strongest 3/8 air ratchet?

[hemipower0469]

what is the strongest air ratchet in 3/8 out there? I have an older snap on dont remember the model but couldnt take off a fastner. Asked to use my buddies newer snap on and took the fastner right off. Power was night and day. What does everyone use? Opinions etc...

 

[00S4Boy]

How about if you have a stubborn fastener you shouldn't be using an air ratchet to break it free you should be using an impact or penetrating oil.

 

[billymade]

I use a Far7200 daily; excellent and best i've used... I"m sure there are some others out there but great imho so far!

snapon.com
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=62792&group_ID=19894

video:

 

[fordracing200]

http://www.tooltopia.com/aircat-acr802r.aspx

I've had my eyes on this one...a few members on here have it and seem to have very good luck with it.

 

[hemipower0469]

How about if you have a stubborn fastener you shouldn't be using an air ratchet to break it free you should be using an impact or penetrating oil.

people dont usually use air ratchets unless they cannot get a impact in the area where they are working........just throwing that one out there

 

[tonydanzah]

strongest 3/8 air ratchet is the matco MT2858, its power is insane.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I still like Snap-on's FAR72C but I think the FAR7200 is due to replace it. Right now they sell both but I'm not sure why. It's a little pricy but runs nice and sweet.

 

[wellstig1]

I love my far7200, the price is insane though. If i were you i would give th air cat a go.

 

[Fedwrench]

The IR1099 isn't a slouch either. http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-1635-ingersoll-rand-1099xpa.aspx

The good thing about the Snap on Far series is that although they're expensive to buy new, you can get them rebuilt for a flat fee from Snap on which is like getting a new air ratchet at less than half price.

 

[9GUY9]

they all will smash your hand

buy a cheap air ratchet and a good 3/8 impact.

 

[bindernut]

people dont usually use air ratchets unless they cannot get a impact in the area where they are working........just throwing that one out there

I used to use a 1/4" & a 3/8" air ratchet a lot when I worked on lawn mowers for a living. Saved me lots of time verses using a regular ratchet, and lots of what I worked on was too small for an impact(5/16" or 1/4" or smaller)

 

[back2class]

i tend to agree that a cheap air rat is the way to go. They lock when you engage the trigger anyhow and just turning it then gives you much more torque than any air ratchet driven by air alone will. Buy the best imapct you can afford, but an expensive air rat is a waste unless it gets used all dayevery day! Heck, they only put out a little more power than say a $20 Devibliss.

 

[Toolhorder]

If you don't have ***** arms the FAR is the best one IMO. I have a used one I bought off a crackhead 10 yrs. ago and only had one rebuild in that time. Thing will break your fingers off if you're not careful. Compared to the MAC 3/8 it replaced it's night and day. If you're strong in the arms you can hold the ratchet and use it to snap off bolts fast. It's a go to tool when replacing ******'s.
To each his own but I wouldn't own anything else. If you're a pro tech it's the ratchet to have.
Seriously though you don't want to get you hand between it and a frame or engine. It will smash your hand into it and if the button is depressed it will continue to pound your hand into whatever is in it's way. I'm telling you from personal experience it's no joke. I generally don't let lube guys borrow it.

 

[z28snksknr]

Just throwing this out there: have you oiled your existing unit recently? Running them dry can have a significant effect on the torque output.

just trying to save you from buying a $$$$$ ratchet and running that one dry also.

 

[wreckercologist]

I still like Snap-on's FAR72C but I think the FAR7200 is due to replace it. Right now they sell both but I'm not sure why. It's a little pricy but runs nice and sweet.

I don't get it either. They recently had both on sale for the same price, so I bought the 7200 for the higher RPM and insulated grip (so my delicate little hands won't get cold ). I really like the tip valve trigger. That was a huge selling point for me as I hate paddle triggers like on most other air ratchets. The 7200 is pretty loud in the wide open setting. I payed $330.00 new last month.

 

[Fubar]

I don't get it either. They recently had both on sale for the same price, so I bought the 7200 for the higher RPM and insulated grip (so my delicate little hands won't get cold ). I really like the tip valve trigger. That was a huge selling point for me as I hate paddle triggers like on most other air ratchets. The 7200 is pretty loud in the wide open setting. I payed $330.00 new last month.

I keep two of every air tool so I have a backup. Recently I bought a 7200 to replace a 72c. It blows (literally), Less power and loud (air-wise) for no reason and slower speed to boot. And that variable air deal reminds me of the 1/2 impact they came out with years back. That sucked too. I bet they end up discontinuing the 7200 as well for the same reason. I had the 7200 for a little under two weeks and stopped using it. Told my dealer that I was trading it in for another 72 and couldn't care less how much I lost on it, That's how much I disliked it.

