[tisenberg]

A buddy of mine wants to get a compressor that is small, but strong enough to run a impact wrench... would this work for him: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2387215322&category=22662#ebayphotohosting

He wants to be able to use the wrench, but not open a tire store and do it for a living

 

[Live Oak]

It would work for very moderate use allowing time between each use for the tank to recharge. The tank size is what is important. An impact gun uses a good volume of air and that is a small tank. I think he could get by with it provided he allowed sufficient recharge times. I have a portable 5 hp. devilbis (sold by Sears) with a 30 gallon tank. Just remember much below 90 psi and the impact gun is not making near as much torque.

 

[tisenberg]

So if you were rotating four tires as an example. Would he be going inside (for recharge time) and watching Opra between each lug, each wheel or when he is done.

Also, I see that it is 2.7 @ 90 psi. I would guess that the 1/4 inch Sears impact wrench he is looking at is too much since it is quoted at "Averages 3 scfm".

 

[Live Oak]

More like a minute or two to allow the compressor to finish the charge cycle. He just won't be able to go continuous use in many cases. I would suggest a larger tank if possible.

 

[tisenberg]

So could he do ONE wheel before it gets into the refill cycle?

 

[Live Oak]

I would think he should be able too. If not it should be more than one or two compressor cycles if that.

 

[Ed_GT5000]

I would tell him to get a better one. Mine is 5hp oil less and is not good for such work. In the manual for mine it states that an impact wrench can only be used for short periods of time.

This is mine:

<img src =http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=1b23548c-6d9f-295e-43ad-21a948247f30&size=>

 

[tisenberg]

Please fix the link.

 

[Ed_GT5000]

try again

<img src=http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=1b23548c-6d9f-295e-43ad-21a948247f30&size=>

 

[Live Oak]

I should have mentioned that my compressor is a 220 volt model which gives it much more recovery power than a 110 volt type. A 28 - 30 gallon tank with a 5 or more hp motor I would lean towards as a happy medium. Not to expensive but a very versitile size to work with.

 

[memmurphy]

My Craftsman is the size of Ed's with a 3Hp 120V motor. I use it to rotate my stock Chevy K1500 truck tires and it is OK. But sometimes has trouble breaking the nuts loose. That is when you have to stop for 30 sec. to a minute to let it recharge. Part of the problem is my $40.00 impact wrench is a little weak for the job as well. I have alloy wheels and use a torque wrench for re-mounting to be safe.

Mark

 

[Ingersoll444]

Originally posted by tisenberg
So if you were rotating four tires as an example. Would he be going inside (for recharge time) and watching Opra between each lug, each wheel or when he is done.

Also, I see that it is 2.7 @ 90 psi. I would guess that the 1/4 inch Sears impact wrench he is looking at is too much since it is quoted at "Averages 3 scfm".

I got one of those small 3 gal tank I think compressures for my sister and her kid. If the lugs are not to tight, you will get a well off before it kicks on, and by the time you get to the next wheel, you still have some PSI to work with. Problem is when you have a tight one. Just not enough umpf.

Now as for the 1/4"impact????? What is he planning to do with that?? For lugs you will need a 1/2" drive. Anything else just will not cut it. Now if he does a lot of repair work, a 3/8 drive "butterfly" impact is nice for taking things apart.

 

[slipshod]

Tis

If his goal is to have an impact wrench for ocassional use, Why air? Maybe he should look at an electric model. It is easier to drag a cord then it is to drag a compressor and a cord. A decent Electric Impact packs as much or more Whallop as a cheap air model.

 

[Live Oak]

Slip brings up a VERY good alternative.......I never considered that. My father had one of those electric impact guns and it did a pretty good job. Was a lot less hastle than the air type. :thumbsup:

 

[jodyand]

This is the air compressor i have i know its oil less but it wasn't but $250. and it runs my DA sander and impact and air ratchet just fine. I don't use it that much but its there when i need it. And beside my wife bought it for my birthday she picked it out and i was happy to get it.
Jody

compressor

 

[Live Oak]

Something like that was exactly what I had in mind. For $250; your wife has a nice eye for good deals Jody! :thumbsup:

 

[bigl22]

Ed - to run an impact wrench large enough in torque to do your fiend some good - he needs to get at least roughly 4cfm at 90 psi a smaller unit like this will not get it done -- a cheaper wrench just doesn't cut the mustard either == sears has a decent deal for about 80-90 dollars for a wrench -- but he needs a larger compressor - a small bostitch [ very much the same as other names and no-names machines] is meant to run 1-2 nail guns for roofers -- a lot less oomph required there than an impact wrench - there are portable units a little larger than this that sit on wheeled carriers -- - get a decent wrench that puts out at least 300 ft lbs and a compresor of at least 4cfm /90 lbs. and he will get it done -- I use a 6hp oilless with a30 gallon tank - it puts out roughly 7.7 cfm at 90 lbs.

 

[guest2]

The best thing to do would be figure out how much electricity you have , and how much scfm you need. If you have 220v get a 220 compressor. If you have 120/115v you'll need a dedicated 20amp line at a minimum because when it kicks back on underload anything else will trip the breaker. What you need to look for is the biggest tank in the hp range you are considering and cfm which is the most important feature. All compressors with the same tank size and hp will not necessarily have the same cfm. The next important thing is the range in which that cfm is available, it needs to be in the range where whatever tool you will be using can make use of it. The average 1/2 impact will use anywhere from 4-5 cfm at 90psi
As far as an impact gun, the best choice at the least price would be an IR231C, the classic model not the newer "H". They can be found for a little over $100 and will last forever if oiled through the inlet and greased through the fitting on the back of the case, use impact tool grease only. Also remember when using any impact wrench or air ratchet to use impact sockets as chrome will either wear out inside or crack easily. Avoid the cheap Chinese import impact sockets they may shatter.
When tightening alloy wheels either use a torque stick extension rated for your application or a torque wrench, just using an impact wrench will lead to warped rotors as will using a lug wrench.

 

[Fusion1970]

I dont think the pancake type would work too well either. Especially if the lug nut didn't come right off. My compressor is about the same as Jody's, only Craftsman. On some mag or aluminum wheels, my impact sometimes works at it a bit before the lug nut loosens, but that could be blamed on my cheap impact gun.

I am going to try to post a link of the Craftsman. It can be had for $279 when it's on sale, which should be soon (Spring sale), and also Fathers Day.

Its about the biggest I can find that runs off of 110. It's somewhat noisey, but I just turn the stereo up. LOL I do not care much for the oiless construction and the aluminum cylinders, but if it lasts 10 years, I'll be happy. At that price, I consider it a disposable so to speak.

It runs an impact, air ratchet, air hammer, die grinder, an array of paint guns, and also a "detail" type sandblaster.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00916731000

HTH,
Greg

 

[leolav]

I have two compressors. I have a porter cable stationary monster that is in my wood shop and has piping to my garage. I also have a little Craftsman for using my air nailers away from the house. I just bought a framing nailer this weekend and can't wait to give it a good workout.