Description
Product Description
It’s time to modernize your toolkit. The AIRCAT 1200-K 1/2-inch Nitrocat Kevlar Composite twin-clutch Impact Wrench has 1295 foot-pounds of torque, and the Kevlar composite body outperforms anything in its class. It is used by many NHRA Top Fuel race teams. Kevlar adds high strength and durability to the 1200-K, making this tool a valuable addition to your air tool workforce. The Nitrocat 1200-K Impact Wrench uses a smooth and powerful twin-clutch hammer design, resulting in harder hitting impacts than a typical twin hammer design. This design makes this wrench perfect for high-torque jobs on heavy-duty trucks and frames. The 1200-K churns out 1,295 foot-pounds of torque, which has made it a favorite of many NHRA Top Fuel race teams. We make top-of-the-line power tools perfect for any handyman or construction professional.
This power tool delivers 900 foot-pounds maximum torque and 1,295 foot-pounds of loosening torque. The Nitrocat 1200-K is a no-nonsense, hard-hitting 1/2-inch impact wrench that outperforms anything in its class! It has a powerful, smooth twin-clutch mechanism, durable Kevlar reinforced “body armor” housing, a patented, ergonomically designed handle, a patented quiet tuned exhaust (86 dBA), and a patented easy-operation flip lever forward and reverse. The twin-clutch is better suited for heavy-duty projects (framework, medium to heavy-duty trucks, etc.).
The AIRCAT line represents the most significant advances in the performance of pneumatic power tools in nearly 30 years. Founded in 1998, our tool line has a substantially reduced level of noise while retaining more power and torque. AIRCAT also incorporates a patented ergonomically engineered handle design to relieve stress and fatigue on the operator’s hands, wrists, and arms. AIRCAT has the patented tuned exhaust muffler technology in most tools, which allows discharged air to pass without developing back pressure, thus retaining more power, while significantly reducing noise.
From the Manufacturer
The AIRCAT 1200-K is a no non-sense, hard hitting 1/2-inch impact wrench that outperforms anything in its class! Used by many NHRA Top Fuel Race teams. All the power, half the noise! The AIRCAT tool line has a substantially reduced level of noise while retaining more power and torque. Our tools have been tested and shown to operate at 82-86 dBa (decibels), far below the OSHA guidelines. This feature benefits not only the mechanic but also the overall business. The patented tuned exhaust muffler technology, in all the tools, allows discharged air to pass without developing back pressure, thus retaining more power, while significantly reducing noise. AIRCAT has innovated through-the-handle exhaust design, which incorporates its revolutionary worldwide patented internal muffler/filter. The benefits include reduced hazards from breathing exhausted air particulates, the elimination of blow-by into the operators eyes and lungs as well as reduce noise. AIRCAT also incorporates a patented ergonomically engineered handle design to relieve stress and fatigue on the operators hands, wrists and arms. The patented AIRCAT handle offers better overall distribution of weight for a balanced tool and provides a unique grip that makes it easier to use for prolonged periods of time. AIRCAT offers a full line of pneumatic tools, including impact wrenches, air ratchets, reversible drills, die grinders, and cut-off tools. Established 1998 in Spokane, Washington AIRCAT is a line of high quality pneumatic hand tools that incorporates the unique and multi-patented exhaust muffler/filter technology. The AIRCAT tool line has a substantially reduced level of noise while retaining more power and torque. The AIRCAT impact wrench line offers both twin hammer and twin clutch mechanisms.
From the manufacturer
AIRCAT Nitrocat 1200-K 1/2″ Twin Clutch Impact Wrench
- The NitroCat 1200-K is a no non-sense, hard hitting 1/2″ impact wrench that out performs anything in its class!
- 1,295 ft-lb Loosening torque
- Hard hitting smooth twin clutch mechanism
- Durable reinforced composite housing.
