air tool recommendations

[rderr]

I just got my air compressor hooked up (5hp, 80 gal Ingersol Rand) and since funds are not unlimited I am wondering what you all would recommend I start out with as far as tools go. I have just started a 66 long bed project so I have a lot of sanding and some cutting out of rusty metal etc... When the time comes, I will be painting as well.
I have seen some used air tools online but am leery of them. Is there something to watch out for when buying used air tools?

Thanks,
Rick

[Hunter's 64]

If they are just for hobby use, I would look at Central phenumatic from Harbor freight, YES they are import and cheap, But if you will spend about $3.00 extra on their warranty they will replace over the counter no questions asked, I am in a 4x4 jeep club, we have co2 tanks mounted in the back with regulators to run air tools ( yes we know co2 is wet and will ruin a air tool) but you snap an axel 3 or 4 miles down a trail you do what you have to do , so with the warranty when it bites the dust you just trade in in for another , i have an impact whench (earthquake) it has never failed in over 4 years of wet air ? I know they are a cheap import POS....... But they have worked well for us. if your on a budget I would look into these. Another inexpensive option look at Lowes Brand (kobalt), also cheap import but lowes warranty.
impact wrench
3/8-1/2: drive air wrench
small air saw
small die grinder
d.a. sander

Danny

[bruceandersson]

I would agree that with the warranty the HF stuff can be a good deal, as long as you don't have to travel too far for replacement. The first air tools i'd get would be a DA, for prepping body work, a cut off tool for cutting out rust, and an impact wrench for speeding work up. I'd also get a 4 1/2" electric grinder. This is the tool that I probably use the most out of everything from using cup style wire brushes for removing paint to flap disk for grinding welds.

[Hunter's 64]

I would agree that with the warranty the HF stuff can be a good deal, as long as you don't have to travel too far for replacement. .

YES . I forgot that , if you don't have a local H.F. then you must find another option.

Danny

[62bigwindow]

I bought Home Depot's Huskey brand.I have had great luck with them.I bought a cut off tool,die grinder and small angle grinder.Used the heck out of them and still going.The important thing is to oil them before every use and use a good air tool oil like Marvel for example.

[Gritsngumbo]

FWIW: I've had pretty good luck with the cheaper air tools at the parts houses, such as O'Reillys. Also Sears Outlet stores sells reconditioned air tools with a warranty and good prices.

[bobenhotep]

I am glad this thread popped up. I bought a 2hp compressor from HF about a year ago, and to date I have used it to air up tires, and that is about it. I put off buying air tools because I was broke, but thought about getting an impact wrench. I might get one now that you guys gave some input on the subject.

[thenephilm]

Tools are like anything else, you get what you pay for. I would rather spend the money up front to get something that works well and will continue to work for a long time.

[dotcentral]

I would agree that with the warranty the HF stuff can be a good deal, as long as you don't have to travel too far for replacement. The first air tools i'd get would be a DA, for prepping body work, a cut off tool for cutting out rust, and an impact wrench for speeding work up. I'd also get a 4 1/2" electric grinder. This is the tool that I probably use the most out of everything from using cup style wire brushes for removing paint to flap disk for grinding welds.

I agree with all of this. If you get a grinder from HF, don't get the cheapest 4.5" version that goes on sale every other month for 9.99, either get the 4" or one of the two more expensive 4.5". those $9.99 burn out fast if you are going to give it any halfway hard work. The other grinders are better suiited for the task.

[MadMaxetc]

I use my HF 90 cutoff tool all the time. I get the 50 packs of roto lock sanding disks from summit. Best tool I ever got. Second air tool would be the blasting cabnet from HF. The quality control at HF sucks, but thats why they are cheep. The good to lemmon ratio is not as good as the big names, but if I break it... am down for a few days. So for a hobby it is good. For a job to make money they would suck.

[longcabjohn]

Tractor Supply carries a good selection of air tools, imported with warranty. On the 4 or 4.5 grinder buy more than 1 and put different disc, wire brush on them so youre not always changing.



Johnny

[Obsa]

The main consideration on air tools is whether your air compressor has the cfm capacity to keep up with the tool you want to use.