Need a ball joint out? Big Nasty. Brake rotor stuck on hub? Big Nasty. Need to add a few degrees of camber? Big Nasty. Need to remove a blown fuse? Big Nasty. Change the radio station? Big Nasty. Anniversary gift for the wife? Big Nasty. I'm telling you, it DOES do it all :P
Big Nasty would be A LOT... LOT more useable if only it had a better trigger. A nice feather trigger would make it the only air hammer you'd need. But when I'm doing an alignment on a Ford or Dodge truck and I'm trying to remove a Camber/Caster bushing I DO NOT always need or want full throttle balls out power of Big Nasty. Same goes for when I need to finesse a bushing out or just start to chisel something out nice and easy at first. I think I'm gonna have to get the high-flow air fittings for my Snappy air gun.
I can't believe there wasn't a "hammer time " thrown in there somewhere , nice job mike .trigger went out on my ir a few years ago it cost me a dime to replace the o rings and it's still going strong
I have a Chicago Pneumatic CP715 that I bought new in the early 80's from Sears (I own mostly CP and IR air tools). The CP715 is still in great shape. I run it with the automotive-type high flow air fittings (as I do all my air tools) but I'm going to upgrade it with a quick release chuck and finally dump the spring. Not a tool that I use all that often as a non-pro, but when you need it, that long stroke hammer is gold. I have been finding myself using it more and more though. One thing to keep in mind with the big, long stroke .498 air hammers (like Big Nasty) is that they are really air hungry. I'm talking like 13cfm@90psi hungry. Yeah, that is the actual running, balls to the wall air consumption of the CP717 (and likely the AP 4980, since it is basically a copy of the CP717). Don't be fooled by the low average air consumption numbers you might see elsewhere, that is kinda like EPA highway mileage. You need like 3x that airflow to really get the full potential out of this tool, as well as at least a 3/8" air line and high flow coupler and fittings. Will it "work" on less? Yes, but not at the performance levels for which it was designed. Which means you could be disappointed in the results. I was looking at them, and quickly realized that although my ailines and fittings are good, my 60 gallon single stage IR reciprocating compressor cannot provide the airflow this beast wants, even at 100% duty cycle (which it is clearly not designed for). This is probably not going to be an issue for most pros in shops with two-stage monster cast-iron compressors, but may be for most DIYers and mobile pros.
Great video. Thanks for the information on the bits. I bought a Cornwell years ago and it works fine. In the Southwest we don’t have the rust to worry about. Thanks again.
Monte Stu For what it costs I was really impressed that it works decently for light duty tasks, though... cuts sheet metal and spot welds just fine. Good bits are essential no matter what air hammer you choose, of course.
RustyJeep - It has decent power IMO. I’ve only used it a few times, but it got the job done! I didn’t know about the quick release chuck, but I see HF sells them for $5. I’ll pick one up next time.
When I got started I bought the $38 Ingersoll from Amazon since there were already 3 Snap On air hammers in the shop and surprisingly enough I haven't had to borrow one of them yet. Ive used that thing every day for the last 2 years on ball joints, roll pins, and cv axles on ATVs and I swear it's only gotten stronger with time. I have also seen it outlast 1 Matco so far. For the money it's probably my favorite tool purchase. If it fails I'll probably get a snap on or a larger IR but I can definitely recommend the 114GQC model for a budget gun. I did however buy certain bits from Ebay made by Mayhew. They make Snap Ons punches as well as a lot of other tool truck tools.
I have a ingersoll air hammer, I think it was 70 or 80 bucks, but the thing is amazing, and the good thing with IR is that you can buy replacement parts for them when they do break. I don't know how I did anything before I got an air hammer.
90% of my air hammer use is for ripping old exhaust apart, so I don't need a monster. Suprisingly, my cheap Campbell-Housfield (from K Mart!) has lasted 20 years.
Last air hammer I bought was a Sunex SX243, looks almost exactly like the old Blue Point it replaced. With a 3/4" bore, 3 3 /4" stroke, and 2,200 bpm it has good power for less than $80.
I've used a monster 30 year old Chicago Pneumatic that is about 2 foot long. Insanely powerful still. It will cut car frames in half with 3/4 trigger pull. But will exhaust you in about 1 minute of usage.
