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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.

There is no way a homeowner is going to notice the affect of an electric
ratchet vs an air compressor, so the electric bill is a non issue. Unless
you run the thing several hours per day, day after day, etc...



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.

It's a non issue for the typical homeowner.

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.

Stick with air tools. Get the correct sized compressor for the job and be
done with it.
Or stick to regular old hand tools.


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

You should be able to get a compressor that will power an air ratchet for
under $400, and that would be a very nice, non-oiless, which will power a
large variety of tools, and which will last for a long time.
For maybe $200 you could get an oilless compressor which will do the job, be
noisier, not last as long.


Any comments ?????

Thanks