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View Full Version : CO2 tank and air tools



northgazj
04-15-2008, 09:15 PM
Has anyone used their CO2 tank to power air tools, ie. ratchet, impact? Is it safe? How long did it last? Let me know your thoughts and opinions.

ajmorell
04-15-2008, 09:24 PM
AFAIK it is completely safe to run air tools from a CO2. In some instances it is actually better since the CO2 cools the tool and keeps it from heating up.

BigDaveZJ
04-15-2008, 09:45 PM
Do it all the time, not an issue at all. An adjustable regular on the tank can be helpful too.

fpkites
04-15-2008, 09:52 PM
I ran mine with my 10 pounder for a little while, but was afraid I was using too much gas. A 20 pounder is on the list. I wouldn't do it all the time, since it gets expensive, but spinning lugs off on the trail would be a perfect use.

Jim311
04-15-2008, 10:32 PM
I ran for almost a year of pretty good wrenching on just CO2 alone before I got a compressor. A 20 pound tank lasts a pretty damn long time. I had a fixed regulator that was at 120 psi I believe and ran my impacts and other air tools off it with no problems whatsoever.

DansZJ
04-16-2008, 01:14 AM
Just used my 10 pounder at the junk yard to pull my HP30. Made it a 15 minute job! I have to get a scale to check my level, but I doubt I used much at all. PS - I'm on my first fill and have used to air up from 10-24 psi (33's) about 4 or 5 times now. One of the best purchases I've made by far.

jsteves
04-16-2008, 10:53 AM
We have used our 20# unit for anything from trail repairs to rebuilding a VW engine.

northgazj
04-16-2008, 11:22 AM
Good to hear. I have a 10# tank with a fixed 100 psi regulator and was really more concerned with using too much gas too quickly and having to refill often. I may look for a 20# tank and swap everything over.

BTW- Home Depot has a multi air tool kit for less than $70 right now. Impact, ratchet, large dremel type tool and it comes with sockets, adapters, and dremel attachments. Seems like a good deal and comes in a nice case to take on the trail.

ZJ TINS
04-16-2008, 12:41 PM
FYI I have had 2 cheapo 'good deal' impact wrenches or sets and they both sukd. Residual torque was no better than 45 ft lbs. Ended up getting an older version of this http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919984000P?vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Automotive+Air+Tools&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman

for $99 on sale. Residual torque is at least 145 ft lbs. Also one of the el chealop cant reverse already (trash or boat anchor cant decide).

nate
04-16-2008, 01:15 PM
Yeah the cheapo guns will just make noise and piss a guy off. I bought one of these and never looked back.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/ir/ir2135ti.html