Thread: What size air ratchet?

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I'm trying to build my "weekend warrior" tool set at the house and I was wondering what would be a good size air ratchet (ft. lbs torque) to buy?

I bought this new yrs ago and from snap-on it was known as the knuckle buster because it had so much torque it would wind you hand right around.



Now yrs later and afew band-aids too,if I had it to do over I would have bought a adjustable 3/8 impack.

Originally Posted by Mr_Fantastic

I'm trying to build my "weekend warrior" tool set at the house and I was wondering what would be a good size air ratchet (ft. lbs torque) to buy?

Your air ratchet is just going to spin things on & off quicker, but you'll need a couple of torque wrenches to tighten to specific torque, not an air tool. The newer adjustable impacts will get you close, but you still need torque wrenches for your critical fasteners. You can cover the range with a couple, like maybe 20 to 250 in-lbs, and then a bigger one in the 10 to 150ftlb range.

I have had an adjustable 3/8 air ratchet for 6-8 years and seldom use it, preferring the old, but tried and true hand ratchets, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch versions. When it's all said and done, you save minimal time as a DIY'r. If you are doing mech work as a profession, then you may want one or several to 'beat the book'. I have a low to mid range impact for quick on and off then use one of my torque wrenches for final tightening. Another thing with air tools - they can get unwieldy with that hose, the physical size and the power.

I purchased a cheap Campbell Hausfeld that delivers 50 ft lbs to break bolts loose some times it will then some times I just use it to break them by hand then it to spin them out .