Need recommendation for 3/8" air ratchet

[plain garage]

Looking for good build quality, longevity, and not too bulky. This is a secondary ratchet for around car stuff, so don't need crazy torque. I've had good experience with IR and Makita tools in the past, but this will be my first air ratchet. I'm open to other brands as well.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Ive had SO and IR....sold them off and kept HF earthquake impact ratchet.

Plug: I got a brand new extra one for sale. $40 shipped

EDIT: I got the IR 1/2" hammerhead and loved it instantly. Thats what prompted me to try the hf earthquake. Such an underrated rat. No more busted knuckles. Cant speak on longevity as I use m12 3/8 mostly now.

 

[bcradio]

HF Earthquake is what I have and like. It is loud but works great.

 

[dodge610]

I have old school craftsman and the HF as a back up.

 

[PJNJ]

Bought the HF earthquake last month. Used it twice and I like not worrying about busted knuckles anymore. It also seems quieter. It's the same as the Husky Impact ratchet at Home Depot and the Sunex version. And it's made in Taiwan.

I also bought the 2 year extended warranty and with it, the HF version was still cheaper than the other two.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have an older Craftsman. Basically useless. If you atr sure that you want and air ratchet, get the HF Earthquake.

I'm looking for a deal on a Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8 impact, but the price on the HF is very tempting.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I just brought a far72 to go with my 1/4 ratchet. I had a Matco pit bull that blew up on me

 

[K-Dog]

The Snap-On 3/8 is one bad *** air ratchet. It will knock you senseless if it reacts and hits you in the head. ( ask me how I know ) Mine is over fifteen years old and is still every bit as strong as the day I bought it.

 

[abvw]

I love my Snap-on FAR7000. Not very Locktite friendly, but packed with just enough torque to not to crossthread or bust knuckles when you bottom out.

 

[engineer031]

I have an IR and a CP both are 20+ years and still work fine

 

[kctyphoon]

i dont have either, but if i were in your shoes id be looking at the HF Earthquake impact ratchet (70ftlbs) or the Husky reactionless (impact) ratchet (80ftlbs).. they are $75 ($60 @ 20% off) in HF, and $99 in HD or about $55 on ebay for the Husky.

 

[thefoobag]

look for a used IR on ebay, maybe CL, i have a 25 year old IR that some one threw in the trash, parts are cheap so i rebuilt it for around 50 bucks for head, seals and push button. thing is a tank and the only reason it was $50 was there was a new style head that superseded the old number. I also use a matco pitbull at work, thing is an absolute monster but like these guys said i have suffered from many a smashed knuckle from it.

Keep an eye out on amazon for IR as well there newer stuff i cannot comment on but i almost bought one before i found my home IR in the trash, good luck

 

[plain garage]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a 1/2" impact for tougher bolts, the air ratchet is for confined spaces like behind wheel well or down in the engine compartment type of stuff. Cordless ratchets are bulky compared to pneumatic, so that's why I'm looking.

Currently, I'm deciding between either an IR or the HF. Specs are similar, but I did notice the HF runs at 400rpm, which is 2.5x higher than the IR. Does this mean IR will be quieter/lasts longer?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AXBNT/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-professional-impact-air-ratchet-wrench-68426.html

 

[86k10]

I have 2 Aircat ratchets, one for home and one for work. They are my only Aircat tools but I do like them. Good price also.

 

[engineer031]

I have never heard of Central Pneumatic but there is no Harbor Freight here. Mostly all the guys at work use IR or Chicago Pneumatic or pricey snap on

 

[dodge610]

I have never heard of Central Pneumatic but there is no Harbor Freight here. Mostly all the guys at work use IR or Chicago Pneumatic or pricey snap on

Central pneumatic is the HF brand.

 

[Monkey Milk]

when you find the right one then you can look for a mini, lol

 

[mtnwalton]

I used an older Craftsman "professional" for over 20 years in heavy industrial machine repair. always used 1/2" adapter to size up. Great quality back then.

 

[bindernut]

The M12 cordless ratchet isn't much bulkier than an air ratchet. I work on lawn equipment for a living and have the 3/8" drive one. It has totally replaced my 1/4" air ratchet, and in the 2+ years I've had it, probably only used the air 3/8" maybe 8-10 times. Just got the M13 fuel 3/8 impact a few days ago and so far it's surpassed all my expectations!

 

[619DioFan]

I have the full line of HF earthquake air tools. the air ratchet is great.

 

[J.Jose]

I have been using the AirCat one i bought off of tooltopia. Best money spent. strong and quiet