Need recommendations for 3/8 air ratchet

[Tarheelgarage]

Looking to replace a crappy NT 3/8 air ratchet with something better.
Would like something shorter than 10" overall length if possible.

What are some of your recommendations as far as good quality/performance for the price you pay?

Also, any Cman ratchets recommended?

thanks,

 

[Titus]

Subscribed...

Its about time for me to upgrade my air tools too.

 

[caper]

Not cheap but I've had great service from my Far 720 from snap on,great power and good reliability.Had it for about 8 yrs.

 

[Titus]

I always see several MAC and Matco air ratchets at the pawn shop near me for $50-100, but I have no idea if that is a good deal, or what models to look for.

 

[autoace]

My favorite 3/8 air ratchet is this Craftsman, push button direction change, not too big, mage in Japan, I paid 89.99 for it when it was on sale.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Automotive+Air+Tools

 

[Flash21]

My favorite 3/8 air ratchet is this Craftsman, push button direction change, not too big, mage in Japan, I paid 89.99 for it when it was on sale.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Automotive+Air+Tools

Looks nice...also, I haven't seen this one before:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919692000P?mv=rr

 

[Billin21]

Cornwell CAT 250AR
http://www.cornwelltoolsonline.com/CQTProdData/_____CAT250AR.html

On sale for $114.95 this month

 

[Billin21]

Cornwell CAT 250AR
http://www.cornwelltoolsonline.com/CQTProdData/_____CAT250AR.html

On sale for $114.95 this month

My mistake... Misread it

CAT5000 would be my choice for a good 3/8

http://www.cornwelltoolsonline.com/CQTProdData/_____CAT5000HD.html

 

[Spookrider]

My Dads CP ??? 3/8 ratchet from the 60's or 70's still going strong for me at work.

 

[bushhawg73]

I have owned the Blue Point AT700F for many years. It is a lower foot pounds model but it has always been reliable.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=68282&group_ID=19895&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

You may also want to check out this company. I do not own any of their tools but they seam to have a good reputation for building quality products.

http://www.florida-pneumatic.com/

The FP730 looks pretty nice and it has 60 foot pounds.

 

[Stephenw]

I have owned the Blue Point AT700F for many years. It is a lower foot pounds model but it has always been reliable.

That is the ratchet I have and it is now worn out. When the fastner stops cold, the ratchet mechanism continues to turn under air power.

I don't feel this ratchet is worth the money. It is my opinion that the Ingersoll-Rand or even Craftsman air tools are just as good and are less expensive.

 

[speed bump]

I would reccomend worrying about air ratchet noise as well as everything else. The biggest reason I don't use an air ratchet more is it is just to loud for interior or most small space work.

 

[bushhawg73]

That is the ratchet I have and it is now worn out. When the fastner stops cold, the ratchet mechanism continues to turn under air power.

I don't feel this ratchet is worth the money. It is my opinion that the Ingersoll-Rand or even Craftsman air tools are just as good and are less expensive.

I am not a pro wrencher so mine has seen limited use. Mine is also about 8 years old and did not cost as much as they do now. If there was a problem I would try and rebuild.

Ebay is also another option. I just bought a Snap on PDR3A for 49.00 shipped to the house. Looked in good shape, now if it will ever get here I'll post a pic in a new thread. I would check out ebay, the tools are still moving but not at the rate they were 2 months ago.

IMHO

 

[kartracer55]

IR1200. Just as good as the expensive truck ratchets IMHO. Had one minor problem with it in the past couple years. Doesn't see super heavy use, thanks to the 3/8 impact, but still, has some balls.

 

[Fedwrench]

I wouldn't recommend any Craftsman air ratchet but, that's just my opinion. I don't know how much power you want so, I'll give you models to choose from. You really can't go wrong with IR air tools in my opinion. Either one of these will serve you well.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/IR-1099XPA.html

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/IR-107XPA.html

 

[AutoTech]

The FAR7200 Snap On ratchet is the only one I will use. I've had mine about 5 years now and still going strong after heavy daily use

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

I have a FAR7200, i used it good and hard when i was an auto tech, those days are gone, i still use it now. But only in tight spots where i can fit it and i don't want to click a ratchet. Got it on fleabay for $150 when i first used it i was not use to the power an jabbed my chin with it. But if your not using it daily, then i would stick with something more reasonable as far as price goes. When it comes to air ratchets get the most power you can get for your dollar, you'll thank yourself later.....

 

[scottmlew]

I am in the market for one, and my research seems to indicate that the IR 1225ti is the best unit, although it's not inexpensive. It's 8" long, iirc. If anyone has comments, I'd love to hear them before I order tomorrow! Supposedly this unit is among the best for fitting into tight spaces.

For 1/4 inch, btw, I am eyeing the Chicago Pneumatic (CPT7823) 4 Position Swivel Head Compact 1/4" Drive Ratchet. This looks pretty neat. Anyone have experience with it?

 

[nadogail]

My 3/8 Campbell-Hausfeld Professional has been working for me for about 11 years, bought it at Home Depot.

