The trigger isn’t variable?? I’d think if you don’t go full bore, you will be ok.A little closer reading of the specs identified that the Earthquake XT (discussed above) only has two forward speeds. That could be a deal breaker if the lowest setting torques higher than what my wheels use (85 to 95 ft. lbs). My old gun would tighten to 70 to 75 ft. lbs on it's lowest of 3 forward settings and I'd finish with my torque wrench. Having to loosen every lug nut (if needed) and then re-torque could become a pain and not very efficient. I'll have to check around and see what "range" that first setting might be within, otherwise I like this option. While I would love a IR or Aircat wrench I think they're a little overkill for my intended use and budget.
Not sure, but I'm thinking of giving one a try to find out.The trigger isn’t variable?? I’d think if you don’t go full bore, you will be ok.
Learned my lesson about that. Bought a cheap die grinder and used a wire wheel to clean up some angle iron. That turned out to be a useless exercise with my compressor!Air sanders and die grinders absolutely EAT air.. an impact due to its low intermittent use consume less.
I second the suggestion to go with the battery impact. However the big Ryobi is too heavy for daily use on wheels, etc. I would go with the Ryobi HP mid torque (600 lb ft) for lug nuts and 99% of other stuff. It is budget friendly and has plenty of power.Home depot has the 1170ft/lb ryobi with (2) 4ah batteries for $144+tax currently.
The batteries are worth at least $30-40 each
so thats about $80 for a great impact.
1/2 in. Super Compact Air Impact Wrench, Twin Hammer, 1000 ft. lbs., Green
Amazing deals on this 1/2In Compact Air Impact Wrench Green at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.www.harborfreight.com
The trigger is variable.Not sure, but I'm thinking of giving one a try to find out.
daily use? its more like twice a year.I second the suggestion to go with the battery impact. However the big Ryobi is too heavy for daily use on wheels, etc. I would go with the Ryobi HP mid torque (600 lb ft) for lug nuts and 99% of other stuff. It is budget friendly and has plenty of power.
You're probably right that a thorough cleaning "might" revive it. I have been running Blaster air tool conditioner periodically for the last two years or so. I haven't beat on it too bad and regularly oiled it. It was actually pretty cheap when I got it and I'm pleasantly surprised it's lasted as long as it has. Besides, I kind of look forward to getting a new one.You're current impact probably isn't busted. You might try taking it apart and cleaning and lubing the internals.
This policy is becoming widespread due to customers trying out product before they commit to themselves to buying it. I sort of understand the policy and agree with it, the seller must now sell this as used merchandise at a discount price or worse have to return it to the manufacturer and only receive wholesale price compensation, it will then be sold at a refurb price, quite a few of the big name power tool companies do this.I went to HF today to look at the new Earthquake XT midsize wrench discussed above. I really liked it as it fit nicely in my hand and was fairly lightweight especially when I compared it to the full size XT. I was ready to take it home until I learned something very interesting about HF's return policy. I was hoping I could take it home, see if it was compatible with my compressor and if not return it. No can do! If you return a tool that you used (even opening the box can trigger this) you are subject to a 20% restocking fee! I can understand the need for this policy when people buy tools, say a sewer auger or sump pump, to use one time (treating it a like a free rental tool) and return it expecting a full refund. There can and probably was a lot of HF tool abuse and subsequent returns that triggered this. If this wrench did not work for me it was going to cost me 20 bucks for the privilege of just trying it. I had to pass on it for this reason. I now have to question whether to consider any HF tools, especially power ones, due to this pretty heavy handed policy.