1/4" Impact Wrench

[edl]

do you use one frequently?

if yes, ratchet style or pistol style?

good brand?

thanks!! ED

 

[Danglerb]

I have a POS style, and don't use it at all. Its the cheap Craftsman torqueless model, uncanny what it won't turn. I think I am just going to look for a nice small 3/8 for times when I don't need or have space for 1/2.

 

[WVBrady]

I have a small 1/4 inch Craftsman ratchet (not really an impact). I got it specifically for the adjustment screw on my Probe. I have a bad back and can't lean over the amount of time that it takes to change belts on the alternator without it. I can't get anything larger in there. It is also handy for small things that you don't want to overtorque, or for running them up snug before you use a torque wrench on them. If I can't break a nut or bolt free with it, I just use an ordinary wrench to loosen it and then use the rachet to spin it off. I am glad that I have it, but have never found the need for a 1/4 inch impact wrench because it would not be small enough to get into awkward places. I had a cheap butterfly impact wrench for several years that I never used. I thought I would try it out one day and found out that it had seized up. I broke it trying to loosen it, so I just tossed it. (BTW, I just work on my own stuff; a professional might have more use for it)

Edit: I just checked and found that the small 3/8 Craftsman is the same size as the 1/4, so you could use either one in most places. The 3/8 probably has a little more torque, if that is important to you.
HTH, Brady

 

[83diesel]

The 1/4" air ratchets are handy for light work, and as stated before for running down fasteners you plan to torque. When buying a 1/4" air ratchet the more expensive models are quieter, but the cheaper models get the job just as well.

The 1/4" impacts are handy for transmission work and tight places that you would normally use a 1/4" ratchet or stubby 3/8", The IR model 1/4" has a lot of power and fits in to small places. We use them at the shop for 13mm headed bolts on oil coolers, turbo lines, valve cover bolts, etc. If you are a professional tech I feel both can be usefull, but as hobby/ diy, I would not buy one for the limited times they are needed on certain vehicles.

 

[MarkH]

1/4 ratchet used a fair amount only issue slower than impact, impact rare.

I got the ratchet first and liked it.

 

[edl]

thx guys!~~~

 

[Deafautotech]

I own blue point 1/4dr impact wrench (TWO) both is used... i love it and i used it a lot for transmission service and engine works but must use torque wrench to do final torque...

I had three air ratchet (1/4dr) and i like it but slow.... but great for tight area......

 

[Moose-LandTran]

For me, i'd go with an Ingersoll-rand Straight/Palm 3/8" impact and 3/8" compact ratchet. you can always put a step-down adapter on them, and they're hardly any bigger than the 1/4", in most cases the 1/4" and 3/8" impacts share the same bodies and only the anvils are different.

 

[PoorOwner]

I went with a 1/4" air ratchet since the biggest 1/4" socket I have is 13mm but actually 1/4" for me is just used for various 10mm bolts not torqued high at all,

I think a 1/4" impact gun would be novelty for most unless you deal with these small bolts that have corrosion.. Or maybe if you build alot of wood work which require driving alot of small 1/4" lag bolts the impact action might be useful.

For the other stuff valve cover and bumper cover I just zip it off with a 1/4" air ratchet it's easier to handle then a gun. A gun will also require 1/4" version impact sockets as well which is added expense.

 

[Deafautotech]

I went with a 1/4" air ratchet since the biggest 1/4" socket I have is 13mm but actually 1/4" for me is just used for various 10mm bolts not torqued high at all,

I think a 1/4" impact gun would be novelty for most unless you deal with these small bolts that have corrosion.. Or maybe if you build alot of wood work which require driving alot of small 1/4" lag bolts the impact action might be useful.

For the other stuff valve cover and bumper cover I just zip it off with a 1/4" air ratchet it's easier to handle then a gun. A gun will also require 1/4" version impact sockets as well which is added expense.

yeah but i already own snap on and mac tool impact sockets (short, semi-deep, and deep socket even shallow swivel sockets) i bought it while it is cheap price (clearance and on big sale with my tool truck....

 

[engnerdan]

I have been looking at one of the IR 1/4 impact pistols HERE. I think it would be handy for doing assembly and then you could come back and hand tighten. I have also been looking at one of the cordless 1/4 impacts. They are all soo tempting.

-Dan

 

[nissan_crawler]

For me, i'd go with an Ingersoll-rand Straight/Palm 3/8" impact and 3/8" compact ratchet. you can always put a step-down adapter on them, and they're hardly any bigger than the 1/4", in most cases the 1/4" and 3/8" impacts share the same bodies and only the anvils are different.

Show me a 3/8" impact close to this 1/4".

I have this one (but in the older aluminum housing) and love it. It drives 3"x516" lag bolts with no problems at all. It's the most used air tool I have.

 

[Fedwrench]

I use my IR 1/4 drive air ratchet daily for a variety of light duty tasks. I don't have a 1/4 drive impact. However, I use the Snap on CTS561 7.2 volt cordless driver with 1/4 square drive adapters or magetic nutdrivers. It works great and there's no air hose to drag around. I would also recommend the Bosch pocket driver or impactor. They are are small if not smaller than the IR 1/4 gun pictured and just as powerful for light duty stuff such as trim and assembly.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have the bosch pocket driver and it's great, but not anywhere close to as small as the 1/4" snap on impact.