Air Ratchet Wrench Recommendation

[2ndTry]

Now that I finally have a good air compressor, I'd like to purchase a decent air ratchet wrench for general auto repair. Should I get a 3/8" or 1/2"? How much importance should I place on advertised torque and rpm specifications? Does 100 bucks get you a tool worth owning? I already have a good 1/2" impact, hammer and die grinders. Would like something to zip off the nuts a little faster than hand tools. Any advice or tool recommendations? Thanks!

 

[liliysdad]

I would go to the local pawn shop and take your pick of tool truck brand air ratchets for cheap. My shop can't give air tools away with the advent of cordless tools.

 

[Rinspeed]

They are made in Asia somewhere but I've had good luck with IR ratchets and they are right around $100. My vote would be 3/8" instead of 1/2".

 

[NUTTSGT]

Air ratchet ? 3/8" all day for general use... I'm not sure who would use 1/2" air ratchet on a regular basis ? Heavy equipment mech ?

 

[finn]

3/8, or even 1/4” would be best.

Word of warning, though: once you buy your first battery ratchet, you’ll probably never use that air ratchet again.

Mine’s an old Craftsman, which it think was made by CP or IR. I think I might actually have three of various manufacturers, a butterfly 1/4” , regular 1/4”, and the 3/8”.but don’t even know off the top of my head where they are, without a search.

 

[JradM]

once you buy your first battery ratchet, you’ll probably never use that air ratchet again.

I came to express the same sentiment. There's good reasons to have an air compressor - an air ratchet isn't one of them.

The only reason I would consider one (well, I do actually own one - but it sits unused) is if I was working where compressed air was always on standby. In my shop though, I turn on and charge up the compressor when I need it. That makes an air ratchet impractical.

Even if I did have compressed air at-the-ready, you still have to deal with a hose and disconnecting whatever other pneumatic tool you were using.

I'd just prefer a $100 cordless ratchet, even if that was the Ryobi, Husky or brushed M12.

 

[jpaw]

I am a transmission tech and would not be without my 3/8 air ratchet. Cordless just doesn't have the break away torque of air.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a 30 yr old NIB IR 3/8 that's Japan made, IIRC. Send me a PM if you're interested. I personally can't stand the noise these things make.

 

[Mas78]

As far as air ratchets go I like this 3/8" impacting one from Harbor Freight. I really prefer the impacting feature as it doesn't try to smash my fingers into what ever object is near when the fastener seats. https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-impacting-air-ratchet-wrench-68426.html

 

[2ndTry]

Although I have a slew of battery operated tools that I like and find very useful, a battery powered ratchet wrench has no interest to me. I like the power and simplicity that air tools bring to automotive work.

 

[Outlier]

As far as air ratchets go I like this 3/8" impacting one from Harbor Freight. I really prefer the impacting feature as it doesn't try to smash my fingers into what ever object is near when the fastener seats. https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-impacting-air-ratchet-wrench-68426.html

The impacting air ratchets do help with the finger smashing. Aircat makes decent air tools. So does Astro Pneumatic. If I were buying an air ratchet today, I would probably spring for a SP Air ratchet. One with the sealed, low-profile head.

 

[liliysdad]

Although I have a slew of battery operated tools that I like and find very useful, a battery powered ratchet wrench has no interest to me. I like the power and simplicity that air tools bring to automotive work.

How is an air ratchet simpler than a battery powered version? For air you need electricity, a compressor, a hose, and a ratchet. For cordless, you just need a battery and a ratchet.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

How is an air ratchet simpler than a battery powered version? For air you need electricity, a compressor, a hose, and a ratchet. For cordless, you just need a battery and a ratchet.

They don't mind being dunked in a bucket of coolant as much. Air is generally a lot more rugged.


If I'm shopping for an air ratchet, you want impacting. Nut running doesn't have a ton of value in tight engine bays with coarse teeth in most air ratchets. I used the HF one for a while, plus an SP air. This makes me consider breaking out the SP air with~100 ft/lb, sp-7730. That thing was an animal, but they're over $200 now. The flathead SP air are super fast, I have a 1/4 version which is okay for M6 hardware. Normally I'm using electric ratchets. The HF earthquake lasted me 18months+ of daily use until the detent ball fell out of the head and rebuild parts weren't readily available.

 

[jpaw]

I still have my first snap on air ratchet that has a fresh rebuild. It's 30+yrs old, been through hell and works like a new one. Good luck getting that kind of roi with a plastic cordless tool.

 

[sparky 1971]

3/8. About all I can add is to get an impacting or reactionless, which I believe are the same thing. If it's a regular style, you'll wish it was the other after your fingers get smashed the first time. I have a Sanborn reactionless and I don't use it very often, but when I do, other than the noise, it's great.

