Air impact wrench

[aldo]

I've got an oldish 60 gal porter-cable compressor that I love, but my hand me down 1/2" drive air wrench has stopped working correctly and I don't think its worth trying to repair.
Could someone offer thier opinion as to what I should be looking for in a new wrench. What sort of torque rating should I be looking for?
All my existing impact sockets are 1/2".
Is Harbor Freight an option for this purchase?

[Geezer]

Just keep in mind that Harbor Freight does not carry top qualitity tools. That being said all of my air tools right now are from Harbor Freight. The 1/2 impact is just not up to the standard of my old Ingersal Rand. But it does the job. As an example it does not have enough power to loosen really tight lug nuts. But it does have enough power to get them really tight, it's still a servicable tool. I like their 3/8 impact, it's compact & powerful for it's size. Their 3/8 air ratchet has enough torque to be a knuckle buster, & the 1/4 air ratchet is small enough to get into tight places.

Bottom line is if you require top qualitity tools or make your living with air tools don't go to Harbor Freight. However if you want to fill your tool box with "hobby" air tools you can't beat the price.

[ossodiseppia]

It's time for a trip to the pawn shop. You can oftern find a good deal on something.

[Lostboy]

What brand is your existing wrench
CP Ingersol and Snap On are worth rebuilding and replacing the vanes and bearings is pretty simple.
Snap-On used to have the highest torque in a 1/2 inch.
A good rule of thumb for tool repair is 1/2 the replacement cost.

Having said all that you can probably by a new wrench from Harbor Frieght for less than a rebuild kit for a name brand tool.

DO you use an oiler and moisture trap on your air line? If not you may be gunked up and a good cleaning could get you going.

[backfeeder]

DeWalt
15-Gallon, 200 PSI Workshop Compressor and Ingersoll-Rand
Pro Wrench Combo Kit are the bones of my air tool collection.
I've been happy with both.