Tool Reviews: Solder-It SolderPro 150 and Ingersoll Rand TiMAX Impactool

May 15, 2008
You put them to the test, now see the results.

Solder-It SolderPro 150 Heat Tool

Solder-It offers its multi-functional, cordless SolderPro 150 heat tool with automatic ignition and soldering iron and torch functionality. Features include:
• The soldering iron is equivalent to a power range of 30 watts to 125 watts.
• The torch can produce blue flames of up to 2,400 degrees F.
• Patented, refillable Liquid Energy Cell filter system eliminates clogging.
• Can hold enough fuel for up to 120 minutes of use.
• Also available with an accessories kit.

THE REVIEW

Joe Marconi, owner of Osceola Garage in Baldwin Place, N.Y., tested the SolderPro 150 for PTEN.

"The SolderPro 150 is an effective way to solder in light-duty applications. We do a lot of wiring repair at our shop and using a large solder iron is sometimes overkill for a particular job.

"The SolderPro 150 is great for those small jobs. The kit includes all the accessories to perform a professional wiring repair. If your shop performs electrical and wiring harness work, consider the SolderPro 150."

Ingersoll Rand TiMAX Impactool

Ingersoll Rand's 2135 TiMAX 1/2" Impactool delivers 780 ft./lbs. of reverse torque and 1,100 ft./lbs. of "nut-busting" torque. With more than

10 percent added torque from the original model, the updated model weighs 3.95 lbs., for a power-to-weight ratio resulting in less operator fatigue. The tool's twin-hammer mechanism allows more power per pound and is less sensitive to air-pressure fluctuations.

Other features include:
• Variable-speed trigger.
• Patented power regulator with enhanced settings for better torque variety.
• One-handed, forward-reverse control.

THE REVIEW

Mike Steptoe, owner of Reliable Auto in Fort Atkinson, Wis., tested the pneumatic TiMAX. According to Steptoe, he and his techs find reasons to use this tool every day.

"It's a great impact," said Steptoe. "It does seem to be more powerful than impacts of the past. I was using the previous version—just the regular titanium one—and this one's definitely more powerful, and possibly a little louder."

He said that the TiMAX had "a nice balance to it," offering "less fatigue in the wrist.

"I like the relocation of the grease fitting for the hammers because it's easier and less apt to get dirty in there. … It kind of reminds you to grease it more then usual. This is something we usually tend to forget."

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