Air ratchet problems. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

donut · 07-23-2014, 05:08 PM

I've got an IR 3/8" air ratchet and now when running, I can hold the socket. If I use it as a bulky ratchet, with out air, it seems fine. Add air, it'll spin....but you can still hold the socket. I thought I broke the driveshaft in it, but that seems intact.

Google search didn't turn up much, maybe the head is wore out?

I do like the ratchet and have been using it pretty steady for about a year.
(unlike the CH ratchet that lasted 6 weeks.)

Any tool gurus have a fix? I personally didn't like the ergonomics of the SO or MAC, main reason for the IR.

68C15 · 07-24-2014, 07:02 AM

pawls are worn out. I went through 5 low priced ratchets back in 1999. Then I threw down some cash and bought an FAR720 from snappy. Best money spent ever

donut · 07-24-2014, 12:56 PM

Thanks! Ordered up replacement parts already.

donut · 07-30-2014, 04:55 AM

Just a quick update. The new head assembly is in and the ratchet works as good as new.

Should have paid attention, the difficulty shifting forward to reverse wasn't because it was dirty. It was a hint that said, hey dummy, I'm not going to run forever....

Thanks again.

07-23-2014, 05:08 PM	#1
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Air ratchet problems. I've got an IR 3/8" air ratchet and now when running, I can hold the socket. If I use it as a bulky ratchet, with out air, it seems fine. Add air, it'll spin....but you can still hold the socket. I thought I broke the driveshaft in it, but that seems intact. Google search didn't turn up much, maybe the head is wore out? I do like the ratchet and have been using it pretty steady for about a year. (unlike the CH ratchet that lasted 6 weeks.) Any tool gurus have a fix? I personally didn't like the ergonomics of the SO or MAC, main reason for the IR. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

07-24-2014, 07:02 AM	#2
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Air ratchet problems. pawls are worn out. I went through 5 low priced ratchets back in 1999. Then I threw down some cash and bought an FAR720 from snappy. Best money spent ever __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

07-24-2014, 12:56 PM	#3
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Air ratchet problems. Thanks! Ordered up replacement parts already. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

07-30-2014, 04:55 AM	#4
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Air ratchet problems. Just a quick update. The new head assembly is in and the ratchet works as good as new. Should have paid attention, the difficulty shifting forward to reverse wasn't because it was dirty. It was a hint that said, hey dummy, I'm not going to run forever.... Thanks again. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.



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