how to use an air ratchet?

[dlwilson]

I got a compressor a couple months ago, and I'm really loving the power of the impact wrench. But I'm not too sure about the air ratchet. It's got its uses every now and then, like after I break free a nut on a long stud that's going to take a while to spin out. Same thing for spinning the nut back on, but then I tighten it with a ratchet or breaker bar.

So how do you use the air ratchet as a time saver or effort saver? Do you break the fastener loose with something else first? Seems like you would need two sets of sockets, so you're not always swapping the socket back and forth.

What am I missing here?

 

[krusty the clown]

i'll use the air ratchet to manually break loose a tight fastener but normally my air ratchet has enough torque to break them loose.

 

[Delray]

Ditto: and I tighten them manually also.

 

[z28snksknr]

Same here. Maybe you need a tool with a little more torque?

 

[Major Ramifications]

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

 

[TAftw]

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 .

 

[JakeD]

Possibly if you didn't have room to swing a good arc with regular ratchet, it could save you from having to make 147 tiny turns.

 

[Stick Figure]

Same here. Maybe you need a tool with a little more torque?

yep... my first cheapy CH $20 ish ratchet was pretty worthless... the blue point replacement has been much better, higher speed, and a lot more torque to break bolts loose.

 

[LGMechanical]

My 130 ft lbs of torque mt2858 has saved me grief on many occasions. Where an impact wrench won't fit and where it'll take hours of ratcheting.

 

[AutoTech]

I've used one everyday for years and can't imagine doing my job without one especailly if your working flat rate!

 

[Skyline]

No question they will save you time. Sometimes a slight twist is needed to break loose a fastener before they spin it off, but with a really good air ratchet, that is rare. I use my 3/8" S-O air ratchet much more than my 3/8" air impact. Not too many fasteners that one would use a 3/8" sized tool on exceed the torque rating of a good air ratchet.

I will say, that much care is needed when you do step up to a modern high torque air ratchet. If you don't hold on tight, it can whip your hand around and jam it against something. (Ask me how I know!)

 

[APEowner]

I used to use mine all the time but I've started using my little Snap-On CTS 561 cordless driver for most stuff that has a 9/2" hex head or smaller. On larger fasteners on small jobs I use a flex head ratchet as a speed wrench where there's room. On bigger jobs I use the air ratchet quite allot. When working on the back side of the engine in front wheel drive cars there's really no better tool than an air ratchet.

A word of warning to those just starting out with air ratchets. When you hit the trigger on a good one either the fasteners going to turn or the wrench is. You'll want to keep in mind where your fingers are going to be if it's the wrench that turns.

I used to have a Mac impact air ratchet. That thing was a monster and because it was an impact you didn't have the whole finger crushing thing to worry about. It went through head kits like crazy though. I sold it when we were without a Mac dealer for a couple of years.

Oh, regarding the socket thing. I've always used standard Snap-On sockets and I've never had a problem.

 

[uhcrandy]

I really Dig my air-ratchet on dropping transmission pans and for disc brake through bolts...

 

[Danglerb]

Everybody I know using them torques manually, both on and off. Air ratchet seems to get used when more control than force is desired.

***This is a torque wrench shop, almost nothing gets torqued with a rattle gun.

 

[nate379]

I've had one for probably 10 years and I don't think I have ever used it. Not enough torque and too slow. I'd just assume use an impact gun. Much faster and more power.

 

[Toolhorder]

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.

 

[Snappy]

I like my air ratchet. There are situations where it can be a real time saver. Usually a quick yank with the air ratchet & then spin it the rest of the way off.

 

[a390st]

My old air ratchet was an IR, I think. It's hard to remember because I used it so infrequently. It was slow and took a ton of air. That is one tool I just don't miss. The only use I ever had for it was when the space was so tight you couldn't turn a ratchet.

 

[zmotorsports]

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 agree the Snap-On 3/8" (FAR72 I think is the number) is a finger killer if you are not paying attention. My son and I installed a lift kit a few weeks back and I told him to make sure to hold on and where his hands were because it would bite him if not. Sure enough, ****** knuckles soon followed.

I like my air ratchet for tight areas and time saver, however, only if the Snap-On IM31 won't fit. I love that thing. Mike.

 

[GDA]

Great for highly repetitive and easy access work like oil pan removal, transmission pan, intake manifold, diff covers etc. I only use mine when I have a ton of access and its more than a couple of the same bolt.

 

[Kurn]

I used to like the old FAR-70.Limited torque so you don't smash your hands,but a lot of speed.Wasn't real heavy,so it felt good.I'd really like to find another one someday.

 

[Joe69]

+1000 on the Snap-on IM31, I own 2, one at work, and one at home. They are a powerhouse! It's the only 3/8 impact to own.

Joe

 

[billymade]

I use my Snapon 3/8" far7200 and 1/4" far25; use evey day, all the time.... quick, get the stuff done and out of the shop! LOVE IT! Through time and usage.. you get used to using them.... you develope a "finesse" to their usage and how/when to pull the trigger/lever.... I'm getting to the point; I don't want to used reguar hand ratchets on oil pans, rear end covers, transmission pans etc... these types of maintenance chores are great with air ratchets! Knock it out baby and get'r DONE!

 

[rodm1]

I only use mine on transmission panes. They are a big pain in the a$$ with out one and a split beam torque wrench is a must to.

 

[krusty the clown]

I only use mine on transmission panes. They are a big pain in the a$$ with out one and a split beam torque wrench is a must to.

i use a speeder on ****** pans.

