In this in-depth product review, we’re going to closely examine five of the most impressive air ratchets on the market. Plus, we prepared a special buying guide to show you exactly what you should expect to see in a high-quality air ratchet. Get ready to explore five fantastic tools that will make any handyman’s job easier to perform. If you like working with high-quality tools, then you are going to love learning about which air ratchets have been designed with your needs in mind. Ever since I opened up my automotive shop, I’ve been purchasing the best tools I can find to keep my mechanics working efficiently. We’ve purchased every tool on the market, from cheap junk to state-of-the-art designs. After the reviews, we’ll show you how to select the perfect air ratchet for your toolbox.
Top 5 Best Air Ratchet Comparison Chart
Name | Price | Warranty | Editor Rating |
---|---|---|---|
RAND | Check Price | Lifetime | 4.9/5 |
170G | Check Price | 1 year | 4.7/5 |
DEWALT | Check Price | 90 Days | 4.3/5 |
AIRCAT | Check Price | 2 years | 4.2/5 |
MAX | Check Price | 1 year | 4.1/5 |
The Top 5 Air Ratchets – Reviews
1. Ingersoll-Rand 109XPA 3/8″ Air Ratchet – Best Overall
This brand produces several Tools. The first one on our list is the 109XPA 3/8 inch air ratchet. We’ve come to love this brand for their affordable prices. They produce high-quality air ratchets and other tools. Although this air ratchet is a bit cumbersome in its dimensions and weight, the 109XPA has a well-rounded appeal that most mechanics will appreciate. This product is designed with purposeful features to make your life in the shop easier.
You won’t have to worry about cranking anything on by hand with this ratchet because it delivers 76 ft-lb of torque. If the 3/8 inch version of the 109XPA is too small for you, this company also offers a 1/2 inch version of the same ratchet. Ingersoll-Rand has put extra work into designing this air ratchet in a user-friendly way that makes it easier to operate in forward and reverse settings. It features a fully adjustable exhaust to keep air flow from disturbing your work.
This ratchet weighs just over 3 lbs. The average volume of this ratchet’s crank is just over 92 dBA. If you want a warranty, you’ll need to request one. It’s good for an entire year after the purchase date.This ratchet is a bit pricey when compared to other tools on this list. However, it packs a big punch by incorporating a massive amount of torque for cranking nuts and bolts. The thoughtful design of the 109XPA earns this product a good overall reputation among critics.
Pros
- Long Reach Ratchet
- Great Torque
- Thoughtful Design
Cons
- Heavy Tool
- High Investment
2. Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8-Inch Air Ratchet – Best Value
We’re just getting started with Ingersoll-Rand. Let’s take a look at another fantastic tool from this brand. Ingersoll-Rand’s Edge Series 3/8 inch drive air ratchet is a powerful source of torque that will make your shop a more efficient place to work. This ratchet is lighter than the previous tool we’ve mentioned. It has significantly less torque than the 109XPA, but it’s a more affordable tool. Basically, this is a more compact alternative to the 109XPA. It’s a great tool for hobbyists. The Edge Series ratchet from Ingersoll-Rand is a little louder, and it’s a little shorter than the previously mentioned product.The Edge Series ratchet has a drive size of 3/8 inch. It weighs just over 2.5 lbs, and it performs at 55 ft-lbs of torque. Its free speed is measured at 170 RPM.
In terms of the noise this ratchet produces, it’s slightly higher than the previous product. The manufacturers rate it at 94.8 dBA. To give you a comparison, a dog barking at a few feet away will average around 95 dBA. This ratchet has been heat-treated by the manufacturers, so it should last longer than inferior tools. Although you’ll have to contact Ingersoll-Rand’s customer service team, a one year warranty is available for this product.
Although this model of ratchet comes from the same brand, it has significantly less torque. If you’re a hobbyist, this low-priced product is a great investment. However, serious mechanics should consider taking a look at a more powerful tool on this list.
