Air ratchet help

[VegaS10]

I'm looking into purchasing a new air ratchet. I'm currently a student and can get these units withmy student discount, so price is not an option.

I currently own the Snap-On MG725 1/2 gun and am VERY pleased with it.

If you guys can give me input on these, I'd really appreiate it. Preferably those with experience.

I know some of you are extremely biased with COO, brand names, etc, but please keep this on topic and let me hear what you've experienced with these tools.

First is the Snap-On FAR2505: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19895&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

I have been very pleased with Snap-On for years, but this seems underpowered at 35 lbs of torque. The size is a bonus, as it might be able to get into smaller spots.

The FAR7200: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19894&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Larger, more powerful. However, I can only purchase this unit in a "kit" which includes sockets I don't think I'd like (6 shallow metric swivel and 6 shallow sae swivel). I'd love the unit, minus the sockets.

Last but not least, the Matco MT2858:

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2292&page=1&#63992

130 lbs of torque, claims to be the most powerful unit on the market (I know, I know). I can purchase this unit, along with a full set (shallow and deep, metric and sae) of silver eagle impact sockets for the same price as the Snap-On Far7200 kit.

I've you guys have used any or all of these units, I'd appreciate feedback.

Thanks in advance.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Get the Snap-on and sell the sockets here or on Ebay. I have a FAR72C and would probably buy another instead of the FAR7200 as that design has been around forever, is bulletproof and will give years of service without any problems. The 7200 looks interesting though and I might give it a try when I need to buy another 3/8 air ratchet (if I live that long....).

 

[GTO]

I'm not sure,but keep checking ebay,you might be able to do better,even with your student discount.
I was able to score a NIB 3/8 MG31 off ebay for $165.
Good Luck

 

[VegaS10]

Get the Snap-on and sell the sockets here or on Ebay.

For some reason, I never thought of that. I might go that route.

I have a FAR72C and would probably buy another instead of the FAR7200 as that design has been around forever, is bulletproof and will give years of service without any problems. The 7200 looks interesting though and I might give it a try when I need to buy another 3/8 air ratchet (if I live that long....).

I compared them now that you mentioned it, and it looks like the 7200 might be the replacement for the 72C.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

I'm not sure,but keep checking ebay,you might be able to do better,even with your student discount.
I was able to score a NIB 3/8 MG31 off ebay for $165.
Good Luck

Our discount is pretty steep on air tools. The very few times Ebay is cheaper, the tool has always been in questionable condition or heavily used.

 

[CD360]

you dont need to buy the kits that are on the student website. you can purchase items separately from your rep. if you dont want to sockets, just buy the air ratchet. you probably could make some money back if you did buy the air ratchet and the sell sockets though.

 

[wellstig1]

Smaller snap on one I have in 1/4 drive which it what it is better suited for being that it is compact, most powerful 1/4 i have used. I also have 2 of the 7200's, one bought new over 3 years ago, very powerful and haven't had a single problem. The other one I bought off ebay for 45 and it was beat up, still works great though. I demoed the matco pit bull air ratchet for 2 weeks and didn't find it to be more powerful than the 7200. It is VERY loud though, my ears were ring after any use over a couple of fasteners. Also, really not a fan of the composite body that gets mugged up in a hurry.

 

[boogerboy72]

far7200, no question. btw, if you sell student discounted items on ebay, and they catch you, you'll lose your discount. the matco one is very very strong, but lower than your honda

 

[eaneumann]

9 times out of 10 the Matco is going to be way overpowered for what you'll need (you'll end up busting your hand open on everything). Go with the FAR7200. Even in it's "quiet" mode, it will do just about anything you'd use a 3/8" on.

 

[GTO]

For some reason, I never thought of that. I might go that route.



I compared them now that you mentioned it, and it looks like the 7200 might be the replacement for the 72C.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.



Our discount is pretty steep on air tools. The very few times Ebay is cheaper, the tool has always been in questionable condition or heavily used.

That's why only buy "New In Box"

 

[rsanter]

I have the FAR72 and its the best air ratchet I have ever had

bob

 

[VegaS10]

Smaller snap on one I have in 1/4 drive which it what it is better suited for being that it is compact, most powerful 1/4 i have used. I also have 2 of the 7200's, one bought new over 3 years ago, very powerful and haven't had a single problem. The other one I bought off ebay for 45 and it was beat up, still works great though. I demoed the matco pit bull air ratchet for 2 weeks and didn't find it to be more powerful than the 7200. It is VERY loud though, my ears were ring after any use over a couple of fasteners. Also, really not a fan of the composite body that gets mugged up in a hurry.

That's the great input I expected fromthis site. Thanks alot!

far7200, no question. btw, if you sell student discounted items on ebay, and they catch you, you'll lose your discount.

I would sell them to another student/co-worker before eBay. Their fees are getting ridiculous.

the matco one is very very strong, but lower than your honda

Hey hey hey....leave my little car alone...lol.

I have the FAR72 and its the best air ratchet I have ever had

bob

Awesome. It looks like the Snap-On is going to be the winner here.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

Anyone else?