Air tools v. electric
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I use my cordless Milwaukee impact for just about everything unless its too big,then I'll roll out air,but my cordless is super convenient and I've yet to kill a battery in a day.
Originally Posted By: supton
I got a cheapie oil-less compressor from Home Depot. 20 gallon? I forget. I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with it. For inflating tires it's great; but so far I haven't been real impressed with its ability to run an HF impact wrench. Which may be a second source of frustration.
IIRC, oil-less compressors cost less, but make more noise, and are apt to wear out faster.
I recall being told to get 3/8's line, not the cheaper 1/4". 1/4" is probably ok for tire inflation, but it won't support an impact wrench. I have a 50' 3/8's line, and I think it's too long to run an impact--too much pressure drop (although it could be the compressor--I have not had a chance to try a shorter line). But what makes more sense: long air line, or long extension cord? These compressors aren't low current.
I still wind up breaking loose bolts at the moment by hand. Right now my compressor is used just for tire inflation. Good thing it was a gift.
Wonder which HF impact do you have?
The Earthquake 1/2" impact wrench is pretty good, and can be had
for $70+tax
As far as air pressure and CFM, it might help to measure/monitor what the pressure
is at the end of the hose where the impact is, instead of reading from the compressor.
For 50-ft hose, I'd bump up the pressure at the compressor.
And what car do you have that you tried to take the lug nuts off?
With a Makita mac700 , Goodyear 50ft 3/8" hose, and a HF 1/2" dual-hammer impact (not
on their website right now), I was able to take 5 lug nuts off from a Honda (80 ft-lb
spec) before the compressor kicks in.
HTH
I got a cheapie oil-less compressor from Home Depot. 20 gallon? I forget. I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with it. For inflating tires it's great; but so far I haven't been real impressed with its ability to run an HF impact wrench. Which may be a second source of frustration.
IIRC, oil-less compressors cost less, but make more noise, and are apt to wear out faster.
I recall being told to get 3/8's line, not the cheaper 1/4". 1/4" is probably ok for tire inflation, but it won't support an impact wrench. I have a 50' 3/8's line, and I think it's too long to run an impact--too much pressure drop (although it could be the compressor--I have not had a chance to try a shorter line). But what makes more sense: long air line, or long extension cord? These compressors aren't low current.
I still wind up breaking loose bolts at the moment by hand. Right now my compressor is used just for tire inflation. Good thing it was a gift.
Wonder which HF impact do you have?
The Earthquake 1/2" impact wrench is pretty good, and can be had
for $70+tax
As far as air pressure and CFM, it might help to measure/monitor what the pressure
is at the end of the hose where the impact is, instead of reading from the compressor.
For 50-ft hose, I'd bump up the pressure at the compressor.
And what car do you have that you tried to take the lug nuts off?
With a Makita mac700 , Goodyear 50ft 3/8" hose, and a HF 1/2" dual-hammer impact (not
on their website right now), I was able to take 5 lug nuts off from a Honda (80 ft-lb
spec) before the compressor kicks in.
HTH
Originally Posted By: dogwood1300
Originally Posted By: supton
I got a cheapie oil-less compressor from Home Depot. 20 gallon? I forget. I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with it. For inflating tires it's great; but so far I haven't been real impressed with its ability to run an HF impact wrench. Which may be a second source of frustration.
IIRC, oil-less compressors cost less, but make more noise, and are apt to wear out faster.
I recall being told to get 3/8's line, not the cheaper 1/4". 1/4" is probably ok for tire inflation, but it won't support an impact wrench. I have a 50' 3/8's line, and I think it's too long to run an impact--too much pressure drop (although it could be the compressor--I have not had a chance to try a shorter line). But what makes more sense: long air line, or long extension cord? These compressors aren't low current.
I still wind up breaking loose bolts at the moment by hand. Right now my compressor is used just for tire inflation. Good thing it was a gift.
Wonder which HF impact do you have?
The Earthquake 1/2" impact wrench is pretty good, and can be had
for $70+tax
As far as air pressure and CFM, it might help to measure/monitor what the pressure
is at the end of the hose where the impact is, instead of reading from the compressor.
