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So there is an argument as to what Impact wrench is the best, most powerful, ect. Anyway, I wanted to say, I hear really good things about IR titanium series, but is it just me, or is the blue rubber and silver titanium front lacking in appearance, compared to say, another brand. Back in the day, they were always alumiumum, didn’t vary much in color, however, Snap on sells Impacts in colors of the rainbow, other companies do the same thing, but the IR titanium as powerful as it is, just doesn’t appear attractive to me. Anybody have opinions on this ? Part of what I look for in a tool is it’s physical appearance, am I alone on this ?
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My opinion is if you buy it for looks you are in the wrong line of business and need to go throw fabulous wedding receptions.
Its a tool. Does it work yes or no? Will it continue to work till it has paid for itself and then some yes or no? If both are yes then why the hell does it matter if it is purple with chartreuse polka dots or not.
The tool has to look the part to me, the work they do has to come second. I think SO stuff looks better. I am sure Cornwell tools are nice, but I hate blue.
This thing is where it’s at:
A re-branded IR 2135QTIMAX. Black and grey is badass, but it’s worth the ugly boot to protect it. I bought this version because the tool is ideal and I didn’t want the ugly IR color. It’s really quiet too. You only hear the impacting noise, the air is almost silent even after 5 years of daily use.
Um, not a chance looks wise.
That thing may work well, really well, but its got a look only a mother could love. That corregated gray handle reminds me of a floormat. Having that in a nice snap on box is like having a fat chick in a Ferrari. I have enclosed where its really at. Aesthetically, there is no comparsion. Dont’ like green, they have orange, red,metallic black, white, all sorts of colors. Oh, and boots, SO has sparkly ones, in colors. Red, blue, purple, ect.
I thought we were after a better looking IR gun here, which the Mac version definitely is. I figured you’d be comparing it to the gross blue color of the tool brought into question.
Bringing the MG725 into the discussion of looks is ehhhhh. Well, to put it delicately, the body lines are not visually appealing. The IR tool body is a nice rounded square shape that transitions smoothly into a robust handle that is made to be a part of it. The black and bare metal/grey looks good next to any color while also implying that flashiness doesn’t get the job done. The utilitarian and practical-looking corrugated grip inserts offer greater traction without the mushy, oil absorbing odd-textured grip of the MG. The handle of the MG looks like it’s just stuck on to that hideously shaped tool body. The antiquated looking spool valve used to change direction balloons the back of the already oblong body into this dreadful, clunky looking shape.
It may come in a lot of colors, but it’s all paint. It chips off and looks like hell. Even new, it’s too glossy-looking for a tool that’s going to see tough use. It’s like giving an excavator a new car paint job. It looks like it’s not supposed to be used.
It basically looks as attractive, visually appealing, and ready to work as this bulbous, ill-shapen gem of engineering:
I do totally agree that the toolbox it’s in is like a Ferrari, though.
yea, that car does look similar. You know, I get what you are saying about the rebadged IR looking better than the regular IR, However, I still prefer the Snap-on, if nothing more than their customer service .. Do you find that the MG725 not just whisper quiet ? He he…
There is also Matco Rebranded Version:
You claimed to like red so… I think this was just another excuse to bring up your attachment issues with SO….
thats pretty nice actually. Better looking than the other versions. I still prefer Snap on, but that Matco is close second, for sure.
The guys on both sides of me have MG725s and they don’t bother me a bit. They’re a little louder than mine, but are very civilized in that manner. The non-quiet version of mine is obnoxiously and unacceptably loud, I wish they didn’t even sell it. I have the 3/8″ Mac gun that matches it, but it’s not available in a quiet-tool and I hardly ever use it because it’s so loud. Well, that and my Snap-On 3/8″ cordless impact is such a beast that I only need the 3/8″ air gun where it doesn’t fit (very rare).
I’m also fortunate to have a very good and longtime Mac man. I make sure he has a reason to come back every week. He has no problem going out of his way for me just like my Snap-On guy and I value that very much. I have to admit that I would have that ugly-ass IR gun if I didn’t have the alternative. I still have my original gun to fall back on, a IR 2131A, which was the rage back in 2001 when I was getting into working on cars. I was a VW parts counterperson with a junker I was learning to soup up and most of the techs in the shop were using the 2131A so I bought It used for $200 from the Mac guy. He happened to be the same Mac guy I have now at my current job. I liked him then and I was so glad to find out he would be my tool guy for real where I am now. I actually still use most of the tools I bought from him back when I was a backyard kid.
And yes, that Matco one is really pretty. I just love the shape of it, just like mine. The look is so much more vibrant though.
