Air Tool Questions

i'm looking at buying a Air compressor and a Impact wrench along with a few other goodies but I was checking the specs for the wrenches and i have a Torque listing... How much torque do I realistic need ?

is 380lb-ft enough ?


Kun

That should be enough for most everything you will enconter but my crank pulley bolt didn't budge until I borrowed a 425ft/lb CP impact wrench.

Check out Craftsman compressor, the larger ones come with some tools(3/8" air ratchet, 3/8" impact, and other stuff) & then get yourself a good 1/2" impact. I have a 500ft lb gun that isn't enough sometimes, then its time for the 3/4" 1,000 ft lb gun. That mofo weighs like 15 lbs.

How big of a compressor are you thinking about? I have a 30 gallon 6HP at home. Thats about the smallest I would suggest.

If you plan on doing a lot of work then impact sockets are a must since the chromers break so easily(no matter what brand snap-on,mac, matco, cornwell, etc.)

1/2" impact
3/8" impact
3/8" air ratchet
1/4" air ratchet

^^ those listed are the most common air tools I use during my day.

Don't buy one of those "disposable" oil less compressors they only have a life expectancy of a few years! (Most of the genaric brands) I agree that a good craftsman is a good deal but not a cheap one. Also their is no substitution for volume unless your going to run a paint gun. I have a 5hp 60 gallon upright and it runs all the impacts great. You don't have to wait for it to fill up every couple minutes. I would also consider a two stage which most of the higher end new ones are (pumps on both strokes rather than the "up" stroke). If you spend a little more now it will keep you from spending more later. I also beleive that you get what you pay when it comes to impact wrenches. I have bought cheap no-name "500 ft-lb" guns and they sucked. I would have had better luck using it to beat on breaker bar than for it's intended use. A higher end gun is probably closer to the actual advertised power, I love my "625ft-lb" Ingersol-Rand professional, although I paid almost $500. If you do buy a bigger gun make sure you utilize the power adjusting knob when removing smaller or rusty fasteners so you don't break or strip them out. :2cents:

When does a impact wrench really come into play? Like how often do you guys use them, and what jobs do you use them for? I was going to buy a set for the rents for x-mas so i can't use them :lol: but im not sure iff i'll really need them that often.

How often you use it depends on how lazy you are (except on things like crank pulley). I use mine to take tires off, loosen anything that doesnt want to come out, snap the bolts off rusted exhaust hangers (easier than trying to loosen it), taking off lawn mower blade...

And I have a 33 gallon craftsman compressor (150psi ones), I use it with my snap-on impact. I also use those chrome sockets, I buy the craftsman ones, and if they snap, return them (im going to buy impact sockets, but no $ right now)

i agree, go big now and spend the extra dough, i dont know what i was thinking before having an impact gun, they are so useful. i have a 600ft/lb Ingersoll-rand Pro, on a 30gal 150PSi Upright craftsman compressor, id say buy the 1/2" model first, and use adapter sockets to go to 3/8" that way you have all the power your gonna need.

When does a impact wrench really come into play? Like how often do you guys use them, and what jobs do you use them for? I was going to buy a set for the rents for x-mas so i can't use them :lol: but im not sure iff i'll really need them that often.
I use air tools every chance I can, mostly for removing. I tighten by hand usually because you can snap bolts very easily. Also if you want an air powered torque impact(digital) then get ready to spend about $5,000. I'd rather have a shit load of air tools & a nice torque wrench set - 3/8" & 1/2"

well I was looking at a 26gal 5hp upright compressor and a 380ft-lb Impact, Wrachet, Sandblaster and possibly a Paint Gun.

the reason Is I will need to strip the CRX down this summer because a friend of mine are gonna paint our cars (he just bought a 89 rex DX).

Remove EVERYTHING, fix rust, fix dents and stuff and Paint it inside and out... I was also thinking of using that Liquid Bedliner stuff for the floors and trunk in the Rex... don't know about that yet though. I plan on replacing most if not all the moldings, shaving the antenna, gutters, windsheild washer nozzles. Using rear sedan handles.

Custom Fiberglass Dash, New carpet, New seats... possibly a 4 point roll cage.

so I wanna make sure I get all the tools I'm gonna need.

[QUOTE=Kunundrum]Remove EVERYTHING, fix rust, fix dents and stuff and Paint it inside and out... I was also thinking of using that Liquid Bedliner stuff for the floors and trunk in the Rex... don't know about that yet though. I plan on replacing most if not all the moldings, shaving the antenna, gutters, windsheild washer nozzles. Using rear sedan handles.
QUOTE]

I am in the process of doing the same thing to my 89 crx si, I gutted the joint, stripped all the trim, and removed both the bumpers and the fenders. Rust is the main problem on the car (mostly rexterior though :rolleyes:) and since you are planning to do something similar could you perhaps give me some pointers/tips to fix the rust?

Hey newbie thats shits gonna be Expensive and really hard if you dont know that already...

I assume you are referring to me, I know it will cost but I do not think it will be too expensive just because the corrosion of the rust is not that extensive, just 2 3 in diameter holes that are going to be a problem and the rear bumper reinforcement

for the rust holes ... Cut n' Weld.

for surface rust... Grind t'il it's gone... then use a good quality primer with some rust enhibitor.

I have the 600 ft-lb Ingersoll Rand also. It's the only way to go. Spend the dough once and don't be cheap. You have to get the impact sockets and an extension or two. Air ratchet is the next thing. I don't count air squirters and fillers as they're cheap. You'll get them anyway.

Regarding compressors. Decide whether you want to be able to take it places before you buy. You may want to buy a smaller one now and then get a big dog later on. You can still use the little one for hauling around.

In case any one was wondering . . .I was "barely" fit the 30 gallon stand-up craftsman compressor in the back of my hatch:bigthumg: Fit even with the packing stuff on it, carboard/pallet. Looked liked a big ass nitrous tank sticking 2' out the back of my car. All I did was remove the rear tie bar & fold the seat.

I also had 15 2x4 studs in the hatch, w/ the hatch closed :icon16: I/m sure more would have fit if needed.