IR ThunderGun Impact Wrenches any opinions?

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Mopardude

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I was looking at getting a IR 231C impact wrench because of its affordability and I have heard its a pretty good tool for what I would need. I was kinda thinking I didn't need a high torque one because on the rare occasion I would need one I would just go borrow my brother's like I normally do anyways. I was looking tonight and I see IR has this ThunderGun in which they have all advertised up, as being just like "Nascar". Its advertised as a 625ft-lb gun but at half the price that a 600+ lb gun usually run for. Are these thunderguns just marketing hype or are they a pretty decent gun?
 
Last week I used my buddies IR 1/2" drive impact (not sure of the #) working on a tractor. It was very impressive and better than any I've used. I would not use it on 3/8" and smaller bolts unless you are careful and yes it was turned all the way down.
 
IR 231 is "the standard". IIRC 450 ft/lbs.
Back i the 80s, my shop class had about a dozen of those and the CP (Chicago NOT Central Pneumatics)
The old CP was also "the standard". Can't go wrong with either.

I have a pre-TG 232 model. Same as TG but no tungsten hammer. 550-580 ft/lbs IIRC
Love it. ebay $50. (oh, and no fancy yellow rubber jacket)

My brother has the 232-TGSL and loves it. I think he paid $200 on sale a few years ago.
 
There's only one problem with them. They literally beat themselves to death over time. You need to lube the everlovin hell outta them to make them really last, but if you do they will last a long time.
 
StrokerScamp said:
There's only one problem with them. They literally beat themselves to death over time. You need to lube the everlovin hell outta them to make them really last, but if you do they will last a long time.
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X2 I give mine a big dose every monday morning, I have the stealth composite model in 1/2" and 3/8", IR makes great guns. We have 3 of the same model 1/2" guns and only one has broke in the last 10 years. I have had a bunch of Snap on guns, and imposter guns and the old great standard CP (chicago) but have not found anything to last as good as the IR.
 
Tough, powerful, and long lasting. I have been selling IR built impacts for over 20years. I haven't found anything better. tmm
 
How long have IR stuff been made in China? I was looking at an new 1/2" air ratchet wrench and was surprised to see the made in China label.
 
I used to work on heavy equipment. A good half inch impact was a must, 90% of the shop used IR. The one guy that had a Thunder Gun (came form a Honda dealer)said it was a turd. It was also loud as hell.
 
Been using the IR244 an my job now for 12 or 13 years and it works just as good as new has nearly the same specs as the thunder gun.
 
Thanks for all the replies! I ended up ordering the thundergun 232-TGSL. Maybe after I get it I will take it over to my brothers house and compare to his beast of a gun and see if it really measures up or not. I am still kinda skeptical it can do the same torque of a bigger gun at half the price. If it does I am sure its not built as tough to deal with that abuse but I am just a hobbiest mechanic or whatever you wanna call it anyways. So for what I need this gun to do, it will probably last me forever if its the same quality as any other IR product.
 
Mopardude said:
... I ended up ordering the thundergun 232-TGSL....
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Sweet. Only $200 on Amazon [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-232TGSL-2-Inch-Super-Duty-Thunder/dp/B000E21CZ6"]Amazon.com: Ingersoll-Rand 232TGSL 1/2-Inch Super-Duty Air Impact Wrench Thunder Gun: Home Improvement[/ame]

Here's one @ 780 lb-ft [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2135TiMAX-2-Inch-Impact-Wrench/dp/B000WMN2GU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331756339&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Ingersoll-Rand 2135TiMAX 1/2-Inch Air Impact Wrench: Home Improvement[/ame]

And of course I can't find it now but last night I found an IR Air Cat model with 1000 lb-ft of torque that wasn't too expensive. I need a new toy!!!



Wylde1.
 
Air Cat's aren't bad but not as solid and long lasting as the IR guns. The Air Cat rating of 1000 ft. lb. is "nut busting torque". The latest jargon is "breakaway torque" Tighten a nut and bolt up to 1000 ft/lb. and if it will take it loose it has 1000 ft/lb of "nut busting torque". The IR guns are tested on a industry standard torque meter at 90 psi. for 10 seconds. I have seen a few of the newest impacts rated @ 100 psi. but the numbers should be close to the same. tmm
 
I used to drive a big rig wrecker, the boss had a snap on he bought and put in my wrecker. It was a pile, bought a Thundergun on my own... My headaches went away! No longer driving the wrecker... But I've still got my Thundergun!!!
 
megajoltman said:
How long have IR stuff been made in China? I was looking at an new 1/2" air ratchet wrench and was surprised to see the made in China label.
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ive noticed the IR air tools sold at tractor supply and most of the ones sold in stores we all made in china.....the ones sold off the snap on truck were made in japan....which my guess would be a better unit..??
 
I've had my Snap On for 16 years with no complaints. It still hits hard. As stated lubrication is a must. It busted loose a ball joint in My 78 Dodge truck that I couldn't get with a long 1/2" breaker bar and cheater. IR and Chicago Pneumatics are are both industry standards that I wouldn't be afraid to buy.
 
So how do you guys go about lubing your thunder guns and what type of grease do you use? I am less than impressed by the instructions that came with mine. Its just a drawing of the gun with a picture of a grease gun pointing at the front and pointing at the back. I see what looks like a euro push pump type of grease fitting on the back but I have no clue what the hell they want you to grease on the front of it. Any ideas on this situation?
 
I use 3 to 5 drops Pneumatic Tool Oil in the hole where the airline fitting screws in. Usually before every use has there is so much moisture in the outside air here.
 
Mopardude said:
So how do you guys go about lubing your thunder guns and what type of grease do you use? I am less than impressed by the instructions that came with mine. Its just a drawing of the gun with a picture of a grease gun pointing at the front and pointing at the back. I see what looks like a euro push pump type of grease fitting on the back but I have no clue what the hell they want you to grease on the front of it. Any ideas on this situation?
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I think you're talking about the grease port. You'll need a needle tip grease adapter or a small grease gun that has a needle tip end. Don"t use a adapter that is like a hypodermic needle. Use some light bodied grease not heavy chassis grease. I use John Deere corn head grease but you can use most any light to medium grease. Give it a few pumps and turn the anvil back and forth. If it is dry and clacky sounding it needs more. Don't over grease. It's hard on the impact mechanism. tmm
 
I've been working as a professional tech for 30 years now & have my own shop for the last 6 years & I beleive the IR 231 is the best 1/2" gun ever built! I also own an IR 244 which is rated higher but it has never out performed the 231! The 231 has broken things loose the 244 couldn't budge! I have 3 231s. 1 for work, 1 for home & 1 for a spare because I couldn't help myself & bought it used from a guy who needed cash & the price was right.
 
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