 

[psychoclaw84]

what is the strongest air ratchet in 3/8 out there? I have an older snap on dont remember the model but couldnt take off a fastner. Asked to use my buddies newer snap on and took the fastner right off. Power was night and day. What does everyone use? Opinions etc...

I own the 3/8 drive The Mac Tools AR778A, it features shift on the fly mechanism which is neat when doing assembly work and a sealed head.

• 80 ft./lbs. of torque
• Free Speed of 200 RPM

http://www.mactools.com/product/tabid/120/p-318310-ar778a.aspx

The spec of this ratchet is similar to the Snap On FAR7200.

My air ratchet is smaller than the FAR7200 (which seems to be the standard) and the Matco MT2858 (also is a serious contender for best air ratchet).

As with all air ratchets it does smash your fingers in tight places and the paddle lever is bulky which will activate the ratchet in tight places (these are my only two complaints).

The ratchet is outstanding and has all the power to get the job done.

I have never used the Matco MT2858: It looks like a beast, but is on the bulky side, but smaller than the Snap On FAR7200 (slightly) and it looks like has quite a bit of torque that makes it hard to control, take notice on the video.

Check out the Matco Pit Bull link on YouTube:

 

[ricleh]

Check out the K&E KW-1175 Ratchet Wrench. It has 90 ft. lbs. of torque and uses a patented impacting ratchet mechanism that prevents smashed fingers and hands.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/ke/kw1175.html

 

[chadster1]

Snap-on has had both the FAR72C and the FAR7200 in the line for years. I don't know why they offer both. I sell the FAR72C. I have seen guys using one that is 10 years old with no issues. I have seen nothing that indicates that either one will be discontinued. You will not be disappointed with either one in my experience

 

[alamerang]

Personally I don't want too much torque on an air ratchet. Last thing I wanna do is overtighten a bolt especially on an aluminum head. I usually just use mine to zip the bolts down and then correctly torque them down. If I need serious torque, I use my 3/8 impact.

I would like to get an air ratchet that has some decent RPMs (200 plus). What suggestions do you all have?

 

[gofastman]

strongest 3/8 air ratchet is the matco MT2858, its power is insane.

I second this!

 

[ATTappman]

Personally I don't want too much torque on an air ratchet. Last thing I wanna do is overtighten a bolt especially on an aluminum head. I usually just use mine to zip the bolts down and then correctly torque them down. If I need serious torque, I use my 3/8 impact.

I would like to get an air ratchet that has some decent RPMs (200 plus). What suggestions do you all have?

Ingersoll Rand 1105MAX-D3. Not too much torque, 300 rpm free speed. Honestly though, it doesn't seem that much faster than my 180 rpm Aircat.

 

[fordbroncodave]

I use a Far7200 daily; excellent and best i've used... I"m sure there are some others out there but great imho so far!

snapon.com
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=62792&group_ID=19894

video:

my dad has his for almost 6 years now and uses it daily. he had one before hand and only lasted a couple months then they rebuilt it for free and works good ever since. oh yah, we beat the **** out of the loaner off the snap on truck until his rebuilt came back

 

[chadster1]

oh yah, we beat the **** out of the loaner off the snap on truck until his rebuilt came back

I have to buy my loaner tools. It sure is nice to know that customers appreciate it.

 

[scottmlew]

I have to buy my loaner tools. It sure is nice to know that customers appreciate it.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. (not to imply that I'm a dealer -- I was thinking that it's unfair to the dealer, who maintains the tool, and his other customers, who will later use the loaner tool)

This is just another example of people ruining it for those who "do the right thing".

 

[fordbroncodave]

I have to buy my loaner tools. It sure is nice to know that customers appreciate it.

i wouldn't do it to you because your nice, its just that our dealer is a douche bag and we will take advantage of him any chance we get. he has a problem and i don't know why. hell, he doesn't even have any competition in my town other then MAC. no matco, no sk and no cornwell dealers in my neck of the woods

 

[Toolhorder]

I have to buy my loaner tools. It sure is nice to know that customers appreciate it.

YOu forgot to mention they get rebuilt for FREE

 

[Toolhorder]

Personally I don't want too much torque on an air ratchet. Last thing I wanna do is overtighten a bolt especially on an aluminum head. I usually just use mine to zip the bolts down and then correctly torque them down. If I need serious torque, I use my 3/8 impact.

I would like to get an air ratchet that has some decent RPMs (200 plus). What suggestions do you all have?

I think you may just be overthinking this a little. Any air ratchet will crush your hand before it overtorques something. I usually tighten say transmission to engine case bolts with my FAR72 then when it stops I use it like a ratchet and I push it away from my body to gain a little more tightness on the bolt. It's not going to be enough to break anything at least bolt wise. You hand will however get broken if I didn't mention this already.
It's not an impact it just turns. Hope that helps.

