Air ratchet help?

[DARKSCOPE001]

Hello all, I need some suggestions on an air ratchet, as I currently have no air tools and know nothing about them. I try to buy US made when I can but I guess I can be somewhat flexible on this i guess.

So here is my background. Yesterday I got stuck with the job of opening up internal fuel panels in the wing of the aircraft i was working on (EMB-170) So I took my 1/4 craftsman premium up with me and got ready for a wet miserable stinky time (with respirator and headlamp of course) the first few bolts weren't so bad. But then after a while my hand started to cramp from the tight space. and there were some bolts I could barely reach and I keept falling off them with the socket.

Climbing down off the ladder in frustration one of the guys I work with asked me if I wanted to borrow an air ratchet. So I said sure. Ran the air lines out to the place I was working and up I went. ZIP ZIP ZIP I was done in 1/10 the time and the little blasts of fresh air from the exhaust were nice compared to the hot steamy fuel tank.

Returning the tool I wiped it down and thanked him and he told me that "I really sure get at least 1 air ratchet, I will use them more than you think"

So Shopping around today no local shops in my area carry any "pro" grade ratchets as far as I consider. But the only places I have looked are sears and TSC who Cary IR.

So here is my question, anyone have any suggestions for a good (preferably US made) air ratchet. Im leaning towards 1/4" drive but I would also like a 3/8" drive too. I would also like to note that im on a bit of a budget, not saying I want cheep tools but the snappy prices seemed a little scary. But I might bite with some persuasion.

Thanks everyone! Sorry for the LOOOONG post. Just figured I might give you some background where im coming from.

Sean Scott

 

[billymade]

I really enjoy my far25A and far7200; many times you can find new or rebuilt on ebay for a reasonable price.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=72269&group_ID=19894

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19894&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Keep in mind; all air tools (especially true of air ratchets) wear out... its not a matter of if but when. With that in mind:

Snap-On offers; flat rate repair service on their air tools, typically giving you a loan tool as yours gets shipped out for service. This is convenient and typically the flat rates are a 1/3 of the retail of the price of the tool. Find someone who has one in your shop or ask your local dealer to try one out; good luck!

There is a trend towards quiet types of air tools; you may look into IR for those...

 

[tyndall]

Aircat is what you want for aircraft. When you're shoved into the *** end of a plane you'll appreciate quieter air tools.

 

[oldtools]

Unless you buy used, there is no budget US made air ratchet. A good deal out there is the new pro HF Earthquake air ratchet. Very powerful, high quality, and reasonable price. Of course, these are made in Taiwan. Most of the professional brands (IR, CP, Cornwell, MAC, , Matco, etc) are made in Taiwan or China now.

 

[ourkid2000]

When I'm in aircraft fuel tanks, I take my compact Westward 1/4" air ratchet, a few 1/4" sockets......my super long Snap on 1/4"/ 7/32" 0 degree offset wrench and about 3 feet of 1/4" extensions and go to town.

I have to say, it's a cheap air ratchet but it's quiet and works great.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

hmm well ultimately I would like to have one of those US made ones. But I have to ask about this IR one I have been eyeballing.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Z34TOS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Im not thrilled about having a china (or sweatshop) made tool in my box. But Im kind of on a budget right now. I just graduated college and have bills to pay and stuff like that. But on the flip side I really want an air ratchet.

So what do you guys think? Do I just keep suffering along without one? and pony up when I have the cash for the Snappy? or would it be ok to get the IR one for now and better one later when I have more money?

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[RKSpeed]

That Ingersoll Rand air ratchet will work great. Im suprised you guys dont use a cordless impact driver to take a bunch of bolts out.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

That Ingersoll Rand air ratchet will work great. Im suprised you guys dont use a cordless impact driver to take a bunch of bolts out.

