Torque and Chrome

Which Impact Wrench?

Ok, I'm looking at 2 impact wrenches, both around the same price of $200. Th Craftsman pro which has 400 FPT (Foot Pounds of Torque) in forward and 600 in reverse.1250 bpm and 9500 rpm for $190 or the Ingersoll Rand Thunder which is also 500 FPT in forward, 625 in reverse. 10,000 RPM but 1200 BPM for $210. By looking a videos they both seem like good impacts but the Ingersoll Rand seems to do it quicker. but also have to look at the quality and reliability of Craftsman. I will be running them with a 33 gal 150 psi craftsman tank with 3/8 tubbing and quick connects. I noticed that the IR done well but also was running off of nitrogen or something other than air. My dad has the same compressor that I have. He found out that you get much more power out of 3/8 tubing and quick connects and you'll have to change the valves on the tools to 3/8. He told be if he knew that at the time he would have never needed his $300 wrench that puts out 1100 FPT from Ingersoll Rand Country Boy, That's what my dad has is the IR titanium. It's strong as hell!!! I'm debating to spend another 100 bucks and get one.

Public Comments

1. I have a really good Craftsman compressor and a equally good Craftsman impact wrench. I never use it anymore. I tried a harbor freight electric 1/2 drive impact and it works better and is much more convenient. I had things the air gun would not break loose and the electric one would do it easily. I know harbor freight is not the best quality, but I have been using mine for over 4 years with no issues. I think I paid $50 for it.
2. ONE thing that is hard to argue with is the Craftsman warranty. I have never had a problem at all. I took a 1/2 in drive ratchet in that my dad had bought/used forever, i used it for a good ten yrs, finally stripped tooth on it and the guy looked at it,( i could tell he had never seen the style before) told me to go pick one out, I was really impressed with this. As far as the air wrench's go i have used both brands and really have had good performance from both. Oil them regular, Buy a good filter and put on the outlet of your air tank on the air line and have fun.
3. I can tell you this much: All the NASCAR teams use modified Ingersol Rand impact wrenches doring pit-stops to spin-off lug-nuts when changing tires. The reason for using nitrogen is there is no dirt or water in it. Which ever one you choose it's important to lubricate it directly in the air inlet regularly. Ingersol Rand has their own brand of lubricant for this purpose. IR has three titanium case 1/2 air impact guns that are stronger and lighter then the standard Thunder gun. I don't know what your particular use will be. Another thing is IR parts are easy to get. Craftsman on the other hand are always changing things. Tools get outdated fast and parts are a pain in the *** to get most of the time. I have a titanium case IR and it's five years old. Never had one minutes problem with it!
4. Go with the IR you wont be disappointed. if you buy the craftsman and use it as much as i do it will die with in a year or two. the IR wil;l run for about 10 years. I am an Auto Tech Or another word mechanic. You can listen to the other people and find out the hard way or you can listen to someone who has alot of experience with tools and what i know to and not to buy.
5. Personally i have 3 impact wrenches im currently using a snapon pro model (the red one w/ black) which works quite effectively and i have the thunder at work which i find to be able to get almost all bolts off that i need minus a couple which a breaker bar can solve