- Patented ergonomically designed handle
- Patented quiet tuned exhaust (86 dBA)
- Patented easy operation flip lever forward & reverse
- The twin clutch is better suited for heavy duty (frame work, medium to heavy duty trucks)
Specifications
- Square Drive (in.) 1/2
- Air Cons. (CFM) 8
- Bolt Capacity (in.) 9/16
- Air Inlet (in.) NPT/BSP 1/2
- Rec. Hose Size (in.) 3/8
- Weight 4.5 (lbs.)
- Length 8.25 (in.)
- Free Speed (RPM) 8,000
AIRCAT PNEUMATIC TOOLS
The AIRCAT line represents the most significant advances in the performance of pneumatic power tools in nearly 30 years. Founded in 1998, our tool line has a substantially reduced level of noise while retaining more power and torque. AIRCAT also incorporates ergonomically engineered handle design to relieve stress and fatigue on the operator’s hands, wrists and arms. AIRCAT features fine-tuned exhaust muffler technology in most tools, which allows discharged air to pass without developing back pressure, thus retaining more power, while significantly reducing noise. More power. Half the noise. AIRCAT is committed to product innovation, high quality levels, high service levels and continued development and expansion of the AIRCAT, NITROCAT and VIBROTHERM DRIVE brands. VIBROTHERM DRIVE are a new assortment of impact wrenches up to 3/4″ drive that provide longer working life, lower vibration and shorter length-coupled with “state of the art” cosmetic styling.
Important information
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Sue Kinyon –
EasySuper happy to get this gun.Ot got the over tighten bolts OFF.WILL USE THIS GUN FOR ALL MY HARD TO GET OFF BOLTS
Peter V. –
Great for rusty and stuck bolts!I bought this tool to remove 10 year old rusted out bolts and castle nuts on my Subaru’s front end joints on the axle housing. It worked great so far and I paired them with TEKTON 4885 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket Set (Metric) which you can pick up here on Amazon too. My Tekton impact sockets didn’t end up getting destroyed like one of the other reviewer’s impact sockets. I used a 30 Gallon Sanborn air compressor I picked up at Menards along with a BluBird 3/8″ 50 ft. hose (also available on Amazon) which is the recommended size hose to use for the NitroCat 1200-K. I used a Husky 4 piece quick connect set I got at Home Depot to connect the 1/4″ NPT fitting to the NitroCat and it worked great without any leaks on the NitroCat end. Though I do have leaks at my compressor end because I used some cheap MasterForce branded China 1/4″ NPT and coupler but it leaked a lot less than having the Husky 1/4″ NPT female connected to the stock Sanborn coupler (which has no markings).The NitroCat needs 1 male 1/4″ NPT fitting to connect under the handle and then that needs to be plugged into a female coupler attached to one end of the hose and the other end of the hose should have a female 1/4″ NPT fitting plugged into your air compressor’s coupler. Hope that help some of you who are just getting started setting up air powered tools for the first time. Took me a while to do enough research on how to get the right fittings to connect to everything and getting the right air compressor.Be careful of the 1/4″ NPT fittings/couplers as a lot of the local stuff you can buy from Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc… are all industrial fittings and you may unintentionally have industrial fittings hooked up to auto fittings which will cause air leaks in the quick connect/disconnect couplers. It’s best to buy matching sets/brand of coupler and NPT fittings to avoid air leaks on the NitroCat. There is a difference between industrial and auto fittings and to make matters worse there are even more like Lincoln and ARO to make it even more confusing. And then if you visit Milton Industries online they will have an entire list of types of fittings from M-Style, A-Style, AA-Style, AMT Style, D-Style, G-Style, H-Style, L-Style, P-Style, T-Style, V-Style, and I’ll stop there.One last tip, when using the NitroCat to remove rusty nuts and bolts make sure you use your favorite brand of penetrating oil first (make sure to wait for 5-15 minutes so the oil can penetrate and do its job) so the stuck bolt or nut will come out easier. I used LPS KB88 as someone recommended elsewhere but you can use Kano Kroil, PB Blaster, Seafoam Deep Creep or whatever you want. Supposedly LPS KB88 is the best above Krano Kroil according to some people and LPS itself. Honestly, I don’t know what is the best but the KB88 worked for me and I also tried Sea Foam Deep Creep which didn’t work as well but worked better than WD-40. Sadly, I don’t have the resources and time to test out Kano Kroil or PB Blaster to see which is the ultimate penetrating oil to use with the impact wrench. If I had more resources I would’ve purchased an Ingersoll Rand impact wrench but I would still say this is a great beginners impact wrench and you can’t really go wrong with choosing it as your first wrench. No regrets, still a better buy than whatever you can get at your local big box hardware store. Of course, while searching for an impact wrench to buy I came across Harbor Freights Earthquake XT with similar pricing but with a 90-Day Risk Free Trial. Unfortunately, I do not live very close to one to try it out. Maybe consider that as an alternative if you don’t want to spend more money on an Ingersoll Rand or Snap-On.I suspect people are losing effective torque power on this impact wrench due to leaking fittings, different hose sizes, and compressor specifications. The general rule of thumb someone told me was 5 CFM per a tool @ 90 PSI per one person. My compressor is rated at 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI which runs the NitroCat fine.
