The more I use a rattle gun the more it is becoming the first thing I reach for instead of the last. What surprises me is that I use one a lot now to get small things apart where it isn't easy to apply torque with a wrench compared to holding the item in my hand with a rag and giving it a tap with the gun.
Bitten by the Rattler
- Thread starter Danglerb
- Start date
billymade
Well-known member
Are you referring to air tools? Once you get used to them; you life will never be the same... especially when you need to work on something and you don't have access to "AIR". You have just created a major problem for yourself, you are now spoiled by air tools and who really wants to go back to doing every thing by hand?
Ignorance is bliss but once "you know"; it is all over!
Ignorance is bliss but once "you know"; it is all over!
OK... so you want everyone to Google rattle gun ... I only use it when space permits ...
DarrenF
Well-known member
I have 3 IR Ti series guns; a 1/4",3/8",1/2" (2135ti), and an older 3/4" IR gun. I also have a IR 1/4" drive air ratchet. I rarely use hand powered ratchets anymore.
Uncle Buck
Banned
I have never referred to an impact gun as a rattler, in fact this is the first time I have ever heard one called that. I have always used the term Burp Gun instead, and I think I still prefer it to Rattler, perhaps it is just because that is what I am used to!
jimvannoy
Well-known member
I have always called it the "impact".
Junkman
Well-known member
What if I don't have electricity?????
What if I don't have electricity?????
Does a "rattle gun " have to be electric ? I thought it was air or electric. My Google search wasn't definitive.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Okay, so we're talking about impact guns. Those are the most used air tools that I own. In fact, I never use an air ratchet. If I want to speed nuts on, I use the impact on its lowest setting. For disassembly, the impact gun is quicker than any air ratchet I know of.
And, my impacts aren't as noisy as my air ratchets either.
Lightning is right though... don't get rid of your hand ratchets (like any of us would!). I actually prefer hand ratchets for assembly over any air tool.
And, my impacts aren't as noisy as my air ratchets either.
Lightning is right though... don't get rid of your hand ratchets (like any of us would!). I actually prefer hand ratchets for assembly over any air tool.
DavidtheDuke
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2008
- Messages
- 559
You wouldn't say that on transverse timing belt jobs. I also would never use them to install spark plugs, an air ratchet is good for that.
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I'd be afraid to use an air ratchet to install spark plugs on something with aluminum heads. I use a hand ratchet to snug them down then grab the torque wrench to finish them up. Cast iron heads, as long as they aren't cross threaded air ratchet shouldn't be a problem.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
i don't use my impact guns or air ratchets all that often since leaving my old tyre shop. do most everything by hand. i think when i get a compact 3/8" air ratchet and a 3/8" impact i'll probably use them a lot more.
as for spark plugs, i tend to break them loose with a ratchet and spin them out by hand with a knurled extension. if i don't do that, i use my speed brace. which i use a lot.
as for spark plugs, i tend to break them loose with a ratchet and spin them out by hand with a knurled extension. if i don't do that, i use my speed brace. which i use a lot.
Uncle Buck
Banned
I don't ever see myself installing plugs in anything with any kind of air tool, that just strikes me as foreign. Perhaps I am starting to think like an old man!
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
i'm 19 and i'd never even think of using an air tool for spark plugs. doubt it's an age thing!!
garfunkle24
Well-known member
I would have to agree. Honestly, the thought of using pneumatic tools for installing spark plugs has never even crossed my mind.
I would never use air tools on them, either. Apparently, S•K tools feels differently...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-...001QQitemZ110251848442QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
DavidtheDuke
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2008
- Messages
- 559
Huh? Well me and dad do it all the time in the shop, no problems. Snap-On sells those as well, wilbilt.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=1347&store=snapon-store
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=1347&store=snapon-store
SoCal is a bit like Australia, but our rats are smaller and don't hop.
Rattle gun is common around here for any impact, air or electric.
What surprised me is that impact seems to be the best choice for a lot of "light" jobs I never considered using it for. Its still going to be a disassembly only tool for me "most" of the time, but the convenience of using one is pushing be toward buying a cordless 1/4" drive impact.
If I had it to do over again, I would skip the bigger compressor I bought and get all cordless impacts for regular use.
For assembly work, its got to be an experience thing. Try it and if it works keep doing it and get the job done faster, but for amateurs who won't be repeating the same jobs over and over, there is a lot of risk pulling the trigger the first time.
Rattle gun is common around here for any impact, air or electric.
What surprised me is that impact seems to be the best choice for a lot of "light" jobs I never considered using it for. Its still going to be a disassembly only tool for me "most" of the time, but the convenience of using one is pushing be toward buying a cordless 1/4" drive impact.
If I had it to do over again, I would skip the bigger compressor I bought and get all cordless impacts for regular use.
For assembly work, its got to be an experience thing. Try it and if it works keep doing it and get the job done faster, but for amateurs who won't be repeating the same jobs over and over, there is a lot of risk pulling the trigger the first time.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I wouldn't use any air tool for either of those jobs. Hand ratchets all the way. I want to be able to feel what I am doing.
billymade
Well-known member
In a professional production environment and in the service industry "speed", is crucial and can mean the difference between making money and losing it; especially if you work on a flat rate. I got spoiled when working at the body shop and the "groove" you get into when working with air tools, is a hard habit to break; especially when find yourself in a situation where all of the sudden you lose your access to air; this is amplified even more when you have a drawerful of air tools at your disposal but can't use them! I have noticed a trend towards lighter, battery operated power tools but I tend to prefer air based tools but this maybe because it was the first type I was introduced to (possibly I am just "old school" at this point). Every type has its downside: air tools have a hose connected to them (which can get in the way), can be heavier (not as much of a issue on the newer composites/current high end lighter models) and the battery operated tools: lose their charge, have to have their battery packs replaced (this in particular can be a ongoing expensive proposition) and IMHO are not as durable in the long run (this may not be the case as much with the high end brands). I love being able to reach into my drawer and find a specific air tool for the job at hand and with the quick connector "pop off" the present tool, then change to the next one quickly. I like my air tools, there again this is a "sub addiction" with in my general overall tool addiction, that I will blame on my years working at the body shop, seeing how quickly and crucial air tools were to the production process, work flow and eventual completion of all the work that when on there. Plus who doesn't like all the cool sounds they make; air tool "sounds" like work is getting "done"; when ever I pull up to a shop and hear all the air tools "singing" it puts a smile on my face!
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When removing sparkplugs, I want to be able to feel the resistance of the plug threads while I am removing. Had a 95 Nissan pathfinder a while back that had sparkplugs that squealed while removing them. Very dry and difficult to remove. By using a ratchet, some liquid wrench, and some time, was able to remove without breaking. No way an air ratchet would have gotten these out without breaking...
BrianAltenhofel
Well-known member
When I first started on my race car was when I first started using air tools. Now they are the first thing I reach for. I also do assembly with them, and the more I use them the closer I get to final torque when I let off. If you get used to them and get to know your tools, you can get to know how much torque that impact or air ratchet is putting out.
As for not having electricity available such as in a car, I keep a cordless impact in the car for those lovely events of having to change a wheel. I also keep a floor jack that I cut the wheels off and welded a plate to. I feel much better using a real jack on the side of the road than a mini-jack. Plus, between the jack and wheels, I can get my workout for that day.
As for not having electricity available such as in a car, I keep a cordless impact in the car for those lovely events of having to change a wheel. I also keep a floor jack that I cut the wheels off and welded a plate to. I feel much better using a real jack on the side of the road than a mini-jack. Plus, between the jack and wheels, I can get my workout for that day.