For 50-ft hose, I'd bump up the pressure at the compressor.
And what car do you have that you tried to take the lug nuts off?
With a Makita mac700 , Goodyear 50ft 3/8" hose, and a HF 1/2" dual-hammer impact (not
on their website right now), I was able to take 5 lug nuts off from a Honda (80 ft-lb
spec) before the compressor kicks in.
HTH
That doesn't really mean much. If a nut is tighter or seized it takes more air,so that's not much of a guide really.
I make my living with air compressors. 5.5 hp twins and triples. But my home compressor is a twin tank rigid. Its a wheelbarrow type but small and oiled.
The tanks hold very little air however I found a dead compressor,20 gallon tank. I stripped it and use it for extra capacity. I never run out of air. I regulate down to 50 psi for impacts and let er go. The compressor starts pumping as soon as there is less than 110 in the tanks. I've got 3 nipples just in case.
So a small oiled pump can do big jobs with a supplement tank which can be found cheap or free.
I do the same on my crews.
I leave the compressors in the truck or cube vans then run a 10 gallon tank to the floor with 4 nipples welded on going out,and 2 nipples coming in. Capacity is key. The pumps can't keep up regardless but we only need max output to staple off a wall or roof.so we aren't gong full blast for long,a few minutes maybe.
Spikers shoot a couple nails,then move,couple nails then move ,so the pump has no problem keeping up.
I've engineered air systems so that we can run 10 guns off a 12 cfm compressor and no one lacks air. And the pumps are always turning anyways so I designed a system so that very little air is bled off into the atmosphere,so no wasted strokes.
Originally Posted By: supton
I got a cheapie oil-less compressor from Home Depot. 20 gallon? I forget. I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with it. For inflating tires it's great; but so far I haven't been real impressed with its ability to run an HF impact wrench. Which may be a second source of frustration.
IIRC, oil-less compressors cost less, but make more noise, and are apt to wear out faster.
I recall being told to get 3/8's line, not the cheaper 1/4". 1/4" is probably ok for tire inflation, but it won't support an impact wrench. I have a 50' 3/8's line, and I think it's too long to run an impact--too much pressure drop (although it could be the compressor--I have not had a chance to try a shorter line). But what makes more sense: long air line, or long extension cord? These compressors aren't low current.
I still wind up breaking loose bolts at the moment by hand. Right now my compressor is used just for tire inflation. Good thing it was a gift.
Wonder which HF impact do you have?
The Earthquake 1/2" impact wrench is pretty good, and can be had
for $70+tax
As far as air pressure and CFM, it might help to measure/monitor what the pressure
is at the end of the hose where the impact is, instead of reading from the compressor.
For 50-ft hose, I'd bump up the pressure at the compressor.
And what car do you have that you tried to take the lug nuts off?
With a Makita mac700 , Goodyear 50ft 3/8" hose, and a HF 1/2" dual-hammer impact (not
on their website right now), I was able to take 5 lug nuts off from a Honda (80 ft-lb
spec) before the compressor kicks in.
HTH
That doesn't really mean much. If a nut is tighter or seized it takes more air,so that's not much of a guide really.
I make my living with air compressors. 5.5 hp twins and triples. But my home compressor is a twin tank rigid. Its a wheelbarrow type but small and oiled.
The tanks hold very little air however I found a dead compressor,20 gallon tank. I stripped it and use it for extra capacity. I never run out of air. I regulate down to 50 psi for impacts and let er go. The compressor starts pumping as soon as there is less than 110 in the tanks. I've got 3 nipples just in case.
So a small oiled pump can do big jobs with a supplement tank which can be found cheap or free.
I do the same on my crews.
I leave the compressors in the truck or cube vans then run a 10 gallon tank to the floor with 4 nipples welded on going out,and 2 nipples coming in. Capacity is key. The pumps can't keep up regardless but we only need max output to staple off a wall or roof.so we aren't gong full blast for long,a few minutes maybe.
