Looking for new /2" drive impact wrench

[sixdogs]

Need avice and opinions.
I'm looking for feedback on a new lower dollar 1/2" drive impact wrench but a search gave me little to go on. I used to have a Campbell Hausfiield cheapie that I thought was not so good and traded up to a Harbor Freight "Earthquake". Oops. The Earthquake has plenty of power but the controls are so tight-fitted I need a small hammer to work the reverse switch. And the sockets go on hard and come off harder. I liked the "sloppier" fit of the CH. I don't use a wrench much so I figure to get another and maybe keep the Earthquake for special occasions. I have a 5 HP, 240 with 80 gallon tank compressor. Here are some wrenches I'm thinking about...or maybe I should keep the HF Earthquake and stop whining?

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-PL150296-2-Inch-Impact/dp/B0000CBJFE/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1330346582&sr=1-2--can]Campbell Hausfeld PL150296 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench: Amazon.com: Home Improvement[/ame] buy for under $50 @ Amazon. Looks like what I used to have.

Shop Ingersoll Rand 0.5" 450 Ft./Lb. Air Tool Impact Wrench at Lowes.com This looks good and nice reviews.

Shop PORTER-CABLE 500 Ft./Lb. Air Tool Impact Wrench at Lowes.com ----Don't really want to spend this much.

I thought about an electric one and keep the Earthquake for serious but electrics are costly. I have a Makita 18V drill but their cordless impact is costly as well. Any advice here or anone own the above tools? Thank you in advance.

 

[jenkinsph]

My experience with cheap impacts is they don't seem to keep their higher torque value very long. While looking at the Lowes site I might consider the 600ftlb model listed for about $180. I would also check out CP for current tools too.

 

[mwb]

The problem with not using it much is that the few times you do you probably want it to work really well. +1 for CP or IR. Definite no for CH.

I know years ago Sears used to sell CP - maybe that is a good source (sale)?

 

[enew]

I have owned many impacts over the years while working as a mechanic snapon mac matco IR and some cheapies. The one I liked the most is the matco that has 650ft lbs but it cost more. I also own an Ingersol Rand right now that I love. Great power, controls easy to use and the sockets stay on, nothing worse then having a socket fly off when you aren't ready for it. The IR is alot like the one at Lowes but I got mine at NorthernTool.

 

[Bird]

Of the 3 you listed, I'd go with the Ingersoll. I have no experience with that particular model, but I have the IR 231H now myself. And of course, I used to repair/rebuild air tools and you'd have a hard time going wrong with Ingersoll.

 

[murphy1244]

The IR I have now ran 275.00 So if you don't use it much go with a cheap brand.

 

[3900tc]

Look at I/R, good quality and won't break you.

 

[olegar]

Chicago Pneumatic Pistol Grip Impact Wrench, 7 1/2"(L) | Staples®

One of the best impacts is Chicago Pneumatic. This one is still made in the US too.

 

[Crash5291]

I have a cheap CH here myself and its garbage.

The Gun that rode in the wrecker i used to drive was a IR TiMax composite, it was a beast. light and TONS of grunt. i never came across anything it wouldn't undo although i don't think i tried anything larger then a 1" Socket. that's what the service truck and the 1" impact were for.

That IR didn't care if it was 35*C in the sun or -20*C in snow, ice and dark. IR+air=Job done Period

Good socket fit and retention too

Air hoses hated the cold though lol SOOO stiff

IF i used the impact here at home more i'd be buying one. Frustrating Every time it fails to do its job.

 

[FredH]

Similar to the one I have for working on my semi but not as powerful , mine with a 1/2" hose is in the 900 lb. range and with 3/8" hose it is down to 500 to 600 lb. range , ( had to change the fitting even on the bottom of gun to accept the 1/2" but now no bottle neck ) :

Klutch Heavy-Duty Air Impact Wrench 1/2in. Drive | Air Impact Wrenches| Northern Tool + Equipment

They don't carry the model number I have anymore , been a couple of years since I purchased it , but when it will torque off 1" nuts off of rusted shocks on a semi , pretty dang good .

Fred H.

P.S. Mine is actually the same as their 3/4" drive impact but it is 1/2" drive . Same specs and everything else , just different size drive . Bought it 2+ years ago for Basically $100 , ( $99.99 + shipping of course )