Air Ratchet and Impact Wrench

So I have co2 as my onboard air and one thing I'd like to do is buy an air ratchet as well as an air impact wrench (for lug nuts, so nothing with excessive torque?).

Posted this elsewhere but received no traction (no pun intended).

Again, I'm looking for those that use onboard air and use their tools for quick fixes off road.

Been looking at the Craftsmen Air Ratchet, but unsure on an impact wrench to buy?

The impact wrench could either be somewhat variable, or provide just enough torque for undoing and putting on lug nuts. Asking here since I have many tools, but I'm completely new to air tools.

 

Couple of guys use craftsmen impacts in my shop. They get the job done for tires etc.

 

Dewalt makes great battery powered impacts if you have a few bucks to spend.

 

He wants air powered as he has onboard

 

I understand, just recommending another product.

 

I have their 3/8 impact and drill
No prob with them so I imaging the 1/2 would give the same service

 

I use a cheap harbor freight air wrench in my truck. Main problem with air tools, they go to shit if you don't keep them lubed and use them frequently.

 

Again, not docking OP for his need of air tools but just something to keep in mind. Brushless impact wrenches are truly amazing.

 

Looking at the torque spec for a 1st gen's lug nuts, I only need 84 ft/lb of torque so an impact should be a no go.

I'll just go with an air ratchet.

I do have powered tools, but no impact wrench in my arsenal; I've always used a breaker bar and arm strength for all my vehicles.

 

Also consider the CFM requirement of those tools and the capacity of your tank. You're still up a creek if you depleted your CO2 tank using the air tools, and cant air up the tire you just repaired..

 

Nothing wrong with old school! Sorry I couldn't provide any information for your application.

 

I've seen the Dewalt impact wrench that's posted throughout the forum, and have read great things about it.

In fact, a few of my guys in our shop have the same impact wrench; I just wanted to check out an alternative for use on air.

 

Yes good point; I already have plans to buy a second tank (10lb) just for that reason.

I'll be using my 5lb tank exclusively for airing tires up and a 10lb for everything else.

 

not knocking on air, but the 18v impacts out now are over 400ftlbs... air tools are heavy and use a lot of wir.. and for a co2 tank they get cold and freeze the regulator flowing that much.. for $180 +/- tax...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...attery-and-18-Volt-Charger-R86011SB/303037082

and its far more usefull and veratile around the house too.. other brands make similar styles, and torque bits, all depends on what you have for batteries already, and if you are sticking with that system..

one thing to keep in mind if you want to keep it for a while, and use it heavily is that the hog ring, (not the detent ball) on the impacts last longer. and typically the ring retention mechanism is a LOT stronger especially if you watch any type of tool torture testing..

I'm looking at the ridgid as I already have the setup for an 18v drill (got them on special for $79 for a 18v hammer/drill 2 batteries and a charger...). but I may get the Milwaukee as I already have the M12v impact, and ratchet (theyre super nice, and compact, I pack them in my repair/tools kit).

 

Thanks for the advice, but I will go as far as say you are wrong about the regulator freezing.

I'll be purchasing a battery operated impact for those longer drives.

 

Wait for the sales. They offer around 40% off, free extra batteries, BOGO, other offers. Home Depot offered the best price, had to order on line confused for the kit I wanted with free delivery. I bought a Milwaukee 18v 9 tool brushless (Fuel model) motor kit for $600, regular price was $1,000. Last Black Friday sale. I spent a couple of hours searching over a few days. Home Depot had the best price.

Did I mention Home Depot? Oh goodie! Now I get to Bitch & Moan about them! They offered free delivery to my home or local Home Desperate. I live in Los Angeles so I didn't want a huge red box with "Milwaukee Tool Kit" emblazoned on it left on my doorstep. So I asked for delivery to the local store. My house was 4 days estimate. Estimated delivery to the store was 6-8 days. It took 8 days.

 

co2 regulators freeze regularly... not my vid but just look at the regulator..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF9eBkAodps

when they freeze up they tend to stick open, and if you disconnect your quick fitting it can continue to leak. just something to look out for. but super nice to make a warm beverage cold.... lol.

 

What I bought for my 3/8" ratchet off road repairs and 3/8" impact for the wheel removal. Both are part of my off road/recovery bag. I have a 1/2" impact but the weight of that thing is too much with muscle fatigue a main point on why I pulled it from the recovery bag.

55 ft-lbs 3/8" ratchet:

$228 M12 FUEL 3/8" RATCHET 2BAT

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Batteries/dp/B077F76VGT

For my 3/8" impact wrench: 450 ft-lbs fasting torque and 600 ft-lbs removal torque.

$480 Milwaukee 2852-20 M18 Fuel 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Mid Torque 3/8 in. Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool-Only)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JR8TFNB/ref=psdc_552820_t3_B077H7JP1D

 

Harbor Freight Earthquake air impacts are just fine for occasional use, I used one in a shop for about a year and half of daily use and never had a problem.

Milwaukee 3/8'' electric ratchets are dope, I love mine. The Fuel version would be even better if you want it for trail use. I will chime in also and say the Milwaukee 1/2'' M18 battery impact is amazing and it has just as much if not more torque than my HF air impact.

Matt

 

My regulator has never frozen up, and I've messed with it a lot to finish up the remaining co2 that was in it before I got it filled up again.

There was a lot of "frost" on the outside of it but it never got stuck "open".