Spikers shoot a couple nails,then move,couple nails then move ,so the pump has no problem keeping up.
I've engineered air systems so that we can run 10 guns off a 12 cfm compressor and no one lacks air. And the pumps are always turning anyways so I designed a system so that very little air is bled off into the atmosphere,so no wasted strokes.
So many things to be considered. Cordless tools becoming more powerful and less costly every day. Also depends upon repairing bulldozers or lawn mowers?
While I have several air tools and one large and one medium compressor, if I am leaving my house/garage to go outside I would bring my cordless impact wrench to work on boat or trailer
While I have several air tools and one large and one medium compressor, if I am leaving my house/garage to go outside I would bring my cordless impact wrench to work on boat or trailer
I'd be lost without my air tools. I had to take a rear tire off one of my tractors this morning (it went flat) and it was all of a minute to get it off with my air impact.
If something needs repaired to the point that I need impact tools, it's going to be in the shop anyway so portability isn't an issue for me.
I can't begin to guess the number of hours I have on my air tools without a single issue.
If something needs repaired to the point that I need impact tools, it's going to be in the shop anyway so portability isn't an issue for me.
I can't begin to guess the number of hours I have on my air tools without a single issue.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I'd be lost without my air tools. I had to take a rear tire off one of my tractors this morning (it went flat) and it was all of a minute to get it off with my air impact.
If something needs repaired to the point that I need impact tools, it's going to be in the shop anyway so portability isn't an issue for me.
I can't begin to guess the number of hours I have on my air tools without a single issue.
But if its a heavy 2 axle boat trailer that is parked where you want it, are your going to hitch it up and move it so you can get an air impact wrench on the lug nuts or bring out the cordless?
I'd be lost without my air tools. I had to take a rear tire off one of my tractors this morning (it went flat) and it was all of a minute to get it off with my air impact.
If something needs repaired to the point that I need impact tools, it's going to be in the shop anyway so portability isn't an issue for me.
I can't begin to guess the number of hours I have on my air tools without a single issue.
But if its a heavy 2 axle boat trailer that is parked where you want it, are your going to hitch it up and move it so you can get an air impact wrench on the lug nuts or bring out the cordless?
Plug-in electric tools only for me, at least for now. Everything I've bought that has a battery has had the battery die (not hold a charge) in short order. Probably because I don't use them that frequently and they self-discharge. I'm never that far away from a plug that it's been a problem.
Last edited:
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: Anduril
Plug-in electric tools only for me, at least for now. Everything I've bought that has a battery has had the battery die (not hold a charge) in short order. Probably because I don't use them that frequently and they self-discharge. I'm never that far away from a plug that it's been a problem.
I generally agree with this, but Li-ion technology helps to get rid of some of the issues that we saw with NiCd and other batteries. If kept at a reasonable state of charge, in a cool area, they can last a long time.
Still, I agree 100% from a lifecycle cost perspective, because the layperson can get all that theyll ever need out of plug-in equipment without the capital cost of a beefy compressor and expensive air tools. Ive many times thought to go for a good air tool setup, but have never done it. My Milwaukee plug-in and IR cordless impacts are just too good.
If something needs THAT much more torque to get done, Ill probably take it to a shop anyway.
Plug-in electric tools only for me, at least for now. Everything I've bought that has a battery has had the battery die (not hold a charge) in short order. Probably because I don't use them that frequently and they self-discharge. I'm never that far away from a plug that it's been a problem.
I generally agree with this, but Li-ion technology helps to get rid of some of the issues that we saw with NiCd and other batteries. If kept at a reasonable state of charge, in a cool area, they can last a long time.
Still, I agree 100% from a lifecycle cost perspective, because the layperson can get all that theyll ever need out of plug-in equipment without the capital cost of a beefy compressor and expensive air tools. Ive many times thought to go for a good air tool setup, but have never done it. My Milwaukee plug-in and IR cordless impacts are just too good.
If something needs THAT much more torque to get done, Ill probably take it to a shop anyway.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I'd be lost without my air tools. I had to take a rear tire off one of my tractors this morning (it went flat) and it was all of a minute to get it off with my air impact.
