Harbor Freight impact gun body shells are plastic "composite"

[Bob Kontak]

Was going to treat myself with an Earthquake XT 1/2 drive pneumatic gun this morning.

I have a standard Earthquake aluminum bodied one that has worked fine for five years and I dropped it recently and badly chipped the nose of the anvil not allowing the snap ring to stay on. Still functional but a PITA as the socket will fall off if pointed downward.

The green one on the right is the one I wanted to buy. $160. It's body is plastic.

Every gun except the lower left $89 is plastic. That is the gun I have now - I think - specs can change.

I drop stuff. It happens. Is this plastic strong enough to withstand impact if dropped from five feet?

[Zeke]

HF is rumored to be changing their entire lineup of tools. You might wait and see if this comes to be. They have over the years gone to the cheap, better and best business model. I hear that new so called brands are replacing the ones that have become familiar.

It wasn't that long ago that Bauer didn't exist. So the precedent is there.

[craigster59]

I have the one bottom row all the way left. It works great for me, but I'm not wrenching 24/7.

The handle has a great feel and I think that's their "Toyota Camry" of impact guns. They ain't gonna screw it up. Can't go wrong at the price.

Buy the extended warranty and recycle them through HF like they were Bic lighters.

[dad911]

I'd check the selections on amazon and Home depot. Looks like you can get a Husky for less, IR for a couple bucks more.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by dad911

I'd check the selections on amazon and Home depot. Looks like you can get a Husky for less, IR for a couple bucks more.

Are you insinuating that having "Earthquake" on the side doesn't add a few FT/LB's of torque?

[RWebb]

find the videos on youtube from the guy that does tear downs on these things to compare brands

IIRC< it's the guy who wears a bear suit

[onewhippedpuppy]

All I know is that I have a 10+ year old Earthquake that was 1/2 the price of the comparable IR model that was probably also made in China and it still works great.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by Zeke

HF is rumored to be changing their entire lineup of tools. You might wait and see if this comes to be. They have over the years gone to the cheap, better and best business model. I hear that new so called brands are replacing the ones that have become familiar.

It wasn't that long ago that Bauer didn't exist. So the precedent is there.

Oh yes, Sir. I was in HF a week ago. Their balljoint separator tool is perfect for Porsche balljoints, especially the 997 and 987.2 I was surprised at their "Icon" line of hand tools. Really quite nice.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by RWebb

find the videos on youtube from the guy that does tear downs on these things to compare brands

Man, searching opens up a can of worms.

I am thinking of going with the IR2235 at this moment, not sure of the version yet, but you can buy a padded jacket for it. They have a quiet version for $20 more. But you can go up to $1100+ on Amazon for the 2235 depending on goodies.

https://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2235TiMAX-Impact-Wrench/dp/B00LV9Y1FE/ref=pd_sbs_1?pd_rd_w=owVyW&pf_rd_p=de2765fe-65e5-4a88-aaad-a915dea49c67&pf_rd_r=W7G6J7AF9NQBNP924GGZ&pd_rd_r=e63349e8-5962-4dbe-a916-f2abc71e92b5&pd_rd_wg=JXGYX&pd_rd_i=B00LV9Y1FE&psc=1

Of course the $89 Earthquake is all I need.

[cabmandone]

I know a tire store that has several IR impacts that have a plastic/composite housing. I've used them a few times and like that they're lighter. They seem plenty durable to me.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

I drop stuff. It happens. Is this plastic strong enough to withstand impact if dropped from five feet?

Plastic is strong as steel
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071004143114.htm

[jrj3rd]

Have been using a IR composite body gun for years and it has held up better than my older metal bodied ones.

[fastfredracing]

I don't know if it is the same as my IR's, but I would go as far as to say, nearly indestructible .
My current IR is probably 6-7 years old, total constant abuse, I have let the rack down on it, dropped it from the lift at 5 ft height, smashed it , threw it around etc. I have broken the trigger twice, but never damaged the body . Tough as nails

[1990C4S]

I question the need for an air impact gun given the torque available from the new battery tools.

Torque outputs of 300 ft-lbs are the low end of the 1/2" series now.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

I have broken the trigger twice, but never damaged the body .

Replacement parts are quickly available as well.

I have tried replacing parts for a HF stud welder and they don't answer the phone dialing the number they provide.

[Bob Kontak]

Just tried my new IR 2235 1/2 inch impact. It has four torque settings. It's serious. $300 at my door.

I'm not saying my five year old $100 Earthquake is bad. It's just not in the same league. Newer Earthquakes, who knows?

It will never be this clean again.

[john70t]

Wrap it all in rubberized foam tape.
(This should already be a 'thing')

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by RWebb

find the videos on youtube from the guy that does tear downs on these things to compare brands

IIRC< it's the guy who wears a bear suit

This guy cracks me up

[fastfredracing]

That is the impact gun by which all others are judged . Congrats . Its not supposed to be clean. I beat the snot out of mine. I am due for a new one , its pretty well worn now , but still my best impact.
I have been using a Snap On gun that I paid $800.00 for for a while now, just to keep it in the rotation, but every time I set it down, and pick up my old IR, I am reminded of how superior it is to all the others .
IR has been my go to since probably 1991. I still have my very first 231, and it still works just fine

[john70t]

Give it a small shot of synthetic lube before use each time and it should last forever.

All right reserved on automatic spray devices.
I will accept reasonable royalty payments after contact.