help me choose a 3/8 air ratchet, please

[BioNerd]

Hello,

Im tired of wrenching a few clicks in tight spots and its slow. My friend lets me borrow his Matco but I would like to have my own. I already have a 1/2 impact wrench so I think that would do it. Please share the average price for the one you recommend me. I think the only preference I would have is its power, the more the merrier.

I'm currently wrestling a 1964 Jaguar E type, rear drive train.

Thanks!

 

[BioNerd]

reference

I also consider the m12 but I heard that power was an issue.

 

[jsaw]

I have been very happy with my Mac flat head air ratchet. It has lasted 15 years being used most every day

 

[abvw]

I like my Snap-on FAR7000, slim from head to toe, adjustable exhaust port and fast rotation. 35 ft-lb of torque, less likely to cross thread and bust knuckles.

 

[zkling]

I'd look into one of the impacting air ratchets. Potentially the hf earthquake.

 

[Finky198]

If you have the money to spend by IR hammerhead in 3/8
It can be a little bulky but it shines for suspension work
An general disassembly.

 

[montanafordman]

The husky impacting air ratchet, sunex impact air ratchet, and HF earthquake air ratchet are all the same, I think made by Florida pnumatic. I have the HF version and have been very happy with it. Coupled with a 20% off coupon it's a tough deal to beat.

 

[jptbay]

I've got an Aircat mini 3/8 (3/8 drive in a 1/4 dive ratchet body) that has been great.

Spins pretty fast at 380 rpm free speed.

http://aircat.com/products/ratchets/3-8-mini-ratchet-single-pawl-mechanism/

 

[snappymilli]

I have been very happy with my Mac flat head air ratchet.

 

[just a noob]

I've got an SP Air tools ratchet that seems to work pretty well

 

[bcradio]

I also recommend the earthquake. Has a good bit of power too

 

[chadster1]

Far72c

 

[redwrench60]

Far72c

I have to agree. I've tried or owned many different kinds of 3/8 air ratchets and none have impressed me the way the Snap On FAR72C and it's predecessor, the FAR72B does. I have one at home and two at work. Great power, high RPMs, powerfull startup torque and featherable push button throttle. Tough, high quality air ratchets but you can't be a ***** with them, they have strong reaction torque and will beat your hands up if you let them.

 

[Dmoen]

It hammerhead is the only choice. Had a co 3/8, and the snap on. This is hands down faster, and way stronger. Will take off lug nuts. Its the best $360 I've spent in a long.time


Sent from my LGL34C using Tapatalk

 

[Ign]

If you're just looking at a basic air ratchet the IR 109XP has always struck me as having the best design by far simply 'cause of the large button vs a paddle. Paddles always seem to be a problem or be in the way on an air ratchet and I've always wondered why more manufacturers don't adopt a button???

I'd much prefer control w my single index finger vs the huge potential of accidentally gripping the tool and engaging a paddle. Plus instinctually as you go to counter-act the twisting force of the tool during normal use you tighten your grip, generally squeezing the paddle even harder. AND if the ratchet swings under power it always swings the paddle OVER some other obstruction and traps my hand between the paddle & said obstruction, locked on.

What if they built firearms w huge paddle triggers??

 

[HAP]

Hammer head all day...

 

[chadster1]

What if they built firearms w huge paddle triggers??

Wouldn't something like that be fun as **** if it was full auto?

 

[Antique Engine]

I have to agree. I've tried or owned many different kinds of 3/8 air ratchets and none have impressed me the way the Snap On FAR72C and it's predecessor, the FAR72B does. I have one at home and two at work. Great power, high RPMs, powerfull startup torque and featherable push button throttle. Tough, high quality air ratchets but you can't be a ***** with them, they have strong reaction torque and will beat your hands up if you let them.

You kids with your fancy new tools. Allow me to introduce you to old Grandad.

 

[Antique Engine]

Closer

 

[Finky198]

 

[redwrench60]

You kids with your fancy new tools. Allow me to introduce you to old Grandad.

Lol, that's funny. I remember the old "A" Model ratchets. Never could figure out what they changed between the A and B models. The C got a revised head mechanism. I've had my old FAR72B for almost 20 years.

