how to use an air ratchet?

[Hawk321]

@volvo420coupe

I broke 2 ratchet squares.

 

[Flash21]

Does anyone have an impact ratchet? If so, how do you like it?

Seems like it could avoid the knuckle busting you guys are talking about.

 

[kiall1987]

It recently got the far7200 and find it to be brilliant , although it bit big . Also on a side note I have AT204 and its great for tight spaces!

 

[APEowner]

Does anyone have an impact ratchet? If so, how do you like it?

I used to have a MAC impact ratchet. I'm afraid I don't have any idea what model it was. I loved using it but it went through head kits like crazy. The MAC dealer gave me a spare one to keep in my box because I broke them more often than he stopped by. I finally decided that I was loosing more time repairing it than I was saving by using it.

 

[back2class]

I love my POS 3/8 Devibliss. HAs about 35lbs torque. Not enough to do damage but fast in tight areas. The low torque is no big deal because once I pull the trigger it locks and I can manualy break the fastener loose with the air ratchet. Then zip it off. If it were one of those high torque jobs it would be hard to hold it back and in my mind limit its use. I think my 1/4 blue point is better because it is more compact and serves the same job. It gets more use than the 3/8.

 

[Dust]

Agreed. I figure if you need more than 20-30 lb/ft of torque for a fastener, just use a breaker bar or a small impact gun.

Sure, my big air ratchet might mean less effort, but it also means a lot more busted knuckles. I'd rather just spend the ten seconds it takes to swap tools and save my hands from getting abused.

 

[briz]

I always liked the old snapon far70. not much torque, but lots of speed and lite weight. Cant even get parts for them anymore.

just bought the snappy cordless 3/8 ratchet made by Sioux.
it ROCKS- plenty fast, small and light, and has the same head as the far72- far7200 ratchets.

 

[JonnySledge]

Matco has a "reactionless" air ratchet that supposedly does not pin your hand. It's on my list to replace my Craftsman one I'm using now.

 

[Kevin54]

Myself, I don't care for an air ratchet. I have a couple, and if the direction is switched, I can use it just the same as a regular ratchet to break a nut or bolt loose, but after that it just seems too slow to me. I'd rather use something like a palm impact to run things on and off. Plus a lot of places that I HAVE used an air ratchet, say for instances running bolts in on seat brackets, once you get them snugged, then the ratchet torques around, binds your hand, and it's locked on and you can't get your hand off.

But that's just my $.02 on it. I just don't care for air ratchets at all.

 

[efb16acrx]

Matco has a "reactionless" air ratchet that supposedly does not pin your hand. It's on my list to replace my Craftsman one I'm using now.

Yep, I love mine.

 

[briz]

I think the manufacturers are finally getting it, that a power ratchet doesn't need torque, it needs speed and the ability to get into tight spaces. I don't want torque thatll pinch my fingers and break fasteners, I want speed and maneuverability.

 

[yost69]

Well since this thread is back to life I will give my opinion.

I don't use mine much. I only use it when I can't get an impact on it or it is just to little swing for a regular ratchet.

It is just to dang loud for me to use all the time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I gave up on my pneumatic ratchet long ago. Even after "breaking" bolts loose it frequently did not have enough torque to spin the rusty nut/bolt off.

 

[pepi]

I just don't care for air rachets at all. I learned without them, and I just can't get used to the things.

Must agree on that one, quickly found the tool was almost useless, bulky, airline always getting hung up on stuff, just to much hassle. Took more time getting the darn thing positioned for use, big time waster.
I am sure it has a place folks buy em, just not a tool I find worth while.

 

[wafrederick]

I think the SO 3/8 rachet is a finger killer. Trust me don't get in the things way if it swings around on you. Mine is old, I got it second hand and I've only broke it once. Had it since 2000. I couldn't live without it in a shop. It's a must have as a flat rate tech. Guys use them to run spark plugs in, brake caliper bolts, suspension bolts, big jobs like ****** replacements.

I know about this too,also a hand killer.Have had my hand between the air ratchet and transmission case and it hurts.I said some cuss words after it happened.

 

[Farmall450]

They're somewhat useless IMO. The only time I use them is when I need to get into a tight, low profile area where it's hard to use a regular ratchet. The 3/8" Snap On cordless impact takes care of the rest .

Agreed, and modern impacts are getting smaller and smaller, regular ratchets are getting finer.

 

[Fixnair]

You have to be careful when you are running a bolt out with little head room for the tool to work. I have run mine into a bulkhead where I couldn't reverse it to run it back in so as to remove the tool and bolt