Ketoolsturbopactairratchetnoke 10472706

Tool Review: K&E Tools TurboPact Impact Ratchet

Feb. 9, 2012
Lou Fort tests out the K&E Tools TurboPact Impact Ratchet at his shop.

K&E Tools' TurboPact 3/8"-drive Mini ReactionFree Impact Ratchet, No. KE-1150, hits 500 RPM and is rated at 50 ft/lbs of max torque eliminating the need for final hand tightening. The built-in regulator helps to control the amount of torque needed on sensitive applications. The mini size and patented ReactionFree impacting mechanism make the tool optimum for under dashboards and other confined areas.

The review

Lou Fort, owner of K.A.R.S. Inc., tried out the KE-1150 at his shop in Huntingburg, IN. 

Along with the small size and quick speed of this impact ratchet, Lou appreciated the reaction-free feature.

"The reaction-free impact mechanism, it is so nice not having to worry about busting open a knuckle when using this ratchet."

"K&E also put an adjustable power valve in the ratchet for when you still want some speed but not so much the power."

Although not recommended by Professional Tool & Equipment News, Lou did his own tests to see how much more torque he could get out of the KE-1150.

"They claim it has a max torque of 50 ft.lbs. with a working torque of 30 ft.lbs. A little fun latter with a torque wrench and the K&E 1150 I can tell you that 35 ft.lb. was its max loosening power with 175 psi. shop air and it’s only rated/recommended  at 90 psi. Tightening torque did a tad better coming in closer to 40 on average. So why say it has 50 ft.lb. max instead of telling us it’s average working torque? Remember my results were with 175 psi. and not the 90 psi. that is recommended."

Overall, Lou was pleased with the K&E Tools' TurboPact.

"The KE-1150s small size, amazing speed and reasonable noise level make it a nice tool to have when working in tight spots."

"When used properly any air tool saves time, but when you use one like the KE-1150 that runs twice to three times the speed of your average air tool the savings adds up."

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Media Relations Manager | Navistar

Erica Schueller is the Media Relations Manager for Navistar.

Before joining Navistar, Schueller served as Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC),  the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).  

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.

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