air ratchet use?

[boosteddsm92]

I just don't get how they can be useful. I've used mine once just to try it out and it has sat in my box ever since. Can you guys tell me what they're useful to for you? Am I the only one who doesn't find them useful at all?

 

[tatra]

increased use will open up the opportunities to using it............sparkplugs in hard to reach places, anywhere repetitve loosening/tightening is required.............

 

[scottmlew]

I've run into some long bolts (on my 96 DSM, incidentally!) where I had enough room to get an air ratchet in, but very little swing arc (if I had used a regular ratchet). Since the bolts were so long, and there were several of them, it was very nice to have the air ratchet...it would have taken a lot of back and forth with a regular ratchet, even a fine tooth.

And I admit I also use mine because I like using different tools "just because"

 

[caper150]

I use them on fenders, doors, hoods, you'll see them used alot in body shops.

 

[e-tek]

When you go to remove a front clip (fenders, hood, inner fenders, rad support)...

For sure when you are removing, and especially replacing and adjusting, doors....

 

[Indy_500]

for me, i either want the power of an impact wrench, or i dont want the power of that at all so i do it by hand. i see no need for one, if i did, i'd have one

 

[WVBrady]

I have back trouble, so anything that will reduce the amount of time that I spend bending over is a big plus for me.

 

[JASTECH]

Hmm, this would alsp depend on the strength of you air ratchet. My dad has a CH that would sit in my box too, but my aircat with 90 ft.lbs. breaks shocks and others free. Also with my disability it helps a lot more then before as I didn't even use them.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[boosteddsm92]

for me, i either want the power of an impact wrench, or i dont want the power of that at all so i do it by hand. i see no need for one, if i did, i'd have one

My thoughts exactly. From the sound of it, it's a matter of personal preference or specific work being done. I can see it being useful on long bolts where an impact won't fit but IMO that's few and far between. Thanks for your thoughts guys!

I've run into some long bolts (on my 96 DSM, incidentally!)

Ah, I was wondering if there were any DSM'ers on this forum! Seem to be few and far between anymore other than the EVO guys.

 

[DarrenF]

i have 5 air ratchets(2x FAR72C's, IR mini 1/4" Ti and 3/8" Mini Ti, and a CH 3/8") and use them constantly. I use them all alongside my 1/4" and 3/8" IR impacts and my MG725. I avoid using ratchets if i can. Time is money.

I forgot to say that I am a mechanic in a shop. I work on an hourly pay rate during the day, but the nightime work is all flat rate

 

[lr_thinman]

And I'm with you.

 

[billymade]

If you can get something done faster... why not? When your working professionally; the more you get done the more money you make. Sitting there doing things by hand gets old and I just want to get the job done... next? The novelty of doing everything by hand wears off... quickly when turning wrenches all day.
My weapons of choice: FAR7200 and FAR25A.

 

[Garage_Mahal]

I use mine for auto suspension screws and nuts. Suspension fasteners usually have long grip lengths, with enough corrosion that hand ratcheting is a chore. And most don't have enough clearance to fit an impact gun. I have an IR.

 

[padronanniversary]

I just got done using it with the ****** pan. Taking it off and putting it on was a snap, before I'd sit there with a rachet and it would take forever with all them there screws!

 

[scooterseats]

Many hard to get at long winded bolts make the air ratchet a very handy tool. I own 1/4". 3/8" and a 1/2" version of them and use them very frequently.

 

[scott37300]

I used to do everything by hand and still do sometimes, I don't wrench for money. But air ratchets can be a real friend sometimes. Taking a dash apart, no likes to lay on their back with head under the dash and swing a ratchet. Fenders, ****** and diff pans, heads, etc. There are lots of times the air ratchet is a better choice.

 

[rayzor32]

they are easy and fast. Anything that makes your job easier and faster is a good thing when your a flat rate tech or even an hourly tech when you have to work all day everyday with them. I use mine all the time, could not live without it. Don't ever use one at home, good old fashioned elbow grease at the house and boy does it **** picking up craftsman raised panels on the weekend when your spoiled at work all week with snap on, air tools and lifts.

 

[treasureseeker]

I think it is like the difference between long division vs using a calculator. One is painless. I have all the air tools but no compressor to run them. When I worked at a dealership I really enjoyed the 1/4 “ air ratchet. When I worked at Roush the Ford engineers would get crazy if they heard an air tool. Everything was by hand as these were new cars and parts it wasn’t as important and many time we were told this is all you have for the day so work slow.

 

[hofferwood]

Go out and get ya some ARTHER--IDUS, then ya whine when ya can't use em
Chuck

 

[otis66]

I use my air ratchet for changing trans fluid on Allison transmissions. I can get the entire fleet done in about two weeks.

 

[jsaw]

If you turn wrenches full time, after a while, you find that the air ratchet saves on your body.

 

[DanCo]

I love my ratchets, all 30 something, but I work on Mack trucks 90% of my work week. And those damn Mack engineers love using 10 or more torx bolts just for a friggin cluster. After a while the 1/4" stubby air rat saves me from pain in my hands, the 3/8" air rat is good for fender adjustment and most other work. It ***** when you try to open a beer with a twist off and your hands hurt.

 

[jimexcursion]

I love my ratchets, all 30 something, but I work on Mack trucks 90% of my work week. And those damn Mack engineers love using 10 or more torx bolts just for a friggin cluster. After a while the 1/4" stubby air rat saves me from pain in my hands, the 3/8" air rat is good for fender adjustment and most other work. It ***** when you try to open a beer with a twist off and your hands hurt.

I work on Macks 90% of the time too. Never thought of using an air rachet for those Torx bolts. I usually use a battery powered impact gun. I don't think I've used an air rachet in over 6 months. Might be time to dust it off.

 

[mrholeshot]

When it comes to doing water pumps, timing belts and such a good air ratchet is a money maker.MANY times there is no room for an impact. Flat rate techs would starve to death without them