1/4" Air Ratchet Recommendations

[essdeezee]

Hey guys,

Aspiring tool junkie here. Finishing my bachelor's degree in my hometown of San Diego and applying for grad school in the fall. As you might assume, I am more or less broke. As of this last year, the majority of my disposable income has been sunk into tool purchases.

The remainder of my disposable income ends up somewhere inside my 1971 Datsun 240z. Air tools are one of my saviors, seeing as I deal with bolts that might have been in place for 38 years.

So...when I'm not breaking stuck bolts loose, I would like to speed up the loosening and tightening process.




I'm looking for a 1/4 air ratchet. I REEEEAALLLYYY like the new Ingersoll-Rand, but most definitely can't afford it at this point.

http://www.shopperschoice.com/item_i...ml?PID=1609763

General tool knowledge suggests the big brands for quality (Snap-On, MAC, Cornwell, I-R) but I can't afford any of their offerings new right now.

So......I was thinking about going Harbor Freight for their stubby (which I ASSume I'll use less), and waiting on Craigslist for the right name-brand to pop up.

I'm considering either

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93821

or...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93800



What say you?

[ron in sc]

Snap on FAR 25 is my favorite air ratchet. Can be found on ebay for way less than MSRP.

For working inside of car I like Florida Pneumatic FP-105 1/4-Inch Pro-Lectric Cordless.

[alex71]

I have a FAR25 which is excellent, but expensive. I also recently picked up a Puma Pneumatic air ratchet as a part of a bulk used tool purchase. This thing is really beat to hell, I don't know what the country of origin was, but I bet this is not an expensive tool. I like it very much though. Its thinner than the Snap-On, has enough torque for a 1/4", and feels good in your hand.

[billymade]

Look for used at the flea or pawn shop; see if they will let you try it out and guarantee for 24 hrs to check it out at the shop. The pawn shops are stuffed full of tools right now; because of the economy! Good luck! :)

[scottmlew]

I really like the Chicago Pneumatic CPT7823 that I recently bought. It's really tiny, yet very sturdy and well built, so I think it could handle all of your 1/4" air ratchet needs even though it's a stubby. The rotating head is nice for accessing tight spaces.

[snorky18]

When I was in was in engineering school, and I was dirt poor, I bought what tools I needed and could afford at the time, which more times than not meant Harbor Freight or similiar. I sometimes buy nicer stuff now that I can afford it, but given my circumstances at the time, I think it was the right decision.

The plan is if it wears out or breaks buy nicer stuff now. The thing is, none of it has broken or worn out yet...

[Danglerb]

Instead of a 1/4 air tool, what about something cordless?

[Delray]

My wife bought me a 1/4" CP she found on clearance at Wal-Mart. Maybe paid $15 or $20. I use mine more than the 3/8" especially under the car spinning off oil pan and tranny pan bolts. I never had a problem with it.

[Titus]

Instead of a 1/4 air tool, what about something cordless?

+1

I have fallen in love with my 1/4" SKIL cordless "power wrench".

[cnyeco1]

If you are located in San Diego, go to a pawn shop and offer at least a 20% under asking price. If you are not a mechanic and just need it for occasional usage it's a good way to get a name brand cheap. 2nd, I live in OKC OK. and notice alot of them on CL, but you have to deal with people. Harbor freight is a good place for cheap tools, but don't get the cheapest ratchet. Get one like the chicago pneumatic or pro brand, they are still cheap but better than breaking it first time out.

I have a CP 1/2 air impact I bought from HF 8 years ago and I like it more than my Mac. It takes alot of abuse and still works great.

Good Luck.

[cruiser808]

My wife bought me a 1/4" CP she found on clearance at Wal-Mart. Maybe paid $15 or $20. I use mine more than the 3/8" especially under the car spinning off oil pan and tranny pan bolts. I never had a problem with it.

A CP 1/4" ratchet for $15-20? What model was it? CP824? :headscrat

[Delray]

Oops Pardon me I miss typed. It's just a cheap CH Wal-Mart thing most likely Asian but I have had it a few years. Campbell Hausfield

[speed bump]

Nitrocat as they are quiet.

[nissan_crawler]

aircat....

[kyoung]

I second the Aircat.

[kartracer55]

Friend of mine bought a regular old HF cheapie for like 15$ on sale or something like that and loves it. At 15$, its basically disposable. Isn't super powerful, but it saves time. Looks to be a knock off of a CP 824...

Which, might I add, can be had for about 65$ New...

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/CS_Shipping.html#99+


I got an IR stubby (Ir103A... about 83$ from the same site as above) as a gift a few years ago and I also love it, although I can't say I use it often enough to say it is the best one ever. I really can't see spending crazy money on a 1/4 air ratchet, There isn't a lot of torque involved, im in it more for durability.

My preference would be to either spend decent money on a CP or IR or buy the cheapest possible one you can from HF. Stay out of the 40-50$ range because its just expensive junk.

[Moose-LandTran]

I'd just buy a 3/8" air ratchet. Unless you're planning to use it on nuts/bolts smaller than 8mm or 5/16". Even then, 3/8" sockets tend to go down to 6mm or 1/4".

[Rusty Kustoms]

I have a snap on FAR 25, it is by far the best 1/4" air ratchet. I have used many others and nothing else compares, more torque than any 1/4" should have, only problem is it is a bit loud.

[speed bump]

I have a snap on FAR 25, it is by far the best 1/4" air ratchet. I have used many others and nothing else compares, more torque than any 1/4" should have, only problem is it is a bit loud.

Thats why I want the Aircat, my current air ratchet and most of the other ones are just to noisy for them to be of any use (although supposedly the new CP is quiet but it cost $150).

[bushhawg73]

EBAY, there seams to be more and more tools everyday. As the economy continues to decline I am sure the pickings will improve.

[JeepsAreBuilt]

I'll recommend the Florida Pneumatic 733M 1/4" air ratchet. It's my number one go to tool at work, it gets a good work out 5 days a week all day long. I've had this one for almost 3 years now.. and I can't believe how long it has lasted. I'm buying another one if it ever dies. Its fast, got enough torque, the quick switch works good once you get used to it. They can be had new for less than $100.

[essdeezee]

Thanks for the quick input guys, I'm genuinely surprised by how many informative responses I got so fast.

I have a milwaukee 4v which works good if I have the clearance. I have a ryobi( $25 on CL) 18v impact driver, which is too high RPM and too powerful for spinning nuts and bolts on.

So, I'm still sold on a 1/4' air ratchet.

Sounds like I'm headed to the local pawnshops.

Thanks again guys!

[oldtools]

I bought a 3/8 Astro Pneumatic for $5, a 3/8 Sioux for $10, and a 1/4 Buckeye for $15 at the swap meet. All of them still work very well.

[SteveU]

I have the aircat 1/4" & 3/8" ratchets, they are quiet enough to use inside the shop with the overhead door closed & no ear plugs. What's not to like about an air ratchet that's not much louder than an electric drill?