I'd rate as follows:
1. 3/8" ratchet. The air-ratchet is really versatile -- especially whe=
n
taking stuff apart. I just finished rebuilding a bike engine (CBR-600 =
that had
the transmission disintegrate), and the air-ratchet knocked hours off o=
f
disassembly. Last year's MG engine removal and disassembly was a breez=
e with
an air-ratchet.
2. 1/2" impact wrench. If cost was not an issue, then I'd rate this
first -- when you need an impact wrench, nothing else really will work.=
I find
that the less expensive impact wrenches just don't have the power that =
you're
looking for when you really need it -- so you get frustrated and don't =
use it.
You won't use it nearly as often as the ratchet -- use is pretty much l=
imited
to removing frozen bolts, or bolts that tend to spin the assembly
(crankshaft/sprocket) they're fastened to.
3. Butterfly impact wrench. I have one and never use it. Probably
partly because I bought a cheap one, and found that my ratchet has just=
as much
power. . .
Steve Dillen
AS/400 Technical Support
IBM Canada Limited, Pacific Development Centre
8999 Nelson Way, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 4B5
Tel: (604) 293-6135 Fax: (604) 293-6148
E-Mail: SDILLEN@ca.ibm.com
My comments -- not IBM's
shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net on 09/16/98 14:19:21
Please respond to flake@a3115jmf.atl.hp.com
To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
cc:
Subject: Which air wrench first
Well, there's a birthday coming up, and I was thinking that
would be a good reason to request that a new tool be purchased.
I think I'm ready for my first air wrench, but which one?
Seems there's three which would be useful...
1) The classic 1/2 inch gun style, (which makes that wonderful
sound at the tire store)
2) A 3/8 inch rachet style
3) A 3/8 butterfly style
If you could only have one, which would it be? (and why)
My use is for general automotive repair.
My thinking is that the above order is probably the order
of preference, but then what do I know?????
My thoughts are towards the less expensive brands. I've seen
the arguments here for quality units, but I'm still not sure
how much I'll use it. If I find I'm using it a lot, then I
have no problems going back for a better unit, and selling off
the cheap one.
Thanks,
Joe
flake@a3115jmf.atl.hp.com
=
|