I found IR brand tools that I've worked with to be pretty good. I found 2 models that are both 3/8 drive. One is cheaper and both have approximately the same power and same decibel levels. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-215G-8-Inch-Series-Impactool/dp/B004EMGNZG/ref=sr_1_4?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1353810736&sr=1-4"]Ingersoll Rand 215G 3/8-Inch Edge Series Air Impactool, Silver - Amazon.com[/ame] [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2115TiMAX-8-Inch-Impactool/dp/B001BQK7B4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=36ERGYYT5PM80&coliid=I2OLOCR0MKQI6"]Ingersoll Rand 2115TiMAX 3/8-Inch Impactool - Amazon.com[/ame]
You will have a need for both if you plan to work on cars alot. The 1/2" drive is pretty much a standard for automotive use. The 3/8" drive composite may not crack lug nuts loose but its light weight/compact designe make it a necessary tool you will be glad you bought once you start useing it.
The first IR looks to have the same body as my Matco 3/8 impact. Mine has been flawless for 10+ years. No rebuilds, just oil.
Yea one is around $100 and the other around $200. I'm curious why there is such a huge power difference. One is 3lbs and the other a little over 5lb....maybe that's why.
You pay or the weight or lack of mo I use a craftsman 3/8 impact and it is plenty strong (250 ft lb iirc) for shop use (i only use it for tight areas)
There is another brand that Bryant mentioned, Aircat but they don't have rebuild kits anywhere, that kind of concerns me or it's a good thing because they never break down? they have a hammer and a clutch version.
I use strictly IR stuff and they can last quite a long time if you run a dryer/water catch, clean and maintain them. With nearly half the weight and twice the price.. I can only assume that the Ti version uses a partial Titanium design.
Personally I wouldn't get a 3/8 impact at all. I have one and I can count on one hand the number of times I used it in the last 25 years. Get a 1/2" with more torque. Then get a 3/8" butterfly gun. Very versatile tool.
I use my IR 2112 3/8 impact every day. It is a beast, the 2115 took its place. In fact I have 3 of them, 1 for use at work, 1 for home use and one for my personal shop. I use them probably 80% of the time. I use my 1/2 10% of the time and my 1/4 drive air ratchet the other 10%. I would not be without my 3/8 IRs.
Testmonial I work for the phone co. in construction and our provided air tools used to be Ingersal Rand.As time passed,,the provided tools became Craftsman,and now Chicago Pneumatic& other off brands.We used to be able to set them to tork to 2oo inch lbs. and year after year (double checking with a tork wrench occasionally to verify)consistantly did their job,without fail.Most of the Craftsman chatterguns and none of the lesser brands could even reach that nominal tork,nor came close to the quality or durability of I/R. Mine was stolen while I was out on medical.I quickly traded my "new in the plastic"cheapie with a guy who said he had spare one that was I/R. My original was a hand me down 22 years ago & this one looks the same & works just as good. Coincidently, I dropped my personal I/R butterfly impact & broke the 1/4" male connector off.Huge bummer.I'll be getting online to find a replacement piece.As stated earlier,,,these are very handy tools for the shop. Don Graham might chime in on this.
