Snap On vs Harbor Freight's New Earthquake on the Dyno 

Why do we include Torque Claims score column? Not a perfect system by any means, but all of the scores ARE based on the power it made for us, the 1st 3 are its power runs. The next 3 are functions of power. In these the brands can do one of 2 things to increase that score. Shorten the tool or make more power, make more power or advertise a more realistic torque figure, and make more power or charge less. Most of our video will always be testing the torque output vs others, so if that's 100% what you're after we still got you and you dont need a rank list. If you're sticking around to the rank list, that's basically our own value system for these tools and for sure subjective. As we mention in the 1st seconds of our 1st video ever making this dyno, the purpose of what we do is investigate these torque claims that seem to be getting crazier and crazier. Since we're some of the very few doing that, and the vast majority of people are in a store or on a tool truck handing money over after just looking at the numbers printed on the box, these companies make a lot of money off those numbers. Some brands are more let's say creative than others, if we didnt ding them some points for that then who will? There's little incentive for any of them to be realistic as it is, we don't want to offer even more encouragement on our rank by giving them a pass. Today these numbers are often in the thousands but the actual output is closer to twice that of the old school 231H gun your dad may have used which is actually amazing power, but not the sky high figures they've grown to today - the original purpose of this channel. Thanks for coming to our TED talk :P

"strap-on" tax. The comedy kills me! HAHAHAHA

Amazed you can get that much torque out of a muffler

The difference is that when your SnapOn dealer keeps your gun for 4 months while its being "repaired" meanwhile back at the hall of justice you've bought and rebuilt two earthquakes with some light polishing and vane seal springs.

Making me have more faith in my harbor freight tools. They are nearly impossible to beat, for the price.

Gotta say thank you for all the tests you do. HF has this impact on sale for $100 right now and I'll need an impact for my new job and don't think I'll be disappointed for a little while at least.

An amazing channel. Another great episode. Surprised at how well the HF did but not surprised by the results.

Been waiting for this one, thanks for all the great testing videos! 👍

Awesome channel guys! Just found it and can't stop watching! Excellent methodology and very interesting results across your videos!

The Earthquake impact does whatever I need done. I also have a big rechargeable Kobalt impact from Lowe's that is an absolute monster. I use it at work on the road and It'll take lug nuts off anything I've ever thrown it up against. Great video and channel!

honestly for the price difference harbor freight is one of the best, its not to heavy it feels nice using it, forward to reverse is very easy. I choose that over a 600$ hammer. btw working at a dealer if my earthquake doesnt take it off 90% of the time neither can a snap on one get it off either. but thats just what ive seen at my shop

Thank you for another great video!

Hi, excellent video ty so much, I’m very impressed how the snap on lost so much power with the muffler out! The earthquake did very well in my opinion, ty so much, regards, Bob,

Great vid. Very informative. Thanks for conducting this test and sharing results! 💯👏🏼👍

I love my mg725 but we also run 175 psi line pressure. I use the Milwaukee most of the time but I still break out the air with swivels and long extensions.

OOoouchie Mama @ 7:44! I kept playing that sound over and over like it was a remix tape. Haha, I liked it.

Great video, very well done. Please keep up the great work.

I love this channel ! 😍 I can see a lot of people, DIYers as well as techs making buying decisions based on what you post.....But, I think that FT-LBS/$ rating skews the over all score. Couple of things I would like to suggest, one would be to split the Brands column into Air and Battery columns. The second would be to make your chart down loadable or a web page and have each column clickable. Why, 2 examples, DIYer wants to know what the best battery impact is, clicks on battery Brands and using your over all score, best to worst sees what is best.... Or a tech like me clicking on Max Torque and seeing from highest to lowest in both Brands columns who puts out the most bang. 29K subs in six months ! I can see you doing 50K by the end of the year 👍

I got my mg750 10 years ago and have been using it everyday since then. I was very lucky that my dealer got me a demo model and air ratchet for maybe 500-600 dollars at that time? Never ever had any doubts taking thing off with the gun and thankful never had any problems. Still going strong. Now idk about paying 600$ for it now but at that time and at that deal it was well worth it

I'm telling you one thing, I'm definitely going with the Harbor Freight lol.

Is there a link you can give us to view the whole spreadsheet, so we can look at all of the impacts?

I had one of these snap on impacts. Air water separator and oiled daily. Had it rebuilt 3 times in a year and a half. Never again.

I switched from Snap-On to Matco a couple of years ago. I'd love to see you offer a chart with a final score that doesn't include price. I use my tools to make money. For me, price doesn't really matter. I don't mind paying $600 for a tool if it's the best tool out there. I get that for home or hobbyist users, price is a big consideration, so this chart is still very meaningful. I'd just also like to know how they score without price being a factor. Thanks for doing these tests.

