I have a Kobalt air compressor which I really like and would like to get a Kobalt Air Impact Wrench for Christmas. Should I ask for a 1/2" or 3/8" and why?
Air Impact Wrench
- Thread starter LeakySeals
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what are you using it for primarily? If you want to do general auto work I would stick with 1/2. More power
Yeah depends what you are doing but Id stick with 1/2"
For an Air Impact Wrench I'd go 1/2".
Don't know if 3/8 will handle wheel removal but can do most other work. A right angle 3/8 air ratchet is very handy for lot of under the hood work as one can break free the bolt or nut then air ratchet out. I ended up with one for tackling Ford 7.3 water pumps that had 14 bolts. Not to hard on the budget either.
The dilemma, small size to fit in confined spaces or more power to do bigger jobs. This is one answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-CP7732-2-Inch-Stubby/dp/B00IAC0HNK
https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-CP7732-2-Inch-Stubby/dp/B00IAC0HNK
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
For an Air Impact Wrench I'd go 1/2".
+2, and I'd want one rated with 450 ft lbs or more of force. How many ft lbs does the cobalt have?
For an Air Impact Wrench I'd go 1/2".
+2, and I'd want one rated with 450 ft lbs or more of force. How many ft lbs does the cobalt have?
I find if I need an impact... I NEED one. So a 1/2" drive is better suited as its more powerful and the socket/extensions are stronger and flex less.
Was thinking this one.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-2-in-700-ft-lbs-Air-Impact-Wrench/50159221
It says 700 but is that what you actually get? I was reading 1/2 that is the working torque. Also is that adjustable enough that I don't snap off a caliper bolt? lol
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-2-in-700-ft-lbs-Air-Impact-Wrench/50159221
It says 700 but is that what you actually get? I was reading 1/2 that is the working torque. Also is that adjustable enough that I don't snap off a caliper bolt? lol
Originally Posted By: Trav
The dilemma, small size to fit in confined spaces or more power to do bigger jobs. This is one answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-CP7732-2-Inch-Stubby/dp/B00IAC0HNK
Interesting, never knew they could be that small.
The dilemma, small size to fit in confined spaces or more power to do bigger jobs. This is one answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-CP7732-2-Inch-Stubby/dp/B00IAC0HNK
Interesting, never knew they could be that small.
You have to be very careful tightening with impact. I usually tighten by hand, except for lug nuts. With those I go very lightly (just snug) on lowest setting and finish with torque wrench. All my cars are 88 ft/lb so not much.
I have a Harbor Freight 1/2 inch earthquake gun that was in my automotive garage for 3 years then went to work on my small fleet of dump trucks.. im guessing its around 6 yrs old and still does whatever i ask of it.
Can I use something called torque sticks?
Get one of the compact 1/2" impacts. Most of those are 500+ ft/lbs, which is plenty enough. They're also light and get into places that a regular one won't. I have a Husky H4435 compact impact on order. Those are $40-60 all day long on Ebay.
Alright, after some research think I'm going with the Astro 1828 ONYX 3/8" Nano Impact Wrench 450ft/lb.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016Q4...QJ58CKCJJC8NSX3
It has the same 450ft/lb rating as the ONYX 1/2" version so I can use existing tools. But.. It was stated in this video that I can "lose power" with a 3/8" extension. True?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016Q4...QJ58CKCJJC8NSX3
It has the same 450ft/lb rating as the ONYX 1/2" version so I can use existing tools. But.. It was stated in this video that I can "lose power" with a 3/8" extension. True?
Extensions always reduce the impact force generated on the bolt by absorbing some of the impact force.
The heavier walled the socket and the thicker the extension the more force is exerted on the fastener. I always use the thickest socket space permits, the difference is amazing, I don't own a 3/8 air impact, just a cordless and it gets used mostly on body bolts.
To demonstrate, this is a special thicker socket for Honda crank bolts, it works with the same gun that when fitted with a normal impact socket wouldn't remove the bolt.
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-77080-Harmonic-Balancer-Socket/dp/B00RGNCV1U
The heavier walled the socket and the thicker the extension the more force is exerted on the fastener. I always use the thickest socket space permits, the difference is amazing, I don't own a 3/8 air impact, just a cordless and it gets used mostly on body bolts.
To demonstrate, this is a special thicker socket for Honda crank bolts, it works with the same gun that when fitted with a normal impact socket wouldn't remove the bolt.
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-77080-Harmonic-Balancer-Socket/dp/B00RGNCV1U
also important for max force is to either use a 1/2" air hose or short 3/8" air hose with high flow fittings on both ends.
An example is
https://www.amazon.com/Milton-S-217-Style-Coupler-Plug/dp/B001O2ZGQ6
I know someone who had a marginal impact wrench with an amazing compressor at 110psi(regulated) it wouldnt remove lugnuts with his 3/8" diameter 100ft hose run and cheap HF grade quick connectors.
An example is
https://www.amazon.com/Milton-S-217-Style-Coupler-Plug/dp/B001O2ZGQ6
I know someone who had a marginal impact wrench with an amazing compressor at 110psi(regulated) it wouldnt remove lugnuts with his 3/8" diameter 100ft hose run and cheap HF grade quick connectors.
The Milton V fittings (Euro 7.2) are nice and definitely worthwhile but 1/2" hose is overkill for less than 20 CFM @ 50ft.
http://www.airtx.com/recommended-air-hoses.htm
Edit: The best price I found so far on Milton V fittings with reasonable shipping is from this company.
https://www.jbtoolsales.com/milton-s764-hi-flo-v-style-a-m-v-1-4-fn/
http://www.airtx.com/recommended-air-hoses.htm
Edit: The best price I found so far on Milton V fittings with reasonable shipping is from this company.
https://www.jbtoolsales.com/milton-s764-hi-flo-v-style-a-m-v-1-4-fn/
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Originally Posted By: Rand
also important for max force is to either use a 1/2" air hose or short 3/8" air hose with high flow fittings on both ends.
An example is
https://www.amazon.com/Milton-S-217-Style-Coupler-Plug/dp/B001O2ZGQ6
I know someone who had a marginal impact wrench with an amazing compressor at 110psi(regulated) it wouldnt remove lugnuts with his 3/8" diameter 100ft hose run and cheap HF grade quick connectors.
I used a small pony tank(converted aluminum propane tank) close to project when I wrenched on ag equipment. Big improvement.
also important for max force is to either use a 1/2" air hose or short 3/8" air hose with high flow fittings on both ends.
An example is
https://www.amazon.com/Milton-S-217-Style-Coupler-Plug/dp/B001O2ZGQ6
I know someone who had a marginal impact wrench with an amazing compressor at 110psi(regulated) it wouldnt remove lugnuts with his 3/8" diameter 100ft hose run and cheap HF grade quick connectors.
I used a small pony tank(converted aluminum propane tank) close to project when I wrenched on ag equipment. Big improvement.
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