I was up inside a fuel tank your not "supposed" to take electric drills/ect.. up into or around fuel tank openings. People do it but I wouldn't recommend it. Plus like I said the exhaust felt great

Yea Im really likeing that IR mini ratchet. 1 because its small. 2. because its 1/4" drive and thats what i seem to use the most of. and 3. its composite so it should cut down on noise alot. Ill shop around a bit more but I think for my 3/8 i do like that snappy one. and the snappy guy even drives into the hangar on Tuesdays.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Farmer Joe]

Can't say anything bad about IR. I love IR air tools, aircat isn't too bad from what I've seen and heard from co workers. If you're buying SO or Mac, chances are that you're probably just buying a rebranded IR or aircat anyway. I'd say to go with the IR

I have been a bit curious about buying that 1/4" HF earthquake air ratchet. I have an older 3/8" air ratchet, I think it's Chicago pneumatic. I don't use it everyday, but it gets some uses. I think a 1/4" might get more use though, so with a 20% off coupon, a 1/4" HF earthquake has been sounding kind of tempting lol

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i like the mac flat ratchets, look for an ar250. great power for a 1/4".

 

[ECP]

I love my 1/4" SnapOn FAR25A... my shop has one and I bought my own. It's the best design I've seen of an air ratchet. 2 piece split down vertically down the tool design rather than the head+body held together by a collar design. It will never spin the head around or get loose like the normal ones... because there's no head! Also, the air is run equally throughout the tool and out the bottom. Tons of power too.

Be sitting down when you look the the price though.... ($309). I was lucky enough to find a brand new one on eBay for $150 shipped.

 

[oldtools]

hmm well ultimately I would like to have one of those US made ones. But I have to ask about this IR one I have been eyeballing.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Z34TOS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Im not thrilled about having a china (or sweatshop) made tool in my box. But Im kind of on a budget right now. I just graduated college and have bills to pay and stuff like that. But on the flip side I really want an air ratchet.

So what do you guys think? Do I just keep suffering along without one? and pony up when I have the cash for the Snappy? or would it be ok to get the IR one for now and better one later when I have more money?

Thanks
Sean Scott

I think this one is either assemble in US with global components or made in China.

 

[oldtools]

Max torque: IR=30 ft/lbf, EQ=40 ft/lbf
Noise: IR=89 db, EQ=79 db
Weight: IR=1.65 lbm, EQ=1 lbm
COO: IR=probably China, EQ=Taiwan
Cost: IR=~$130, EQ=~$70 (with 20% coupon)

EQ has rubber cover on the head. Won't generate heat when head strike fuel tank metal.

 

[oldtools]

One advantage of IR is it has variable speed control.

 

[Skin]

Aircat is what you want for aircraft. When you're shoved into the *** end of a plane you'll appreciate quieter air tools.

I agree entirely with where this was going, except Aircat air ratchets arent particularly quiet compared to the rest of the competition. Impact wrenches are great, but i suspect their air ratchets are simply rebrands. MAC has a couple, i'm sure they're rebadged as well, which are their ARQP140M and AR7760A and those opperate at only 80/82dB respectively. Either can be purchased for ~$75 or less with a little shopping around.

With air ratchets absolutely consider noise, vibration, and ergonomics before COO. I have a mild case of tinnitus which is aggrevated by the scream of an air ratchet so while Snap-On, or whoever else, may make a nice air ratchet i'll take the whisper quiet models [comparatively speaking anyway] of other brands without hesitation.

Note: With every 10dB spread perceived volume doubles.

 

[pipsters]

I agree the louder the less you want to use the thing. I can't stand the scream of a loud air ratchet.

 

[Farmer Joe]

I agree the louder the less you want to use the thing. I can't stand the scream of a loud air ratchet.

+1
Same reason I don't use them too much

 

[country83]

Why not a 1/4" mini air impact? I use one all day at work. Much faster and more powerful than an air ratchet.

 

[diesel research]

um......ear plugs? Wusses


I am still researching. I found a company building "made in the usa" air tools, but cannot find the prices for most of their stuff. I recently found they make an angle die grinder for less than $100, but their ratchets and other stuff don't have prices or distributor info. Still looking.

Never mind, some more research reveals the 3/8 "super duty" has an msrp of $201.20, so it is safe to assume the 1/4 isn't too far behind it. They might have a cheaper non-composite version (they do have non-composite, but don't know if it is cheaper)

If you are also looking for a 3/8, the one pictured above is on ebag for BIN $50 refurbed. I don't really do ebag and it's not the 1/4 you are really needing.

