Ingersoll-Rand IR-231 1/2-Inch Super Duty Impact Wrench

by Ingersoll-Rand

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The classic IR231 is the most popular tool in its class. Introduced over 25 years ago and continuously refined, the 1/2-inch super duty impact wrench features a twin hammer impact mechanism that is built for power and durability. Other features include, a pressure-feed lubrication system and variable power control in forward and reverse. With 425 ft/lbs. of maximum torque to tackle the toughest jobs with ease, it is no wonder that the IR231 is the industry standard.

Product Details

Product Manual [581kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4 x 6.8 inches ; 5.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004XOSJ
• Item model number: IR-231
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,334 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 14 years and still kicking!, August 22, 2002

By 

ima_user (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ingersoll-Rand IR-231 1/2-Inch Super Duty Impact Wrench (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the ONLY 1/2" impact wrench I would ever recommend. It's relatively lightweight. The knurled knob allows you to change the impact force and direction, even with very greasy hands.
I used this for 5 years when I turned wrench, and gave it a good workout. I have dropped it, kicked it, forgotten it in the rain (once), and it keeps working. The only thing I was always sure to do was keep it well oiled and cleaned at the beginning and end of each day. At the end of the 5-year period turning wrench, I bought the rebuild kit (another nice feature, available in the 90's for about {$$$}), which restored all of its original power.
Also, check out the I.R. impact sockets. Value priced at less than ($$$) for the deep socket set, and I have never broken one. Fine tools at reasonable prices!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice wrench, but not built in the USA as I expected, July 26, 2004

By 

Paul Riddle "lpaulriddle" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ingersoll-Rand IR-231 1/2-Inch Super Duty Impact Wrench (Tools & Home Improvement)

I received this wrench as a gift and was initially skeptical that I'd be able to use it with my small air compressor (a Hitachi EC12 rated at 4.2cfm@90psi). While I wouldn't recommend this combination for an auto shop, I've found that for occasional use around the house, it works great. I've used it for removing things like lawnmower blade bolts, frozen nuts from plumbing fixtures, lug nuts, etc. with no problems at all. I was a little disappointed, however, to see that the wrench was made in China. I figured with a brand like Ingersoll-Rand it'd be a pretty safe bet that I'd be getting a US-made tool, but that was not the case. If I had bought the tool myself I would probably have bought a different brand for this reason alone. However, the tool works well and the build quality seems good, so I can't really complain.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than enough power for home use, October 26, 2003

By 

Greg T. (Dalton, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ingersoll-Rand IR-231 1/2-Inch Super Duty Impact Wrench (Tools & Home Improvement)

After acquiring a small pancake compressor, I decided it was time to get an impact wrench. I bought one of the cheap, Chinese made "250 ft/lb" impact wrenches from a traveling tool show. What a mistake. It could not loosen hand-tightened lug nuts. I then happened on a well used 231 at a pawn shop. It has never failed to loosen whatever I have put it on. This includes lug nuts, an axle nut, rusted nuts and bolts, and an anti-corrosion anode on a 15 year old water heater. This tool works wonders on fasteners which would drive a sane person mad if he tried to loosen them with hand wrenches or a ratchet. I would like to get a IR2131, but the old 231 won't let me justify replacing it.