I have one of those mg725 impacts. Can confirm that the power dial does in fact suck. I left it at max and it will forever remain there.

I have owned two snap-on MG725's in my day as a tech. They are fairly powerful yes when given the air and no muffler but the price and the dam adjustment knob is the worst part. Also, they sadly are not that strong to be fair both of mine broke and repairing them cost the same as just buying a new Aircat. I tried my buddy's Aircat 1250K and was sold the moment I touched it! The Aircat was lighter, hits harder, quiet, and cheaper to buy. So I sold my MG725 and bought an Aircat 1250K. Very happy with the results!

Is there any way to see the whole list as it currently sits?

Generally speaking, It just goes to show that regarding air impact tools , its all about the air volume running through the tool and with cordless impact tools, its all about the current /mAh battery. You hear so much from users and manufacturers about the specs of their tools, yet they Never state air volume/psi requirements to obtain optimum or even adequate results ! Edit: noticed some cfm requirements on the Thor video ; however, you must look for it. 6 - 6.5 cfm , that's a 5hp 80 gal. tank - minimum air supply ! Thank you for the video / information!

I didn’t think the earthquake would do better than the snap on. Cool stuff you do.

the PSI is a formula of Line Pressure times x Area. if the claim is same and area is the same for the given line pressure you have to consider that the insides don't flow the same. Could be the choke, or air escape release holding back the lesser performer. But could also be that the internals are less meticulous.

This channel is excellent and I bet it will explode with subscribers in no time. I have an idea... There are some hydraulic press channels that get a LOT of views... If you guys ever start testing hand tools, some destructive testing ( with good methodology & data ) could be very interesting and also entertaining.. a hydraulic press could be useful in many ways, testing how fasteners, tools, etc fail under load. This could extend to things like, jack stands, floor jacks, etc. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

Have you considered posting the score cards so we could look at them independently ?

Yessss! I'm pumped to watch!

I use this same EQ for heavy line use and it's definitely torquey but the trigger is like a on or off switch, no progression. Also mine makes a squeaking noise when revving down sometimes probably not a big deal, i oil it every morning too. I will probably upgrade to a ingersoll rand before a tool truck brand!

I used the earthquake XT at work it is phenomenal in the dealership. And the return policy is so much better than snap-ons it's light years in comparison. Dealing with the tool truck is a nightmare for repairs on impacts. I put the 2-year unlimited warranty on the earthquake and they do not even blink an eye they just hand you a new impact. Broken or not at the end of the warranty. You can just switch it out to get a new one.

This channel is confirming what I already kinda feel. Which might be confirmation bias, idk. I have some Snap-On, I have some HF. I have used all manner of stuff at work. If you're gonna use a tool day in, day out, every job, just get the good stuff. If you're going to have a tool that *absolutely* has to work, get Snap-On. If it's an occasional use tool, sure go with something else to save money, but don't delude yourself they're in any way meeting the standard.

I got my HF eq xt on sale for 100 about a month ago. I love it along side the 1/2 eq xt stubby i got for 80. Perfect combo. Now there is a stronger one that is essentially a Thor but it is 150. Way nicer though.

And chance you will be testing the proto impact in the future?

Do you ever test for tool-life durability? I'm looking to make some substantial purchases, so I'm not only looking for the best value for torque but also tool-life.

Ryobi is coming out with an One+ High Torque 1/2 inch impact wrench... Can't wait to see your test on it...

For that kinda price difference I would expect a much bigger difference in performance as well. Seems to me the HF is a certainly a better value.

Great video👍🔧

Back in July I got the HF Earthquake XT very similar to yours, except the one I got was advertised at 1200 ft. lbs. Torque and was orange. It did the job for the most part, but the gun would sometimes choke, occasionally pushed the direction button by accident, and I often had to get my co-worker's Snap-on impact to loosen stubborn lug nuts (I work in a tire shop). And yes, I oiled it EVERY DAY I USED IT. Yesterday I went on the Snap-on truck and got myself a PT850G because I was fed up with my HF one not being strong enough. It's advertised as having less torque than what the HF was advertised as having, but in my experience the HF one was a disappointment.

Those harbor freight ones have some muffler stuff installed in them as well, would be interesting to see how it preforms with it removed.

Have you ever tried twisting the impact side to side while on the dyno? Idk why but sometimes it seems to help with extra rusty bolts. Probably just in my head

Snap on: you too can pay 5X or more for the same Chinese tool!

While I couldn’t afford that snap on. I definitely agree it did better then that earthquake impact. I have to say I love watching earthquakes beat snap on. Although I do think a lot of channels know that. And they like posting content that shows it. I’m not sure if they do it purposely making the snap on lose or if it’s just the way they use it. But I like the unbiased videos you make and show.

