Is there a DO IT ALL air ratchet?

[sportsterchop200]

I am new to this forum and this is my first post after "lurking" for a while. I did some searching and the Aircat seems to be a common brand. What I am looking for is a general purpose home use air ratchet that can do it all. Nothing crazy just the basics such as take a car tire off, lawn mower blades etc........ I was think of getting a 3/8" air ratchet and using an adapter for 1/2" sockets. The reason being is there seems to be more available in the 3/8" ratchet and the 1/2" sockets will work with my other 1/2" stuff (all 12pt) and fill in the gaps with some 6pt sockets. I am currently looking at the Northern tool impact sets and would consider one of their ratchets I'm just not sure about the DB level. I am already deaf in one ear and try to use ear protection as often as possible but I am looking for the quietest tools possible.
Thanks in advance for any info and please feel free to add anything else that you may feel relevant.

 

[Farmall450]

I am new to this forum and this is my first post after "lurking" for a while. I did some searching and the Aircat seems to be a common brand. What I am looking for is a general purpose home use air ratchet that can do it all. Nothing crazy just the basics such as take a car tire off, lawn mower blades etc........ I was think of getting a 3/8" air ratchet and using an adapter for 1/2" sockets. The reason being is there seems to be more available in the 3/8" ratchet and the 1/2" sockets will work with my other 1/2" stuff (all 12pt) and fill in the gaps with some 6pt sockets. I am currently looking at the Northern tool impact sets and would consider one of their ratchets I'm just not sure about the DB level. I am already deaf in one ear and try to use ear protection as often as possible but I am looking for the quietest tools possible.
Thanks in advance for any info and please feel free to add anything else that you may feel relevant.

IR makes a lot of great pneumatic products, I would advise 6 point sockets unless you are actually taking off a 12 point fastener with a impact/air ratchet...

And I'd also advise just getting 1/2 drive. Adapters have slop, you loose torque, etc.etc.

 

[Farmall450]

Also I'd just get dedicated impact sockets for car tires, etc...don't want one to explode all of a sudden!

 

[steveo3002]

cordless impact gun might be more what you need

 

[Farmall450]

cordless impact gun might be more what you need

Unless you already have a good sized air compressor this is true.

Also all of what you listed any decent 1/2" impact will do with ease...

 

[sportsterchop200]

10-4 thanks for the rapid responses. I intend to buy 1/2" 6pt impact sockets and was only looking at a 3/8 air ratchet with adapter because there are many more options. I'll look into the cordless options. Any additional specific info about a low DB 1/2" ratchet and or impact is appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[Farmall450]

10-4 thanks for the rapid responses. I intend to buy 1/2" 6pt impact sockets and was only looking at a 3/8 air ratchet with adapter because there are many more options. I'll look into the cordless options. Any additional specific info about a low DB 1/2" ratchet and or impact is appreciated. Thanks again.

Why a ratchet over an impact?
Just noise?

I have 2 1/2 Impacts & they're all I use.
Ratchets are nice with adaptors for screws, but not a ton else, because unlike an impact they can't do the big jobs so well.

IMO

 

[sportsterchop200]

Why a ratchet over an impact?
Just noise?

I have 2 1/2 Impacts & they're all I use.
Ratchets are nice with adaptors for screws, but not a ton else, because unlike an impact they can't do the big jobs so well.

IMO

No particular reason. I just figured a ratchet would be more versatile for basic needs. I am open to an impact and there is a lot more available in the 1/2" range than the 1/2" ratchets. Noise levels seem to be in the 80-85 DB range. If there is a reasonably priced one that is quieter than this please direct me.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

For every 1 time I use my air ratchet, I probably use my air impact 100 times...an impact is far more useful. A ratchet won't remove lug nuts under it's own power.

 

[sportsterchop200]

For every 1 time I use my air ratchet, I probably use my air impact 100 times...an impact is far more useful. A ratchet won't remove lug nuts under it's own power.

Thanks for all of the info, can someone advise in regards to the top quietest models or a link discussing this. Thanks again everyone's been very helpful.

 

[ilovevocs]

As stated above, if your looking for a quite tool and you don't own a compressor electric may be worth investigating. I have used a corded Milwaukee impact for some time and have no complaints. I believe it was right around $200.00. At the time amazon was the cheapest source I could find.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

Ingersoll Rand 2135QTiMax and call it a day.

I have the 2115QTiMax (3/8" drive quiet version) and the 2135TiMax (1/2" drive regular version) and they do everything I could possible ask of them.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What I am looking for is a general purpose home use air ratchet that can do it all.

This does not exist.

You need to go with a "gun" style. 3/8 are good for most stuff, but I'm not sure they can handle lug nuts.

Consider a 1/2" drive corded impact for heavy use. I know 2 tool, more money. Sorry.

 

[jfcasey]

Just wanted to reinforce that you are NOT looking for an air ratchet, unless you want to punch a few of your own teeth out the first time you try taking lug nuts off with it.

You would be better off with an impact, and if you have an air compressor already and want a quiet impact for home use at an affordable price look into a Ingersoll Rand 2131qt or 2132qt. They can be had for around 150 bucks and they're both very quiet tools.

 

[rodm1]

cordless impact gun might be more what you need

I got by for years using a electric model from HF. That might be another option.

 

[Farmall450]

I got by for years using a electric model from HF. That might be another option.

I just used a B&D Dog or something like that and it's loud as hell!

Any newer IR is fairly quite vs the older styles, assuming you already have a big enough air compressor!

 

[J HAV]

I have the HF 3/8 and 1/2 Earthquake impacts. Those two impacts are probably the best thing that ever came out that place. I can't even lie... They have never let me down