 

[MattPersman]

I have the FAR25a, a bit of a crummy story. I bought one when it was on promo several months ago. bring it in the shop couple of days later I take it out of the box and put an air fitting on it to use it and it leaks air from the bottom. try a couple more fittings, try to tighten more, more teflon tape, different hose, etc. still leaks. tell snap on man next week about this and he gets me another one a couple weeks later. plug that in, does the same damned thing. he is shocked. I tell him to come in we go through the fun of trying different fittings, hoses, etc and he then believes me. so I finally get a 3rd one a couple weeks later and it is ok. but to pay $309 retail for this and have to get 3 to get 1 good one. pretty disappointing. I always wanted this ratchet and when it went on promo it was clear for me to get it. I had been using a Matco branded IR 1103, the older composite ratchet that is a work horse. guess the older model of the 1105. I think the old 1103 has more power than the snap on.

if I was buying today I would get the 1105

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Why not a 1/4" mini air impact? I use one all day at work. Much faster and more powerful than an air ratchet.

Well I have thought about it. But thre are a few things holding me back. First off even the shortest of Impact guns still need more room behind them than the biggest baddest air ratchets.

Second off I wouldn't want to be laughed out of the hangar for having an impact gun (not really sure, but I was always taught no impacts on aircraft)

But right now im leaning towards The IR 1105 I think it would be ideal for what im doing. and I like the fact that I can turn the power way down. I was doing seat backs the other day, had to get my hand under the seat cover with my ratchet to undo 4 small bolts. Would have been nice to have an air ratchet with the power turned way down to do those.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Marlin]

The IR 105-L2 is also nice as it provides more reach with the extended head, however it is an aluminum body tool rather than composite.
http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/IS/Product.aspx-am_en-35482

 

[Skin]

Well I have thought about it. But thre are a few things holding me back. First off even the shortest of Impact guns still need more room behind them than the biggest baddest air ratchets.

Second off I wouldn't want to be laughed out of the hangar for having an impact gun (not really sure, but I was always taught no impacts on aircraft)

But right now im leaning towards The IR 1105 I think it would be ideal for what im doing. and I like the fact that I can turn the power way down. I was doing seat backs the other day, had to get my hand under the seat cover with my ratchet to undo 4 small bolts. Would have been nice to have an air ratchet with the power turned way down to do those.

Thanks
Sean Scott

Fair warning, the 1105 is a loud little air ratchet. IR isnt the only one who has regulators on their air ratchets either, the ARQP140M i mentioned has it as well.

 

[pipsters]

These are supposed to be fairly quiet. Judging by the current crop of Earthquake impacts which I use, with their mufflers, I would say there probably are. The impact line is top notch.

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-professional-air-ratchet-wrench-68428.html

Best thing is with the 20% coupon they are $40.

Not sure what size nuts are on the EMB but the 1/4" will do up to 14mm-9/16" with most socket sets without an adapter. Put a swivel on it and it's a great little piece of equipment, personally I find the 3/8" ratchets to be too large and loud for normal use.

 

[oldtools]

These are supposed to be fairly quiet. Judging by the current crop of Earthquake impacts which I use, with their mufflers, I would say there probably are. The impact line is top notch.

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-professional-air-ratchet-wrench-68428.html

Best thing is with the 20% coupon they are $40.

Not sure what size nuts are on the EMB but the 1/4" will do up to 14mm-9/16" with most socket sets without an adapter. Put a swivel on it and it's a great little piece of equipment, personally I find the 3/8" ratchets to be too large and loud for normal use.

I guess I was wrong. I quote the 1/4 EQ at $70, but it cost less than that. For $130, you can get an EQ 1/4 air ratchet and a 1/4 dr SO dual 80 ratchet. I think that is a better deal than just an IR air ratchet.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

yea but I have never been happy with HF tools but everyone keeps suggesting the HF EQ ratchet. Sigh. I mean I like quality tools and If im already going to have to bite the bullet and get a china made tool I would at least like it to be superior craftsmanship.

IDK guys what do you think. I was leaning towards the IR one but everyone seems to like the EQ model.

Also I have a question? whats the best setup as far as air hoses go? Just a ******? Swivel? or whip hose? I was leaning towards a whip hose because the place I used to work has the flexzilla whips for 15% off right now. I know the legacy air tools are china made but man the flexzilla stuff looks nice. At least in stores it does not sure how it holds up to daily abuse, We use goodyear air hoses where I work tho.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Marlin]

Not everyone recommending the EQ actually owns one or has used one, so be careful.

