3/8 impacting air ratchets

[Freakazooid52]

Anyone use or have used an impacting air ratchet? My 3/8 regular aircat ratchet is getting tired and I see they offer an impacting version.

I'm liking that it won't have kickback but are there any downsides?

 

[Wrench97]

The trade off is usually size, the impacting head is a lot larger on mine.

 

[Freakazooid52]

The trade off is usually size, the impacting head is a lot larger on mine.

It's not a IR hammerhead right? I've seen those

Head size isn't a concern unless it's double the size of normal air ratchet head?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the biggest SP air unit. I used to use it a ton, now I mostly use my long-neck 3/8 electric ratchet. The impacting feature is a huge plus, but if I need to break something free manually the long electric ratchet just has more leverage.

I'd recommend having one.

 

[ColoradoMech]

I have one of the Harbor Freight impacting air ratchets, bought it about 8 years ago, ive used it maybe 6 times. I only bought it to save my knuckles from traditional air ratchets but I rarely even used those. My go to is a milwaukee 1/4" electric ratchet. I spin it up then drop it on the fastener if just pulling the trigger on it wont work. If that wont do it then I crack loose with a 3/8 ratchet or wrench then grab the milwaukee. Air ratchets can be pretty bulky in certain situations

 

[Wrench97]

It's not a IR hammerhead right? I've seen those

Head size isn't a concern unless it's double the size of normal air ratchet head?

Yes I have a IR.

 

[bcradio]

I have the HF one from a number of years ago, but hardly use it. Also have a 1/4 impacting air ratchet that I've never used. Have the m12 and IR hammerhead right angle impacts that see more use

 

[jsaw]

I have an SP air 1/4" impacting air ratchet. It works good for Me.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have the husky from HD which is identical to the HF and a couple other will known brands. Bought it when I had a bunch of bolts to tighten in a really cramped spot where I only had a few degrees of swing. It paid for itself that one time and my relatively infrequent uses since have just been a bonus.

 

[Freakazooid52]

After watching a couple videos on the earthquake one that advertised as quiet as the aircrat that db number must of been recorded free spinning. They are loud impacting.

Think I'm going to get another regular aircat ratchet or find a deal on DeWalt 20v ratchet. Now I can see why there aren't as many impacting options vs regular air ratchets

 

[DGersic]

Anyone use or have used an impacting air ratchet? My 3/8 regular aircat ratchet is getting tired and I see they offer an impacting version.

I'm liking that it won't have kickback but are there any downsides?

I have the

Astro 1128 Mini Impact Ratchet Wrench, 3/8"​

Works well, better than the old non-impact I had and doesn’t tend to slam knuckles in to things. Can’t think of any down sides to having it.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have a Sanborn reactionless, but it isn't an impact. I've only used it a couple of times, but when it stops, it stops with no kickback.

Sanborn® 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench

The perfect ratchet for work in a confined space such as engine and radiator maintenance where fingers and hands are at risk. The reaction-less mechanism absorbs the kickback you normally get from normal ratchets- protecting the operator's wrist and hand from injury and/or fatigue. The minimal...

www.menards.com

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a Sanborn reactionless, but it isn't an impact. I've only used it a couple of times, but when it stops, it stops with no kickback.

Sanborn® 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench

The perfect ratchet for work in a confined space such as engine and radiator maintenance where fingers and hands are at risk. The reaction-less mechanism absorbs the kickback you normally get from normal ratchets- protecting the operator's wrist and hand from injury and/or fatigue. The minimal...

www.menards.com

I feel like impacting and reactionless are used interchangeably.

 

[Mr_B]

I have the Kuani, is a super nice tool have in the arsenal in daily auto repair.
Battery ratchets good too, compact & long neck but ideally want more expensive ones and smaller head designs to get best usage experience .In the shop when you want super small tool with real usable power/durability air is still winning .

 

[Wamsutta]

How about an impacting battery ratchet? At about 28 minutes and 20 seconds in, you can watch the guy using a Milwaukee :

Williams Mobile Clutch Service

 

[GeoBruin]

How about an impacting battery ratchet? At about 28 minutes and 20 seconds in, you can watch the guy using a Milwaukee :

Williams Mobile Clutch Service

I would call that a right angle impact wrench.

 

[Wamsutta]

I would call that a right angle impact wrench.

Yes. The battery version of "3/8 impacting air ratchets"

 

[GeoBruin]

Yes. The battery version of "3/8 impacting air ratchets"

Sorry but they're different animals. There's no ratcheting mechanism. Besides, how would you describe the pneumatic version of what you're calling the battery version of an impacting air ratchet?

 

[dnschmidt]

Yes. The battery version of "3/8 impacting air ratchets"

WRONG! it is not a ratchet. A ratchet can be used well, like a ratchet. An impact wrench cannot be used manually.

 

[Wamsutta]

The tool police got me today.

 

[dnschmidt]

The tool police got me today.

The jury is presently debating what you're punishment will be. NOT LOOKING GOOD WAMSUTTA!

 

[Freakazooid52]

I have the Kuani, is a super nice tool have in the arsenal in daily auto repair.
Battery ratchets good too, compact & long neck but ideally want more expensive ones and smaller head designs to get best usage experience .In the shop when you want super small tool with real usable power/durability air is still winning .

I agree on air being Best, but I'm not full time in a shop anymore otherwise air would be only thing I'd consider

I'm well invested in DeWalt battery tools so I've decided on getting either the original 20v ratchet or the new thin sealed head one after watching TTC videos on those