Pros
- Comfort Grip
- Light Tool
- Great Price
Cons
- Lower Torque and Free Speed
3. DEWALT DWMT70776L Air Ratchet Wrench
Let’s take a look at an air ratchet from a trusted brand that many workers have come to love. Dewalt’s 3/8 inch square drive air ratchet is sure to impress anyone who works with tools for a living. You’d be a fool to miss out on taking a look at this ratchet. Dewalt is a well-known brand in the tool industry, and they’re willing to put their namesake on the line by presenting you with three warranties for this ratchet. It’s a lightweight tool that fits the needs of nearly all types of users.
The torque on this tool is phenomenal. For an affordable ratchet, we’re incredibly impressed by the 65 ft-lb torque, and its free speed is rated at 180 RPM. These specifications are nearly as impressive as the high-end model from Ingersoll-Rand.This air ratchet operates a 3/8 inch square drive. It weighs just over 2.5 lbs, so you won’t hurt your shoulder when you’re getting tired at the end of your shift.Thoughtfully, Dewalt includes oil with each purchase. They’ve also put a lot of thought into the practical nature of this design; the touch control allows the user to choose how much torque should be placed upon the bolt.The warranties that Dewalt offers for this tool are some of the best we’ve ever seen. They offer three different types of warranties.
A three year warranty covers all defects that might happen due to faulty mechanisms. The one year warranty covers any service issues that may occur under normal circumstances. Dewalt also includes a 90 day money-back guarantee. For under $100, you get nearly as much torque as a high-end ratchet. Dewalt has put together an exceptional warranty to make this tool incredibly enticing.
Pros
- Three Warranties
- Affordable Price
- Powerful Tool
- Lightweight Design
- Touch Control
Cons
- Loud
4. AIRCAT 800 Air Ratchet Wrench Tool
It’s time to take a look at ratchet from an intriguing brand called Aircat. This product is red, so you’ll never lose it among the other tools in your chest. This mighty tool is powerful enough to pay itself off in the amount of energy your muscles will save. This affordable air ratchet won’t let you down. It comes packed with a powerhouse of torque. If more power and ease of use is what you want, you’ll love the purposeful design of this reliable product.
The Aircat 800 incorporates a thoughtful design, including a comfort grip to make using this tool a more pleasurable experience. You should note that the drive on this ratchet is 1/4 inch.While the torque for this ratchet is lower than many others on this list, the free speed is much higher than any other product. The torque for this ratchet is rated at 32 ft-lbs, and the free speed is 320 RPM. The quiet exhaust feature of this tool is one of the best reasons to invest in the Aircat 800. The manufacturers rate this ratchet’s noise level at 82 dBA.
This robust air ratchet provides enough power for any serious hobbyist, and it comes with an impressive two year warranty. It’s also incredibly light, weighing only 1.2 lbs.If you want a great tool without spending a lot, this tool is the way to go. The Aircat 800 has a great warranty that lasts for two years after the date of purchase. It doesn’t make a lot of noise, but it still produces a decent amount of torque. The Aircat is also the lightest ratchet on this list.
Pros
- Quietest Ratchet
- Fast Free Speed
Cons
- Low Torque
5. Ingersoll Rand 1207MAX Air Ratchet
We’re looking at another fantastic product from a brand that we’ve already explored twice in this review. Ingersoll-Rand’s 1207Max-D3 3/8 inch air ratchet is a tough tool that will pull its weight around your shop.This is similar to the 109 XPA from Ingersoll-Rand in terms of its price, torque, and size. However, it’s a little better in terms of noise production. This is a professional grade tool that comes with a solid warranty to cover its parts.
Although this ratchet is priced higher than we would expect, it does have some impressive features that no other ratchet on this list offers. When you purchase this one, you get to pick between 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch drive sizes. Both options of the 1207Max-D3 are rated at 65 ft-lb of torque. The free speed is incredibly high; this ratchet reaches 220 RPM.
While it’s slightly shorter than the 109 XPA by Ingersoll-Rand, it’s also slightly lighter. It only weighs 3.2 lbs. It’s also quieter than most of the other ratchets on this list, measuring at 85 dBA.This ratchet has a great free speed, it produces excellent torque, and it comes with a decent warranty. Ingersoll-Rand is a great company that has been in business for over a century, so they have mastered the craft of producing quality tools, including a line of air compressors. These ratchets are manufactured in China and imported to the US.