 

[scottmlew]

I ordered both of the units I mentioned on Thursday (IR 1225ti and CPT 7823). I'll report back once I get them!

 

[gibbon_guy]

Snap-on FAR72C - knuckle saver with a decent amount of torque (paid $110 shipped)
MAC AR778 - thinner head for those tight areas but a knuckle buster (free)

 

[Skyline]

I use a FAR7200 as well, and the torque is amazing.

Another nice ratchet is the top of the line MAC, ( not sure of the number). It has the direction control low down on the top so you can operate it with one hand, the same hand you have on the trigger. This is truely an innovative design, that I don't think anyone can match.

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

Get ready

I like the FAR7200, but if i would buy again it would be a FAR72c.

Just seen this video on Boo tube seems to have more power, than the FAR7200, i know i can get those bolts with with my air ratchet, just have to start the air ratchet spinning and push it on. But that MATCO dose it on the fly, the head seems to be alittel too big for me, but its good to have that much power in some situations....

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PWJ30LiGQMA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PWJ30LiGQMA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

 

[grzmonkey]

CP7830Q .... 190 RPM / 90 ft lbs of torque .... adjustable exhaust for noise control.

 

[SteveU]

I would reccomend worrying about air ratchet noise as well as everything else. The biggest reason I don't use an air ratchet more is it is just to loud for interior or most small space work.

I have both the 3/8" & 1/4" aircat air ratchets, both are plenty powerful for what they are used for & are quiet enough to use about anywhere being not much louder than an electric drill. I also have a regular 3/8" air ratchet which will send my younger daughter running to the house from the noise, with the aircat she stays around.

 

[PoorOwner]

Damn that's one powerful air ratchet, I would be too scared to use it..
It can loosen my lugnuts!

Get ready

I like the FAR7200, but if i would buy again it would be a FAR72c.

Just seen this video on Boo tube seems to have more power, than the FAR7200, i know i can get those bolts with with my air ratchet, just have to start the air ratchet spinning and push it on. But that MATCO dose it on the fly, the head seems to be alittel too big for me, but its good to have that much power in some situations....

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PWJ30LiGQMA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PWJ30LiGQMA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have both the 3/8" & 1/4" aircat air ratchets, both are plenty powerful for what they are used for & are quiet enough to use about anywhere being not much louder than an electric drill. I also have a regular 3/8" air ratchet which will send my younger daughter running to the house from the noise, with the aircat she stays around.

x2. I never touched my IR's after buying my Aircats. Extremely quiet, plenty of power, lever is extremely comfortable with infinite speed to it.

 

[z28toz06]

+1 For aircat!!! AFter using mine, I wouldn't buy anything else. Its got nut and is quiet.

 

[Dust]

I bought the Craftsman 3/8 mini ratchet and absolutely love it. It's lightweight, small enough to get in many tight spots, and has enough torque for most engine fasteners. I used to use my larger Craftsman 3/8 ratchet, but the higher torque and longer length made it too unwieldy for my needs. I kept banging my hand against things as well as the ratchet back kicked.

Harbor Freight also has a mini-mini 3/8 ratchet, but I haven't tried it yet. Overall length of that one is about four inches, while the Craftsman is about ten.

 

[kartracer55]

When it comes to air ratchets, speed is what I'd look at. There is a lot more control compared to a gun, so its nice to run down fasteners that require a gentle touch to hand tighten. You can get them damn close to snug without quite getting there.

The only thing a super-high torque rating means is more busted knuckles. Air ratchets **** for that!

 

[crbracing]

i hav a ir 107xp its not bad but kinda solw. I want to replace it with a far7200 or far72c i have used the far72c bit i kinda like the looks of the far7200 does any one have any recomendations betwen the two ratchets?

 

[rsanter]

I have a FAR72B from snap on
has always performed well for me

bob

 

[jshillin]

+1 For aircat!!! AFter using mine, I wouldn't buy anything else. Its got nut and is quiet.

OK, I have read nothing but good things about aircats and I'm in the market for a 3/8" air ratchet. Where is the best place to buy them?? Are you guys using the larger or smaller one??

Thanks

- jason

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

i hav a ir 107xp its not bad but kinda solw. I want to replace it with a far7200 or far72c i have used the far72c bit i kinda like the looks of the far7200 does any one have any recomendations betwen the two ratchets?

To me i would go for the far72c, the bypass to me is mere gimmick i never realy dial it in to quiet mode even tho it does sound much more quiet, but seem to lose some steam, both seem to have the same power. I have the 7200, i do like the cushion grip, and has held up the five years I've had it...

 

[crbracing]

To me i would go for the far72c, the bypass to me is mere gimmick i never realy dial it in to quiet mode even tho it does sound much more quiet, but seem to lose some steam, both seem to have the same power. I have the 7200, i do like the cushion grip, and has held up the five years I've had it...

i here a lot of good things about the far72c. does that do somthing that the far7200 dosent because on paper the far7200 looks like the ticket more tq higher rpms cushion grip and the quiet mode. it seams like the far7200 is more bang for your buck. ime just wondering why every one is teling me far72c.