Tools are designed to make work easier. It is for this reason that air impact wrenches have become standard tools in virtually all modern mechanical shops and garages.
However, these tools are not reserved for mechanics alone. In fact, these wrenches are useful in all applications that require high amounts of torque for a short time. That being said, an air impact wrench is a tool you might find helpful tips especially when you need to change a tire or remove a log nut.
Choosing the right tool for everyday use is often a tedious task. With so many available in the market, sometimes it gets easy to take the “any can do approach.” The sad part is that tools are essential because they get to be investments. The wrong tool can give you stress or even pain.
Best Air Impact Wrench Reviews
Below is a comprehensive review of some of the best wrenches in the market to help you make an informed decision.
1. AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
Topping the list is the AIRCAT 1150 Killer Torque Impact Wrench. With its 1295 lb-ft of loosening torque, this is one of the best impact air wrenches on the market. Needless to say, it is not the smallest wrench out there. It weighs about this item weight 4.63 pounds and measures 7.5 by 2.8 by 7 inches. However, it should not discourage you from buying it as it is comfortable to hold and looks modern and stylish.
Apart from having a modern and stylish design, this air wrench is also lightweight and comfortable to hold. This is thanks to the composite material that is used to make it.
The material has vibration dampening properties. Additionally, the handle has comfortable finger grooves. On the other hand, the forward and reverse level is conveniently positioned making it easy to toggle with your thumb.
One of the reasons why the AIRCAT tops this list is its power. As stated above, this wrench produces an impressive 1295 lb-ft of torque at 9000 RPMs. This translates to 1400 blows per minute, which is almost double the power output of other 1/2 inch air impact wrenches.
In fact, this wrench has been hailed by some as the hardest hitting twin-hammer 1/2 inch impact wrench on the market. It consumes about 4.3 CFN of air under loads with an air pressure of between 90 and 120 PSI.
With its impressive power output, it is easy to label this air wrench noisy. However, it could be further from the truth. The wrench is equipped with AIRCAT’s patented quiet technology. Thanks to this technology this wrench boasts of a noise level of 86 decibels. In this regard, it is quieter than some other air impact wrenches with lower power output.
The AIRCAT 1150 Killer Air Wrench is a fantastic air wrench. It offers the perfect balance of power, ease of use and price. Thus it is an air wrench worth considering.
2. ACDelco ANI405 1/2-inch Impact Wrench Pneumatic Tool
Coming in at number two is another 1/2 inch air wrench with lightweight construction. It has some critical Feature a twin hammer mechanism; this air impact wrench is powerful and well balanced.
Surprisingly, it costs almost half the price of the AIRCAT. However, this is not to say that its performance is disappointing, on the contrary.
With a twin-hammer mechanism and a 1/2 inch drive, this ACDelco air wrench consumes 3.9 CFN of air and produces a decent 500 ft-lb of torque at 7000 RPMs.
Also, it has four speeds, three forward and one reverse. Thus, despite its price tag, it gets the job done.
This ACDelco features a unique exhaust design, and it’s constructed from an aluminum alloy. Unfortunately, while aluminum is a lightweight material, the ACDelco is not a lightweight wrench.
It’s weighing about 6.15 pounds; it is quite bulky compared to other wrenches. Nevertheless, its aluminum construction makes it a sturdy and inexpensive alternative to pricier air wrench models.
This ACDelco is a great air wrench that is cheaper than most of its competitors. Additionally, it produces enough power for basic domestic applications.
However, as stated above, this air wrench is not without drawbacks. One of the wrenches main drawbacks is that it is quite bulky. Thus it is known to cause wrist fatigue if used for long periods of time.
However, it is important to remember the wrench’s price tag. Thus, its drawbacks are more than understandable.
Bottom line, this is the best air wrench if you are looking for a cheap air wrench that will get the job done.
3. Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX 1/2-Inch Air Impact Wrench
The last air wrench on the list is also the most expensive among the three wrenches on this list. The Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX 1/2-inch wrench has the best power-to-weight ratio. That said, this wrench is both portable and reliable.
It used mostly in garages and motor shops; this air impact wrench is top in its class for several reasons. Construction For starters, this wrench feels comfortable to hold and is lighter than most of its competitors.
The wrench weighs 3.95 pounds. The lightweight design is thanks to its titanium hammer case. In addition to being lighter, this wrench is also durable and tough.
The durability and toughness of this wrench can be attributed to its hard anodized coated end plate. The manufacturer is so confident of its durability that the wrench comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Ingersoll-Rand 2135 TiMAX is designed to be one of the easiest to use. Towards this end, it features a feather-touch trigger and a four-position power regulator dial, which is patented.
Another patented feature of this wrench is the push-button forward and reverse control that can be operated with one hand. The quiet technology on this wrench gives it a noise level of 108 decibel, which is not bad.
