Air Ratchet
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Kinda like asking "how long is a piece of rope.." ain't it? 
Each tool has their own advantages and spaces into which they will fit. Assuming the budget can afford it there's no harming in having one of each.
Your jobs tend to dictate what works best.
Each tool has their own advantages and spaces into which they will fit. Assuming the budget can afford it there's no harming in having one of each.
Your jobs tend to dictate what works best.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 6
I was thinking the same thing. The more I have to work on my vehicles, the more I discover tight spots I can't get to. I typically buy the harbor freight stuff because I don't do this for a living. A 3/8" mini air ratchet and 1/4" stubby air ratchet for under $50. Coupons are handy also. Nice to be able to do mechanic work quickly (running nuts and bolts off). Not a fan of working on my vehicles, just can't afford current labor rates and I'm capable of doing it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I'm in a slightly different position myself so can and do buy almost any tool that I need, even if its used only once. While I greatly appreciate budgets I'll never buy a cheap tool mostly because I know they turn out to be the most expensive ones I own---when they have to be replaced that is.
Air ratchets are all well and good but honestly a good set of both 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets in both metric and fractional give the widest coverage of most vehicle repair tasks. SK Tools has sets that combine both metric and fractional in the same handy strudy case---can be found on eBay for $150 or less each set.
That's how I do it but it might work for you as well.
Air ratchets are all well and good but honestly a good set of both 1/4" & 3/8" drive sockets in both metric and fractional give the widest coverage of most vehicle repair tasks. SK Tools has sets that combine both metric and fractional in the same handy strudy case---can be found on eBay for $150 or less each set.
That's how I do it but it might work for you as well.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
A lot of guys in the glass biz use the Milwaukee cordless angle nut runners, the M12 system mostly. Because I already have a whole fleet of Milwaukee M12 tools adding one of those would be easy and cheap.
So far I've not had an overwhelming need or desire for one----might invest in the powered lube tools first.
So far I've not had an overwhelming need or desire for one----might invest in the powered lube tools first.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
From: S-NJ
I have a 3/8 & a 1/2.Dont think I've used em in about 5/6 years or more.But if the need comes up,I got em.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
I have a bunch of Milwaukee M12 & M18 impacts. I have a 1.4 & 3/8 m12 & a M 18-3/8 & the bad boy the top of the line M18 impact. I have not found a bolt this impact couldn't remove. I carry it in my truck as my tire tool. Who needs a air hose.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,581
Likes: 5,613
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i don't even use the air impact guns anymore since i picked up the snap on 18 volt impact guns.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
I have the M12 3/8 Milwaukee side angle impact & a small 18 volt 1/2 impact & the top of the line 1/2 inch 18 volt with 750 ft lbs of torque. I use the smaller 1/2 impact with a 3/8 adapter most of the time. I have a M12 1/4 impact & a m12 drill too. Great tools & you don't need air to use them.
