Like this one :
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Wack all lugs with it put on air impact and they zipped off !
Don't know if many of you's own one but I have on occasion used one for years on stubborn stuff.Good tool to have w/impact stuff IMHO.

Boone

Boone, I'd forgotten about those. I had one 30+ years ago to use on screws; don't recall ever using it on nuts and bolts, but yep, they can be very handy.

 

[crazyal]

I tried to use Lowe's best IR, rated at 600 ft/lbs to break loose the blades on my MX6 rotary cutter. After it failed, I returned it and bought an aircat 1200 1/2 " drive from ebay. It's SUPPOSED to have 1200 ft/lbs of torque. I don't know if it actually does, but it DID slowly loosen the 1 1/2 inch nuts on my blades. :thumbsup:

Make sure you are using a 1/2" air hose with 3/8" quick disconnect fittings. CFM from your compressor is less important than getting as much air as you can to your gun when it comes to busting loose nuts and bolts.

 

[deereman75]

Needed a tire on Duetz 6806d rear.Tire repair truck man shows up.
I don't recall what type of compressor or impact set up he had but with his equipment and us trying cheater bars on lugs could not break-em loose.I tell him hang on one minute I go to my truck get a hand impact tool.Like this one :
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Wack all lugs with it put on air impact and they zipped off !
Don't know if many of you's own one but I have on occasion used one for years on stubborn stuff.Good tool to have w/impact stuff IMHO.

Boone

My dad has one, it can be usefull for some stuff, lots of power, but I cant see one of those putting more force on a nut then a breaker bar, with a 5 foot snipe on it.

 

[bullbreaker]

My dad has one, it can be usefull for some stuff, lots of power, but I cant see one of those putting more force on a nut then a breaker bar, with a 5 foot snipe on it.

Agree with you but I just wanted to share that exprerience and tell folks here that thats a good tool to have under correct circumstances.I'am telling you I witnessed/experianced it with my own eyes.What I don't remember is if on first couple of whacks we had it going clockwise(tihtening it) and then whacked it (left)counterclockwise and then put air gun on it and they came off.As you know when you hit the manual driver it turns maybe 1/8 or 1/4" every time in theory.
I recently bought one for one of my sons in Home Depot for like $22.
I bought mine from Sears back when they sold scouting equipment(AKELA) and sold chocolate and peanuts in middle areas of there stores.

Boone

 

[mojoinco]

I went through the same issue on an impact choice a few years ago. Then again a couple of years later when a friends son graduated diesel mechanics school.

Of the things I have learned over the years:
1/2" impact is the 'standard' of your shop. Works things that will hurt you the most.

A 1/4" butterfly will save you from breaking things, keep you from needing a 3/8" air ratchet, and not wear your arm out using it.

A swivel connector on the tool will make it fit in tighter spaces (watch for loss of volume/flow).

Flow for the big jobs is important. I keep a 1/2" line with 3/8" fittings around just for those times the 3/8" hose will not do it.

The larger the tank, the longer you will be able to work on the really tough nuts. You can add in used (non-flammable) propane bottles for more reserve (will take longer to recover, but that's the sacrifice).

I found that a cheap impact was just that. Reading the fine print on the specs for a unit really can make a difference. If it is not clear on the model, or you want to know which other brands/models are the same, look up the repair parts kits. Usually a good idea of the same guns, performance wise. No one makes there own private label gun, but they may spec it with unique details. Craftsman will sell you there private label right next to the OEM version for less.

You pay for less weight.

3/4" sockets are not appreciably stronger than 1/2", but 1" is. If you can find some you justify paying for go for it. Look at the general specs (may have to go to a good name to find useful specs).

Hogue (gun grips fame) makes covers (can't think of the right name, gloves?) for some of the big makers.

Add a dryer into your system. You don't want water (condensation) in your lines.

 

[pharmvet]

Anyone here familiar with ATP brand impact wrenches? What is your opinion? Looks like they are made in USA.

 

[Scooby074]

Anyone here familiar with ATP brand impact wrenches? What is your opinion? Looks like they are made in USA.

Ive never heard of them. Looking at their catalog, their 1/2 looks pretty wimpy at 250 ftlbs.

Their 3/4+ guns look decent however

 

[cowski]

my 3/4 sockets are a lot stronger than 1/2 and my 1 in are stronger than 3/4.i still would get a 1/2 ir titanium. snap on products are starting to have made in china on them .with snap on i do not know where china stops and usa begins.

 

[automech]

Snap on is still generally the highest quality stuff out there. Yeah you can find some rebranded stuff but in general their hand tools are still top notch. I have the US made magnesium 3/8" gun and can vouch for its quality. The best 3/8 gun I have ever had. You can find some rebranded junk even in the snap on line, but if you want US made quality, snap on has it if you want to pony up the cash. If you don't
Know where china stops just look on the tool where it says made in USA.