The 8 Best Air Ratchets
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in December of 2016. Whether you work in an automotive, industrial, or engineering capacity, or you simply want the ability to accomplish difficult jobs by yourself, one of these air ratchets will come in handy when you need to free stubborn fasteners. They are compact in size, for work in confined spaces, and available with variable speed triggers for excellent control. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Proto Industrial J138RSH
2. Ingersoll-Rand 109XPA
3. Chicago Pneumatic CP7830HQ
Editor's Notes
August 15, 2019:
Removed two ratchets for availability concerns. We added the Ingersoll-Rand 109XPA because it is well built and delivers good torque and reliability for the price. If price is taken into account, it gives the Proto Industrial J138RSH a run for its money, and for most people, it is the better option. The Proto is a better ratchet (it is powerful, lightweight, and low profile) but it is over $200 more than the IR.
Pneumatic tools like air ratchets require a certain amount of compressed air to function properly. When buying an air compressor you should consider both the pounds per square inch and the cubic feet per minute that is outputted by the compressor. On average, air ratchets will require about 5cfm at 90psi - make sure you give your pneumatic tool a bit more than it is rated for.
Working with pneumatic tools and compressed air is dangerous. Proper safety precautions should be observed to avoid personal injury or damage to property.
4. Aircat 805HT
5. Ingersoll Rand 1105MAX-D3
6. Astro 1124
7. SP Air Corporation SP1765
8. DeWalt DWMT70776L
Rafael Perez is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Rochester. His primary focus is the metaphysics of time and the philosophy of mind, with a particular interest in artificial intelligence and antirepresentational models of the mind. He has extensive experience as a mechanic, a construction worker, and a general repairman. This has allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge on automobile repair, auto parts, carpentry, masonry, welding, and the tools used in those trades. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, and fishing.