Which ratchet would you pick.

[LGMechanical]

Hi, first post here. I am a diesel mechanic. I work on transport trucks. I think's it's time I bought an air ratchet better than the Blue Point I currently own. Certain jobs need lots of power in a low clearance spot. If my MG31 can't squeeze in, I'm going to need a strong air ratchet.


So I'm trying to decide between, Snap-On's FAR7200, one of those Mac impact ratchets (Not sure on the stk#), or the Matco MT2858.

Suggestions?

 

[vssjim]

I like my IR 109 and my old CP 828 Speedratchet for most uses both are atleast ten to fifteen years old with no problems.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Impact ratchets are the bees knees, crushed fingers ****.

 

[Vulturej]

I own a SO FAR72C, CP CP7830Q, CP CP-830 O, IR 109XPA & IR 107XPA. The best one I have is the CP CP-830 O, I like the speed of the SO FAR72C and it has held up real well. On a typical job change we remove and install 216 3/8-16 2 1/2' SHCS the IR ratchets have worn out the soonest. I have never used the Matco MT2858, there is a thread about it below.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19515

 

[LGMechanical]

How efficient are those impact ratchets? Matco's ratchet seems to be the best value. They sell the MT2858 3/8" ratchet + a free MT1820 1/4" ratchet. Cost total is $380+Tax CDN. Snap-On and Mac want $380-400+Tax with nothing extra included.

 

[petty4243]

I have a ingersoll 109xp... seemsvery good so far, coworker swears by his mac sealed end(not sure of numbers)

 

[LGMechanical]

So I went Matco. I used it for an air compressor job on a Detroit diesel. Took the bolts off instantly even with a 8" extension. I'm satisfied

 

[psychoclaw84]

Choices are difficult, but it comes down to how much money you spend.

As for the Snap On FAR7200, it is a compact small air ratchet which will fit in most places.

The Mac Tools series, they feature the shift on the fly mechanism which is neat when doing assembly work. The downside is they are quite bulky and the lever gets in the way in tight spaces.

I have never used the Matco MT2858: It looks like a beast, but is on the bulky side and it looks like has quite a bit of torque that makes it hard to control.

Check out the Matco Pit Bull link on YouTube:

As for myself I like the Snap On FAR7200, if any more torque is needed just pull out the long handle ratchet.

 

[427HISS]

I was also looking for a quality ratchet and looked at several company's. I decided to buy a good used Snap-On 7200 series. From ebay and other sites, I was looking at around $200 + for a used one. I found one for $115 + shipping that looks almost new, and I bought it. I'm very happy with this tool and,....the great price !

 

[billymade]

I just had a far7200 rebuilt from the Snapon service center and got it back this week; I bought it for $30 used and the head was toast. I haven't used it allot but so far; I'm very impressed! There are always used and new versions of these on ebay all the time; if you want a good deal...

 

[wreckercologist]

Impact ratchets are the bees knees, crushed fingers ****.

that's good to know. I've wondered if the Mac impact ratchets are any good.