I love my XT . Price was right too. I do want the new Matco gun too, but that is 600 bucks and seems to be the one to beat.

Would be interesting to see old well used impacts tested

I wouldn't have my snapon impact if I hadn't gotten such a good deal on a used one that was less than a month old. Our old dealer always had a used box at the back of his truck with killer deals.

I’ve had a few mg725’s over the years and they seem to lose some forward power after a little bit of wear. When I’ve had a new one it seems much more powerful in forward than my last one. I might tear one of the two I have now down and see if I can narrow down the cause.

I know this is a torque test channel and you do an incredible job reporting real World figures. BUT! Another figure to consider would be how does torque hold up over the life of the tool. Out of box figures are important for consumer knowledge, but the longevity of the tool also plays an important factor in determining a purchase for many of us when it comes to tools.

Just bought a Snap-On MG725 (the original one) used for £39.99/$55.28 from a pawn shop or cash converter as we call it in England lol. Will take delivery of it in a few days so fingers cross it all works ok, I will most likely take it apart anyway to see if anything needs cleaning and or replacing then oiling. Less than a 10th of the price new so hopefully I can get my moneys worth out of it. I might actually do a restoration on if i can get the correct paint colour for it.

I did a quick check and may be wrong but has he ever done the consumer thunder gun?

I have both snap on impact and I like the mg 725 way more then the other one

This stuff is so interesting, same with USCSB videos.

The push button fwd reverse lossens up to a nice level with some use

Nice I was thinking about getting one I’m not worried about it loosing power at the end that much as long as it’s good at the beginning if you got a rusted bolt or nut 🔩 anyways by time it does pan out I’m sure it will be turning anyways and 600.00 just for a little better doesn’t seem logical anyways

Is it possible to add Sumake 1/2 impact driver to your list for testing?

Well, that cinches it, I’m taking the muffler out of my 2135QTiMAX this weekend and leaving it out after I clean and rebuild it.

I'd like to see how the cheaper Harbor Freight impacts stack up to the XT version. I bought one of the Earthquake impacts back when they first came out. The one they're selling for $89 on clearance now. I think they advertised 750 ft-lbs back then, but now it's up to 800. I don't know if it matches that torque claim, but it really surprised me how good it was regardless given the price point. Also, one I've never used, that $47 silver one there looking an awful lot like a clone of the old tried and true IR guns, which honestly don't seem as good as my Earthquake from what I remember of them (my brother had one of those back in the '90s). It would be cool to know how that really cheap one stacks up as well. Since they're on clearance they might be discontinuing them as well, so might want to get those reviews in before it's too late.

U should also add in noise readings to the data

Could you please do a test of torque sticks or sockets

Everytime I sell a MG725A I recommend the hi-flow fitting if ran on a 1/4 hose Also curious on the PT850, they’re mostly the same insides but I’ve had bad luck with them on shitty air compressors MG can live with some moisture in the lines but the PT is a picky girl, lookin Forward to the video

While the adds play... I’m guessing the Snap-On wins, but not by 4 to 5 times as much like the price?

I have a new mg1250 3/4 snapon. Can I send it in and have it tested. Seems very powerful in use

Can you try to get a Bosch Freak for testing I have the old model and it's rated lower than my buddies M18 impact driver. Driving screws the M18 is faster and can run larger screws and bolts but the Bosch Freak works better on lug nuts by a noticeable margin. I would send mine but it is old and very well used.

Have you considered testing out the Aircat 1200K? I’d be interested in seeing how it compares to the 1250K. We had a guy at work trying to remove an axle bolt from an F30 3 series and his 1150 couldn’t get it done. He was using a breaker bar, a floor jack handle and somebody inside the car holding the brake down…but still cousins get it loose. My buddy used his 1200K and it came out after a few seconds. I know I’ve borrowed his 1200K a few times when my old IR wasn’t capable. So I’m looking at getting the 1200K, but I wondered if the 1250K would be the better option. I haven’t seen any comparisons between the two.

Can we test the earthquake aluminum 1/2" impact? Budget model, but it has been highly regarded as underrated for years. Rated 700lb ft max and only 800lb ft of nut busting

I would love to see you guys get your hands on an impact that is used in Nascar for changing tires. I wonder what those guns put out for torque.

Use a high flo fitting in the snap on gun my rep told me that’s how snapon rates them high flow fitting with 3/8 air lines with no step downs . I set my bay up with a high flow line it wakes that MG725 up big time

Hey guys, it would be cool to see the two types of impact sockets tested. The shiny kind, and the chalk board kind. (As I have forgotten what the actual metals are) You get what I mean? I hate the feel of the chalkboard sockets, I only use the shiny ones.

Would like to see a long term test to see how other units do long term. . We all know the snap on is known to last for decades, how long will the others last.

