Essential Pneumatic Tools?
 

Just purchased a new compressor and I currently have no pneumatic tools to use with it. What do you weekend wrenches recommend as the first essential tools to purchase? Did not realize the variety in basic items such as an imact wrench. What are the features/specs I should look for in the basic items? Do the cheap Harbor Freight tools work?

Thanks in advance!

I used my 3/8" drive air rachet yesterday, but as a general rule, I don't have a need for air tools that often on the 911. As far as I am concerned, though, the basics should be a good 1/2" drive impact wrench, a cut off wheel (or "Wheel of Death" as Dave Seeland once called it), a 3/8" drive rachet and one of those trigger type air nozzles to blow things out (I use that the most).

If you're only going to use the tools occasionally, the cheap Harbor Freight stuff should work just fine.

Mike

I agree with Mike on the top/first tools to get.

I'd order them this way:

Disc cutter
Impact Wrench
Air Ratchet
Also:
Guaged air valve (for tires and other filling/blowing tasks)
Ceiling mount 50' retractable air reel


Other important (read used alot) tools in order of importance (for me):

Sand Blaster (I graduated from siphon to pressure feed)
Paint gun(s)
90 degree air drill for tight areas
Disc (standard and orbital) sanders

Tools in my tool box that I haven't used:
Air nibbler
reciprocating body saw
die grinder
Air screw driver
Air hammer/chisel

I buy my tools from Home Depot, Sears and HF. I tend to prefer buying tools locally as I can return. HF tools have been fine though. I've also used Pratco but I don't think they're in business anymore.

I'd go with the impact wrench first.Get the highest torque one you can find at HF. I got a 450lb one from HF for around $50 that even managed to spin off the axel nuts! Next I would get the air ratchet. Most air tools don't consume much CFM, but unless you have a big (over 30 gallon tank) and can crank out some serious CFM's (over 9 cfm) at 90lbs of pressure, you will be disappointed in the performance of your disk cutter and air nibbler. They use a lot of air to run well.

If you are near a Home Depot check out a kit they had during X-mas season (I'm not not sure if they still have it). It included (all Husky stuff) a 1/2" impact wrench, 3/8" air ratchet, air chisel, cheap paint gun, blow gun, some impact sockets, various air line fittings, tire chuck, and I'm sure some stuff that I'm forgetting. Oh, and it was $99.00! I'm not sure if they are they same Husky tools sold individually but it looks that way. My wife got the kit for me for X-mas and I am very happy with it. I work on lots of vehicle and have used all of the tools in the kit multiple times.

I would add though that the most important air accesory is not a tool- buy a filter/dryer. Don't buy a painting quality one, just one to keep water and dust out of the line to protect your tools and whatever you're working on. You wouldn't believe how much water come out of the line, it can be quite annoying when you are trying to dry something with the blow gun and it sprays out more water!

-Jeremy

They are expensive but I am a big fan of the Ingersol Rand high torque impact wrenches like the 2131. A "normal" 1/2 drive impact wrench produces about 250 ftlbs. The IR's produce over twice that (in reverse). A cheapo impact wrench is almost a waste of money. A friend of mine borrows my IR2135 when his SnapOn won't take off a bolt.
-Chris

How about that HF "Earthquake" gun. A copy of the "Thunder" Gun? It's $73 and has 625 lbs of torque (Most likely in reverse only).

I've found that a 1/4" air socket wrench is a great tool. Its small size helps you get into tight locations.

Jeremy makes a good point.

When using my die grinder & carbide bit to shave the front fender lips (not recommended BTW), the tool spit out plenty of oil and water. Really messy and cold. I had a dryer on there, but apparently the $25 Craftsman setup doesn't work worth a diddle?

And yes, the grinder uses a bunch of air. I'll bet the compressor had to refill at least 20 times when doing that awful job. Next time i'll cut 'em off with a sawzall. :rolleyes:

1/4" stubby air ratchet with a set of metric deep sockets. Great for most jobs, and will fit almost anywhere.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91002

I bought the one that came in a little kit with some standard size stuff, and some screwdriver bits.

I saw a set of air tools at Costco today for a few pennys less than $100. It is probably worth the price in scrap metal!:D

Thanks guys, real helpful. Never thought of Costco, but will have to check that out! Gotta love Harbor Freight - those poor Chinese!!

I really like the Costco kit packaged in the red box. The impact wrench is only 250 lbs torque though. I recently upgraded to a 450 lb wrench from HF. I'll probably toss the 250 lb wrench. The kit was still worth $99 I spent.

-Brad