View Single Post
  #1   Report Post  
SQLit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Air V/S Electric ratchet tool


wrote in message
news
I am looking into buying a power ratchet since I am always working on
some sort of vehicle or other mechanical thing.

I have an air compressor, but it's small and takes awhile to pump up.
My neighbor told me that it's too small and I will be spend more time
waiting for it to fill, than using the tool. He said he had the same
problem, and he bought an electric ratchet. He let me borrow his
electric one, and it seemed to work pretty well. Another guy who is a
mechanic told me that the electric ones lack power, and I should buy
an air tool, and larger compressor. He also told me it's cheaper on
the electric bill to use air.

Well, first off, as far as the electric bill, that makes no sense to
me. It costs money to pump air, and it seems to me that energy is
energy, and might even cost more to convert electric to air, then
convert that air to power for the tool, instead of directly powering
the tool. So, on that one, I tend to disagree with the guy.

As far as the power, I am not sure who to believe. Like I said, the
neighbors electric ratchet seems to have plenty of power. However,
I'll never get one like his, because his is probably an antique from
the 1940's or 50's. So, I am not sure if the newer ones are better
due to technology, or worse because like many things, they are making
them disposible these days.

I do see the electric ones are quite a bit more costly, but a new
compressor would be a major expense.

Any comments ?????

Thanks

Look around for a large free oxygen cylinder. I have two that I use for
volume when I do bead blasting. I do not do it often. I let my compressor
fill everything and then rest for a while then I start. I never let the
compressor run for more than 4 minutes.
My compressor is oil-less so heat is a big factor on longevity.
I went to a welding store and bought the fittings that I needed to make the
tanks inline with the sand blaster.
Works for me.