 

[speed bump]

I really like my 1/4" Cornwell on interior stuff. Doing body work and under car engine work are typically where I use my 3/8" a lot.

If and when I get a Bosch I-driver i'll probably cut back on using either of them though, for just a little more weight you have no cord and the head pivots.

 

[Red Green]

No question they will save you time. Sometimes a slight twist is needed to break loose a fastener before they spin it off, but with a really good air ratchet, that is rare. I use my 3/8" S-O air ratchet much more than my 3/8" air impact. Not too many fasteners that one would use a 3/8" sized tool on exceed the torque rating of a good air ratchet.

I will say, that much care is needed when you do step up to a modern high torque air ratchet. If you don't hold on tight, it can whip your hand around and jam it against something. (Ask me how I know!)

Same experience here. I was using a cheap ratchet then bought a Chicago Pneumatic I just about broke my wrist because I forgot to break the bolt free with the ratchet first.

 

[Toolhorder]

+1000 on the Snap-on IM31, I own 2, one at work, and one at home. They are a powerhouse! It's the only 3/8 impact to own.

Joe

How much does it have? I'm using the IR 2115TI and I didn't think anything could be better than that.

 

[gofastman]

+1000 on the Snap-on IM31, I own 2, one at work, and one at home. They are a powerhouse! It's the only 3/8 impact to own.

Joe

Although I like the IM31 better than the MG31, I'd say its a far cry from the best 3/8" impact.

My 130 ft lbs of torque mt2858 has saved me grief on many occasions. Where an impact wrench won't fit and where it'll take hours of ratcheting.

How do ya like that matco ratchet overall?

 

[illmatyk]

I use my air ratchet randomly, for doing drive belts and jobs that are in some what of a tight place.

Also, don't use it for tightening valve covers. don't ask me how i know.

 

[Dust]

I use my Craftsman mini 3/8 air ratchet all the time. It only has 20 lb/ft, and is smaller than a regular air ratchet, so I can even use it on smaller fasteners without much trouble. I think I've only broken three or four bolts with it, and I've used it for almost two years.

I also just put on a little in-line regulator, which works great for regulating torque. Turn it down enough to just be a power speeder, and I can easily tell if something's awry.

I want one of those palm air ratchets, too.

Don't have much use for a big monster ratchet; if I need that much power I'll just grab my 3/8 impact gun. Thankfully there aren't many awkwardly placed bolts on Chrysler vehicles.

 

[Hawk321]

I use it to remove everything where the torque is high enough...Oil pans or oil bolt. Anyway, an air ratchet is not built to use it by manual power...you can brake the rotor (did that often).

And you must be carefull when you tight a fastener with it...60Nm on a M8 bolt is to much! Mostly I must be carefully tight a bolt by hand if rust or a damaged thread is an issue.

 

[BeansBaxter]

Thankfully there aren't many awkwardly placed bolts on Chrysler vehicles.

You must not have one of their minivans.

 

[dlwilson]

I'm the OP, thanks for all of the responses. I'm using a Campbell Hausfeld air ratchet that I got as a gift last year, before I had a compressor. Sounds like it just doesn't have the torque I need. It's useful every now and then for spinning off a nut in an obstructed place, but it's not often that it's worth my time to go get the ratchet, oil it, set it up, and spin off the nut. Maybe for transmission pans or oil pans.

I'm going to look on eBay for the one of the ratchets mentioned above.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

i use a speeder on ****** pans.

Same here.

 

[krusty the clown]

I'm the OP, thanks for all of the responses. I'm using a Campbell Hausfeld air ratchet that I got as a gift last year, before I had a compressor. Sounds like it just doesn't have the torque I need. It's useful every now and then for spinning off a nut in an obstructed place, but it's not often that it's worth my time to go get the ratchet, oil it, set it up, and spin off the nut. Maybe for transmission pans or oil pans.

I'm going to look on eBay for the one of the ratchets mentioned above.

yep......the CH stuff isn't very powerful and not intended for hard use. check on a SO far72c you'll be surprised.

 

[Rich1028]

years ago I would laugh at my old friends that used air tools.
but the older I get the more I like air tools!
I'm 45 and I like using my air tools!

 

[jshillin]

I have 3 air ratchets; a FAR72, SK 3/8 and a 1/2" Sioux. The Sioux came with some tools I bought and haven't had a chance to use it yet. I use both 3/8" ratchets pretty often though.

 

[LGMechanical]

How do ya like that matco ratchet overall?

I have a review written up in the vendor review section. I love it. Strongest air ratchet I have ever owned.

Here is a link to my review:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36272

 

[volvo420coupe]

I use it to remove everything where the torque is high enough...Oil pans or oil bolt. Anyway, an air ratchet is not built to use it by manual power...you can brake the rotor (did that often).

And you must be carefull when you tight a fastener with it...60Nm on a M8 bolt is to much! Mostly I must be carefully tight a bolt by hand if rust or a damaged thread is an issue.

I have no doubt that air ratchets were not meant to be used like this. I have used my IR 3/8" for 10 years manually breaking loose and tightening bolts (without using the air), to me that is what makes an air ratchet a time saver.

Even though I am technically abusing this tool, I don't feel bad about it since I cannot warranty it, I know what it will take and it is a way more valuable tool to me being used in that manner.

I popped the reversing mech off of my 1/4" air ratchet while manually breaking a fastener loose, cast me $22 to have it fixed. I didn't think that was a bad price to pay for all the time saved over the years of use.