air ratchet usage question

[PoorOwner]

When tightening something down with an air ratchet how do you know it is tight enough or not.

I know it has to do with experience, any tricks or advise is appeciated

And I also cross threaded one of the nuts yesterday because I tried to start the nut with the air ratchet and went in crooked, I hope that makes sense.

Is it a bad habit to spin the socket and let it grab onto the fastener? I think I got lazy with the 6 point sockets.

 

[Kevin54]

A lot depends on the type of ratchet and the air pressure behind it. I usually check everything by hand and just use the air ratchet to speed up the installation or removal process.

 

[rsanter]

an air ratchet will also work as a regular ratchet. once you run it down with the air just give it a tug and see how tight it feels. if it feels good then you are done

I have done the same thing with the nuts. most of the time you will get away with it but sometimes you wont.

bob

 

[BrianAltenhofel]

I do the same thing of spinning the ratchet so the socket grabs the bolt/nut. However, I don't just wail on it, I only press the trigger lightly until it grabs and then I proceed as normal.

You're right on knowing how tight it is has to do with experience. Just get to know your too - the more you work it, the better you will become at using it.

 

[PoorOwner]

Yea, I figure someone using the same air ratchet 5-6 days a week will get pretty good!
I am not trying to beat flat rate at home, just trying to learn. So I think I am going to start a couple of threads by hand first.

I just feel a bit nervous with those 10mm bolts holding plastic covers. I don't think I can harm the ratchet by turning it by hand on those low torque stuff.

 

[Kevin54]

I just feel a bit nervous with those 10mm bolts holding plastic covers. I don't think I can harm the ratchet by turning it by hand on those low torque stuff.

Just remember that the larger air ratchet will have a totally different feel than a standard ratchet. It will be easier to pull and easier to strip a nut with. And one thing to remember, when you get to the end of tightening, the wrench will pull against your hand and full throttle. It can pin your hand between the ratchet and whatever you are working on and lock the trigger down, so don't be surprised when it happens

 

[kartracer55]

As a general rule I like to avoid starting nuts using and air tool but I have been known to do it, mostly when im at work. Bad habit to get into, but if you have a good eye they usually go on on.

As for tightening, best bet is to use the air ratchet like a normal ratchet to check the tightness

 

[bchee]

Just get to know your tool - the more you work it, the better you will become at using it.

I'm sorry my mind is constantly in the gutter.

 

[Zeroek]

I got a nasty Mac tools air ratchet that I smashed my thumb between it and a lower control arm once. I almost cried it hurt so bad lol. I had the black thumb nail for a while. If in doubt about how tight it'll torque too then I usually use my 1/4" air ratchet.

 

[DavidtheDuke]

I never really use the air ratchet's motor for final tightening. Or even for busting off, but maybe that's because my air ratchet is 12" and has a nice rubber handle.

 

[kartracer55]

I got a nasty Mac tools air ratchet that I smashed my thumb between it and a lower control arm once. I almost cried it hurt so bad lol. I had the black thumb nail for a while. If in doubt about how tight it'll torque too then I usually use my 1/4" air ratchet.

That hurts like a MFer. I learned that lesson once too. luckily didnt break my finger but it was swollen for a few days right at the knuckle. Not fun. I always check for clearance now....

 

[BrianAltenhofel]

I got a nasty Mac tools air ratchet that I smashed my thumb between it and a lower control arm once. I almost cried it hurt so bad lol. I had the black thumb nail for a while. If in doubt about how tight it'll torque too then I usually use my 1/4" air ratchet.

Mine was the opposite. I got my traffic finger between the control arm and the air ratchet trying to loosen it. It wouldn't break loose, so I started to pull - and it broke suddenly. The finger was okay and still usable - the ratchet had a tear in the rubber on the handle.

 

[MAD]

For me working on your own cars instead of trying to beat the clock fixing other people's = the joy of not using air ratchets.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have two air ratchet and would rather not either either. they're crushed my hands between things so many times.

Maybe it's time to buy an IR reactionless ratchet.

 

[Fast Orange]

Unless I've been taught wrong,the purpose of an air ratchet is to save time when running down the bolt or nut,not as an impact tool for either initial loosening or final torqueing of the fastener.Start the nut/bolt by hand,put the socket/air ratchet on the fastener,hit the trigger and run the fastener down until you hear the ratchet start to slow down,then release the trigger and final torque as you would with a standard ratchet.To remove a nut/bolt,use the air ratchet as a standard ratchet to break loose the fastener,then pull the trigger to spin the assembly apart.
With proper use,no broken or bruised body parts,no stripped fasteners and the assembly torques will be a lot more even and accurate.The air ratchet will last a lot longer too.

George

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

you should ALWAYS torque to spec with a torque wrench