Switchable Drive System Makes the Ingersoll Rand DXS Impact Wrench the Most Versatile We’ve Ever Tested
With the launch of the 2236QTiMAX, the Ingersoll Rand DXS system came into the world and completely changed the way we think about our pneumatic impact wrenches. I got one in the hands of our resident diesel mechanic, Isaac Leuchtefeld, to see what he thinks of this interchangeable system and whether it can withstand the rigors of his heavy-duty workload.
Reasons to Buy
- Interchangeable anvil system
- 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4-inch anvils available
- Standard and extended lengths available
- Up to 1500 ft-lbs of breakaway torque
- Up to 1000 ft-lbs of fastening torque
- Titanium hammercase improves durability
Consider Another Model if…
- You need more power
- You’re looking for a cordless model
- You need a compact model
Ingersoll Rand DXS Impact Wrench Performance
The 2236 isn’t a brand-new line for Ingersoll Rand, and the drive system isn’t the only upgrade to previous versions. It boasts 1500 ft-lbs of breakaway torque—200 ft-lbs more than the last generation. In forward, you have 1000 ft-lbs of fastening torque combined with an impact rate of 1350 IPM and a top speed of 7500 RPM.
That level of power is great for a variety of tasks and having three modes to work with helps expand into lower power needs. Just one example Isaac shared was torquing down flywheel bolts on a motor swap. Their three-stage procedure involves torquing to 59 ft-lbs, then 191 ft-lbs, and then finishing off the final 120°. In this scenario, the 2236 DXS had both the breakaway power to quickly remove the bolts and the sustained power to set them with excellent control.
There’s something else you may notice while you’re working as well—quieter operation. Ingersoll Rand developed a new airflow pathway that reduces operating noise by 4 decibels. That might not seem like much, but the decibel scale curve isn’t linear. A drop of 4 decibels means the sound pressure level (SPL) is less than half that of the higher level. In terms of perceived loudness, a 10-decibel drop sounds half as loud, so that 4-decibel loss is a noticeable improvement.
Ingersoll Rand DXS Drive System
Certainly, the biggest talking point for this impact wrench is the interchangeable anvil system. DXS—Drive Xchange System—allows you to change drive size and length while using the same base tool.
There are two key components that make it work. First, there’s a spline-style interface that takes the bulk of the abuse as it transfers the power of the hammer and anvil into your socket.
Then there’s a pin detent on each drive. Once you line up the shaft, use the included tool to push the detent in and slide into place. There’s only one way that it fits, so you don’t have to worry about it locking in the wrong location.
When you’re ready to switch drives, rotate the red collar around until the access hole lines up with the detent. Use the same tool from the install to press it in and pull the drive out. As I was switching between drives, I found it to be a little bit awkward to manage at first, but I quickly got used to it. After just a few minutes of practice, I could make the change in about 15 seconds.
Currently, there are 10 compatible shafts covering 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 3/4-inch drives along with standard and extended lengths. The tool comes with a 1/2-inch standard length drive.
Ingersoll Rand DXS Impact Wrench Design Notes
Aside from the DXS system, there aren’t any real surprises with this model. A dial adjusting the 3 power modes and the forward/reverse switch is on the rear of the tool.
The tool weighs 4.4 pounds, and the working weight changes based on which drive you’re using. Compared to other impacts Isaac uses to get the same level of power, it’s a lighter, less fatiguing tool.
From a construction standpoint, there’s a titanium hammercase that boosts the durability of what was already a solid foundation.
Ingersoll Rand DXS Impact Wrench Price
Currently, the DXS version of the 2236 has 3 configurations, all with a 1/2-inch drive.
The 2236TiMAX includes a standard drive length with friction ring for $379.
The 2236QPTiMAX includes a standard drive length with pin detent for $399.
Finally, 2236TiMAX-2 comes with a 2-inch extended length drive for $389.
Individual replacement anvils run $50 – $70, and there are a variety of sets available that can save you some money over buying single packs.
The Bottom Line
Ingersoll Rand targeted high versatility with the 2236 DXS impact wrench and they nailed it. The tool’s ability to work with multiple drive sizes and lengths, plus three levels of power make it a smart choice for a wide range of applications. Best of all, it eliminates the need to purchase and maintain multiple tools. When we’re the ones on the hook for the cost of new tools, that’s a sweet song we can dance to.
