Ingersoll Rand has come out with 2 new air impact wrenches, a super compact 1/2″ impact, model 35Max, and a 3/8″ quiet impact, model 15QMax.
IR says that the new impacts are small, but powerful enough for techs and other users to get the job done in confined spaces.
The 1/2″ impact delivers up to 450 ft-lbs of max reverse torque, and the 3/8″ impact up to 380 ft-lbs of max reverse torque.
Both the IR 35Max and IR 15QMax are just 4.6 inches long, and they weigh in at 2.6 lbs each.
There are other similarities between the two tools, such as:
- High power-to-weight ratio
- Easy-to-operate regulator dial
- 3 Power settings
- One-handed push button forward and reverse
- Twin hammer mechanism for reduced vibration and better control
Why now?
In the press materials, IR product manager Michael Cafferty said that:
The access points in vehicle frames are getting increasingly confined, and common impact tools cannot fit in areas that need servicing. Lightweight yet powerful, Ingersoll Rand Ultra-Compact Impactools help technicians and equipment engineers get the job done right every time.
We have seen high-powered cordless impact wrenches that can deliver at least as much torque as these new IR pneumatic models, but they are also much larger and heavier. That’s partly why these new compact air impacts caught my attention so strongly. It’s great to see that brands such as IR are continuing to advance their air tool lineups.
Ingersoll Rand noted that, although the new impact wrenches have 3 power settings, they can both deliver full max torque at each of those levels. Do you find this to be an advantage? And, forgive the gap in my familiarity, but do other air impact guns operate in a similar manner?
It does make sense. You usually want torque control when driving in and tightening fasteners, and full power when loosening or removing them.
You get the same composite housing and durable construction as other IR impact tools. IR says that their internal testing shows that these new ultra compact impact guns will last twice as long as competitive models. That’s a bold claim, but IR tool construction quality is certainly top-notch.
If you noticed, the model numbers are slightly different. The Q in the 15QMax 3/8″ impact stands for quiet, which indicates that this model features IR’s premier quiet technology to reduce the amount of noise the tool creates.
Lower noise in an impact? Sounds good.
The new impacts are designed for vehicle repair and maintenance, including work on tire and wheel lug nuts, engine bays, brake hubs, axle wheel nuts, interior dashboard components, support brackets, and undermount installation and repair tasks. Additionally, industrial applications include machine maintenance, manufacturing equipment repair, machinery installation, and equipment disassembly.
Price: ~$175 each
Buy Now(1/2″ 35Max via Amazon)
Buy Now(3/8″ 15QMax via Amazon)
In case you missed it, Chicago Pneumatic also came out with a compact 1/2″ impact wrench