Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: The angle of this grinder helped me get into areas that a straight or a 90-degree die grinder wouldn’t. It has tons of power and is pretty quiet as well.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used it to cut loose a few small welds at the firewall up under the dash of a drag car, various other cutting and grinding on a logsplitter project I’m trying to get finished up before it gets too cold, and cleaning up some rusty engine parts for a head gasket job. Oh, and chopping the exhaust off an old Chevy truck to get it ready for some new dual pipes.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Screw on an air fitting, a few drops of oil and a couple squeezes of grease into the side of the head and it was ready for a 1/4” accessory.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: It was simple to use. The flapper trigger had a safety feature that I would normally remove but this one actually worked well and I could easily release it as I was ready for the power. You can rotate a collar at the base and adjust where the exhaust blows out instead of just blowing straight back along your hose. It has tons of power if you’re using it for a grinder or cutoff tool, but you might want to choke it down just a bit if you're doing any resurfacing. You can control the speed with the trigger but this cat likes to run. The composite body is great. I ran this thing full blast for 15 minutes and my hand didn’t get cold like it does after just a few minutes with my others.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: I opened the glossy black and red box and found the grinder nestled in its own black AIRCAT cloth pouch. It came with the wrench (only needs one) to change out the accessories, pocket guide to whet your appetite for your next AIRCAT purchase after you try this baby out, manual packet, and a thank you card welcoming you to AIRCAT ownership (which I personally think is pretty cool).
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: Yes, the manual was easy to read and understand. It also came warranty registration card, tips to keep you cat purring, and a list of factory authorized service centers for parts or repair.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I like being able to control where the exhaust is going. I really like the button that locks the head so you only need one wrench to change out the accessory, because using two wrenches and trying to hold the tool is a pain. The composite body letting my hand stay warm is pretty darn cool too.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: This tool is great. Outside of it being bidirectional I can’t think of anything to make it better.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool?
A: This is the first 115 degree grinder I’ve used, but the one wrench and the composite body are definitely an improvement over any of my others. I’m definitely interested in replacing my others with AIRCATs.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?
A: Being able to get into that awkward spot saved time and that means being able to move on to the next project faster.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall?
A: I give it a nine. It was a great tool. Lightweight composite body, adjustable exhaust deflector, quiet. Button locking head allowing one tool accessory changes. It would be great if it was bi-directional to be able to better control the debris.
This Tool Review originally appeared on VehicleServicePros.com.
