3/8" air ratchet choice help

[Formiga]

So doing reading here and elsewhere, a 3/8" air ratchet is my next tool purchase as an apprentice. As far as budget goes; I could go new in the $100 range, go used in the $50ish range, or new in that same range. If I stay in the $50 range I can finish my 3/8" sockets with a bit better quality.
Keep in my mind please, that I am using my tools professionally, and this air ratchet will see daily use.
In that $50 range, it looks like my choices are used bluepoint 700/702 series (Japan built instead of PRC or Taiwan), new Campbell Hausfeld, or new Central Pneumatic.
I could cheap out on finishing my 3/8" sockets, and go new IR/ChicagoP.

 

[Formiga]

Oh, and how much will using non impact sockets with an air ratchet shorten their lifespan?

 

[mrholeshot]

Of your choices the Blue Point. The Blue Point air tools in my experiance are quite tough and well built. I love IR but would stay away from the air ratchets. If this is going to be used a lot everyday spend the money or finance a Snap-On FAR72

 

[Formiga]

The snapon would be awesome, but out of budget for me at this point of my apprenticeship. My need list and wish lists are too big! Being $5K in the hole already for tools doesnt help either.
I've had better experiences with Japan built over other Asian, and if good used or rebuilt Blue Point gets me some reliability for a couple of years, I'll be happy.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Oh, and how much will using non impact sockets with an air ratchet shorten their lifespan?

it doesn't. i've never used anything but chrome sockets on a air ratchet.

 

[Pro-Painter]

I have the Blue-point AT702 air ratchet and I love it. Its one of the highest torque 3/8" air ratchets Ive owned.


Keep in mind that even the BEST air ratchets only put out 60ft lbs of torque. You can get away with cheap impact sockets. Ive been using the one's from HF now for over a year with no issues.

 

[aussiek2000]

I bought an Aircat from tooltopia. Seems to to the job well for the price. But since it's not a choice, I voted for the IR.

 

[Muffduster]

I don't see AirCat in your poll. Why?

 

[Muffduster]

...Keep in mind that even the BEST air ratchets only put out 60ft lbs of torque...

What about the Matco MT2858?
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2292

 

[dan1120]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1446489#post1446489

 

[canuckian]

I voted for the used blue Point as I've tried one and they seem like a nice solid ratchet. The only other one on there I have any experience with is the CH - and my opinion is that they're not worth bothering with. I've had one for a few years and find it loud and gutless. I'm starting to look at the FAR72 (IMO the greatest air ratchet ever made!) but that'll be a while off for me yet - little on the pricey side for the amount I'd use it and have a few other items that are a little higher on my priority list.

 

[Pro-Painter]

What about the Matco MT2858?
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2292

What about it? Its a $400 air ratchet that has an abnormal amount of max torque.
Your avg (non specialized) air ratchet is only 40-65ft lbs with a working torque of 20 to 40ft lbs.

 

[blacK20]

I don't see how using non impact sockets will shorten the life of an air ratchet. An air ratchet doesn't hammer like a gun does. I've always used chromes on mine.

 

[crewchief888]

Of your choices the Blue Point. The Blue Point air tools in my experiance are quite tough and well built. I love IR but would stay away from the air ratchets. If this is going to be used a lot everyday spend the money or finance a Snap-On FAR72

best air ratchet ive ever had was a SO far72.

it was worth the money it cost, vs the cost of repairing and replacing broken, and worn out ratchets.

 

[Joe H]

it doesn't. i've never used anything but chrome sockets on a air ratchet.

x2. I always use chrome sockets with my air ratchets. When I use an impact that's a different story. I always use impact sockets when I use an impact.

 

[Z06 427]

I'm sold on the IR Hammerhead. I know its more $, but worth it in my mind.

 

[Formiga]

I don't see AirCat in your poll. Why?

AirCat's not sold in this part of the world. I had never heard of them until reading here.

What about the Matco MT2858?
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2292

Heard of Matco, but again not sold in this part of Canada.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1446489#post1446489

With shipping puts me too close to the cost, of new locally. The company I work for has pretty good buying power and I get pretty sweet pricing when buying from the local parts houses.

I don't see how using non impact sockets will shorten the life of an air ratchet. An air ratchet doesn't hammer like a gun does. I've always used chromes on mine.

My journeyman doesn't use an air ratchet cause he doesn't have 3/8" impact sockets. Still not sure about that, but I'll leave it alone. I was thinking about the socket life, not the other way around.

I'm leaning towards something that I can get service parts for easily, and locally (no shipping!) A used SO far72 would be sweet if the price was right, but not as easy to find as the BP ratchets.

 

[str8axle55]

I`d go w/a used FAR72, by far the best I`ve owned. I`ve only broken mine once.....when I thew it. I just saw a used one for $40 on CL, I sold a reman one to a young kid starting out for $100. If you have a S/O dealer check w/him for used or trade ins. I just picked up a few items from mine for a good price. Check when he has a special on said item.

 

[vssjim]

I've had an IR 109 air ratchet for about fifteen years and never had a problem and it is still strong.

 

[5-0stank]

I vote used snap on also. Only ever used a far 72 and an IR (170g or something), and the snap on is waaaaay better.

 

[Formiga]

Well, I watched ebay for IR, BP, and SO air ratchets for a while, craigslist, asked around with friends, family, peers etc. and I got a new baby!
My SO guy, always has a box near the front of his truck, with specials, old stock, tradeups, that sort of stuff. He had a couple of BP AT700F in the box of cheaper today! It's smooth, quiet, and has way more balls than I thought it would too. I'm really happy with it, I know it's not the best, fits with budget and meets my current needs, and I know it will for my remaining apprenticeship without issue.
Then he tempted me with other stuff! It's an evil truck, full of shiny stuff that I want!

 

[johnsdeere850j]

I'm sold on the IR Hammerhead. I know its more $, but worth it in my mind.

ive been using mine heavily the past few weeks, i now LOVE it. I dont even pick up my air ratchets anymore that thing is a tank

 

[Wrenches of Death]

Oh, and how much will using non impact sockets with an air ratchet shorten their lifespan?

I've been using chrome sockets with air ratchets since the mid 1970's. I haven't broken one yet. I can see where you could potentially increase wear to the socket if it was already spinning when you go to put it on the nut or bolt though.

WoD