Air Compressor for Impact Gun

*godlyone* · 02-22-2009, 10:54 PM

I purchased an Ingersol Rand Impact gun on ebay but unfortunately my 2 gallon air compressor couldnt even come close to getting some lug nuts off....

I sold the compressor on ebay (ups destroyed it in shipping but thats a different story) in hopes of getting a bigger one...

I went to sears, and they have a 7 gallon one for 160, but their chart says for a 1/2" impact you need at least 17 gallons...

Is this true? I wasn't planning on spending 300+ bucks on a new compressor!

*choray911* · 02-23-2009, 07:15 AM

This tank is a little small but it will work. You will have to put up with the motor cranking up after two wheels. The smaller tanks just cant hold the amount of volume needed to turn an impact. If you can sqeeze another $100 out, they also have a 26 gallon that has served me very well.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916737000P

1993-VG30E-GXE · 02-23-2009, 07:26 PM

I agree - it will work but just give it some time after the two wheel. If it's an oil-less design, don't run it non-stop or it could burn out like mine did. I ended up having to bite the bullet and by a Oil Lubed with flywheel design ($440.00) Campbell Hausfeld.

*godlyone* · 06-11-2009, 05:21 PM

I just picked up the oil 7gallon compressor from sears.. they had a sale for 159.99 and i had a 5 dollar coupon lol --> http://f.chtah.com/i/5/1194872179/SC_EAQ_053109.pdf

Anyway I tried it with my IR impact gun, and again... no dice
can't even get a single lugnut loose. It seems like it is trying, but it can't even turn a lugnut.

It spins pretty fast when not attached to anything.

Since I got the impact gun off ebay, you think the gun is broken or the compressor is not enough?

*choray911* · 06-11-2009, 10:40 PM

its not the gun. The compressor doesnt have enough CFM to flow to turn the impact. you need a bigger compressor.

1993-VG30E-GXE · 06-12-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choray911

its not the gun. The compressor doesnt have enough CFM to flow to turn the impact. you need a bigger compressor.

True that. It probably can't deliver enough. Basically check the SCFM rating of the gun, it should have an AVG and a continuous. At a minimum your compressor should be able to deliver the AVG SCFM for the gun. Check the label on the compressor. If you were running the air tool continuous (like a die grinder), you would then factor in the continuous SCFM rating for the tool...which is higher. Sometimes it might be stated as "Actual SCFM".

Another thing is the hose. The gun may say 3/8" minimum for hose and fittings, make sure you meet the minimums.

*choray911* · 06-12-2009, 10:58 AM

A 7 gallon compressor is good only for brad and staple nailing. If you are building shelves it will work just fine.

*godlyone* · 06-12-2009, 11:23 AM

yea the hose is the POS free coil hose that comes with it. It probably is 1/4" at best

*godlyone* · 06-12-2009, 05:41 PM

ha, I turned down the pressure to 100psi (to get more SCM out of it) and it was able to get the lugnuts off easily.

I had to pulse the trigger a couple of times but it worked great.

1993-VG30E-GXE · 06-13-2009, 11:32 AM

Many air tools are rated for 90 PSIG max - so you may want to stick with the maximum rated for the gun.

Mangi1 · 08-17-2009, 08:47 PM

Can someone suggest the minimum requirement for a compressor for the home user? Enough to change tires myself. what HP motor, psi and tank size? Thanks,
Chris

asand1 · 08-18-2009, 02:04 PM

Get one of those kragen 7 gallon storage tanks and link with the largest hose you can. 7+7=14

ATTappman · 08-18-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mangi1

Can someone suggest the minimum requirement for a compressor for the home user? Enough to change tires myself. what HP motor, psi and tank size? Thanks,
Chris

If all you want to do is change tires, believe me, a compressor and a pneumatic impact wrench is overkill (I know this from experience). For the same amount of money, you can buy a Milwaukee M18 cordless impact wrench, either the compact model or the larger one, and it'll be much easier to use than an air impact. Pneumatic only pays off if you're working all day long, every day, and using a whole stable of air tools.

Anyway, if you really want air tools, a Craftsman 33gal is about $300 and has adequate capacity to run an impact wrench. Get yourself a good quality impact wrench, like an IR or a Nitrocat, don't waste money and time on air tools from Harbor Freight.

1993-VG30E-GXE · 08-22-2009, 01:23 PM

If your getting an air compressor only go with a model with the Campbell Hausfeld Cast Iron Pump belt drive pump....these pumps come on other brands too like some PORTER CABLE, FARM HAND, HUSKY (Home Depot). The VT series is the one you want.

barnone · 08-25-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mangi1

Can someone suggest the minimum requirement for a compressor for the home user? Enough to change tires myself. what HP motor, psi and tank size? Thanks,
Chris

I get by on a 5 gallon tank easily for most things. 115 psi max, 4.2 SCFM, oil lubed. Ignore HP. Use a 3/8" hose and make sure your impact isn't an air pig. You don't need a Thundergun to remove lug nuts. Heck, it'll do just about any fastener on the car except for maybe the axle nuts. The comp will cycle a couple of times if you do all 4 tires but that's no big deal for sporadic work.
I initially got it for doing hardwood floors in the house but I've used it with an impact and air hammer without issue.

NiZMo1o1 · 08-26-2009, 11:52 PM

http://www.harborfreight.com/

1hawaii50 · 08-28-2009, 01:55 PM

I bought a Craftsman Professional 60 gallon 3 years ago...I should have bought it 15 years ago. It will run anything I throw at it. I have 2 NitroCat impact wrenches, a compact, and a full size (in case you want to snap any bolts)! I've also got a NitroCat 3/8" air ratchet, a Craftsman 1/4" air ratchet, and.....drum roll please...a Craftsman air hammer, NO COMPRESSOR OWNER SHOULD BE WITHOUT ONE OF THESE! I do 85% of my own automotive work, and also oil changes/struts/brakes/end links/etc...for co-workers.