Are you familiar with AIRCAT 1150 and the NitroCat 1200K? These are two notable brands that many uses, well-known for their power tools, especially their impact wrenches. In fact, the top professional race teams use their impact wrenches!
Even automotive shops worldwide use these two brands’ air impact wrenches, as well as hobbyists who love maintaining their vehicles. But as much as we want to, we can’t have both air impact wrenches to place in our work stations given their prices! That’s why I created this NitroCat and AIRCAT 1200k review to help you find out which one’s best for you.
The NitroCat 1200K Impact Wrench Review
I love the NitroCat because it’s extremely powerful and really known for its features. However, its extreme power can go overboard, to the point that I only recommend it for professionals.
It’s made best for those who work with heavy-duty frames, or if you’re using it on medium or big trucks.
It’s made best for those who work with heavy-duty frames, or if you’re using it on medium or big trucks. I do not recommend to use it in tires stores or to use it on tires. The torque might twist off its stud, tighten nuts too much, or even have brake rotors warp because of unequal tightening.
How powerful is it, exactly? It has a maximum torque of up to 1,295 ft-lbs with a working torque between 200 to 900 lbs. This is a huge difference compared to the suggested 80-100 pounds on the typical car tires.
It also offers 950 bpm, slower compared to Aircat 1150. However, the NitroCat offers twin-clutch designs rather than a twin hammer one.
Also, the impact wrench sends its exhaust from its handle, not to the person’s face!
Despite all that power, the impact wrench is still pretty quiet and not too loud to affect hearing. It runs between 86 to 89 decibels, staying under the 90 DB limit. Also, the impact wrench sends its exhaust from its handle, not to the person’s face!
As for its construction, it’s built with Kevlar housing, which is known for its durability. The entire body has a length of 8.25 inches, weighing about 4.5 pounds and utilizing four cubic feet for every minute minute of air during operation. Also, it runs on 90-120 psi with a 3/8-inch hose.
You won’t need to spend and use expensive or special oils and greases.
Another notable feature this impact wrench offers is the ability to fix it on your own. With non-detergent motor oil, you can fix it leaking, if ever. You won’t need to spend and use expensive or specialized oil and greases.
Key Features
•Has the ergonomic handle
• Comes with a two-year limited warranty on parts and labor
•Comes with a big flip lever at its back for easily controlling the wrench’s movement
AIRCAT 1150 Impact Wrench Review
As for AIRCAT 1150, this is best used in all types of work in the automotive department. It has the twin-hammer body which gives off unto 1,400 hits every minute, making it even faster compared to the NitroCat.
it offers a maximum torque power of up to 1,295 ft-lbs to loosen tough bolts.
Furthermore, it offers a maximum torque power of up to 1,295 ft-lbs to loosen tough bolts. Considering the fact that the average working torque is around 200-950 feet per pound, you have to take care to avoid putting out too much power.
You can easily tighten or loosen bolts with its large lever, using it with or without gloves. Also, you can choose between three settings you can choose from for tightening the correct way.
The exhaust comes through its handle rather than the person’s face to keep it from discomfort.
As for its body, it’s made of a composite aluminum, weighing 4.5 lbs. Its got a grippable handle and ergonomic design for ease of use. The exhaust comes through its handle rather than the person’s face to keep it from discomfort.
As for its noise, it’s similar to the NitroCat’s silent operation, rated between 86 to 89 decibels. This makes it safe to use for the working environment, up to eight hours. Besides that, it utilizes a 1/4-inch NPT connector, running on 90 to 120 psi.
I would recommend this most for the hobbyist or professional, as it isn’t overly powerful but still offers a lot of punch for various jobs.
It consumes about 4.3 CFM, which is a bit more compared to NitroCat. Also, do take note that you need to lubricate it with bearing or lithium grease. Do this every two to three weeks or so. Fortunately, you can tune it yourself with kits sold by the manufacturer! I would recommend this most for the hobbyist or professional, as it isn’t overly powerful but still offers a lot of punch for various jobs.
Key Features
•It’s made from USA for assured durability to last
•The manufacturer offers a two-year limited warranty on labor and parts
Which One’s Best For You?
Now that you know all about AIRCAT 1150 and the NitroCat 1200K, which one is the suitable choice?
you have to consider your level of expertise and how you’ll use the air impact wrench.
Looking at both air impact wrenches, they are quality tools both coming from companies with excellent reputations. In fact, they compete against the top manufacturers such as Snap-On and Ingersoll. That’s what makes BOTH an amazing investment.
However, you have to consider your level of expertise and how you’ll use the air impact wrench.
If you’re the type who has a lot of heavy-duty jobs done, then the NitroCat 1200K.
If you’re the type who has a lot of heavy-duty jobs done, then the NitroCat 1200K. It’s made for professional racing teams, also recommended for medium to the heavy-duty truck framework. You can also use it in automotive shops, but in tire stores or hobby projects because it’s got a high torque.
For those who want to do any type of automotive work, you’ll like AirCat 1150,
For those who want to do any type of automotive work, you’ll like AirCat 1150, a twin hammer and the most powerful one available. It’s also quicker compared to the NitroCat, so if your focus is speed, then this is a great option.
Basically, the NitroCat wins in power, the AirCat wins in speed!
What are the Different Types of Torque Wrenches Available?
Snap on torque wrench buying can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available. The different types include beam, click, dial, and electronic torque wrenches. Beam torque wrenches use a deflecting beam to measure torque, click wrenches make an audible click when the desired torque is reached, dial wrenches show torque on a dial, and electronic wrenches offer digital displays and advanced features. Choose the type that best suits your needs and budget.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re planning to get an impact wrench, then there’s a lot to consider. From the twin hammer vs twin clutch down to the brands you choose, you’ll need to do your research well! That’s why I highly recommend either the AIRCAT or NitroCat, respectable brands with individual purposes suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
I hope this article on AIRCAT 1150 and NitroCat 1200K gave you an idea on what to invest in. So don’t wait any longer and look into any of these amazing impact wrenches now!
If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with any of these impact wrenches, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.