Composite Air Tools?
 

I just received an e-mail from one of the tool suppliers from which I buy tools touting a line of composite air tools. They claim they're lighter and very durable. Anyone know anything about composite air tools?

In this case, composite very likely means plastic. plastics like fiber reinforced thermoplastic are indeed very durable. Delrin is too, but it might be too expensive for this application. They are probably just fine, but I do know that quality aluminum air tools can last a very long time.

I have an Ingersoll-Rand 1/2" impact gun with a partial composite body and it seems extremely durable and works great. It is measurably lighter than an all-metal gun. The weight difference is not shocking however, since all the interior guts that matter are still metal...

I second ChisC in everything he said. I also have the IR 1/2" impact. A very expensive piece. Their all aluminum jobs are cheaper, actually.

Just like the Glock handguns, all the mechanical parts are still metal, only the frame / shell is composite. ;)

I have gotten this IR impact from my friend who is a tech and he had used it daily for several years. He is hard on his stuff. I have had it for another three years. I am not nice to my tools either. It does not look brand new, but it is in great shape. IR ranks very high in my book.

George

the IR 1/2" composite high torque model is a home run imo.

I have seen the composite tools break after much typical abuse like falling several feet onto concrete floors.

I have never seen a metal body air tool break under similiar circumstances.

I will take the heavier tool for that reason.

That can not have been an IR tool. I have dropped and thrown mine countess times. If it is a Chicago Pneumatic or some other cheapo brand, yes, go with metal!

Cheers, George

Bosch has a new saw (carpentry) with a comp. plate and the ads say it won't break like Al or other metals if you drop it.

just checked the model. #2131

I need a big dia shop hose for this unit.. and it's not huge to work with.