Air rachets

[Sal Lubrano]

Does any one here actually use these things? I have a used set here in front of me and they work like junk. They don't turn the bolt with any force. I can actually hold the socket still with my hand. I am watching the metal piece move back and forth. The outer gear moving side to side but the center has no power to it. I took them apart and cleaned everything. The gears are not stripped. What am I missing here?

 

[aminga]

Yes and I love mine. They aren't supposed to have much force They'd probably tighten a bolt to say 20-30 ft lbs for the 3/8 and less for the 1/8th but for jobs like a rear end grease change or a tranny fluid change you just go to town on the bolts.

Sounds like your's may need a rebuild.

 

[rmar]

Turn the compressor on......:biggrin:

 

[79TurboCutlass]

When I was a bodyman, I used my 1/4 drive all the time. If you have enough air pressure, then it sounds like they are worn out. Time to get a new one. IMO rebuilds are a waste of money. Usually the cost of a rebuild isn't much cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[charlief1]

Yes and I love mine. They aren't supposed to have much force They'd probably tighten a bolt to say 20-30 ft lbs for the 3/8 and less for the 1/8th but for jobs like a rear end grease change or a tranny fluid change you just go to town on the bolts.

Sounds like your's may need a rebuild.

Sorry Al but both my Snap-on and my Matco would break bolts when new. the Matco still will but it's only 2 years old. The Snap-on was bought in 94 and was retired 2 years ago because it just didn't work quite right any more. If you're willing to spend the money they will work and if you take care of them they'll last for many years.

 

[TURBOTWIN2]

Soak the head (rotating part) in ATF tranny fluid overnight and see if that helps. Also, you need air pressure & volume together. Minimum 125 psi & 25-60 gal. tank.
A good working 3/8" air ratchet is like the difference between working with a vehicle lift and working off of jackstands.
YMMV.

 

[Junior Samples]

What am I missing here?

Maybe tool oil?

 

[MSDGN]

The only thing I use my air ratchets for is long bolts...like the rear top shock bolts...I break the bolts loose with a regular ratchet then use the air one to do the rest...saves my hands/wrists a lot of wear and tear

 

[aminga]

Sorry Al but both my Snap-on and my Matco would break bolts when new. the Matco still will but it's only 2 years old. The Snap-on was bought in 94 and was retired 2 years ago because it just didn't work quite right any more. If you're willing to spend the money they will work and if you take care of them they'll last for many years.

Interesting. My IR won't break them and to tell the truth I've never estimated the torque but there are a few that I have to break loose manually. Although in the end it's still just a basic ratchet so I put them on give the bolt a shove to get it started and then power it off.


Still So I finally got a good air hammer one of the SK branded ones and it's strong enough that it will knock a 2" chip out of a concrete garage floor if it slips off the work piece. :redface:

 

[Evaddave 87gn]

Snap on

+1 on the snap on unit. Had my many years, very strong. But you need to be carefull because you will break bolts. I've tried others but they didn't have anywhere near the torque of the snap-on unit.

Evaddave

 

[charlief1]

I forgot to say one thing else about getting a good air ratchet. Make sure you have a good grip on it. If it grabs it can slam your hand into some part of the car and you can't let go soon enough. I know it sounds funny but I have been hurt because of this. If you get a good ratchet it will have more power than you're prepaired for so watch out when it grabs.

 

[aminga]

I forgot to say one thing else about getting a good air ratchet. Make sure you have a good grip on it. If it grabs it can slam your hand into some part of the car and you can't let go soon enough. I know it sounds funny but I have been hurt because of this. If you get a good ratchet it will have more power than you're prepaired for so watch out when it grabs.

On the plus side though you will learn some colorful new words you didn't know existed.

Mechanicswear Impact2 gloves will dull the pain somewhat. :biggrin:

 

[charlief1]

On the plus side though you will learn some colorful new words you didn't know existed.

Mechanicswear Impact2 gloves will dull the pain somewhat. :biggrin:

Gloves don't help much but they can keep your hands fron getting cut up.:biggrin: I gave up on those pricy gloves several years ago and get good goat skin or pig skin gloves. They hold up much better and cost less. Better cut resistance as well.:biggrin:

 

[aminga]

Gloves don't help much but they can keep your hands fron getting cut up.:biggrin: I gave up on those pricy gloves several years ago and get good goat skin or pig skin gloves. They hold up much better and cost less. Better cut resistance as well.:biggrin:

mpact2 will

It won't prevent the pain totally but it will reduce it from a 5 cussword hurt to a 2 cussword hurt.