Air Tool Recommendations for my diesel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chad300tdt · #1 03-10-2008, 12:40 PM

I want to get an air impact wrench to aid my upcoming brake job. Any suggestions on which to buy? Is 1/2" the best size? I've seen air tool sets at Home Depot for under $200 which might be OK, but I want to make sure I get a good tool. I'd rather buy a single air impact wrench of good quality, but I don't want to spend more than around $125. I'd like to get an air ratchet too, but that can wait.

Also, what's the recommendation on impact sockets? I'll end up buying a Craftsman set if I don't get a better suggestion. They might be pricey, but the lifetime replacement warranty makes up for it.

SW · #2 03-10-2008, 12:58 PM

I've got an ingersoll 231, but it wont fit in to where I can use it for removing calipers. You might pick up a 3/8" butterfly impact.

babymog · #3 03-10-2008, 12:59 PM

Ingersol-Rand makes a decent 1/2" impact available for around a $125, Sears sells it as well as many others.

The cheap ones: I have a set from Sam's Club (gift), the 1/2" impact won't even remove a reasonably tight lug-bolt, same with the Powermate from Menard's. My good ones will spin 'em right off.

Sockets from Sears will probably be fine, decent 6-point impact sockets are easy to find. If they fit loose, you stand more chance of rounding off that really tight one.

tobybul · #4 03-10-2008, 01:02 PM

I have yet to see an off-brand set go bad especially for home use. I believe I have a campbell-hausfield set that I have had for years. Notice I said set. HD or Lowes carry sets that contain the impact wrench, ratchet, cutter, sockets and chisel bits all in a durable abs plastic box. I mainly use my impact for the lug nuts. otherwise, I prefer hand tightening bolts then finishing them with a torque wrench.

vstech · #5 03-10-2008, 01:34 PM

if all you need are brake tools, the CH or whatever is on sale at the hardware store is fine.
for me, I went with a IR 900Lb set make sure you use the air tool oil port every time you run your tool.
I also bought a few sets of impact Universal sockets. they are invaluable for tight spaces like behind caliper... I also have a large set of long extensions impact rated. combine them with the quality Impact rated Universal sockets, and you can do anything. makes quick work of changing the starter!

grindMARC · #6 03-10-2008, 01:47 PM

Don't be surprised if you spend all that money on an air tool and run into a situation where it can't remove a bolt! I'd seriously consider just buying a $30 ELECTRIC impact wrench from harbor freight. I've run into a bunch of situations where my 150 psi impact wrench cannot move a nut/bolt. My electric impact has never failed to rescue the air tool. The size of the electric version is bigger than the air version, but not too much.

diesel don · #7 03-10-2008, 01:54 PM

IR Thunder gun, Ebay, $60 Fits behind the caliper

Thanks for the suggestion on the electric air tool. Always looking for more excuses to buy tools

diesel don

thesst · #8 03-10-2008, 02:15 PM

Get Craftsman. They are fairly high-quality to begin with, plus you can abuse it severely and then when it breaks take it into any Sears for a free no-receipt hassle-free replacement.

The ease of replacement is the deal-breaker to me. I even know a few professional mechanics who bought their set from Sears because it was cheaper, high quality for the price, and SO easy to get replaced.

TheDon · #9 03-10-2008, 02:24 PM

I second the craftsman route...

Chad300tdt · #10 03-10-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesst

Get Craftsman. They are fairly high-quality to begin with, plus you can abuse it severely and then when it breaks take it into any Sears for a free no-receipt hassle-free replacement.

The ease of replacement is the deal-breaker to me. I even know a few professional mechanics who bought their set from Sears because it was cheaper, high quality for the price, and SO easy to get replaced.

That's the direction I've been leaning. I was considering this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00918852000P

It looks like it might be too long with that extension. The next cheapest one is only a max of 400 ft. lbs., is that adequate?

So far I know I'm going for Craftsman sockets and universals. Still undecided about the impact wrench. What should I be looking for as a minimum power requirement. Will a 300-400 ft. lb. impact wrench work?
With a good penetrating oil, I'd imagine that would be OK. I'm not sure enough to buy one when there are heavier duty ones available for slightly less.

tangofox007 · #11 03-10-2008, 02:36 PM

There aren't enough fasteners involved in a brake job to even think about buying an impact wrench. Buy a good quality 25" flex handle instead.

If you just have to have an air impact tool, make sure you have the necessary air to run it. Otherwise, you will really be wasting your money.

#12 03-10-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

There aren't enough fasteners involved in a brake job to even think about buying an impact wrench. Buy a good quality 25" flex handle instead.

That's what I was thinking, I do just fine with a 1/2 drive 18" breaker bar and a good socket.

vstech · #13 03-10-2008, 02:42 PM

nah, what you want is an air impact wrench with a squared nose, not bulleted like that one.
MUCH higher power!

#14 03-10-2008, 02:52 PM

Go to Harbor Freight and get an impact and socket set. For occasional home use, there is no good reason to blow a wad of money on air tools. If you oil the gun before use like you are supposed to there is no reason a HF impact shouldn't last 5+ years.

1/2" impact, $40.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92921

1/2" metric impact socket set, $20.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34683

Chad300tdt · #15 03-10-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Go to Harbor Freight and get an impact and socket set. For occasional home use, there is no good reason to blow a wad of money on air tools. If you oil the gun before use like you are supposed to there is no reason a HF impact shouldn't last 5+ years.

1/2" impact, $40.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92921

1/2" metric impact socket set, $20.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34683

That impact wrench is on sale for $20!

Is 260 ft. lbs. powerful enough?
Spending $40 total for that stuff is tempting but makes me wonder why it's so cheap. I worked in a small garage in the 90's and we used all snap-on and Mac air tools that the owner supplied, so I never took note of the power ratings. I just know the jobs went quicker with the air tools.

I know I could do it all with hand tools that I already have, but I like less effort.