Rattle guns on trademe

[~SlideWays~]

I was at Supercheap a few months ago when there was a 25% off sale and took a punt on one of their new Lithium powered 1/2" impact guns, the Rockwell Shopseries stuff. Full price is $185, but got it for $135. I originally was going to get an 'SP Tools' brand one but that was over $500 with a family discount!

For that price I wasn't too worried if it wasn't able to handle tight wheel nuts, worst case was it'd speed things up with swapping 4wd wheels for offroad days (6 stud) or putting semi slicks on at the track.

But I've been very surprised with it! No problem with undoing 24 wheel nuts then doing up 24 again, then leave it without recharging for a week and its still happy to do more.

I haven't tried any big 25 year old subframe bolts but my compressor would struggle with those aswell.

NOTE: I also took a punt on their drill press and it was SO shit So its hit and miss.

http://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/online- ... 2595#Cross

[Bling]

My only concern with battery ones, is check how available the batteries are, and how much they cost. IME batteries fail before tools. A cheap deal, isn't so cheap if the replacement batteries are like $150 The advantage of well known brand gear is that they run the same batteries for years. Some brands come and go within that same time frame. I'm still running a 3-4 year old Milwaukee drill, and they are making better and better batteries for it even today. It's 12v, but they are always adding more tools to the range, so chances of the batteries no longer being available are slim. Quality isn't cheap, so just consider it throwaway if the kit is less than $300 IMO.

There's 2 problems I see with an air. 1) my little compressor might not be able to power it and 2) If I do go to the track or am away from home, I won't be able to use it...

There is no perfect tool, everything has a drawback. Just have to weigh up which tool is best for the majority of your own usage.
Portability, top quality, price.

Pick two.

[crispy'86]

If you've got an air compressor at home then it'd be ok to buy a cheap rattle gun. Trouble is as you say that when you're at the track then unless you lug an airline round, a battery impact driver would be better. My Ripco air rattle gun cost me $200 which is reasonable for most things at home but you always get what you pay for. The more expensive models up to $500 for battery power is a good option, SP tools aren't the best from what workmate has proven, his struggles to undo some wheel nuts etc. Battery availability is a good point also, most cheap or new unheard of brands, as has been suggested, will more than likely have expensive replacement batteries. Unless you know someone in the appropriate trade for a good deal on a battery wrench, you might be best to save up.

[thegreatestben]

I saw Repco have a 20v impact for under $200 in the latest flyer.

Looks big, but it's cheap.

[Jdawg]

Was looking around and saw Turners are currently online auction for Milwaukee and AEG cordless stuff.
http://www.turners.co.nz/General-Goods/ ... geSize=120

[DRFTIN]

i use a cheap Ozito "rattle gun"
doesnt have the torque to undo a tight wheel nut but i always use a power bar to loosen and finish off anyway
does the job well for not much money

[loudstealthGT-Four]

Was looking around and saw Turners are currently online auction for Milwaukee and AEG cordless stuff.
http://www.turners.co.nz/General-Goods/ ... geSize=120

Picked myself up a 2nd hand 18v Milwaukee Impact Driver (bare tool) from Turners a month ago, as I have Milwaukee gear for Work. Only payed $150 for it and man has it got some grunt!!!! Undoes an axle nut with ease!