- This topic has 7 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 7 months ago by
.
-
Topic
-
Hi folks.
I bought a small (6 gallon) compressor which came with a couple nail guns, etc. How important is it to match up what the compressor can put out versus what a potential tool says it needs? For example, I was looking to get an impact gun mainly for removing lug nuts. My compressor’s manual shows its SCFM as: @ 40 psi: 3.7 and @ 90 psi 2.6. I haven’t found an impact gun that comes close to those numbers. They all say they need a higher rating. It might seem obvious that the tool won’t work, but I had a couple friends say not to worry that much about those numbers and that I should be fine. I dunno. Anyone have a take on this?
-
Replies
-
It will not work well if it has enough to work properly at all 6gals is not much and the gun is going to deplete that fast. Have one of those friends come over and hook up their air gun and you try to use it. See what happens. I am going to tell you right now you might get 2-3 hits out of it 1 of which will probably be good then your compressor will kick on and take forever to fill. Then once full the same thing. If you got a ton of patience sure it will work. A breaker bar and a 3lb hammer is likely faster.
Thank for the info. I agree with you. One of the noodniks that gave me this info is notorious for never doing anything with accuracy and just winging it. Bastard! Thanks again.
Most impact wrenches need at least 5 SCFM. At 6 gallons you’re just going to be waiting for the tank to fill up. You need at least 30 gallons at 5-6 SCFM @ 90 PSI. I have a Husky 30 gallon at 5.3 SCFM @ 90 psi and so far it’s been working great. I remove 4 wheels @ 6 lug nuts each before it refills the tank. I’m using a IR 2235TiMAX and sometimes a Snap On MG725 impact wrench.
Thanks. Clearly it would be a waste for me to buy an impact gun. I might go with a battery-powered impact like Eric is using lately.
If you do go electric I would suggest Ingersol Rand. Milwaulkee is the other good brand. Those are the 2 main hard hitters for electric impact. Milwaulkie has a lot of other stuff you can use with their stuff. The IR is a much more limited line but, they are used professionally by mechanics all the time. My coworker has an IR that is over 5 yrs old and still going strong. The Milwaulkees are also used professionally though i see less of them.
My suggestion if you want cheap is get breaker bars and a Craftsman or Vaughan 3lb Drilling hammer. Put the socket on hold your palm against the breaker bar to hold the socket on the fastener and smack the end of the handle with the hammer.
I have an IR cordless 1/2″ impact and I just ordered the DeWalt DCF889H 20V 1/2″ impact to replace it. IR makes great tools but Milwaukee and DeWalt make stronger cordless 1/2″ impacts right now. Only reason to go with IR is if you plan on buying into the rest of their iQ line up and you do production/industrial work. For the average and even serious mechanic I don’t see the benefit in spending more for that particular tool anymore, the Milwaukee and DeWalt versions are significantly more powerful, easier to get batteries for, cheaper, and you can have commonality with a much greater range of cordless tools.
I am big fan of Milwaukee fuel line, the sales are great plus there is trade in deals. from time to time. I have a old 3/8 impact I like, only 166 FT Lbs. going to upgrade to the 200 FT Lbs fuel model when funds permit.
Word of warning, the Milwaukee fuel 1/2 impact has two different kinds.
Pin type, Mode 2 600 FT lbs, Mode 1 350 FT Lbs. the pin will piss you off. However I like the 350 FT lbs setting BIG TIME, I can get close to 100 FT Lbs on lug nuts. (about 1/8 of a turn with the toque wrench.)
Friction ring type, Mode 2 700 FT lbs, Mode 1 100 FT Lbs.
I own both, great tools. I have a small compressor, so I have never bothered with air tools.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.