AIR TOOLS

[Lyle's GTP]

Ok, guys I need some experience to speak here. I am building my tool kit at a geometric rate. What I want to know is what brands of air tools you recommend. I'm taking SnapOn and Mac out, because they are severly over priced. But I have looked at IR, CP, Craftsman, Jet and a few other no namers. I'm kind of leaning toward IR and CP. I haven't had much luck with craftsman tools that don't have a lifetime warranty. So, let me know.

Lyle

[v6h.o.]

Ingersol Rand 1/2inch Impacts!!! All the way. If your going to spend the money on an impact and you want something that will last and has insane torque/fastener removal capability the IR is one of the best. (also light as fuck!)

Snap-On and Mac are both good quality names, Along with Blue-Point which is Snap-On's Economy or cheaper brand. Still quality stuff and I would say just as good as S-O.

CP i dont like at all.

I have an IR 1/2 inch Impact -about 4years old, Blue Point 3/8ths Impact -6years old, Mac 3/8 Air Ratchet -year and a bit old (i used to have cheaper brand air ratchets and would go through one a year every year), Mac Die grinder -2 years old, Blue Point angle Die Grinder -3 years old, Blue Point Die grinder 5years old(my old one, still use it however. Just the Mac one i know use is more HD for and kicks ass!!)
Snap-On Air Hammer. 1/2 year old.

Alot of the guys I work with I would say 80% of us in the shop have IR 1/2inch impacts and the rest of air tools are a split between IR/Snapon/Mac. I'd like to get a new IR 3/8ths Impact soon.

I also have that nice IR Air compressor at home as well :P

thats my .02cents.

[Anonymous]

We are using Craftsmen air tools, a 1/2" drive gun adn a 3/8" drive ratchet. Both are supported via a lay down compressor, but I forgot the ratings. I am happy, they work well. I would definately reccomend any type of air tool, they make life SOOOOOO much easier. FYI, don't EVER use a 12 point socket with an air tool, I've done that a few too many times now...

[patgizz]

IR guns are the way to go. i've got an old IR 1/2 drive that will blow a 14mm wheel stud clean off if the lugnut won't budge.

i have a CH air ratchet thats fine, ch die grinder that works fine, i just bought a husky stubbe 3/8 air ratchet at the home depot on clearance for $25 with 6 sockets, an extension and some screwdriver bits with an adapter for those but havent tried it yet. bunch more(da's, body files, griners, sanders, drill) but dont know what brand they are other than made in usa and really old.

[bszopi]

I have a couple Craftsman that I haven't had any issues with. I also have an IR impact. Just a question, though... there are now some IR air tools which have a Fast & Furious look to them, and seem cheaper than what I would expect from IR. I don't know if they are a cheaper version or if they are just as good as any IR product out there, but it seems they are focussing on a younger crowd. Might be something worth discussing for people looking... If they aren't as good, but a person sees the IR name, they will still buy because its cheaper than the competition.

Any inputs?

[quantum110]

IR makes the Craftsman Tools...