Impact and ratchet schooling

[dwwright]

Hey all,

I was wondering if I could get some input on what to look for in impact wrenches and ratchets. I recently got a new (to me) compressor, that does about 11 cfm @90 and figured it was time to get some things to make life easier. I've used a few in the past, but never had to go buy any.

What do you look for in an impact and air ratchet?

I've seen several max torque ratings on various models (Impacts: 250, 350, 500, 800 ft lbs.; Ratchets: 40, 50, 75 ft lbs). Prices on these increase with the torque rating. What would an average job, of say changing shocks and taking off/on lug nuts required on an f150?

I've seen composite types, which look to be plastic body. I assume to help with weight and not allowing ones hand to freeze to it during the winter months. Is this a correct assumption? And how well do they hold up?

I'm sure there are other aspects, but sometimes you just don't know what you don't know, therefore don't know what to ask. So I'd be interested in hearing some opinions and what features to look for.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mayday0017]

Harbor Freight Earthquake 1/2 impact nothing cheaper.... For ratchet I will let someone else reply I never use air ratchets, to often I find they are a pain to get where I need them so I just use a regular ratchet most of the time.

 

[rlitman]

The IR2135TiMax has a composite body, and is considered one of the best on the market. Composite holds up just fine for the handle and air motor, so long as the hammer case is metal.

Anything will do an "average job". But as soon as the impact isn't strong enough to break loose something rusted and stuck, your job isn't so average any more.
Perhaps if you had the better impact, your job would still have been average.
Food for thought.

I have a few air ratchets. I hate them with a passion, but they fit certain needs.
They're noisy, they unexpectedly slam your hand into something when they get tight (except for the reactionless ones), and they're way clunkier than a regular ratchet.
But for a lock nut that won't just spin on with your fingers, that you need to turn a whole bunch of times, they can be a nice time saver.
I would say that if an air ratchet was over 40 ft-lbs, it had better be reactionless, or you can expect crushed fingers when it grabs.

 

[pipsters]

HF Earthquake beats the name brands in my tests

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115628

For $75-ish it's an incredible value

 

[Hammell]

Id say go with the plain jane, but reliable (Chicago Phuematic) CP 734, it will do 90% if not all of what you want and not break the bank. 148 bucks on Amazon. 425 ftlbs is lots. I dont use a air ratchet much, the cheapo cambell hausfield I have suits me just fine

 

[Thunderbisciut]

CP 7748 impact. Very reasonably priced, and a hell of a beast.

I love me some air ratchets. I'm currently using a CP 826 for a 1/4", CP 7830H for 1/2", and I'm trying to locate a CP 7828 for 3/8". These are bigger air ratchets with molded rubber grips, and adjustable muffled exhausts. The 1/2" in particular is a beast with 90 ft/lbs. I have smaller normal design air ratchets too, a CP 824 1/4", CP 828 and CP 886 3/8, and CP 828H 1/2". As you can tell, I like Chicago Pneumatic.

I swapped over to the other ones mainly to get a faster rundown. They are tougher to get into places than a normal ratchet for sure, but when you're in an awkward position cramping up, it's nice to just have to pull a trigger.

 

[DirtRoad]

Harbor freight earthquake line, get their 1/2 and 3/8 impact wrenches and also their 3/8's ratchet. You can get all 3 for the price of one name brand impact. The earthquake line performs better than most of the name brands or at the very least just as capable.

 

[bcradio]

Harbor freight earthquake line, get their 1/2 and 3/8 impact wrenches and also their 3/8's ratchet. You can get all 3 for the price of one name brand impact. The earthquake line performs better than most of the name brands or at the very least just as capable.

Very well put. I could not agree more. In fact, the 3/8" gun is so strong that I almost never use my 1/2" gun anymore. It will take off any lug nuts I have with ease. I do not have the air ratchet though.

 

[pshking]

Agree with the above comments about HF. I like IR for longevity. I don't care for 1/2 air ratchets, will definitely mash fingers and take skin off in a pinch, but do like 1/4 air ratchets.

 

[DirtRoad]

Very well put. I could not agree more. In fact, the 3/8" gun is so strong that I almost never use my 1/2" gun anymore. It will take off any lug nuts I have with ease. I do not have the air ratchet though.

I only have the 1/2 impact, im $30 away from buying the 3/8 impact. After i have that i will start working on gathering the money for the 3/8 ratchet. The wife isnt friendly to expensive tool purchases so i have to save very slowly to get what i need.

Wish they offered a 1/4 earthquake ratchet, i would get that too lol

 

[DirtRoad]

Agree with the above comments about HF. I like IR for longevity. I don't care for 1/2 air ratchets, will definitely mash fingers and take skin off in a pinch, but do like 1/4 air ratchets.

Thats not a problem if its reactionless, which the earthquake ratchet happens to be

 

[dwwright]

Wow, Thanks for all the replys!

Looking like I should consider the HF Earthquakes.

Will look at their ratchets too. Seem anymore my fingers tighten/cramp up after a little bit of twisting nuts on/off. Probably need to go see someone about carpal tunnel, but typically doesn't bother me that much for my day to day stuff.

So the reactionary ones must have a clutch action to keep them from over-tightening I take it? Does this require adjustment to the torque?

 

[billymade]

How much do you want to spend and how long do you want them to last, do you want to be able to service, rebuild or get parts for them in the future? Tell us the type and amount of work (how often) you want to do; what is the hardest nut you see yourself removing (e.g. axle nuts, crank bolts on a honda etc.)? Obviously, price and quality go hand and hand. It is pretty easy to find a used classic IR231 or a lower line composite IR2130, both good guns; in my experience, used impact guns work fine and at the most need a new trigger... or worst case scenario, taken apart, cleaned. Used air ratchets; tend to need to be rebuilt or at the least a head kit; I would stay away, unless you get a giveaway deal on say a snapon far72C/7200 that can be rebuilt with a flat fee or a IR that you can parts for easily, repair cost effectively. Needless to say the top of the line IR TiMax level tools would be excellent; just depends on the work and whats in your budget.

 

[DirtRoad]

Your implying the earthquake line wont last?

Guys are using them professionally, so far i havent found anyone that has needed to replace one or rebuild one. Can you show me one?

But instead your going to suggest that he buys impacts and ratchets that actually need to be repaired, so much that there are parts readily available?

So in a nut shell dont buy the cheap earthquake and instead buy an IR that needs repair often enough that there are parts readily available.

Either way your buying a china made tool dont forget.

 

[Ad13]

The IR 231c is a solid tool. I also have a powermate that works really well. You will be fine with anything from IR or CP. Air ratchets are wayyyyy to loud for my liking.