If something needs repaired to the point that I need impact tools, it's going to be in the shop anyway so portability isn't an issue for me.
I can't begin to guess the number of hours I have on my air tools without a single issue.
But if its a heavy 2 axle boat trailer that is parked where you want it, are your going to hitch it up and move it so you can get an air impact wrench on the lug nuts or bring out the cordless?
I'll hook it to the front bumper of the tractor and guide it into the shop where I can work on it. Chances are if I'm doing something that requires air tools it's more than just a simple tire change on a trailer, so I'd want it where I can get my floor jack under it on a level, concrete surface and work on it without rolling around in the dirt or gravel driveway. The tractor that I changed the tire on had been sitting outside while we were in Italy, which is when the tire went flat. I moved it into the shop to work on the tire.
But I don't have a 2 axle boat trailer, so your point is moot.
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I'd be lost without my air tools. I had to take a rear tire off one of my tractors this morning (it went flat) and it was all of a minute to get it off with my air impact.
If something needs repaired to the point that I need impact tools, it's going to be in the shop anyway so portability isn't an issue for me.
I can't begin to guess the number of hours I have on my air tools without a single issue.
But if its a heavy 2 axle boat trailer that is parked where you want it, are your going to hitch it up and move it so you can get an air impact wrench on the lug nuts or bring out the cordless?
I'll hook it to the front bumper of the tractor and guide it into the shop where I can work on it. Chances are if I'm doing something that requires air tools it's more than just a simple tire change on a trailer, so I'd want it where I can get my floor jack under it on a level, concrete surface and work on it without rolling around in the dirt or gravel driveway. The tractor that I changed the tire on had been sitting outside while we were in Italy, which is when the tire went flat. I moved it into the shop to work on the tire.
But I don't have a 2 axle boat trailer, so your point is moot.
I run a fairly large fleet here and have never used air tools even when changing out engines. I simply do not like the lack of feel and have seen too many of my cars come home with buggered up things done by others with too much power and no finesse.
ALL by hand here.
ALL by hand here.
I cannot get the boat trailer into my 2 car garage. Way too high.
My point was in many cases it would take me longer to move it than to deal with the flat tire.
Thanks to HF I have an abundance of wheel chocks and I keep a bunch of 2x8 wooden blocks for under jacks and jack stands.
My point was in many cases it would take me longer to move it than to deal with the flat tire.
Thanks to HF I have an abundance of wheel chocks and I keep a bunch of 2x8 wooden blocks for under jacks and jack stands.
I think Zero needs to chime back in. This is going to depend a lot on what he is going to get into. It seems to me some of these suggestions are overkill for doing a bit of routine maintenance in the driveway/garage. I've done some jobs that I don't consider "routine maintenance" over the years with just hand tools. I don't have a garage and no convenient place to put a large compressor so I have a little 2 gallon one that will fill tires, before that it was a 12 volt tankless. Gets the job done and will run a brad nailer no problem. I just recently bought a 110 volt impact gun and it's great, makes jobs easier for sure. It's also a fraction of the cost of a compressor and air gun for the maybe half a dozen times I'll use it in a year.
I would suggest look at the minimum that you need to do what you want, then look at the "WOW, that would be really cool to have" stuff. Compare the costs and decide where you want to buy in. I'd love to have a nice shop with a lift and compressor and a 10' long Snap-on chest but it just doesn't make sense for what I do.
I would suggest look at the minimum that you need to do what you want, then look at the "WOW, that would be really cool to have" stuff. Compare the costs and decide where you want to buy in. I'd love to have a nice shop with a lift and compressor and a 10' long Snap-on chest but it just doesn't make sense for what I do.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I run a fairly large fleet here and have never used air tools even when changing out engines. I simply do not like the lack of feel and have seen too many of my cars come home with buggered up things done by others with too much power and no finesse.
ALL by hand here.
Same here everything together by hand. I do use the impacts for disassembly and running bolts down before hand tightening.
