this kinda goes back to the thread I had a few days ago about which air tool to go with.

My question is this.......

How do you know which one to go with? You don't exactly know the "power" of the tool till you start using it right? Are there features of a 1/2" impact wrench that you should pay close attention to (besides the brand)?

Out of all the brands that you guys have referred me to, I'd like to line up the impact wrenches that fit best for my compressor and go from there. The impact wrench will be used for automotive work, and nothing more at this point.

I have a 30 Gallon Craftsman Air compressor, model #919.165570

specifications:

Max Developed HP = 5.0

Running HP = 1.7

Bore = 2.375"

Stroke = 1.35"

Cut In = 120

Cut Out = 150

SCFM @ 40psig = 7.8

SCFM @ 90psig = 5.8

Air tools will tell you what you need to know. Its usually on the box. But it is also in the instructions that come with them. If you are looking online You should also be able to see what it has online. Like herehttp://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-1-2-in-compact-composite-impact-wrench/p-00919986000P?prdNo=9&blockNo=9&blockType=G9 and here http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=yes&tool=power&item_ID=649131&group_ID=675927&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog and http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=power&item_ID=648086&group_ID=682871&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Yeah, I see those specifications whenever I look, but if I did not misunderstand the brands everyone was throwing out there...I thought I read that one person bought x wrench and y wrench couldnt even compare. I was kinda assuming they both had the same power requirements. Maybe not. But it sounded like they just used a different brand and it was a world of difference. Which is why I was wondering about what specs I should be interested in. Torque?

Yeah, I see those specifications whenever I look, but if I did not misunderstand the brands everyone was throwing out there...I thought I read that one person bought x wrench and y wrench couldnt even compare. I was kinda assuming they both had the same power requirements. Maybe not. But it sounded like they just used a different brand and it was a world of difference. Which is why I was wondering about what specs I should be interested in. Torque?

Yes, torque is probably the most important thing.

Trq and cfms. Other then that there is nothing to worry about.

cool, thank you