 

[abvw]

My 7000 and my coworkers' 72B and 7200. All great ratchets!

https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/11224630_10203601178223663_2448081399642717826_n.jpg?oh=1a24358156fcca9ac6f6f07fa69d9169&oe=56C73F00

 

[[email protected]]

FAR72

I have 2. One was just rebuilt and will snap your wrist if you don't pay attention. There expensive new ($429.00 or so) but pretty cheap used. The pawn shop near me has one for $149.00 right now in good condition.

 

[Antique Engine]

Lol, that's funny. I remember the old "A" Model ratchets. Never could figure out what they changed between the A and B models. The C got a revised head mechanism. I've had my old FAR72B for almost 20 years.

I've had that 72A for 22 years now, and it was used when I bought it.

SnapOn man had some guys used tools in a milk crate on the truck. The guy was down on his luck and asked him to try and sell them out on the route. I gave 60 for the ratchet and handed it straight back to the SnapOn man and had him send it in to SnapOn for a full rebuild. That was a further 60 dollars. So, 120 dollars in 1994 money. After 22 years of service I feel it was well worth it.

As you know, the sound from these things is unique. You can hear one all the way across the shop and bet your paycheck that it's a 72 ratchet because nothing sounds like they do.

 

[jonti48310]

Have a newer craftsman one that I use on a regular basis at work. It's noisy as hell but it works great.

 

[redwrench60]

I've had that 72A for 22 years now, and it was used when I bought it.

SnapOn man had some guys used tools in a milk crate on the truck. The guy was down on his luck and asked him to try and sell them out on the route. I gave 60 for the ratchet and handed it straight back to the SnapOn man and had him send it in to SnapOn for a full rebuild. That was a further 60 dollars. So, 120 dollars in 1994 money. After 22 years of service I feel it was well worth it.

As you know, the sound from these things is unique. You can hear one all the way across the shop and bet your paycheck that it's a 72 ratchet because nothing sounds like they do.

No kidding on the sound. I call them widow makers lol. Fast and strong and if you're not ready for it they'll teach you a lesson in knuckle pain! You got you're money's worth I'd say.

 

[BioNerd]

Excuse my ignorance, seems like there is a line of air ratchets that have impact mechanisms thus reducing the chance for crushing hands.
I did indeed crush my hand because he handed the tool to me and I assumed it would be impact. Nah, it powerfully squeezed my fingers in that tight spot.

So, I would prefer it to be impact able. Sounds more appealing to what im used to with other similar powertools.
Otherwise it Would feel like a powerful corded hole saw that can make your whole self spin around.

 

[BioNerd]

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses!

 

[skruft]

I have used two Snap-on models (one being 72B) and the IR generic kind where all brands look the same. I would like to have one with impact.

 

[BioNerd]

I bought myself a HF earthquake, its powerful and pretty quick. Makes things a lot easier and faster.

I only had a 1/2 impact wrench... heavy, old and unknown brand. its too much torque and uncomfortable to use sometimes.

 

[autoxvaliant]

http://m.tools-plus.com/proto-tool-...m=PROJ138RSH&gclid=COG25__njMkCFVA6gQod94UDPw

I have the Mac version. Love it.


Also loved my HF earth quake. But it gave up rather quickly. I'm a full time tech the HF would prob last a long time for a home user

 

[uscfan]

Really like the hf earthquake. Brought it new on ebay for $50.

 

[Super Mech]

Get yourself an Ingersoll-Rand reaction less air ratchet. Your knuckles will thank you. Got mine for near ten trouble free years used almost daily.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get yourself an Ingersoll-Rand reaction less air ratchet. Your knuckles will thank you. Got mine for near ten trouble free years used almost daily.

Isn't the HF Earthquake 3/8 ratchet "reactionless" ?

 

[theoldwizard1]

I also consider the m12 but I heard that power was an issue.

I am waiting for an M12 Fuel impacting, reactionless ratchet. I think Milwaukee is dragging their feet on some M12 Fuel tools (3/8 drill) because they want customers to keep buying the M18 line.