The SP Air 3/8” Powerful Air Ratchet, No. SP-7786, offers users a quiet, yet powerful, solution to removing and installing fasteners. This tool offers 80 ft/lbs of torque with a free speed of 200 rpm. Weighing only 3.25 lbs with a 12” length, the air ratchet offers efficiency consuming just 3.3 cfm of air. The tool also features quiet operation at 85 dBA and a vibration level of 3.55 m/s2. This air ratchet is also available with a 1/2” drive (No. SP-7787).
The Review
Upon using the SP Air 3/8” Powerful Air Ratchet, No. SP-7786, on a number of different jobs, Daniel McGuinn, an independent tool reviewer with Real Tool Reviews, came away impressed by the tool’s ability to save him time and help him conduct his repairs with ease.
“It allowed us to install and remove nuts and bolts extremely quickly, compared to a standard ratchet or wrench,” says McGuinn. “Because an air ratchet acts as a ratchet when the power levels aren’t enough, we were still able to break fasteners free -- as we normally would with a ratchet -- then run them out by holding in on the trigger. This saves a lot of time.”
McGuinn used the the SP-7786 to loosen caliper bolts and remove a brake line when changing brake pads on a 2000 Ford Ranger, to remove and install a hood support when conducting a hood replacement on a 1997 Honda Civic, and to remove mounting bolts during a front seat replacement in a 1993 Honda Accord.
The tool’s size provided him enough leverage to do the work, without being too big, and its directional exhaust allowed McGuinn to position the SP-7786 away from him at all times due to its 360-degree rotation. He appreciated that the tool was quite easy to use, and required minimal setup (all he need to do to prep it for use is install a 1/4” NPT air fitting and add a couple of drops of air tool oil).
“If you have a compressor, you can use this tool with little to no training,” says McGuinn.
When compared with other air ratchets, he says the SP-7786 offers more in terms of power and has an option for a rotational exhaust.
“That is a huge plus for this model,” McGuinn adds.
He does mention that the tool could be faster and, as is typical with air ratchets, it is loud.
However, McGuinn is quick to point out that he constantly runs into situations where he needs to employ an air ratchet or standard ratchet instead of an air impact.
“For me, it is a no-brainer, grab the air ratchet and get it done 10 times as fast,” says McGuinn. “I think that this is higher quality than what we are used to seeing, and SP Air has consistently made top-tier products across the board. If you are in the market for a full-size air ratchet, definitely check these out.”