I’m still gonna keep the muffler in to save my ears. I think I paid around $500 for it actually, but it’s still overpriced either way. Thanks for treating her nicely! BP air hammer incoming when I find the right size box for it lol

I bought HF one and couldn’t even brake a lug nut loose that was stuck had to get breaker bar and pipe. Is it more air setup ?

Thank you fir doing the mg725. I’ve used it in a class 8 shop for 12 years now and love it. It just works and that’s worth the extra money. My cp and ir have been demoted to home use due to issues over time having to be rebuilt several times and loosing power

Just a thought. Was thinking about the Paoli DP4000MG $6,500 impact wrench used in this weekends formula 1 race in monaco. What if you also ran high pressure nitrogen through like a quality gun to see what's the max torque you could get before the gun's casing failed. I heard they run the f1 guns at 1000 psi.

have you ever blown seals by turning the PSI up over the tool spec? just curious if it could happen or if it's easily done. thanks for your time

Im not sure i could justify 4x the cost for about 10% more power. It remains to be seen if the strap on would last 4x longer. Im running the airkat 1150 casual use and do like it.

I am sure you said and I didn't hear it but what air pressure are you testing at? Also good video 👍

Any chance at seeing a Porter Cable PCC740LA half inch impact? I've been seeing it go on sale for under 160$ with a battery at the old-school independent NAPA I work at, but it really is just a confusing tool. The NAPA website claims both 330 ft-lbs torque, but also 260 in-lbs torque down the page a little (not a typo, that is listed in inch-pounds), while also being listed as a DEWALT line code, and has a 20v MAX battery that for some reason is a completely different design than the Dewalt battery. I just straight up don't understand what this thing is, why it's from a dead brand, or where it fits in on the stack, which makes it more difficult to help inform a customer on which tool is right for them. Is this thing just a DCF889 in different clothes? Is it an actual new tool? Does it actually perform well for the money?

What size compressor did you use for your test?

Do you guys ever test mac impacts?

Have you thought about doing testing on performance degradation over time? One common argument is that while a cheap impact tool performs acceptable when new, the tool will inevitably lose performance more rapidly as the impacting mechanism wears; more so than a 'premium' impact will gradually lose performance. Aside from leaving new impacts running for a set time on a jig, I'm not sure how to quantify the wear.

Anyone have an ideas for tightening torque specs through the first 2 settings?

Back years ago, I bought the mg725 and it was to be a magnesium body but once it got ran over and saved my I’ve, the snap on dealer said it would too expensive to replace the magnesium body and rebuild it gun but when I ordered all the parts to completely rebuild the gun it came in aluminum and I was able to rebuild the gun and body with all the Parts from the build sheet for under $40. That’s the body, o-rings and gaskets. When I asked why the part number for the body came as an aluminum body and not a magnesium body, I was told that the snap on dealer said he was told that, that’s what they were told……….!!!???

Could you try the 24V Kobalt impact, I have many of the kobalt tools and they outperform my sons dewalt’s.

where can we get your spreadsheet? Is there a place to download it?

What happened is harbor freight detuned there earthquake xls the old ones would absolutely kill snap on for half drive vs halfdrive. The detuned them so they can last. We kept busting the snap ring emds and the sockets would go flying.

👍thanks for video

Are you gonna start Dyno testing right angle impacts?

I have the hf it cool just uncomfortable. I bought the new snap on pt850 😑 I should've just stuck with the hf and my high torque.

Air pressure is the name of the game with pneumatics. Just like bigger batteries with electric guns. Ever person I've met who complained about an air gun being weak, runs it on a small compressor with small fittings and or they regulate it. Your paying for durability with snap on. I've run my snap on guns at 180psi unregulated air for a lot of years with 0 complaints. Would love to see a garbage freight last 6 months in the same shop set up.

When I've had stubborn bolts I'd put a crap ton of oil in the gun and that first quick blast would usually break it free. I'd say it's because oil doesn't compress like air but it'd be cool to see what difference it actually makes.

If you can try Chicago Pneumatic CP7748

my old Earthquake has lasted 20 years now! And I abused it hard at the dealership. the 89$ red 1/2 Earthquake it what I use professionally. if you want a good gun just get one of these.

Can you guys try with the newer Kobalt 1000??

The MG725 is the king of the shops around here, not much can touch them, especially as impacts age. But for sure they are expensive. I kind of wonder how does the longevity compare? How could that be tested and included into your scale? As a tech, the best part about buying direct from any decent dealer is that if it breaks, they can usually be fixed, often can get a loaner to use while it is. Not sure you will get that with low dollar tools?

My boy makin that snapon dollars now ♥️♥️

I think dinging them on the torque claims is the right way to go. It will be interesting to see if those start to come down based on this.

In europe they sell Bahco bpm915 which is very similar to snap-on and also made in usa. Costs less than 200€