Great video thanks brother. Like the comparison between the air hammers. I just got the Ingersoll rand quick chuck with it. I got some longer bits for it also. Thanks to ozstar channel I think I spelled it right. I just followed his link and bam got one. I have a video of when I got it. I have used the cheap ones for years and I can't believe the difference. 401 shank and it kicks butt and don't care. Pretty bad when you retire and upgrade tools. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother
Good video as always bud, I’ve got the blue point in a short barrel version. It works for me it’s always got the job done never actually needed something with more power yet ... the snap on is very expensive here in Australia probably cost 50% more here than in the US and I also don’t think we can get a big nasty from a local supplier either, hopefully once the larger shank becomes more popular and more units are sold they will start making more tooling for them.
Check out Ajax bits for a greater selection of .498" bits. I bought mine in .401" from Air Tools For Less. Have held up great on my PH3050B. Others on garagejournal like them as well, including on larger industrial riveting guns with double the energy of the 4980.
Great video i got IR short barrel been amazed with it , long barrel be my next IR can bring myself to pay for Snap on. In my opinion u can't beat IR in impacts and air hammers for the price 😉
I freakin' LOVE my Matco hammer. That thing beats HARD. Got it like $40 off retail WITH a four piece flat hammer set. Yes, there is definitely a use for a 12" round head flat hammer. Several so far. This is just one of those tools, we need it often in the salt belt, but still... Kinda like semi deep sockets. You may not need it every day, but when you need it, YOU NEED IT!
I'm on 5 years now with my IR hammer, hope it lasts another 5! Have borrowed my bosses Snap On one like yours one time for a Fan Clutch that just WOULD NOT give and it got it, idk if it was the continued use from both guns or that his was stronger but I got it eventually. Been really happy with it so far. Thanks for your tool reviews, I now have the Milwaukee ratchets at work and use them every day after seeing you talk them up so much and they save me so much time!
Best air hammer I ever used was when I worked in the field in 1978-181, it was kind of dimpled texture, they were unbranded, used to be our shop air chisels at Sears. Anyone remember those and who made them?
Old video I know but after buying Big Nasty's big brother (Astro 498K) I'm in the big shank club now. Have you ever used the adapters to allow the big shank hammers to use the smaller aka "standard" shank bits?
The day someone comes out with a battery powered hammer that hits like the IR gun will be a national holiday. That and a small die grinder that can go all day on a charge. 20 years from now folks won't believe how noisy shops used to be.
Great video. The Chief CH401 LB is great for the money. Does the job for about 120.00 bucks. I use it at my used car lot. It will keep up with the others.
I wonder how “big nasty” compares to the CP717. My Mac guy years ago was able to come up with a long .498 shank bit that I still have and use. My CP 717 has been an absolute animal and after 13 years of use still works the great. I don’t use the quick chuck adapter on the CP 717, just doesn’t seem safe on such a powerful tool. Not to mention those hardened balls beat up the retainers on the bits.
I have the SnapOn also....I use it for collision/suspension work....for me.....it Was worth it. I have had it for 15 years and it's been a workhorse for sure!!$
I have the red Snap On heavy hitter. It has even busted semi truck king pins loose for me. My other air hammer is a Blue Point 2050. I use it every day for about 4 years so far
Im a mechanic in a concrete plant and my supervisor purchased me that IR air hammer a few months ago. It worked amazing but the only issue was the set screws on the end backing out. It was used for sometimes up to an hour at a time and even after locktite they still wanted to back out, have to snug them up before every use.
I have a Florida Pneumatic 660A (CP717 copy) .498 shank "big nasty" Snap On PH2050 .401 shank And a cheap little Kobalt short stroke air hammer. There's no perfect one does all. Sometimes you just need to lightly vibrate something and ask it to move, and sometimes, you're not asking, it's going to move or else LOL. Grey Pneumatic has a good selection of. 498 shank bits for a good price, and they do have a long shank chisel bit. I have two of them and cut the chisel end off one so I have a long shank blunt end too. If you haven't found them yet, I can get the part number off mine for you.
It would be fun to have the big boy. Then I'd need a new compressor to deliver more cfm. Then I'd need a new set of bits with the larger shank. Then I'd need the quick change adapter -- hope you show us a comparison of that quick change adapter with the spring. One day, ha ha.
I bought the snap on ph 3050 b. I got it at a very reduced price from a guy who decided turning wrenches wasn't for him. The thing looks like he never used it. Got it with the snap on ball joint fork that looks unused. I never would have paid full price for it, but that thing is badass . I've been using an old Campbell hausfeld that I bought decades ago. Talk about an upgrade.
