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Family tradition … my favorite impact wrench.

[Helpful? Not? Please vote.] :: My father has had basically this same impact wrench since he was my age. They’ve changed the designation a little, but it’s still the ol’ CP734, and I KNOW I was using his 25 years ago (and it’s still torquing). The thing I like about the CP is that it’s light. Don’t get me wrong, the Ingersoll-Rand Model 231 (also labeled as Matco and Snap-On, and probably a half dozen others) 1/2″ impact is the industry standard, but you’ll notice a REAL difference after about 4 tire rotations. The IR is heavy. It feels close to double (~8lbs vs. ~5lbs), and what it buys you is about 100ft-lbs of torque (this is not as advertised, but I’m telling you … that’s the way it is). However, unless you’re working on heavy equipment, the CP is more than adequate to properly torque, if not wring off lug nuts.

You don’t usually need the added torque of the IR, and you definitely don’t need a tool that works you harder. The lighter weight makes work faster and easier, and the CP is also quieter by around half. I’ve had mine for over 10 years. I wouldn’t have any of the $20-specials out there either. They look like tools, but they’re really just toys. New guys in the shop would invariably chuck them ASAP once they had the $$ for a real wrench. The only “normal” automotive job I’ve seen the CP struggle with is the big CV joint nuts on Hondas … most everything else in my experience was faster and easier. There are easy rebuild kits (that’s how my Dad’s is still in service after 30 years) that will make sure your CP734 is going strong indefinitely. I think he’s put new vanes in his three times now … The light weight, industrial grade quality and overall performance make this my choice, and believe me, when I worked as a mechanic, I had plenty of tools to choose from. This is the impact I kept. Remember to put a drop or two of light air tool oil in the air inlet each time you use it, and I know for a fact it can last you a lifetime.

Update (2/9/2012):

The featured review for this product, Chicago Pneumatic CP734H 1/2-Inch Drive Heavy-Duty Air Impact Wrench Tools & Hardware, was written by B. L. Ridenhour.

The average rating for this item is 4.7 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.