I was in the market for an air ratchet. The model I was interested in, the 3/8 Aircat 805-HT had very little real world reviews. I searched here, and other forums, and could find little real world use info about it. Yesterday I received my order from Amazon 115 dollars later, and while I was in the garage today, thought I would try it out. So here are my first impressions of it. It is large and weighing in at 3.3 pounds, it is by no means a lightweight. The pictures later will give you a good idea if your familiar with eastwing hammers.
The variable trigger action is very smooth and controllable. The grips seem to be comfortable, but only extended use will tell. Another feature that it has which is standard now days, is the movable exhaust. It is a single paw design, and with a claimed 130 ft lbs of power without a reaction-less feature, you need to be mindful of your surroundings. I decided I would test out the power output first by trying to remove the lugnuts on my car which are torqued to 91 ft lbs. Slapped on a 19mm deep well and went at it. The ratchet had no problem removing the lugnuts, but it certainly isnt a speed king. Aircat rates the free speed rpm at 180, but the tag on it reads 200 rpm. Next up, I decided I would try pushing it a little further. I grabbed my Armstrong 12-973 1/2 ratchet and a 23mm and backed off a 10.9 engine craddle bolt. Switched the socket over to my Snap On ATECH3FR250B torque wrench, and cinched it down to the required 123 ft lbs. Knowing this was close to the max torque rating of the air ratchet, I was just expecting kickback and nothing else. To my surprise, it proceeded to loosen and run the bolt out. So far im liking the first impressions of the 805-HT. Ill update this thread in the future on my thoughts after more usage.
56652_700x700 by kelly benningfield, on Flickr
Immediately after unboxing it.
CameraZOOM-20170314214937494 by kelly benningfield, on Flickr
And in the toolbox next to a 22 oz Eastwing hammer.
CameraZOOM-20170315151555132 by kelly benningfield, on Flickr
The variable trigger action is very smooth and controllable. The grips seem to be comfortable, but only extended use will tell. Another feature that it has which is standard now days, is the movable exhaust. It is a single paw design, and with a claimed 130 ft lbs of power without a reaction-less feature, you need to be mindful of your surroundings. I decided I would test out the power output first by trying to remove the lugnuts on my car which are torqued to 91 ft lbs. Slapped on a 19mm deep well and went at it. The ratchet had no problem removing the lugnuts, but it certainly isnt a speed king. Aircat rates the free speed rpm at 180, but the tag on it reads 200 rpm. Next up, I decided I would try pushing it a little further. I grabbed my Armstrong 12-973 1/2 ratchet and a 23mm and backed off a 10.9 engine craddle bolt. Switched the socket over to my Snap On ATECH3FR250B torque wrench, and cinched it down to the required 123 ft lbs. Knowing this was close to the max torque rating of the air ratchet, I was just expecting kickback and nothing else. To my surprise, it proceeded to loosen and run the bolt out. So far im liking the first impressions of the 805-HT. Ill update this thread in the future on my thoughts after more usage.
56652_700x700 by kelly benningfield, on FlickrImmediately after unboxing it.
CameraZOOM-20170314214937494 by kelly benningfield, on FlickrAnd in the toolbox next to a 22 oz Eastwing hammer.
CameraZOOM-20170315151555132 by kelly benningfield, on Flickr