Need air compressor for impact wrench (limited use)

[GNICETRY]

OK- What do you guys suggest. It looks like you go by the CFM rate. The sears ones I like (smaller ones) have a 2.4 at 90 PSI. Most makers say to use at least 4-5 CFM for 1/2" impact gun (at 90 CFM). I would only be taking lug nuts off and on of my cars. What do you guys use/suggest? Thanks.

 

[URSPANKED]

I would say that it would require more than that to really work properly. Seems like one of the Sears catalogs I had had a chart in it that showed the size of compressor needed for various air tools. I wish I could remember more.

 

[TurboDave]

Yes, you'll need upwards of 4-5.

That little 2.4 wont do the job. not even close.

 

[John Larkin]

My uncle has one of those electric impacts. It really works. If lugnuts is all you are doing, I would take a hard look at my needs. My 3hp 20 gal will barely get 'em off.

 

[URSPANKED]

My uncle has one of those electric impacts. It really works. If lugnuts is all you are doing, I would take a hard look at my needs. My 3hp 20 gal will barely get 'em off.

I wish I would have thought of that. That is a great idea. If that's all he uses an impact for, that would be perfect. I think most of them have about 200-250 lb/ft of torque, which should be plenty.

 

[zeus87gn]

Craftsman...the way to go

My 3hp 20 gal will barely get 'em off.

I have a 2.5hp 25gal craftsman that works my 1/2" impact just fine. Had it since I was 19 (17yrs). It will run often enough, and I have to pump it up to 120psi with the gun wide open to remove crank pulleys and FWD axle nuts, but it works. I think it's the volume of the tank that makes the difference.
You can't beat having one of those 3/8 air ratchets for tight spots and long thread bolts. That's the best speed wrench I have ever bought. A blow nozzle is quite handy in many areas as well. I still have to get the air drive gasket cleaner, that's next on the list!

Electric impacts are nice, and certainly less money. I prefer the Air.

 

[TexasT]

If we are looking for economy a good fourway and some practice spinning it will get the job done before you could get the compressor fired up and the hose uncoiled.

That said get a good quality impact like an IR. Those Craftman ones are pretty much all china. Buy the good one once and keep it oiled. It'll last a long time. I run a small Snap on 3/8" off my small hotdog Speedaire for small things. I hook up the 33gal tank if I have a big job.

 

[GNICETRY]

Thanks guys. It looks like I will just get an electric one. How would the small compressor be for filling up car tires?

 

[machinegun]

If you really want a compressor look at campbell Hausfield or others. I have a 5hp 26 gallon tank upright portable 115V air compressor that I have been using for 7 years now. Only paid like 150 bucks for it. I have painted, drilled, cut, plasma cutter driven and it has been a good compressor. You might want to look at something like this.