Moving from hand and power tools to air tools is a big step for any home mechanic. They’re expensive—especially the better brands—but never having to fight with a lug nut or rusted fastener makes it worth it.
We talked to experts at Quality Foreign Car Service in Berkley, Michigan, Copeland Tire in Detroit, Capaldi Racing in New Baltimore, Michigan, and the go-fast gurus Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Wixom, Michigan.
Ingersoll Rand was mentioned often; they make quality pneumatics that won’t break the bank. The Snap-On and Matco brands were also pointed to more than once, as was Chicago Pneumatic. These tools are what the pros use, and you probably should, too. (Note: These items all require an air compressor to operate.)