Pros
- Very Fast Free Speed
- Quieter Than Most Ratchets
Cons
- Heavy Ratchet
Your Reliable Best Air Ratchet Buying Guide
In order to feel more confident about making a decision as to which ratchet is best for your situation, we’ve put together a reliable buying guide. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out your purpose behind purchasing a ratchet. We’ll also get into the most important reasons to choose one product over another.
Which Type of User Are You?
While any hobbyist mechanic will benefit from the use of a new ratchet, it might make more sense for a novice to purchase one of the less expensive models.
The same can be said about professional mechanics and other pros that need quality tools.If you only need a best air ratchet to tinker around at your home garage, you might be satisfied with one of the more affordable products on this list. If you’re a hobbyist with a big budget, we recommend purchasing one of the better models. For professionals that will be using this tool on a regular basis, we wouldn’t recommend purchasing one of the cheaper models. The cheap ratchets aren’t going to have that torque that you’ll desire in order to crank nuts and bolts on and off in a timely manner.
Even if the product has a warranty, there’s a good chance that a professional will put too much wear and tear on one of the cheaper ratchets. Some warranties only cover normal use, so be sure to read the fine print if you plan to use it on a regular basis. If you’re not sure how often you’ll use the ratchet, you should lean towards purchasing a professional grade tool. You’ll feel more confident when you reach for a high-quality ratchet, so you’ll put together more projects.
Observing Warranties on New Air Ratchets
Since most of the ratchets on this list come with a warranty, you should feel confident purchasing one of these tools. If you’re unsatisfied with the quality of your purchase, you’ll be able to talk to the manufacturer about remedying the situation. You should check to see which type of warranty the product has before you purchase it. Some of these ratchets have a more extensive warranty that covers against malfunctions for a longer duration.
Some of these ratchets only cover normal wear and tear. If you’re using the tool for professional jobs, you might find that you’re putting too much wear and tear on it. This might void the warranty. Be careful to purchase a product with the right warranty terms.
What Should You Consider When Browsing Air Ratchets?
There are a few aspects that every ratchet has in common. You should compare these details before you make your final decision about which ratchet is right for you.
- Specs: The actual specifications of the product are integral to picking a ratchet that will meet your expectations. You should research how much torque each ratchet is able to produce. Since you’ll need to hold this tool in order to use it, you might consider its weight to be an important factor. Also, some of these ratchets are made with comfort grips to make them easier to handle.
- Features: Apart from comparing warranties, you should consider which features are more important to you. For instance, some of these ratchets are made with pressure sensitive triggers to control torque. Better quality construction means the product will last longer.
- Brand: Some brands have a better reputation than others for manufacturing high-quality products. You might find that the notoriety of a brand corresponds with the type of customer care they offer. It’s important that you’re able to get help if anything goes wrong with your ratchet.
Finding a Suitable Ratchet
The moment has finally arrived for you to make a decision about which air ratchet will meet your needs. Are you going to pick up one of the high-end models on this list, or are you considering purchasing one of the more affordable ratchets we’ve mentioned? Serious professionals shouldn’t waste their time working with inferior products. If you’re an expert mechanic, you’ll be using a ratchet all the time. Your job will be easier to perform if you pick up a high-end model, such as the 1207Max-D3.
If you’re not sure how often you’re going to use this air ratchet, you might want to consider purchasing a mid-grade model. It’s an investment to purchase an air ratchet, but you might be disappointed with a cheap model. Take a look at Dewalt’s ratchet. For pure hobbyists, it’s a great investment to purchase a ratchet for your projects. However, you don’t need to break your bank to keep up with professional mechanics. Take a look at one of the more affordable models on this list, such as the Edge Series. No matter why you are purchasing a new air ratchet, you’re making a wise choice. By taking your time to research the top products from our list, you’ll be more confident to make a worthwhile purchase.
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