HF 1/4" Mini Air rachet...not impressed

[GarageGuy89]

Just thought I would throw this out there. Purchased the $29.99 version with the rubber grip and 1/4" in size. You got me this time HF!

The reverse switch is almost impossible to turn with your fingers. Appears to be a quality control issue of the machining. Have to use pliers to get it to move. The power is almost nothing, and it is very loud. The ratcheting function is also lacking, takes quit a bit of movement to get a click.

Been wanting one of this stubby air ratchets for running bolts on engines. I know they have no torque, but I was not impressed by the HF version of these. Will be returning and getting a quality one. For the short time I did use this I wish I had one of these stubby ratchets years ago. If your on a budget then go for it (with a coupon), you obviously can't beat the price, and if you can live with the short coming of HF's quality control then that's your choice.

I'm sure there are probably some gems out there, but the hair that broke the camels backs was the 'using pliers to reverse my direction' aspect of it all. If it was smooth, I could have lived with it, but for $20 you can get a reputable new/used brand.

 

[Kenskip1]

GG89, I have the same ratchet and am very happy with it. I use it a lot doing small engine repairs.Mine operates great.Granted that it doesn't have 65 pounds of gut wrenching torque but for what I paid I am very satisfied with my purchase.Honestly I would have checked the function prior to leaving the store.

 

[jacked_72]

Return it and maybe try another. I've had issues with some of their older air tools that a replacement solved.

 

[danielbuck]

I know it's a lot more expensive, but SP Air makes great little impact ratchet wrenches that you'll never have trouble with.

 

[Mr_B]

^
quite a jump from 29.99

astro tools 1124 or the 3/8 1128 are way to go for compact ratchets, latest reactionless impact ratchet technology (Kuani air ratchets). simply superb and only 100bucks .

 

[GarageGuy89]

GG89, I have the same ratchet and am very happy with it. I use it a lot doing small engine repairs.Mine operates great.Granted that it doesn't have 65 pounds of gut wrenching torque but for what I paid I am very satisfied with my purchase.Honestly I would have checked the function prior to leaving the store.

I have no doubt that if I were to sort through all the ratchets on the shelf a hand full of them would not have the switch issue. Like I said, if your on a budget this is a great tool, but it has those QC issues HF is known for.

Something to be aware of if anyone is planing to buy one of these.

I'm looking at the Aircat 807 for $50. I've had success with aircat in the past and they seem to be a great tool for an intermediate tool.

 

[Mr_B]

Try reactionless and you never want go back ...

 

[PWC Repair]

If you just want a tool for running bolts, why not a cordless impact driver? I use mine constantly for disassembly and running bolts in as well as wire wheeling the threads. And there's no hose to trip over.

 

[Mr_B]

^
would assume from opening post want's small format as working in tight engine bay scenario ...

 

[GarageGuy89]

^
would assume from opening post want's small format as working in tight engine bay scenario ...

That's a bingo!

Plus the impact driver gets me in trouble with stripping bolts...promised myself not to use it for engine work anymore. Don't ask why.

 

[danielbuck]

^
quite a jump from 29.99

astro tools 1124 or the 3/8 1128 are way to go for compact ratchets, latest reactionless impact ratchet technology (Kuani air ratchets). simply superb and only 100bucks .

Looked up the 1124 on amazon, it's about the same price as the SP, around $140-150. FYI

I agree though, impact/reactionless is really nice, especially considering your hand is probably down in the engine bay somewhere when you're using this thing, knuckles banging against the engine isn't a problem with these ratchets

 

[99LeCouch]

Zero issues with the $15 version, other than being loud, slow, and an air hog. Oh well, it works well enough for running down bolts. It doesn't have enough torque to smash knuckles, lol.

The Earthquake reaction less 3/8" ratchet is pretty nice for the price. Good torque, fairly quick, and doesn't use that much air. No smashed knuckles is really nice!

 

[Mr_B]

Looked up the 1124 on amazon, it's about the same price as the SP, around $140-150. FYI

I agree though, impact/reactionless is really nice, especially considering your hand is probably down in the engine bay somewhere when you're using this thing, knuckles banging against the engine isn't a problem with these ratchets

99 bucks for the 1124, not via amazon
Didn't know SP done a 1/4 impact ratchet, I only seen 1765 reactionless and the 1/4 was standard and they around 180bucks.

 

[CR888]

Try reactionless and you never want go back ...

This! Get a reaction-less even if it costs a little more, its truly worth it and performs like a different improved tool.

 

[danielbuck]

99 bucks for the 1124, not via amazon
Didn't know SP done a 1/4 impact ratchet, I only seen 1765 reactionless and the 1/4 was standard and they around 180bucks.

I have the 3/8", not the 1/4. But I'd assume the 1/4 is every bit as nice as the 3/8. At the time that I purchased it (2015?), It was the only impacting ratchet that I could find.

 

[Tonyuk]

I'm very happy with my astro mini 3/8 ratchet.

Never been a fan of the cheaper 1/4 stuff, i found that even the more expensive brands had less power than i would like.

Put a swivel fitting on whatever you get.