Long barrel Sunnex , quick release and a half inch connector for the 1 inch tire gun hose or it starves for air . Hardest hitting air hammer I've used in almost 40 years .
Do you run big nasty full out uncapped on pressure or is it on a regulated air supply? I just got a 4980, I don't want to hurt the tool yet I want enough air to bust some stuff loose.
Big nasty is a beast I just got it a few months ago. I would be nice if there were more attachments for it. I still use the snap on more because of it. It’s the older all silver one not sure if it’s the same as the newer ones. Had it for about 10 years no problems at all with it.
Right now I'm running Chicago Pneumatic's 717(the hammer Big Nasty is based off). It has incredible power and a trigger that's easy to baby when you're working on more delicate stuff. In regards to the less common .498 shank size, there are adapters out there that will reduce it to .401.
I spoke to a few OEMs to figure out how to get different flavors and gathered some local distributors. Shipping time for single orders from Taiwan isn't zippy. I found wacky guns, nine and longer. I found one Aircraft Tool Supply where you can use the sign on coupon with the current sale to have one very generously equipped for 300. I managed a seven inch (like Thor) with a full kit, case, powder coat, feathering trigger, and comfort grip. It even comes with a clever solution to the .401 adapter issue that seems to work quite well....
You can get an "adapter" to use .401 bits in .498 guns. It is essentially a "sleeve" to allow the use of the smaller bits. They tend to not last very long, because you're talking about a piece of metal that's about 0.097" (the difference between the two sizes) that has to take the extra beating (joules) that a .498 hammer puts out, but if you get a better brand, they'll last you a few times at least. It would allow you to use those specialized .401 bits when you need the extra oomph of the .498 gun.
Heat up the adapter till it is glowing with your torches, let it cool for an hour, heat it up again let it cool some and put it in some used motor oil, it gets hardened and will last longer. I have 3 air hammers, one of them is still a $20 small one for little screws etc... when finesse is needed.
Can you use the ingersoll air hammer to clean industrial kitchen stove top with black on it ? Can it be used than having to use a manual scraper which takes plenty time?
As much as I’d love to have a Big Nasty of my own, having to buy all new bits holds me back. So, I bought Big Nasty’s little sister, the AP 4901. It’s a super duty hammer that still takes the .401 tools and it’s pretty bad-assed. Plus, it was only about $200.
I had an IR like that, worked well right up until it shot the whole barrel out of the body one day. Bought a Snap-On that afternoon and I've had no issues with it.
Yea that ir sucks had one for a year or 2 prolly no lie 6 rebuilds later my tool guy took it and threw it in the trash gave me my money back and I got the newer style mac one and things badass but can't sleep on the snap on either both hit very hard as I have both
I’m with you on this one the $500 dollar price tag on the snap on and it’s ok for suspension work on big rigs the .498 air hammer just shits on it and it’s a little cheaper too
Flatratemaster & AstroTools. I live in Australia and want to buy one of these air hammers. Where can I buy the quick change end to get rid of the spring type setup (my current air hammer has this and drives me fking nuts) And where can I buy a good Bitset to suit the quick change end once I have that?
Astro makes a quick change coupler, so you should be able to get it through an importer of Astro, sorry can't help you on that. Apex, CP or grey pneumatic have bits for it
I have worked in the past doing front end work and the best gun that I have used was the Chicago pnumatic cp714 and I do have snap on and Mac and ingresol but the hardest hitting gun that I have used has been the CP 714 on numerous occasions I have driven out frozen king pin and Ball joints when the other guns would not be able to budge them I have never regretted getting it it has A lot of use but it is the hardest hitting gun in my arsenal of air hammers!! I am not a sales man just A big fan!!
Weird, I've only oiled mine several times and its lasted 5 years now with lots of use. Guess its hit or miss cus someone else mentioned a problem with theirs as well.
I myself own a big nasty and indeed it's a beast. Does not have no feather trigger its just straight balls to the walls once you squeeze. Must have a good grip and no wimpy arms
I have that Ingersoll Rand long barrel air hammer it's adequate ...it's as good has just about any Quick Connect long barrel air hammer on the market but I do like it... I paid about $120 for the whole kit with the case so that was a pretty decent deal..
nissan 240sx It is much more powerful, but the tools are larger diameter. It’s really intended to set rivets in a shipyard or some such thing, Eric O of South Main Auto was the first guy I’ve seen using one in an automotive shop, now we all bought them... they hit HARD
