Tool Review: Ingersoll Rand 3/4" Impact Wrench, No. 2146Q1MAX

May 11, 2022
Reviewed by Brian Culotta, shop foreman/master technician at Dave’s Auto Care in Willoughby, Ohio.

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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?

A: This tool has incredible torque! Any time anyone in the shop is struggling to bust a nut/bolt loose, this tool is the first thing on their mind. It has met the challenge every time.  

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?

A: Efficiency ultimately increases profits. Being able to grab a tool and rely on it to get the job done quickly always will increase my efficiency. Time is money!  

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: Minimal setup. Just like any other pneumatic tool I have owned in the past, all I had to do was add an air fitting and lubricate the tool. As an automotive technician, one thing to consider is the air-inlet requirements are larger than a standard automotive 3/8” hose. This tool requires a 1/2” air hose. Even when supplying the tool with less air volume via adapters, this tool still performs without fault. It will only perform better with increased air volume. 

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: For its size, this tool is surprisingly lightweight. I have an older 3/4" impact in my toolbox and this feels like it is about half the weight yet twice the power.  

Q: What features did you like?

A: The massive power this tool has along with its lightweight design is incredible. The literature states it has 2000 ft-lbs of nut busting torque. This tool also is significantly smaller than my older impact. Using my older, much heavier impact certainly will cause fatigue quickly. Among all the other impacts we have in our shop, this tool is absolutely the quietest as well. There is a flow gauge built into the tool to let you know if you are supplying the tool with enough air volume. I have not seen that on a pneumatic tool before and thought it was a great idea.  

Q: What types of jobs did you use this tool for?

A: Being a technician in the heart of the rustbelt, it is an everyday occurrence to have seized fasteners on vehicles. The power this tool provides makes my job easier and more efficient while working on heavily deteriorated vehicles.  

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: 10 – This tool has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. Power/weight/sound/balance – I would rate 10 out of 10 in all categories.  

This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.

About the Author

Brian Culotta

Brian Culotta is a graduate of the Universal Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, he started working for an independent car dealership as a lead technician for seven years. He then moved to a new job at an independent repair shop where he stayed for three years. He now works at Dave's Auto Care in Willoughby, Ohio, as the shop foreman and ASE Master L1, L3 technician.

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