Air ratchet: small low torque impact vs larger high torque?

[Rustypigeon]

Which would you find most useful for engine/automotive work?

I am trying to decide between these ratchets...
-SP Air 1765: compact, high speed 500 RPM, 55ft/lbs reaction free. $130
-Aircat ACR802: larger, 280 RPM, 90ft/lbs. $87
-HF Earthquake: larger, 400 RPM, 70ft/lbs, reaction free. $75

I am thinking the SP Air would probably be of most use for work around engines. It is small, reactionless, and fast. Most of the times that I want an air ratchet, I am working in areas with little room. I am just wondering if I will regret not having as much torque. The SP Air is also the priciest of the three.

 

[dnschmidt]

You will use the SPAir much more than the other ratchets. Few bolts on modern cars require more than 50 ft-lb of torque. However space is always at a premium. To me this is a no-brainer.

 

[md21722]

For what its worth, I got a SP-1765 and it puts out about 20-25 ft-lbs of torque, no where near the rated 55 ft-lbs. Not sure if mine was defective or not, but others on Amazon mentioned low torque as well.

 

[mbshop]

I have my mac one I got in the 70s. Worked great for me. Used the heck out of it. When it gets weak I just rebend the wavy washer and it goes like gang busters.

 

[JJThrasher]

That SP looks worthless to me. Reactionless so I assume you can't break stuff loose by hand with it. Anything to tight for it to break loose I'd beat you with my slower stronger air ratchet due to the fact I didn't have to swap tools to break loose then remove with air. If space is a premium and I just can't fit the the 3/8" ratchet I break out my little IR 1/4" and zing them out that way after breaking loose first. I just got an Aircat that was rated somewhere around 90ft-lbs. It'll break anything reasonable loose and zips it apart faster than book time so all is well.

 

[md21722]

The SP is reactionless but does have a ratcheting mechanism so you can break stuff free by hand.

 

[JJThrasher]

In that case I could see it being usable.

 

[Ruger_556]

I have the SP and the Aircat, I use both equally. They have their places

 

[md21722]

Now I want to try one of the Astro's and see how they compare.

If I knew the torque was so low I probably would've gotten the 1/4" drive version.

 

[wafrederick]

That SP Air is not an air ratchet,it is an impacting ratchet.I have an Aircat and just got it back getting it fixed under warranty.Regulator and an o ring were bad and I bought it last month.Been a great 1/4 air ratchet,was sticking in the trigger area and had to tap in that area to make it work.

 

[md21722]

That SP Air is not an air ratchet,it is an impacting ratchet.I have an Aircat and just got it back getting it fixed under warranty.Regulator and an o ring were bad and I bought it last month.Been a great 1/4 air ratchet,was sticking in the trigger area and had to tap in that area to make it work.

I know, but its got less torque than many 1/4" standard air/cordless ratchets.