 

[AC-WC]

I'll be honest I really haven't used my air ratchet until the last couple of years. My oldest is the 1/2" probably close to 30 yrs. HF special. Ended up taking it to work on a special project which really sped things up. My newest, maybe 2 yrs, 3/8" is also HF special but I don't use them professionally, hard or frequently. The only issue I've ever had was the 1/2" and it just needed air tool oil (guys at work didn't understand that). 3/8" is lighter and easier to use.
As convenient as battery powered tools are I use them infrequently enough to justify buying due to battery life.

 

[2ndTry]

The SP 7730 appears to have the best specs but is a bit pricey for such a tool. I’m a serious hobbyist and not a pro. My current air tool collection is a mixture of IR and Astro Pneumatic. I’ll most likely stick with either of those brands because they’ve been good performers for me. I really appreciate your input. Much appreciated and thank you.

 

[mikedodge]

I have a Campbell hausfeld one and a bigger snap on one. I've used the C-H one a lot more and never had a problem with it. It's over 25 years old now.

 

[DGersic]

I have the Astro 1128 Mini Impact Ratchet and it’s quite handy at times. Ad says 50 ft. lbs. of torque, pretty good and about as much as I’d want in something this small.

 

[danielbuck]

I really like these little SP Air ratchets. They are quiet, pretty fast, impacting (they don't want to torque out of your hand or crunch your hand against something when in tight spots), and powerful enough for alot of small-ish stuff. I've had mine for a while, if I were to need another one, I would be tempted to try the Astro, they make great air tools as well.

SP-1765HD 3/8″ Super Fast Mini Impact Ratchet

www.spairusa.com

I have a larger air ratchet, but honestly I almost never use it. I use an astro nano impact if I need some sort of power tool that has more grunt and doesn't take up alot of room.

 

[Marlin]

How is an air ratchet simpler than a battery powered version? For air you need electricity, a compressor, a hose, and a ratchet. For cordless, you just need a battery and a ratchet.

Try to troubleshooting the motor and electronics of a tool vs the an air motor and air valving, air is a simpler design.

 

[demarpaint]

I like Astro Tools air tools. I'd check them out.

 

[liliysdad]

Try to troubleshooting the motor and electronics of a tool vs the an air motor and air valving, air is a simpler design.

I can agree with that, the air tool is a simpler machine. The logistics involved, however, counter that simplicity.

 

[2ndTry]

I bought an air compressor of suitable size to operate a nice blast cabinet. I have the air capacity now to run any air tool and want to maximize that capability. I'm not adverse to using battery powered tools as I have many. But for automotive work, I have found battery tools to be somewhat under powered, heavy and a bit cumbersome. An air tool operating at 100psi with 120 gallons of air behind it is capable of doing a lot of work quickly. I use battery tools almost entirely for my carpentry projects (which are many around my homestead). I may give that HF Earthquake air ratchet a try and if I find that size and type suitable, then I may purchase something more robust. So far, the only battery powered tool that I've purchased that I did NOT like is the 4 1/2" grinder. The electric versions (any brand) are much better. How I got along without a battery impact driver is beyond words. That tool was a real game changer for me.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a Powermate XL, probably Coleman, and it's been fine on the rare use it gets. Usually t gets brought out for multiple fasteners.

As far as battery grinder go, in my opinion, they shine on a job site or wear you can't/don't want to drag a cord. Hands down, they win that race

 

[Rinspeed]

I can agree with that, the air tool is a simpler machine. The logistics involved, however, counter that simplicity.

That's a bunch of hogwash as far as I'm concerned. My compressor is full all the time and when I'm working on a vehicle I almost always have a die grinder, air ratchet, air impact and cordless driver/impact close at all times. Of course, I'm not one of those that think an air hose is so horribly cumbersome.

 

[liliysdad]

Of course, I'm not one of those that think an air hose is so horribly cumbersome.

I am. I hate dragging them around. Coupled with the noise, I just don’t care to use air anymore than I have to. I hate corded electric tools just about as much.

My 60gal compressor stays full. It gets used for the blast cabinet and the cutoff wheel, occasionally to blow **** off the workbench. I don’t even use to air tire up much anymore since I got a cordless inflator.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

That's a bunch of hogwash as far as I'm concerned. My compressor is full all the time and when I'm working on a vehicle I almost always have a die grinder, air ratchet, air impact and cordless driver/impact close at all times. Of course, I'm not one of those that think an air hose is so horribly cumbersome.

Air is hideously inconvenient IF you don't own an air setup, and a good air setup. Now if you have air, air is inherently cheaper as the tools last longer, no batteries which are a long term consumable, etc. Air is typically smaller, the little hose on a swivel isn't awful to work around. Cordless is way heavier when you're talking bigger impacts as well, since you have a battery the size of a hamburger on the bottom.


