KillJoy Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 So... I have been working on my own vehicles for years, however, I have ZERO air tools. If I were to buy THREE Air Tools, what would they be, and in what priority? Yes, the Air Compressor can handle it.... KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major_golf Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 a 1/2 in impact, cut off tool, air ratchet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patterson Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 Impact, Drill, Angle Grinder, and a blow gun. I have those plus a DA, Air Chisel, and a Ratchet and never use them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 1/4" ratchet 3/8" ratchet 3/8" Gun 1/2" Gun I know it's 4, but those IMO are the "essentials" if I was working at home the 3 I would want in order are 1/2" Gun 3/8" gun 1/4" ratchet That's the order of most/least used for me. If you get the new 3/8" gun from snap-on it almost provides enough torque to eliminate the 1/2" gun except for axles nuts, crank shaft pulley bolts, etc.. but at home I would use a breaker bar. I usually don't need a cut off tool except when "fabricating", and most DIY garage people have an electric drill already. A blow gun is handy, but it's super cheap and wouldn't consider it a major expense like an air chuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboRust Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 your makita grinder kills the need for a cutoff tool. i say 1/2 impact 3/8 air ratchet angle grinder(can double as a cutoff wheel with the right arbor) you could probably get all 3 for 125 bux at harbor freight, lemme know when you wanna go and i'll show you which ones to get ahh hell here's some links 1/2" http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-impact-wrench-2623.html this has been our "shop gun" for the last year and a half with no issues 3/8" http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/ratchets/3-8-eighth-inch-air-ratchet-wrench-47706.html 1/4" if you want it http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/ratchets/1-4-quarter-inch-air-ratchet-wrench-34900.html angle http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/grinders/air-angle-die-grinder-32046.html once again has seen shop use for the last year and half with no problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye1647545503 Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 +1 to Derek's post except I would never buy less that the top of the line impact and you get what you pay for in that area. go either Mac snap on or I/R no other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 A 1/2" impact for sure, I bet I use my 1/4" air ratchet, 3/8" air ratchet, and 3/8" impact about equally, but when I need an air hammer or cut off tool I'm so glad to have them. I'd suggest the 1/2" impact, 3/8" air ratchet, and cut off tools first, but plan on buying the others because once you have them you'll find more uses for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 sears sells a craftsman professional 1/2" impact thats made by IR for around $170. i have had mine since '01 and never had an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirks5oh Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 i've found the largest need for the air tools (for me, personally) is to remove lug nuts. if that's the case i don't even break out the air impact tools. 10 years ago i bought a $50 corded 1/2" electric impact driver from harbor freight. i've only had to change the magnetic brushes out once, but this thing has worked forever---i use it every time i have to take a wheel off. you can also use it to remove exhaust clamps, suspension bolts, etc. it won't fit into tight places, so i'd suggest getting all the impact tools mentioned above as well. its strong enough to remove all but the most stubborn lug nuts, and i've found you can even use it to put the lug nuts back on the car---once you get used to using it, you can pretty much get each lug nut to 100-110lb/ft of torque without even checking. i liked this thing so much, i bought a second one for absolutely no reason at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoostedAce Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 My 1/2in gun- very powerful just is heavy. Highly recommend http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=81261&group_ID=24800&store=&dir=catalog My 3/8s gun is a matco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmc3271647545506 Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 i will sell you 2 1/2 inch guns 80 dollars theres yours and i will trow in some impact sockets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 I think 3/8 ratchets are pointless, buy a real good 1/4". Order of importance Ir2112- 3/8 impact Ir2131- 1/2 impact Ir composite 1/4" ratchet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonderboy Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 3/8 ratchets are certainly not pointless. I use mine very regularly at work. Im kinda suprised no one has added an air hammer to this list. That's one of my favorite tools ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWW$HEEET Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 i like putting non impact sockets on air tools, its funneh when they break TEE HEE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bruh Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 1/2 impact 3/8 air ratchet (a good one not a cheap one or they wont have any torque) cut off wheel get a good electric grinder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Cranium Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 I only have 3 air tools, but it was a package set and they have been great. 1/2 impact 3/8 ratchet hammer But there are a small slew of other little attachments that are as handy air chuck for tires blow gun for cleaning (mine has an extend-able wand) etc... The neighborhood kids are always coming to me to fill bike tires, basketballs, etc... so I keep all the inflation tools handy in the tool box. A portable air tank is a nice thing to have around too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RC K9 Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 +1 to Derek's post except I would never buy less that the top of the line impact and you get what you pay for in that area. go either Mac snap on or I/R no other + 1. Once I can afford a MAC impact gun, that's what I am getting. I use Harbor Freight right now but a MAC will out perform anything out there with the same psi. I couldn't get a bolt loose while using a craftsman last year so we put the MAC on and kept the settings the same and it worked like a charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted March 28, 2011 Report Share Posted March 28, 2011 I want to echo several posts above...when I bought my 80gal stand-up compressor back in 2003, I also bought an "all-in-one" impact kit...both from Lowes. The compressor has serviced me well in 3 different houses over the last 8 years. However, when I was rebuilding a rear axle for my older truck in FL, I couldn't get the leaf spring bolts off witht the 1/2" Impact gun. I went to Sears and bought one of their premium guns for $170. Went back to the bolt, and ripped it right off without a twitch from the gun. I was wide-eyed for a few minutes as this thing pulled apart nuts and bolts like butter. It was awesome. Definitely, DEFINITELY spend the right money getting at LEAST the Impact gun. I still use the air ratchet and air hammer I got from Lowes with no problem (I mean, what's to an air hammer? Harbor Frieght will be fine), but I swear by my Sears gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tshensley Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 I have all my air tools and they work great for the nuts and bolts that wont come loose at all. But my everyday goto tool is actually my SnapOn cordless impact, it will take off lug nuts and use it for an entire engine disassembly. It has all the power needed for most applications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 3/8 ratchets are certainly not pointless. I use mine very regularly at work. Im kinda suprised no one has added an air hammer to this list. That's one of my favorite tools ever. I turned a wrench for a living for about 8 years at a dealership flatrate. If a 3/8 gun did not fit it then I used a 1/4" air ratchet. If you buy a quality 1/4" air ratchet it is as strong as a mid grade 3/8 ratchet but fits in tight spots. I did work for vw though were there are a shit ton of 8 and 10mm fasteners so I did not work on trucks or domestic stuff where there is alot more room for a large ratchet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 I would get 1/2 air gun, 1/4 drive ratchet, 3/8 electric impact, I know the last one isn't air tools but I use it more than my air guns (snap on) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hal Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 1. 1/2" impact, make it a good one. 2. 3/8" ratchet (impact is nice). 3. 1/4 angled die grinder. Clean surfaces like a boss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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