3/8 or 1/2 inch air ratchet and impact wrench??

[Hookmaster]

I will be getting the compressor and tools this weekend. Currently I have a 1/2 inch electric impact wrench and a set of standard deep impact sockets and a set of metric (not deep) impact sockets. Questions for the weekend mechanic do-it-yourselfer:

1. For most things you use an impact wrench for can I get by with the sockets I have?

2. Can you get in to tighter places easier with the 3/8 inch air ratchet over the 1/2 inch?

3. I am leaning towards the 3/8 inch air ratchet. If I get the 3/8 inch, do I need impact sockets or can I get by with my regular Craftsmen sockets?

[Macgyver55]

1. For most things you use an impact wrench for can I get by with the sockets I have?

2. Can you get in to tighter places easier with the 3/8 inch air ratchet over the 1/2 inch?

3. I am leaning towards the 3/8 inch air ratchet. If I get the 3/8 inch, do I need impact sockets or can I get by with my regular Craftsmen sockets?

#1 I'd say yes they should cover most anything you need to do at home.

#2 Absolutely! After being a mechanic for 37+ years I have found that using the smallest tool able to do the job makes life simpler.

#3 I've never owned a 1/2 air ratchet, a good CP 3/8 has done all I ever needed to do and I've used both regular and impact sockets without a problem on that. For general use on an air ratchet, the standard ones should be fine. I generally dont use the impact of the ratchet to break loose a bolt, I usually break it loose first, then give it the air.

[CAMAN]

Agree with Macgyver

The only thing you "may" need is to go deep on the metric sockets. I've found deep sockets easier to use with impact wrenches, and the price difference between standard and deep is not enough to justify the standard depth. Otherwise you've got a pretty good understanding of it all.

[BoxMN]

As a regular homeowner type user, I found that a reducer socket, and "expander" (is that the right term?...ha!) so you can use the 1/2 and 3/8 on vice verse air rachet or impact works pretty slick when you don't have the full range of sockets. I.e. I hate it when I need an 18 and my stoopid set doesn't have one.... doh! But with the reducer/increaser I can usually find what I need.

It was funny, as I was helping my neighbor (mechanic) do strutts on his car and shocks on his truck, and he needed a 16 but could not find it in his 1/2" tray, so I went and got him my cheapenese reducer that he always made fun of,haha! But it did the trick

[Hookmaster]

Thanks for all of the replies. I have the 1/2 to 3/8 reducer because my torque wrench is a 1/2 inch drive. I can see how that extra length might get in the way sometimes. I think I'll get the 1/2 in impact wrench and 3/8 inch air ratchet. For the ratchet I can either use standard sockets or get a 3/8 to 1/2 step up connector.

[Jeremy airjer W]

do they make a 1/2 inch air ratchet?

[jeffreyd]

I have never heard of a 1/2 inch ratchet but would imagine it would torque your wrist right off your arm if you slip. Unless you are doing some heavy work, you might be able to get by with a 3/8 impact and ratchet. Wheels etc 1/2 inch impact.

[Macgyver55]

do they make a 1/2 inch air ratchet?

Absolutely...there just are not many situations that it is the right tool for.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Absolutely...there just are not many situations that it is the right tool for.

I'm sure I could find all the inappropriate situations for one!

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Ingersoll-Rand HAMMERHEAD 1/2'' 180 ft-lb max torque, 7,100 rpm and head height of under 2'' Low-Profile Impact Tool (IR2025MAX)

Could be useful in some situations.....

I would buy an air ratchet like this. If you get it stuck in between something, you can get it out easily. I have the Matco version and am quite happy with it.

IR1207MAX-D3

My opinion.... But make sure you have a compressor that can feed your impact. It eats A LOT of air.