What impact tool setup for limited space ?

[GDNF2ET]

The latest project I couldn't pull off was removing the flexplate from the crank of my Talon...I have limited space ( living in a townhouse ) and I have no air tools at all. What size small compressor will get the job done ? Whats the best all purpose air ratchet ?

 

[Morbid]

Most Air Tools have a requirement of 4 cfm's @ 90 PSI.

However constant use tools (drills, grinders, cutting tools) will run through about 16 CFM's when in use.

That will drain anything except a decent industrial sized compressor making at least 16 cfm's or greater @ 90 PSI. These are always running on 230~240 Volts.

Intermittent use tools (air ratchets, impact guns) have the same requirements but since your using them for short periods of time in a stop-start fashion you can usually get by with a smaller hobby compressor. These usually put out 7~8 cfm's @ 90 and have a 25~30 gallon tank running off 115~120 Volts.

I'm telling you all this from experience as I too live in a town home with limited space and do quite a lot of autobody and mechanical repair. I have one of those small compressors and it will run constantly if I'm cutting sheet metal or spraying paint. To the point where you have to stop to let it catch up with the tools.

Almost every air tool now has a equivalent power version (cord and cordless). The downside there being their size relative to the air versions since they have a motor. Some will argue the AC power tools don't have the same power as does the Air ones.

In the end the compressors that run on 230V will do more work with ease but you need to have the space and access to that voltage.

Smaller compressors will do the job if you only need them for light use and can run on 115V. They also don't take up much room.

Electric tools can do the job of the air ones but can be bulky and difficult to handle in tight spaces.

As for air ratchets if your are only going to have one I'd go with 3/8". 1/4" is good to have on hand for tight spaces.

Greg

 

[novaderrik]

why couldn't you get the flexplate off the crank?
if the problem was that the engine would turn over before the bolts broke loose, then the answer is eithere a flywheel turning tool or a big screwdriver to keep things from spinning.

 

[charlief1]

One other option is to use an impact driver and a large hammer. I keep one at work because you need one sometimes. I've never had a bolt stick that it wouldn't remove and they're cheap too.

 

[DailyDrifter]

One other option is to use an impact driver and a large hammer. I keep one at work because you need one sometimes. I've never had a bolt stick that it wouldn't remove and they're cheap too.

If you have enough room to swing the hammer.

For air tools, I have a Snap-On MG31 3/8" gun that can rock bolts like no tomorrow , for its size its awsome. I also have a Ingersoll Rand 1/2" Titanium series thats quiet and has about 600lbs/tq, another awsome gun. The key is to have a good compressor with a decent sized tank to run the tools.

 

[joemama]

Try to hold the flywheel in between the teeth with a big screwdriver or prybar. Brace it against something in the engine compartment. Then use a ratchet or breaker bar to loosen the bolts.

Snap-On 1/2 inch cordless impact is sweet. So is the 3/8 version. Not sure if the 3/8 version would take out flywheel bolts, but it does have some balls. For the price of either one of them you could probably buy a small compressor and an air impact gun.

 

[usetaboost]

If you want a cheap air setup for day to day stuff, catch the sale at sears they have sometimes- 299 you get air compressor (upright or horizontal 110) air ratchet, 1/2 impact, air hammer, hose, everything to get you started. I use the crap out of mine. Not ideal for DA's and stuff like that but I've used them with mine. I'm nice to everything but my tools, and they all still work-knock on wood

 

[charlief1]

If you have enough room to swing the hammer.

For air tools, I have a Snap-On MG31 3/8" gun that can rock bolts like no tomorrow , for its size its awsome. I also have a Ingersoll Rand 1/2" Titanium series thats quiet and has about 600lbs/tq, another awsome gun. The key is to have a good compressor with a decent sized tank to run the tools.

I've got the same IR 1/2" impact myself and the 3/4" version but if he's taking a flywheel off it means the tranny is out so he SHOULD have enough room for the impact driver. He doesn't have enough room for a big compressor though. (Town home. remember?) If you get a small compressor you might be able to up the pressure to help you get the bolts loose but you'll need to let it build up after each bolt most likely. I think Drifter will agree with me on one thing though. Don't scrimp on the gun. Get the IR and it will last you for a long time. In 27 years as a tech I've had 2 and the only reason I had to get the second is because someone stole the first IR I had And that was 2.5 years ago.

 

[GDNF2ET]

Just to clear some things up, the flexplate on a Talon doesn't have the starter gear on it,( good idea though ) the impact driver is a great idea and I'm mad I didn't think of it myself . SteveV said I can barrow his small setup to get this project finished..I plan to get the tools suggested..
Thanx for all the help :smile:

 

[Steve V]

Tracey the snap on MG31 3/8 is 6.5 inches long. That's what I have and it should et those bolts out.

 

[DailyDrifter]

Don't scrimp on the gun. Get the IR and it will last you for a long time.

Yeap do it right the first time. If its something that gonna get used alot you should try and buy the best.

I dont think the smaller compressors are going to move that much air, I have a 25 gal tank and it would bearly move the 1/2" gun plus the Reg is broken

Another option is a Snap-On 1/2" 18 volt Electric gun, they are also nice and have plenty of torque, but may be a little big.

 

[Ms. FastNasty]

delete

 

[Ms. FastNasty]

Kyle has a 26 gallon 160 psi Craftsman...it's on wheels...takes up no more room than one of those large trash cans...seems to work OK too.

 

[usetaboost]

They aren't bad for the weekend grease monkey As long as you don't plan on painting they're ok.

An electric impact might be the way to go. Good for going junkyard hunting too

 

[wile87]

i've painted cars with the with the 33 gal craftsman with no problems

 

[usetaboost]

Really?