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[Doctor Smeagol]

Yup, air ratchets are noisy & slow.. though they have their uses.

I'd really like a cordless electric ratchet (not windy gun, ratchet) but they appear to be £300+ so.. I'll continue to use my wrist (same as other things, then)

A lovely lunchtime image...

Says the smelly 600 year old hobbit who eats raw fish and never washes......

Whatses? We always washes. Puddlses and poolses, fishes all flapses.

Rock in the pool
So nice and cool
So juicy sweet!
Now we wish
To catch a fish
So juicy sweet!

[Terbs]

Bought the Impact wrench and the airhose today. Look quite good. Not tried as my compressor is 120 miles away 

[aaronjb]

I do fancy the sander & air chisel.. couldn't be arsed to go there and buy them, though.

[chrisgixer]

Me neither

[Nick W]

Wonder if those air tools on sale would be any good for being so cheap. Or have I answered my own question 

There is very little difference between cheapy air tools and much more expensive ones. Aside from a huge hole in your back balance that is.
The key to air tools is to lubricate them properly, and for tools that run for long periods like grinders an attached oiler is a good idea.


Without a big, powerful compressor, airtools are more trouble than they solve for most DIY use.


Having read the previous 2 posts; air sanders are huge air consumers and very noisy - I find them next to useless, and bought an electric DA. As for chisels, ensure that your handheld one is good quality, sharp and use a bigger hammer!

[Webby the Bear]

Our compressor at the garage is good although it's farking noisy. Does take a while to get decent power after turning it on. Is that normal?

[Nick W]

Our compressor at the garage is good although it's farking noisy. Does take a while to get decent power after turning it on. Is that normal?

Yes. And consider the running costs of  dirty great electric motor than runs for several minutes to power your windy gun to remove 5 wheel nuts. And How clean is the air supply; the compressor at work is mounted upstairs, behind a locked door, and so the air hose could almost be used as a water hose!


Air ratchets? I have a good one(Chicago Pneumatic) that I was given. Having used it a few times, I think it was overpriced; longhandled ratchets are much more useful especially in 1/2" drive.


I can't abide the noise of the air tool itself either. I did see some noise data that suggested that earplugs should always be used when using them as they are far louder than equivalent electric tools.


As far as I'm concerned, the only use for compressed air in the light workshop(trucks are an entirely different matter!) is for spraying. And modern guns are far better suited to small compressors than old ones were.

[Webby the Bear]

Regarding noise I'd say my Makita cordless makes a worse noise than the compressed tools. Piercing would be the correct adjective 

I still don't think I'll bother with the ratchet. I just don't think I'd make the conscious effort each time to get it out. It's easier to run down with normal ratchet   

[Nick W]

Regarding noise I'd say my Makita cordless makes a worse noise than the compressed tools. Piercing would be the correct adjective 

I still don't think I'll bother with the ratchet. I just don't think I'd make the conscious effort each time to get it out. It's easier to run down with normal ratchet   

It's the loud, high pitched whine of airtools that I can't stand. Like running your nails down a blackboard.


If you want a 1/2" air ratchet, you're welcome to mine, as I have no use for it. The 3/8 cordless impact wrench is another that rarely makes it of the box.

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks nick. How much would you want fir said ratchet? 

[Nick W]

Nothing, as I was given it.
We'll have to sort out a sensible way of getting it to you. But not this week, as I'm in SW France drinking beer and eating too much cheese.

[Webby the Bear]

 

That's really kind nick thanks very much!

I get paid in week n 'arf so let me know whenever your back and I'll send you the postal dosh 

Cheers mate 

[Seth]

Our compressor at the garage is good although it's farking noisy. Does take a while to get decent power after turning it on. Is that normal?

Yes, it can take a while to fill the tank(s) depending on their capacity.
Once full, the unloader valve should blow-off and the compressor'll then shut down

[Merlindriver]

Never fitted the lubricator on mine, just drop a bit of oil down the air feed inlet on the tool after each use.

That probably won't cut it for work shop use but diy at home will be fine. Imo.

Same here. I found the in-line lubricator a pita and to have it detachable from the main airline - which it needs to be otherwise you will need a separate line for spraying - means more connectors and restrictions to reduce the flow. It was really noticeable when using an impact wrench.