Air Ratchets

About Air Ratchets

Air ratchets are pneumatic power tools that combine the speed and torque of powered equipment with the compact profile of manual ratchets, making them essential for automotive mechanics, plant engineers, and workshop professionals. Powered by compressed air, these versatile tools excel at fastening and loosening nuts and bolts in confined spaces where traditional impact wrenches or hand ratchets struggle to reach. Available in standard 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sizes, air ratchets from leading brands including Sealey, Draper, and Facom deliver efficient performance for both professional workshops and serious DIY enthusiasts.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of air ratchets with torque ratings from 20Nm for compact 1/4" drive models up to 100Nm for heavy-duty 1/2" drive versions. Operating efficiently at 90-100 PSI (6-7 bar) with modest air consumption of 3-5 CFM, these tools work seamlessly with most workshop compressors rated at 50 litres or above. Stubby and super stubby variants offer exceptional access for engine bay work, undercarriage repairs, and machinery maintenance where every millimetre of clearance matters.

Applications

• Automotive Mechanics: Engine work, gearbox repairs, suspension components, and general vehicle maintenance in restricted engine bays
• HGV and Plant Technicians: Maintaining heavy vehicles, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment with limited access
• Motorcycle Mechanics: Working on smaller vehicles requiring compact tools for frame-mounted fasteners
• Industrial Maintenance Engineers: Servicing production machinery, conveyors, and manufacturing equipment in factories
• Mobile Mechanics: Professionals providing on-site repair services requiring reliable, portable workshop tools
• Engineering Workshops: General fabrication and assembly operations demanding efficient fastening solutions
• Agricultural Engineers: Field repairs and maintenance on tractors, harvesters, and farming equipment

Choosing The Right Air Ratchets

Drive Size: Match the drive to your socket collection and typical fastener sizes. Quarter-inch drive suits restricted access work, 3/8" drive offers all-round versatility for general automotive use, whilst 1/2" drive handles larger fasteners on commercial vehicles and heavy machinery.

Torque Requirements: Consider typical applications—compact 1/4" models delivering 20-30Nm suit delicate work, standard 3/8" ratchets providing 40-60Nm handle most automotive tasks, and robust 1/2" versions with 80-100Nm tackle heavy-duty fastening on plant equipment.

Physical Dimensions: Standard air ratchets suit general workshop use, whilst stubby variants become essential when working deep within engine compartments or under dashboards where clearance is critical.

Compressor Compatibility: Verify the tool's CFM rating against your compressor's output. Most air ratchets require 3-5 CFM at 90 PSI, suiting compressors from 50 litres upward.

Brand Quality: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade tools from Sealey, Draper, and Facom, offering excellent parts availability, warranty support, and consistent performance under daily workshop use.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when operating air ratchets, as fasteners can unexpectedly release. Ensure your compressed air system operates within 90-100 PSI (6-7 bar)—excessive pressure damages internal components and creates hazardous conditions. Add 2-3 drops of air tool oil through the inlet before each use to maintain safe, reliable operation. Be aware that air ratchets can spin fasteners free unexpectedly; always support assemblies properly before removing fasteners, and use appropriate axle stands when working beneath vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for an air ratchet?

Most air ratchets operate efficiently with a 50-litre or larger workshop compressor delivering at least 9 CFM at 90 PSI. Since air ratchets typically consume 3-5 CFM, this capacity provides continuous operation alongside occasional use of other pneumatic tools. Professional workshops running multiple tools simultaneously benefit from 100-150 litre compressors rated at 14+ CFM.

Can I use an air ratchet for final tightening of critical fasteners?

Air ratchets excel at rapid fastener installation and removal, but critical fasteners requiring specific torque values should always be finished with a calibrated torque wrench. Use your air ratchet to run fasteners down quickly, then apply final tightening to manufacturer specifications using manual torque tools for safety-critical components like wheel nuts or suspension mountings.

What's the difference between an air ratchet and an impact wrench?

Air ratchets deliver smooth, continuous rotation with excellent control in confined spaces, whilst impact wrenches generate hammering impacts producing higher torque for seized fasteners but are larger and less suitable for delicate work. Both tools complement each other—use impact wrenches for wheel nuts and major fasteners, then switch to air ratchets for engine bay work and restricted access areas.