 

[Billin21]

YOu forgot to mention they get rebuilt for FREE

Its STILL abuse of a service that costs me money, that I don't have to provide... I still have to pay for the tool initially and then anytime I send it off, I still have to pay to ship it. So, not entirely FREE. Either way, rebuilt for free or not, its not a free pass to beat on someone else's property.

 

[Toolhorder]

Its STILL abuse of a service that costs me money, that I don't have to provide... I still have to pay for the tool initially and then anytime I send it off, I still have to pay to ship it. So, not entirely FREE. Either way, rebuilt for free or not, its not a free pass to beat on someone else's property.

Yeah well none of my dealers have demo's anymore. Service has gone down and prices remain the same. With this economy you would think dealers would be begging for sales but my SO dealer didn't even ask me if I needed anything this week and he only shows up on that day because I'm off on the usual day he shows up.

I don't see how you can beat up a tool that gets beat up anyway but ok. You buy it for cost which you probably write off as a business expense anyway and it gets rebuilt for free whenever it breaks. Shipping isn't that much. Cry me a river.

 

[chadster1]

Yeah well none of my dealers have demo's anymore. Service has gone down and prices remain the same. With this economy you would think dealers would be begging for sales but my SO dealer didn't even ask me if I needed anything this week and he only shows up on that day because I'm off on the usual day he shows up.

I don't see how you can beat up a tool that gets beat up anyway but ok. You buy it for cost which you probably write off as a business expense anyway and it gets rebuilt for free whenever it breaks. Shipping isn't that much. Cry me a river.

If your personality in real life is anything like it is here on this forum, it is no wonder you are getting less than stellar service.

 

[Toolhorder]

If your personality in real life is anything like it is here on this forum, it is no wonder you are getting less than stellar service.

I guess you like everything sugar coated for you. Sorry I don't tap around things. I call them like a see them. I get stellar service from my Matco dealer and my Mac dealer. Only Snap On dealers seem to think the world revolves around them in my experience. Maybe you and my dealer went to the same training seminar?

 

[chadster1]

I guess you like everything sugar coated for you. Sorry I don't tap around things. I call them like a see them. I get stellar service from my Matco dealer and my Mac dealer. Only Snap On dealers seem to think the world revolves around them in my experience. Maybe you and my dealer went to the same training seminar?

I am aware of your myopic self-centered view of things.

 

[chadster1]

Another thread you ruined....

Thats funny.

I'm done talking to you, you're a waste of my time which unlike yours is valuable. I actually have a life and career.

Is that a promise?

 

[fordbroncodave]

why are you two arguing?

yes it is an unfair practice to be ruining something of someone elses in this case, expensive air tools but lets not be harsh and bash eachother over what is right and wrong.

 

[fordbroncodave]

hell i am generally not a very nice person infact just the other day i got kicked out of a forum similar to this because i got in the middle of a fight i counter started

 

[Toolhorder]

hell i am generally not a very nice person infact just the other day i got kicked out of a forum similar to this because i got in the middle of a fight i counter started

My point is any 3/8 ratchet will get torn up in use. I'll post pictures of mine if you don't believe me.
They cry on here about it but they write off the demos as a business expense and they get rebuilt by SO for free. I'm saying stop crying it's ridiculous.

 

[ATTappman]

...they write off the demos as a business expense

Well, assuming he doesn't fraudulently inflate the value of the tool when doing his taxes, the dealer still loses money, just not as much as the value of the tool.

This reminds me of the old Seinfeld episode where Kramer convinced Jerry to defraud the Post Office by claiming they broke his stereo in shipping. Kramer argued that it didn't make any difference - the Post Office could just "write it off" and be no worse off for it. He then had to admit he didn't know what "writing it off" meant.

What was the original question, again?

 

[TA^Guy]

IMO air ratchets are worthless, the only time mine comes in handy is zipping down a nut or bolt in a hard to reach area, but even then the size of the handle and the attached hose makes it difficult to manuver so I usually stick with a normal ratchet. Usually I'll use my impact gun. And if I'm worried about over tightening I either turn down the regulator on it, or adjust the regulator on the compressor.

 

[TheGrooveking]

You buy it for cost which you probably write off as a business expense anyway and it gets rebuilt for free whenever it breaks. Shipping isn't that much. Cry me a river.

Have you ever ran a business? A write off isn't free money, all an expense does it lower your profit, thus lowers the amount of taxes you might have to pay. So what it really equals is less money for the person paying for it, the business.

In addition to that if you add Time Value of Money into the equation you lose even more money because you have ******* money into the something and that money could be earning interest in the bank or growing on a well chosen stock instead of being depreciated/accelerated depreciation through the abuse/ignorance of people who have no concept as to how business works. Or most likely the business who supplies that tool has a line of credit that they pay interest on, so it costs them money to provide that service.

TheGrooveking