Fran –
Lasting POWER! over two years now!UPDATED SEPTEMBER 1/2015It has been over two years now and this beast still works great. I must say I keep it in good shape. clean, oiled, and dont like to toss it. But the ones I bought for my cooworkers…….well….. they dont pay much attention to it. They toss it, wack it, drop it and like nothing. Compared to mine I can barely tell the difference in torque they virtually at the same power although mine feels a little tighter but not by much. I highly recommend this tool. Makes your job fun, easy & less noisy.I bought this because I read the reviews and I was like wow!. Well, I’ve had it for a few weeks now. I work in the plastic industry and have to change molds on a daily basis, they range from 800kg to 20,000kg. Some guys have their impacts rated at 450, 550, 650,and 800ft-lbs. So when I had my old mastercraft rated at 320ft-lbs I had a hard time loosening bolts……..well that changed. When I go to do a change over those bolts come off like butter LITERALLY! the power its amazing. The weight of the gun its not as light as I thought but it balances off with the airline and the grip I get its really comfortable. Its not as quiet as I expected but since I don’t have to lay on it to loose bolts the time per bolt its really really short. I oil it according to use but mostly everyday since I change at least 4 molds a day.The only thing that I was not very impressed with was the torque power when tighten the bolts. I don’t really think it goes 900ft-lbs as specified. I have had some loosen out with a 450ft-lbs gun, I had to lay on the bolt for like 3 seconds but it came out without mayor hassle. I think the real torque must be around 550-600ft-lbs.One thing I noticed which I think is good but I thought it wasn’t is that once you reached the maximum torque power the gun slows down by itself, It doesn’t let you force it. With the other ones you lay for seconds and seconds “torqueing” but the gun its just making noise and you are actually damaging your sockets, wrench and bolts. At first I thought it was lack of power in the gun but later I realized it wasn’t.Overall I’m happy with it, Time will decide how good is overtime. My old one lasted me about 7 months before I noticed lack of power but It was a cheap one. If this one lasts me at least 18 months I would be pleased.Good product.Updated September 20133 of my coworkers are ordering their own!! since they saw how good, light, powerfull and quiet mine is. THIS GUN ROCKS!!!!January 2015 update.So it has ben more than 18 months and my nitrocat its as good and powerful as day one. I have bought 8 in total for my coworkers. They love it and are glad they have it. Just ordered the las three two weeks ago. Definetly worth the money!Some of my coworkers have IR titanium and snap on blue point and this baby puts them to shame not just in power but in quietness too. Silent power!
Chris –
Came back for round 2Bought this gun at my first job out of Tech School. Ten years later it finally gave up the ghost.It was used 5 days a week with less maintenance and care than it deserved. It was dropped, pinched, jammed, sworn at and thrown. Went through plenty of hog rings and even ran water through it for some extra punch on occasion.With it’s death, it was a no-brainer to go right back and purchase another. It’s a little longer than most and can fatigue your hand/wrist with extended use. But I’ve put it up against plenty of competition and nothing beats the combo of price/power/noise. And any tool that can take 10 years of abuse in a professional setting is a win in my book.
