Recommedation: Impact wrench

What brand/model impact air/electric wrench do you recommend for home repair use?
Do you prefer air or electric? I have a large compressor capable of high volume and pressure, but only have a 1/4 in. hose attached.
Approximate budget $150-$200

I have a lithium powered Ingersoll Rand impact wrench, and it's great for braking my wheel bolts on my BMW and MB cars.

When I had a compressor, I had a husky. It did the job.

I have three, two pneumatic and one 18V battery. The two pneumatics are Harbor Freight. The cheaper one ($30) is junk. The other was about $75 and works fine. I think it claims 625 ft lbs but I doubt it. I also have an 18V Porter Cable PC 18ID impact driver that claims 1,600 in lbs but also seems optimistic. The cordless is nice (light, portable, effective) for around the house activities but for automotive work, you've got to go pneumatic.

Snap-On, Ingersoll-Rand, and Chicago Pneumatic are all top-shelf units. Go with compressed-air power, and don`t buy a cheap piece of sh!t, you`ll regret it, and buy a better one anyway. Might as well start off on the right foot....

If you have a compressor go with air tools.
My big 1/2" impact is an Ingersoll-Rand 231H, think it's rated at 590 max lb-ft.
All of the others (impact and ratchets 3/8 and 1/4) are Chicago Pneumatic and Sears.
Don't buy HF, they take the worlds supply of air and don't produce the torque they say.

I have a Snap On 18V cordless impact wrench and love it, it's a bit pricey though.
The model is CT6850

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Corded cheapo HF, $50, worked fine for my suspension rehab. Who cares if it breaks, and if it did in the first job, I'd take it back for a refund and buy a more expensive one. What do you need an impact wrench for? What are you looking to do?

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I've been using a Craftsman for about 10 years now. Its been good to me but I keep it oiled well.

Used Hilti products a lot at work.
Definitely top quality

My bad, didnt see the budget

Originally Posted by 16valex

I have a Snap On 18V cordless impact wrench and love it, it's a bit pricey though.
The model is CT6850

Same impact I use. I'm yet to find a fastener it won't take off

This past weekend I used a borrowed B&D electric to change thrust arm bushings. Only got one done, but the tool would not press the new bushing back in, no problem getting the old one out though. I had to muscle the last inch or so. I did with the arm on the car, Besian style. This is a real ball-breaker. Before I attempt the other side I wanted to get a wrench that is up to the task. BTW, car is almost shimmy-free after doing just one side. Hugh difference. Can't wait to do the other side.
Thanks guys for your input.

Originally Posted by *****zo

Same impact I use. I'm yet to find a fastener it won't take off

Great choice!

I have an air MAC 1/2" impact that's got over 10 years of hard use. It's actually an IR235 with the MAC tools logo on it. I also have a much less used IR231 1/2" air impact that's even older but it doesn't have the reverse power of the 235. As for electric, I have a Craftsman 1/2" 7amp 115V impact that's a monster. I don't usually like to use the electric unless there's no compressor available (like if I'm working in a friend's driveway). The Craftsman electric impact has broken more sockets and busted more frozen bolts than both my air impacts combined. The Craftsman unit is actually made by Black and Decker.

I have an ingersoll rand that i got at home depot that is rated for 350lbs but yet the p.o.s. cant even take my lugs off. I have a 100 gal compression with automotive fittings and lines so there is no excuse for it being so lame.

Originally Posted by Topaz540i

I have an ingersoll rand that i got at home depot that is rated for 350lbs but yet the p.o.s. cant even take my lugs off. I have a 100 gal compression with automotive fittings and lines so there is no excuse for it being so lame.

Is your compressor getting up to 120 psi consistently ?

Ingersoll Rand pneumatic.
No need for cordless when you have a compressor.

I have an older 1/2 inch Ingersoll Rand rated at 650 ft/lbs loosen and 450 tighten and it's great. If I had to replace it, I'd get the I/R Titanium rated at 1000 ft/lbs loosen. I've had cheaper ones that are really junk(HF). You want to get something that will knock that rusted exhaust fastener off with no hassle but maybe with a little heat to help. Bottom line is that you need an impact with big 'balls'. The others are just a waste of time and money.

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

Snap-On, Ingersoll-Rand, and Chicago Pneumatic are all top-shelf units. Go with compressed-air power, and don`t buy a cheap piece of sh!t, you`ll regret it, and buy a better one anyway. Might as well start off on the right foot....

+1. All the others are really junk. they NEVER hit the claimed torque.

Originally Posted by JimLev

If you have a compressor go with air tools.
My big 1/2" impact is an Ingersoll-Rand 231H, think it's rated at 590 max lb-ft.
All of the others (impact and ratchets 3/8 and 1/4) are Chicago Pneumatic and Sears.
Don't buy HF, they take the worlds supply of air and don't produce the torque they say.

I had a Snap on 1/2 impact for years and it always did the job. Tried my neighbors IR 231A and couldn't believe the torque it had. I lucked out and found one on Ebay that looks brand new and works like a charm. Picked it up for $46.

Originally Posted by Topaz540i

I have an ingersoll rand that i got at home depot that is rated for 350lbs but yet the p.o.s. cant even take my lugs off. I have a 100 gal compression with automotive fittings and lines so there is no excuse for it being so lame.

The newer IR's just aren't the same as the originals. I highly suggest you check Ebay for a IR 231A. Kicks butt.

Brand from Harbor Freight, the impact is awesome. I use it for suspension parts chassis parts on the BMW and 3/4 ton Chevy Silverado and the wrench always works I think it is rated at 650ftlbs...the wrench was not horribly expensive and is perfect for the hobbyist or enthuasist if you're gonna make a living with the tool buy a Snap - On or IR...

If your gonna use it to fix your car, your neighbors cars from time to time...Hard to go wrong with the EARTHQUAKE...

Originally Posted by Topaz540i

I have an ingersoll rand that i got at home depot that is rated for 350lbs but yet the p.o.s. cant even take my lugs off. I have a 100 gal compression with automotive fittings and lines so there is no excuse for it being so lame.

I've found 9 times out of 10 if you're having problems removing lugs with an impact gun you're using fittings that are too small or too small a hose. It's the amount of air coming into the gun that makes it really work; not the pressure. You said you have automotive fittings but the size is important. Try a bigger hose or bigger quick connects. You'll be surprised.

I have an Ingersol 3/8" impact that will remove lug nuts with the big boys. I'm using 3/8" hose with larger 1/2" quick connects. If you're using the correct size hose then 90psi is all you'll need. Another example is my IR 3/4" gun which I can't use at home. The 3/8" hose can't supply enough air to make it do anything but free spin even at 120psi (150gallon tank). Bring that same gun to my job using a 5/8" hose at 90psi and she'll break your arm if you're not careful.

Nitro cat impact its a beast--i use it at my buddys shop to work on the bimmer

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