Air ratchets

Air ratchets: what you need to know

An air ratchet is a special tool intended for fast and easy loosening of fasteners such as nuts. They are comfortable to use in hard-to-reach places. Useful for repairing suspension, transmission and components of an engine compartment.

Operating principle

When the starting mechanism is activated, powered by compressed air, the turbine motor begins to rotate transmitting the torque via an epicyclic gear train to the crank and then to the socket drive. The latter directly contacts the fastener. The design of the device comprises a ratchet mechanism. It doesn’t let the body to rotate around the drive socket in the direction opposed to the tightening direction and allows to use the tool manually.

What are the types of air ratchets?

• The equipment might differ in the following characteristics:
• Number of revolutions. It might be in the range from 150 to 280 rpm. It affects the operational speed.
• Maximum torque varies within the range of 33 and 163 Н⋅м. The performance depends on it. The higher this criteria, the more air the air ratchet consumes.
• The size of the drive square. It has to be considered when drive sockets are selected. The most common sizes are 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inches. The higher this parameter, the higher loads these drive socket can withstand.
• The type of the switch. It influences the convenience of usage. Allows to switch between the modes.

Tips on using air ratchets

Before you use the tool, you should read the instructions carefully. It is not allowed to exceed the operating pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the pneumatic equipment.

Parts of air ratchet need to be regularly lubricated. That’s why there has to be a special lubricator installed in the air supply system. Another essential condition for a long service life of the device is its timely replacement of a drier filter.

Air ratchets aren’t intended for loosening overtightened or stuck fasteners. In such case, it is better to use a tap wrench or an impact wrench. It is not recommended to switch on the device at the temperature of 0 °C and below.

When performing repair works, it is necessary to observe safety regulations. Prevent clothes or hair from getting onto the working surfaces of the ratchet. Use personal protective equipment: goggles, gloves. Do not leave running equipment unattended. Prior to replacing a socket drive, you must disconnect it from the air supply system.

It is necessary to have a thorough cleaning of the device done once in about three months. It is also advisable to have specialists to do this job.

AUTODOC: convenient online shopping

We recommend you to buy an air ratchet for loosening fasteners quickly and easily. With its help, repair work involving mounting and dismounting of important units and assemblies will become easier. In our catalogue, you will find a wide range of tools with different power and performance. You’ll manage to find exactly what you need without any effort.