 

[Gabastone]

You should take a look at the new Matco MT2835. It is made in the USA and costs $155 off the truck.

A friend of mine was showing off his; I was so impressed that I ordered one the next day. It has a surprising amount of grunt for only a 1/4. Naturally, it is kind of loud but it doesn't scream like my old MAC 3/8. The fit, feel and finish are excellent.

 

[Skin]

You should take a look at the new Matco MT2835. It is made in the USA and costs $155 off the truck.

For Matco that would be like becoming a charitable organization. Maybe its assembled in the USA, but i very much doubt its made here. If it were they'd of priced it at $255, minimum.

 

[pipsters]

yea but I have never been happy with HF tools but everyone keeps suggesting the HF EQ ratchet. Sigh. I mean I like quality tools and If im already going to have to bite the bullet and get a china made tool I would at least like it to be superior craftsmanship.

IDK guys what do you think. I was leaning towards the IR one but everyone seems to like the EQ model.

Also I have a question? whats the best setup as far as air hoses go? Just a ******? Swivel? or whip hose? I was leaning towards a whip hose because the place I used to work has the flexzilla whips for 15% off right now. I know the legacy air tools are china made but man the flexzilla stuff looks nice. At least in stores it does not sure how it holds up to daily abuse, We use goodyear air hoses where I work tho.

Thanks
Sean Scott

When I used a 1/4" ratchet I used a 6' or so 1/4" hose connected to a 1/4" ****** plugged into a 3/8" hose. The other side had a swivel connected to the ratchet. I didn't care about air flow as much because the thing was just used to run off and on small fasteners. Made it much easier to handle. I got rid of it though after getting sick of how loud it was (pre-new EQ line w/ muffler in it). They used to almost be louder than impacts, never understood that.

I don't own many HF tools, I am a pro-USA guy, but I'm serious about that EQ line. It's nothing but the truth. Most of their other stuff is mediocre at best.

 

[MattPersman]

You should take a look at the new Matco MT2835. It is made in the USA and costs $155 off the truck.

A friend of mine was showing off his; I was so impressed that I ordered one the next day. It has a surprising amount of grunt for only a 1/4. Naturally, it is kind of loud but it doesn't scream like my old MAC 3/8. The fit, feel and finish are excellent.

what are the specs on this thing? 155 is nothing now a days for a tool truck brand 1/4 air ratchet. I go to the website and no specs just features and misspelling.

 

[losabio]

Sorry for a semi-necrobump, but might one of you fine gents of GJ be able to confirm that the current HF Earthquake 1/4 air ratchet (#68428) is non-impacting, and thus compatible with 1/4 chrome sockets?

 

[wafrederick]

Most of IR's air ratchets are made in Japan,not China.Most products made in China are poorly made these days.I have tried an IR air ratchet,I am not impressed with the power at all.It was the 109XP.You can buy an used FAR72b and FAR7200 under 200.00 most of the time.

 

[Honda guy]

I like the flat Mac 1/4 ratchet. A little loud but not too bad. Good power. Still made in USA, I think. Around $230. You can rotate the exhaust outlet so it blows away from you. Someone told me it's a rebranded IR, but don't know if that's true. I have the swivel fitting on mine and it helps get into tight areas.

 

[Skin]

Most of IR's air ratchets are made in Japan

Wrong. Newer models are made in China.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Someone told me it's a rebranded IR, but don't know if that's true.

nope, not true. completely different tools.

 

[billymade]

So, if they arn't IR; who is the oem? I'm not aware of Matco ever making any air tools; in the past, they have looked like IR to me, have things changed?

DARKSCOPE001, what did you end up buying and how is it working for you?

 

[emeraldcoupe]

So, if they arn't IR; who is the oem? I'm not aware of Matco ever making any air tools; in the past, they have looked like IR to me, have things changed?

DARKSCOPE001, what did you end up buying and how is it working for you?

mac and matco, different companys. i'm not sure of the oem on the mac flat ratchets, but i can tell you it's 100% not a rebadged ir.

 

[billymade]

I've noticed quite a few Mac air tools are OEM Florida pneumatic; currently, it looks like the ar250, has been replaced by the ar251:

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-318305-14-sealed-head-air-ratchet.aspx