Here in the rust belt and Southern Germany (same as the rust belt with salt) there are places that impacts shine and are worth their weight in gold.
Many times the impact will actually loosen a rotten exhaust manifold to pipe nut and run it down where just twisting by hand will break it every time for example.
Sometimes i wish i didn't live in a rust area but i have never known anything else, dealing with rotten stuff is "normal" for me.
I did a frame replacement on a Ranger a few years back that would have been impossible without some heavy hitting air equipment and a good smoke wrench as it was all rusted together, the frame was broken in four places from rot 7 yrs 60K.
I run a fairly large fleet here and have never used air tools even when changing out engines. I simply do not like the lack of feel and have seen too many of my cars come home with buggered up things done by others with too much power and no finesse.
ALL by hand here.
Same here everything together by hand. I do use the impacts for disassembly and running bolts down before hand tightening.
Here in the rust belt and Southern Germany (same as the rust belt with salt) there are places that impacts shine and are worth their weight in gold.
Many times the impact will actually loosen a rotten exhaust manifold to pipe nut and run it down where just twisting by hand will break it every time for example.
Sometimes i wish i didn't live in a rust area but i have never known anything else, dealing with rotten stuff is "normal" for me.
I did a frame replacement on a Ranger a few years back that would have been impossible without some heavy hitting air equipment and a good smoke wrench as it was all rusted together, the frame was broken in four places from rot 7 yrs 60K.
Originally Posted By: Zero
I researching the purchase of an air compressor for my home garage and in the process of doing so, I'm trying to figure out what tools I'll actually run off the compressor.
Long story short, this lead me to the question of which is better for the DIY'er doing light auto and equipment maintenance, air or electric tools?
Please provide me with your insight on which would be better. If more info is needed on my part, please advise.
If all your doing is light work, electric and cordless tools will work fine. If you are getting into auto body/paint or fabricating air tools are a must.
I researching the purchase of an air compressor for my home garage and in the process of doing so, I'm trying to figure out what tools I'll actually run off the compressor.
Long story short, this lead me to the question of which is better for the DIY'er doing light auto and equipment maintenance, air or electric tools?
Please provide me with your insight on which would be better. If more info is needed on my part, please advise.
If all your doing is light work, electric and cordless tools will work fine. If you are getting into auto body/paint or fabricating air tools are a must.
CP3,
Basic light auto/atv/tractor maintenance.
I do alot of rust removal via an electric grinder for various items. I thought I might use air for this. I also want to get into painting, but it will just be my own smaller equipment like lawn mowers, garden tractors, etc.
I hope this helps.
Basic light auto/atv/tractor maintenance.
I do alot of rust removal via an electric grinder for various items. I thought I might use air for this. I also want to get into painting, but it will just be my own smaller equipment like lawn mowers, garden tractors, etc.
I hope this helps.
That settles it. You need a 2 stage compressor, 80 gallon tank, 5 HP motor wired for 3 phase, 440V and a refrigerant dryer along with 3/4" air lines.
Painting and body work is a bit different to me. My painting is pretty much limited to Plasti-Dip or brake parts, neither of which require a paint gun & compressor. Don't know if you need Donald's suggestion or not but if you're in for a compressor to paint then some air tools are sort of a no-brainer I guess.
Originally Posted By: Zero
CP3,
Basic light auto/atv/tractor maintenance.
I do alot of rust removal via an electric grinder for various items. I thought I might use air for this. I also want to get into painting, but it will just be my own smaller equipment like lawn mowers, garden tractors, etc.
I hope this helps.
For small stuff like that you can get by with a 30gallon compressor with a 6hp motor, anything bigger will require a 80gallon one.
CP3,
Basic light auto/atv/tractor maintenance.
I do alot of rust removal via an electric grinder for various items. I thought I might use air for this. I also want to get into painting, but it will just be my own smaller equipment like lawn mowers, garden tractors, etc.
I hope this helps.
For small stuff like that you can get by with a 30gallon compressor with a 6hp motor, anything bigger will require a 80gallon one.
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