Jon –
Pleasantly SurprisedI love this thing. I’m not a professional mechanic, but I do work on old tractors and farm equipment pretty much every day. I also don’ t have a lot to compare it to because I barely ever used my old one , it was so loud, and, this may sound silly but with a metal body it was just cold (in the winter), slippery when hands are covered in grease. Minor issues of course, but I found that I just never felt like picking it up. My old one also wasn’t always a sure thing for stuck bolts/nuts – so I just found it wasn’t worth finding out it wouldn’t work – it just stayed in its drawer. Insteadd I’d always reach for a breaker bar or even the torch first.From the moment I pulled this thing out of the box I knew I was going to like it. The body is comfortable to grip. it actually feels good in your hand. It’s well balanced. Just the grip alone is worth a star or two.The reason I bought it was because of the other reviews referring to it’s torque and ability to remove frozen bolts. I walked around an old tedder with some rusty nuts that haven’t come off in decades. First one – pulled the trigger for half a second to see how it sounded – MUCH quieter than my old one (a major concern for me having already lost so much of my hearing) And SMOOTH. I went to give the trigger another squeeze and realize the nut was already off the bolt. I couldn’t believe how fast, quiet, and powerful this thing was.So smooth that I spent the next 20 minutes just looking for stuff to take apart with it. I’d say “for this price” I don’t see how you can go wrong, but honestly, I’d be happy with this if I paid twice as much for it. Paying so little is just icing on the cake.It’s too new to talk about longevity, but if this thing stays together, I’ll rank it up there with some of my favorite tool purchases. So in addition to the other claims here about this wrench’s abilities, I’ll add that It’s an actual pleasure to use. I will reach for this thing WAY more often than my old one. I didn’t come into this purchase thinking about comfort and noise, but now that I’ve got it I realize that really does matter.
Matthew –
Best air tool in the shopQuiet, powerful impact, every technician in my shop likes this tool
Eleni F –
Good buyGreat impact gun! Quite and powerful
Info –
Lots of powerI little heavy but does have lots of power
A Real Tech –
The finest impact aroundThis has to be the single best air gun I’ve ever come across. I’ve used a lot of them, I’ve been around cars and working on them since I was 10. This is by far the quietest and most powerful in its form factor. It’s also quite light due its kevlar composite body. I never realized how heavy my IR was until I picked up again after using the Aircat for a few weeks. I noticed the torque particularly on a Mercedes whose lug nuts needed to come off. I wanted to see just for fun how much more torque the aircat had. So I used my IR and it took off only 6 lug nuts. The remaining 14 came off with the aircat no problem, didn’t even sound like it struggled. I didn’t like the switching mechanism at the back. But it’s grown on me. Unlike my IR whose 5 settings for torque can be flipped around completely and you never really can feel what setting it’s in, the aircat is very clear about what setting your in, if a little unclear as to how much torque you’re getting at those settings.I use it for everything. Removing hubs and bearings using the Hub Grappler kit, rotors and drums from the drum remover tool, frame work, brakes, and suspension work. It may be TOO much torque for some things…I definitely don’t use it on overly rusted bolts and nuts until I soak them in penetrating oil and even then, if it doesn’t come out easy, I reach for the torch. But it’s made my life a lot easier and I recommend it over pretty much any other air gun.
William –
Best impact I’ve owned yet..I’m a mold setter at a injection molding plant so I use a impact regularly to run clamps in that use bolts that have as big as 1 7/8 inch heads on them and my tools take a beating day in and day out.. I had the earthquake xt from harbor freight before this and this NitroCat puts it to shame.. there is absolutely no bolt that I’ve had a problem with since I bought it and it is just about the same price as the earthquake… plus this one is extremely comfortable to hold for long periods of time… definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a solid impact..