[quote=”andrewbutton442″ post=129897]yea, that car does look similar. You know, I get what you are saying about the rebadged IR looking better than the regular IR, However, I still prefer the Snap-on, if nothing more than their customer service .. Do you find that the MG725 not just whisper quiet ? He he…[/quote] I’ve found SOs customer service absolutely horrible in comparison to MAC. One of the reasons I switched to MAC exclusively for top tier stuff was due to SOs poor quality service. SO corporate is a joke to deal with. The tool truck guys don’t always honor warranty stuff anymore.
On topic, IR makes the best guns money can buy. Looks don’t matter nearly as much as performance does to me. A ricer’s car may look fast and hi-perf, but that doesn’t make it so.
EDIT: The other reason for my full on switch to MAC was prices as well. SO prices are crazy compared to other brands be it MAC, Matco or Cornwell. And what do you get for that money? Sup-par service? A tool that may or may not be equal to the other brands in quality and durability? I’m glad I made the thread about SO elitism…
I think the MG series, and Snap-ons in general have a much sweeter sound and tone than IR or CP. Those other guns just sound like rattle rattle,, but Snaps on sound like a Mechanical chorus of precision. Harmony of mechanic angels brought together in the SO impact. I don’t do muffled tools, it takes the fun out of it.. Sorta like the difference in tone between a Fender stratocaster and an out of tune Kmart guitar to me.
Things IR and CP don’t have:
• One piece precision machined magnesium housing yields an extremely durable lightweight, balanced unit with minimal vibration. Superior control with less user fatigue and longer tool life.
• 8 vane rotor provides faster motor start up and greater performance with more torque.
• Single chamber motor provides greater power and speed to remove stubborn bolts.
• Muffler kit reduces noise for quiet performance. Work longer with less auditory strain.
• Patented cushion grip ribbed handle cover resists most shop chemicals and is easily field replaced. Helps insulate tool from cold and reduces vibration.
• Patented tip valve trigger provides increased air flow and greater tool control.
• Twin hammer impact mechanism is durable and hard hitting. Fewer parts, less down time.
• Sealed in oil bath lubrication with Red Line Synthetic Oil always keeps impact mechanism lubricated for less wear.
• Slim style nose is ideal for working in restricted access areas.
• Anvil stop feature – Anvil stops when trigger is released. Prevents anvil from throwing nuts and sockets.
• Cushion grip trigger button delivers improved comfort and control.
• 2 Year Warranty.[quote=”andrewbutton442″ post=129926]Things IR and CP don’t have:
• One piece precision machined magnesium housing yields an extremely durable lightweight, balanced unit with minimal vibration. Superior control with less user fatigue and longer tool life.
• 8 vane rotor provides faster motor start up and greater performance with more torque.
• Single chamber motor provides greater power and speed to remove stubborn bolts.
• Muffler kit reduces noise for quiet performance. Work longer with less auditory strain.
• Patented cushion grip ribbed handle cover resists most shop chemicals and is easily field replaced. Helps insulate tool from cold and reduces vibration.
• Patented tip valve trigger provides increased air flow and greater tool control.
• Twin hammer impact mechanism is durable and hard hitting. Fewer parts, less down time.
• Sealed in oil bath lubrication with Red Line Synthetic Oil always keeps impact mechanism lubricated for less wear.
• Slim style nose is ideal for working in restricted access areas.
• Anvil stop feature – Anvil stops when trigger is released. Prevents anvil from throwing nuts and sockets.
• Cushion grip trigger button delivers improved comfort and control.
• 2 Year Warranty.[/quote]Things SO doesn’t have:
Raw Power
A half decent price tag
Good customer serviceI don’t have an SO complex. That matco rebrand was sweet, I would own it. I have never dealt with SO corporate. The truck guys always took care of what I needed. My neighbors had a Snap on franchise at one time, and even though at that time I couldn’t afford their tools, they were absolutly stellar and straightup people that would bend over backwards for everybody.
[quote=”andrewbutton442″ post=129936]I don’t have an SO complex. That matco rebrand was sweet, I would own it. I have never dealt with SO corporate. The truck guys always took care of what I needed. My neighbors had a Snap on franchise at one time, and even though at that time I couldn’t afford their tools, they were absolutly stellar and straightup people that would bend over backwards for everybody.[/quote] You did say that you prefer SO though. Matco is also a rebranded IR..so you think it is lesser to SO. Like I said, a truck guy can be the best in the world and I respect that, its always good to have a good truck guy. But when the time comes when you have to deal with corporate you can’t turn to him, and corporate, to me…represents the culture of SO…one I do not wish to support due to their poor service, attitude, and customer relations.
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