So an earlier post on which airtools to get basically said 'don't buy cheap stuff'....well I want airtools, but can only spend $150. I've seen kits at Kragen or Costco and I'm really tempted.

What would you get(tools only) for $150 to start and get the most bang for the buck?

Impact hammer and accessories
air rachet, and sockets with at least one extension
air drill, with set of reverse thread drill bits (more forgiving than a broken off extractor)

AIR TOOL OIL <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

Harbor Freight carries Chicago Pneumatics if you don't want something like I-R's.

HOWEVER, if you really see yourself using these a lot, upgrade to good stuff and put your cheapies in a yard sale for some kid to start with.

The most useful air tool I have is a cheap $20 die grinder. It is like a super Dremel. Here it is shaving steel with a carbide bur: http://community.webshots.com/photo/96378645/157661333bXQtzC

another pic: http://community.webshots.com/photo/96378645/157661283SOWwBn

My second most used airtool is a big (expensive) impact driver.

The air tools I use;

1/2" impact
3/8" impact, This tool is probably my most used air tool!!
3/8" ratchet
1/4" ratchet
mini die grinder
angle die grinder
air chisel

These are all IR with some Porter Cable and a Husky, but I saved up for them so it was worth the wait. If I was on a budget, I'd get Husky from Home Depot. They have a lifetime warranty. Don't skimp on an impact. My friend bought one from Walmart and it would'nt even remove his lug nuts. Hell my 3/8" impact will do that. Get one that's at least 400 lbs of torque, more if possible.
I still want an air drill and some body air tools. Good luck and start lovin' air. I'm spoiled now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />.

The most used air tool I have is the 3/8" drive butterfly impact.

Next would be the large 1/2" impact.

Don't forget to check eBay.

I got some cheap air tools from sears a while back. They diddnt have enough torque to break lug nuts free. Check the torque ratings. I wouldnt get any impact that is less than 250.

Thanks guys,

I think my first purchase will be a 3/8 rachet.For the rachets, do you need to buy special 'air' sockets or can I use regular sockets?

Sounds like I can't afford an good impact wrench at this time, but that will probably be my next purchase unless my next project needs something like a air chisel or griner...

I gave a way my 3/8" air ratchet.

The butterfly proved so very, very handy compared to the ratchet.

If you get the chance, borrow one and you might see what I mean.

I just use regular 1/2 inch drive Craftsman sockets, I've never broken one. If one were to break Sears will replace it for free anyway.

Here is just one example of a quality impact off eBay cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...663&item=4310084785&rd=1