In regards to power, this is not the most powerful wrench on this list, but it does have quite an impressive power output. The reverse power output stands at 780 ft-lb of torque at maximum power. On the other hand, the maximum forward power stands at 550 ft-lb of torque both at 9800 RPMs. This translates to 1250 blows per minute.
4. NitroCat 1200-K 1/2 inch Kevlar Composite Air Impact Wrench with Twin Clutch Mechanism
As is with most tools From NitroCat, you can always expect their tools to come easy to use and efficient to a fault.
The NitroCat outdoes itself in its ease of use level. Being the best in the class of tools means that a lot of detail has been placed on the on the comfort of the user.
It’s the weight of only 4.5 lbs, and there is little risk of arm damage to the person using the wrench. This is emphasized by the NitroCat wide and rubber handle which is gentle on the palms and wrists. It has a higher impact level which allows the user to do more for less effort. It is reversible and in essence, a very easy wrench to use.
The special emphasis on the internal exhaust/muffler reduces the noise but more importantly reduces the blow out of particles into the user’s nose, face and lungs reducing the risk of allergic reactions significantly.
This wrench has been made with an extra emphasis on the patented exhaust muffler. As the user, you are assured that regardless of whatever level of speed you want, you get just about half the noise.
It is standing at about 86db; this wrench has outdone itself in matters of maintaining power with less noise. It is air powered and requires no batteries whatsoever.
The wrench comes with a two-year warranty. It is an excellent gun if you are looking to loosen stuck bolts and its maintenance is simple as it only requires motor oil for lubrication.
5. Ingersoll Rand 231C Super-Duty Air Impact Wrench
With a maximum torque of 600 foot-pounds, the 231C offers enough energy to install and remove all kinds of stubborn riveting. The twin hammer is an additional feature which enables the hammer to give impressionable rotational speeds of up to 8000rpm
The 231C weighs only 5 pounds in total with a length of 7.3 inches. This greatly reduces the amount of friction damage on your palms and wrists. This means more work with less effort. The ergonomic, streamlined nature of the wrench also makes it portable.
Maintenance for the Ingersoll Rand 231C has been based on the user by the two-piece construction. As a matter of fact, the wrench comes pre-lubricated allowing you to shop and use it immediately. Regular maintenance is simple cleaning and lubrication.
The trusted brand name of Ingersoll stands behind this great tool. With their keen attention to detail, you can trust this gun with both low power settings and high power settings.
It is great for everyday use as well as big jobs in a yard. The box comes with an easy to read manual hence you can never be in the dark on how to use this wrench any for mechanical work or car repair and change car tyres. It is also affordable and a great add-on to any tool collection.
6. AIRCAT 1000-TH A inch Composite Air Impact Wrench with Twin Hammer Mechanism
As is with many AIRCAT tools, we expect a high quality of precision as well as unparalleled efficiency. Let us look at what makes this a must-have for any repair shop.
It is impossible to mention the AIRCAT 1000 and simply not mention their noise cancelling mechanism. Each of these guns has been made in a way that ensures that the efficiency of the gun is top notch without the additional noise factor.
The wrench comes with an inbuilt muffler which takes back as much as over 50% of the noise for every round. In the end, there is a rather silent tool but with optimal delivery.
With years of experience in tool manufacture, AIRCAT has perfected the art of pleasing the user. Their tools come with a rubber streamlined handle design.
This makes it gentle on the user’s hands and wrists at all times. You can now comfortably use a wrench all day without the fear of stress and fatigue.
Doubling up as the muffler, this is a unique patented feature of the AIRCAT tools. This exhaust has been built in a way that curbs back the pressure while reducing the damage caused by the released particles.
You can, therefore, trust the exhaust to be safe for use without the risk of inhaling particles straight into the lungs Or in your eyes.
This wrench comes with a manual that makes it easy to use for all. Maintenance is simple as it involves regular lubrication with motor oil.
This wrench is ideal for small riveting and repair jobs in the home. It can very well be an everyday wrench. It may also prove useful for jobs that require relatively medium power levels.
The above air impact wrenches have proven more than worthy of topping the list of best air impact wrenches. When it comes down to it, however, there is a great deal of comparison that will go in deciding which one of them will be great for you.
In matters of silence, the NitroCat and the AIRCAT are by far the best bargains. Between the two, the NitroCat is better suited for tough hand on jobs that may not be handled by the AIRCAT with a torque power of 200 to 800.
They both have the same ergonomic design and internal muffler. The Ingersoll other than having a credible brand name behind it is a great power and topmost performance.
It is an everyday wrench although it lacks the noise muffling feature. The final verdict on which of the six is best for you is now up to you.
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