It's all about framing of the situation. Guys go round and round "why even have air, 2967 M18 exists!". Well, running shop line pressure I don't pay to produce, I can buy an impact with similar power. I can dump an air impact in coolant, oil, run so much water in the air it just pumps out the exhaust, and never need to buy batteries. But when somebody drives on a loose ball joint until it goes POP, the M18 is much better 100ft from the nearest air line. To the point the air tools are worthless, I don't have air in the parking lot where the tow truck dumped it. The 2967 pressed the ball joint just fine despite being heavier and more awkward than my Astro thor.

For cordless, the electric ratchets are probably where it's most competitive against air. The impacts, especially larger ones, are just apples and oranges to how they hit, apply the twisting force, etc. The cordless are a bit bulkier, but battery life is pretty good IMO. I like cordless because I can have short and long neck, 3/8 and 1/4, four different powered ratchets on one job with no air line to switch.

 

[DemoFly]

The only air ratchet I use these days is a 1/4" mini palm because its size makes it niche. Hardly ever a use case for a 3/8ths air ratchet.

 

[PoorUB]

I had a name brand air ratchet, I forget the brand. The head got worn out so I got it rebuilt, a couple years later I bought a Harbor Freight air ratchet. That was about thirty years ago and it is still going strong. Granted I am just a weekend warrior, but for the price I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. I think it was something like $20!

 

[dnschmidt]

If somebody else is paying your electric bill then the statement that air is cheaper is true. However, pumping up my 5 HP Quincy takes a hell of a lot more electricity than charging a power tool battery ever will. There are advantages of size, longevity and sometimes power involved that are positives for some types of air tools but the hose is a pain in the ***.

 

[danielbuck]

That's a bunch of hogwash as far as I'm concerned. My compressor is full all the time and when I'm working on a vehicle I almost always have a die grinder, air ratchet, air impact and cordless driver/impact close at all times. Of course, I'm not one of those that think an air hose is so horribly cumbersome.

same. My compressor tank is always full. Maybe because I had corded electric power tools growing up, I don't mind the air hose. I find heavy battery tools a lot more cumbersome than a light weight or slim air tool with a hose. Except for a small M12 impact driver, I almost always prefer air over battery if I'm at home with my setup. The other day I was using an M18 angle grinder. Maybe I'm getting old, but it's hard to use that single handed for any significant length of time. My air angle grinder I almost always use single handed.

 

[Ditchdigger]

I stopped using air ratchets years ago because of the noise. I suffer from hearing loss after a lifetime of working in shops. Most of the lower cost air ratchets operate at 90+ decibels. Screw that!

After a few years I caved and bought a battery unit. I use it all the time

 

[Shoreline_]

Don't let them talk you out of it. I grab air tools over my electrics all day when I was in a garage except when I had all the hoses filled or the car was dead in the parking lot. My mac air ratchets are small and light and are reactionless. If you go for SP, they used to make a lot of Mac air tools. One day I'd like to get the big boy mac 1776

That being said i do like my electrics ratchets. I have the matco 16v flavor. Quiet. Just bulky in some instances. So eventually you should grab some cheap ones.

 

[Fuelie]

I keep both around. Been a service tech for 35 years on industrial machinery.
I am retired now and have a 30x40 shop at home and I will say for most of my work the air tools stay in the tool box and my Milwaukee tools get used the most.
They are just easier IMO.
Tom

 

[Mr_B]

reality is if want best chance get jobs done easy and quick you want good options in both air and battery .
I run my own auto repair shop and I use impacting air ratchets daily, why ? well they much smaller than battery ratchet options, are more powerful, more controllable and far more durable tool with far lower cost .
My daily work would be lot slower going with no air tools and same can be said for batteries as in right scenarios they a godsend too .
Use what going do specific job scenario best/easier/faster rather than trying prove a point that logically doesn't need be proved ...

 

[cgrutt]

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[Rinspeed]

I run my own auto repair shop and I use impacting air ratchets daily, why ? well they much smaller than battery ratchet options, are more powerful, more controllable and far more durable tool with far lower cost .

That's one of my main gripes with battery operated tools, they are so disposable.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Air ratchet ? 3/8" all day for general use... I'm not sure who would use 1/2" air ratchet on a regular basis ? Heavy equipment mech ?

Many, MANY years ago I bought a Craftsman 3/8" air ratchet. ************* !

Buy a good one ! (Pros, please chime in)

 

[Mr_B]

That's one of my main gripes with battery operated tools, they are so disposable.

Yes, I expect I junked few grand (and fair few life hours chasing the warranty) of snapon milwaukee and dewalt battery tools, current stuff seems be holding out bit better but battery tools not cheap and no way as durable as air in rough pro use environment .
I love having battery tools but I not going use them just to make a point and likewise I'm not going drag 50+ feet of air hose out in the yard when a 12 or 18v battery tool will do the task .
Using both in scenarios they work best in saves time and $$$, trying prove one better than other is a fools game ...