
The Ingersoll - Rand 231C 1/2 inch impact wrench is made in China. Since I already own a Chinese impact wrench, there's no point in owning another. The point was to replace the low quality chinese tool with something better. Yes, I was looking for an upgrade, and the IR 231C isn't it. I thought Ingersoll - Rand's products were made in the US, why would they start manufacturing in China? It will only ruin their name, and in fact already has with this customer. However, this does explain the low price (which is actually quite high for a made in China impact). I am willing to pay up to $400 if needed for a high quality impact wrench, but it will not be from IR. Out of the box, it looks and feels like typical Chinese tools. I will return it, and never buy anything IR makes ever again.
Here's the best review I can give considering I never used the product, but did give it a good look it over.
It's very heavy, and if you ever needed to use it every day, I wouldn't recommend it for this reason alone. I think the specs say it's about 5lb, it has got to be more, I will weigh it and get back to you.
Out of the box the tool looks like it was 30 over years old. It appeared worn, even used, yet the thing is brand new.
The torque/pressure control on the side is very stiff and could not be turned by my fingers, and feels low in quality. (note: my hands are quite strong, but that knob needed nearly a foot pound just to turn)
The finish is dull, and not polished well. Tool was covered in thick oil, and black stuff, inside an open ended plastic bag stuck to the gun. You would need to clean it right out of the box. The picture on this web page makes the tool look much nicer than it really is.
Trigger is loose, wobbly, thin, is plastic, and feels weak. It has nearly no spring pressure. The trigger performs like the ones found on childerns' toys.
1/2" anvil doesn't have a spring ball detent. How could sockets stay on tight?
Tool does not come with an air fitting, just a threaded socket in the handle. If you don't have this fitting, you would need to buy that before using it.
Tool does not come with a storage case.
It doesn't ship with any socket tools, oil, or accessories. Just a red cardboard box (that was oil stained), plastic bag, and a few documents (The document booklet edges were bent over because they were longer than the box.)
Impact wrench has a tiny decal on the back of the gun that says "Made in China". It could be removed, and no one would think you own a Chinese tool. I question the tool's resale value.
Is the tool junk? I don't know, and with over $100 on the line here, I am not going to find out. I will find a non-Chinese made air impact gun even if I have to buy it used.
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Ingersoll-Rand 231C 1/2-Inch Super Duty Air Impact Wrench.