Breaking Down The Ingersoll Rand 182K1 Needle Scaler Kit | A Product Overview
Posted by Mark Schieber on 5th Oct 2024
Have you ever had to tackle a surface preparation job that left you longing for a needle gun with more power? Not all guns are made equal. Allow us to re-introduce the Ingersoll Rand 182K1 Needle and Chisel Scaler Kit. It's not just your average needle gun kit and it's not new, but it sets the bar for industrial grade needle scalers. The field proven, tried and true IR182, sets the standard for power and durability in industrial applications.
In case you are not familiar with percussive type pneumatic tools, what exactly is a needle scaler? Envision this: a cluster of hardened steel needles reciprocating back and forth in rapid fashion, hammering off rust, weld splatter, paint, and scale. The needles are driven by a pneumatic driven piston connected to an output ram. The tools' finger-like needles deliver rapid blows to surfaces in order to remove rust and old coatings. The thin needle fingers are able to access corners and crevices without being overly aggressive so they don't affect the metal profile beneath the surface.
Exploring the Ingersoll Rand 182K1 Needle and Chisel Scaler Kit
Let's talk about the Ingersoll Rand 182K1 Needle and Chisel Scaler Kit. This isn't your average needle scaler – it's the Swiss Army Knife of needle scaler kits! The convenient blow molded case includes the 182 Needle Scaler itself, plus three sets of 19 count hardened steel needles - one 5” long set and another 7” long set, with the shorter set being the more aggressive of the two. The needles measure 3mm (⅛”) in diameter – just right for getting the job done without going overboard. Also included are three chisel attachments - a narrow chisel, a flat wide chisel, and a wide angle chisel.
Choose the chisels based on the orientation of the work. Angle chisels are preferred for scraping vertical surfaces while a flat chisel is better for in line work.
The full contents of the 182K1 Scaler Kit Includes:
- Model 182L scaler.
- Complete NS11A needle attachment housing with 5" long needles.
- One extra set of NS11–22–19 needles, 5" long.
- One set of NS11-122–19 needles, 7" long.
- One WF–14A – 6 – 1/8" angle chisel.
- One WF–14B – 6 – 1/8" straight chisel.
- One WF–14F – 7" flat chisel. • A PKB-1 or vinyl carrying case.
Power and Air Consumption
The Ingersoll Rand 182 needle gun operates at 4,000 blows per minute or 67 impacts every second. It takes an industry standard 90 PSI and only consumes 13 CFM. Even a modest 5 HP compressor can power the 182 so it's ideal for work in the field.
Size
The Ingersoll Rand 182 scaler fits comfortably in the hand and hits the sweet spot at 3.4 lbs and 7.5 inches long. It's compact enough to squeeze into tight spots, but robust enough to feel solid in your hands. It's also evenly balanced to reduce arm fatigue.
Features
What makes the Ingersoll Rand 182K1 Needle and Chisel Scaler unique? First up, the lever throttle gives you pinpoint control. Need to feather a delicate spot? No problem. Want to go all in on some stubborn rust? Run it wide open and watch the rust disappear. Being able to dial in just the right amount of power can make all the difference between restoration and disaster. Due in part to its precision valving, the 182 can be run at varying levels of aggressiveness. The long nozzle section extends retainer life and permits the use of a variety of accessories.
Ergonomic Housing Design
The round design of the 182 spreads out vibration evenly, transferring less vibration to the operator's hands and arms. Here's something you'll also love – the quick-change retainer system - Switching between needle and chisel attachments is quick and easy. No tools, no fuss, just add or remove the needle scale attachment as needed. The adjustable bayonet-type needle housing lock allows adjustment without special tools.
Use the needle housing attachment on for needle gunning or attachment off for chiseling or scraping. If used as a chisel scaler, the 182 accepts ½” shanks chisels with the Ingersoll Rand style notch (see photos above).
Durability and Reliability
The 182 needle and chisel scaler sets the bar for durability. The strengthened head block holds up under the most extreme conditions and the heavy-duty steel barrel can take a beating and come back for more. Plenty of our customers have had these in their yards for decades and just rebuild them over and over again. They eventually turn into Frankenstein's but the modularity of these tools makes them highly serviceable. Just keep plenty of spare parts and needles on hand. Nonetheless, a few drops of good quality 10 weight air tool oil before each use will ensure a long service life.
Putting the Ingersoll Rand 182 to Use…
So where can you put the 182 to work? The better question is, where can't you? In the marine world, it's used to remove barnacles, old paint, corrosion, and welding spatter. When used as a chisel scaler you can use it to scrape non-skid off the deck, or as a scraper tool for bulkheads, keels and props.
In a structural steel plant, these versatile tools are commonly used to remove welding spatter, slag, and mill scale. In a foundry they can be used like an air hammer to remove gating and risers on smaller castings.
In non-production settings, the 182K1 is the MVP of equipment maintenance. It'll strip rust and scale from machinery and heavy equipment with ease. When you need to work around delicate parts, its precision control comes in handy. Needle guns can be used on everything from earth movers, to industrial boilers, to delicate pipework.
Even construction crews can benefit from needle scalers. Use them to texture concrete for better adhesion, prep steel I beams before welding, and even restore historic buildings.
What About the Cost?
The 182K1 is not an inexpensive kit, but it will pay for itself in productivity gains. It’s the longest latest needle gun we have seen in harsh environments so our philosophy is simple - only cry once and get the best. If you opt for a cheaper tool, for example the Ingersoll Rand 125-A is a popular value play, expect to burn through 4X as many tools. The 182 in the hands of a good operator will pay for itself many times over and can be rebuilt over and over again in contrast to its more disposable counterparts.
The Final Word
The IR182 needle scaler is time tested and approved in accordance with specification MIL– S–23492A (ships). Its precision heat-treated needles maximize performance. The 182 is a simple, powerful, and effective tool that has the power, precision, and versatility to handle whatever you throw at it. If you're a pro dealing with surface prep regularly, especially in tough industrial or marine environments, this tool is the ideal choice. If you are a DIY this will most likely be the last needle scaler kit you need.
Still undecided? We are here to answer questions. - For more information or technical support pertaining to any of our needle guns or any other air tools for that matter, shoot us an email at info@intlairtool.com or give us a call (800) 608-5210