What Size Air Compressor For Air Ratchet

For an air ratchet, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of at least 4-6 and a PSI rating around 90-100. HP should be in the 1-2 range, and the tank size should be around 3-6 gallons or higher.

What Is Air Ratchet?

An air ratchet is a type of power tool used for tightening and loosening fasteners with very little effort. They are usually operated by compressed air, which makes them particularly popular in automotive settings because it eliminates the need for bulky manual ratchets. Air ratchets are small, light-weight and can be used in tight spaces where a manual ratchet can’t fit.

Types of Air Ratchets:

Air ratchets come in a variety of sizes and shapes, the size of the air ratchet depends on the type of job you are performing. Most common type of air ratchets are:

1- Inline Air Ratchet

2- Pistol Grip Air Ratchet

3- Extended head Air Ratchet

4- Angle Head Air Ratchet

1- Inline Air Ratchet:

As the name suggests, this type of air ratchet has a straight body and provides better access in tight spaces.

2- Pistol Grip Air Ratchet:

This type of air ratchet is designed with an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to operate.

3- Extended Head Air Ratchet:

This type of air ratchet is designed for tasks that require extra reach.

4- Angle Head Air Ratchet:

This type of air ratchet is designed for working in tight spaces where you can’t get a straight line from the tool to the fastener.

7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Air Ratchet:

When selecting an air compressor for your air ratchet, there are several important factors you need to take into account. These include:

1. PSI Rate:

Pound per square inch (PSI) measures the amount of pressure that is produced when a certain volume of air passes through the compressor. Air ratchets require anywhere between 90-100 PSI to operate properly.

2. Horsepower:

Horsepower (HP) is a measure of the power output of an air compressor, which will determine how quickly the compressor can produce compressed air. Generally speaking, more horsepower means more power and faster operation.

3. Tank Size:

The size of the tank determines how much air is stored in the compressor. The larger the tank, the more air it can store and therefore the longer you can use your air ratchet before the compressor needs to be refilled.

4. CFM Air Output:

Cubic feet per minute (CFM) measures how much air is delivered by an air compressor over a certain period of time. Air ratchets require a consistent flow of air to operate effectively and efficiently, so you need to make sure the CFM rating is high enough for the job.

5. Flow Meter:

Many air compressors come with a built-in flow meter that measures how much air is being delivered in real time. This can be useful if you want to make sure your compressor is providing enough air at a given PSI and HP level.

6. Duty Cycle:

The duty cycle of an air compressor refers to how often it can be used before needing to rest or cool down. Generally speaking, more expensive compressors have longer duty cycles, allowing them to run for longer without having to shut down.

7. Portability:

If you plan on taking your air compressor to different job sites or having to move it around a lot, then portability is an important factor. Look for air compressors that have wheels and handles so they can be easily moved from one place to another.

Factors in Detail:

Now let’s discuss these 7 factors one by one in detail.

PSI Requirement for Air Ratchet:

PSI stands for Pound per Square Inch and is a measure of the pressure created when a certain volume of air passes through an air compressor. Air ratchets require anywhere between 90-100 PSI to operate properly, so make sure your air compressor can produce at least this amount of pressure. A higher PSI rating will allow you to use more powerful air tools with air compressor.

CFM Requirement for Air Ratchet:

CFM stands for Cubic feet per minute and is a measure of how much air is delivered by an air compressor over a certain period of time. If you’re using powerful tools, then it’s likely your air compressor will need to have a higher CFM rating in order to provide enough compressed air. Generally speaking, 4 – 6 CFM should be enough for most applications involving an air ratchet.

Horsepower Requirement for Air Ratchet:

HP stands for Horsepower and is a measure of the power output of an air compressor. The more horsepower your air compressor has, the faster it can produce compressed air. Air ratchets require at least 1 HP to operate efficiently, but if you plan on using powerful tools you may want to look for an air compressor with even more horsepower.

Tank Size Requirement for Air Ratchet:

The size of the tank determines how much air is stored in the compressor. If you’re using multiple tools while working, then having a larger tank will allow you to use your tools without interruption as there will be enough compressed air available when needed. Generally speaking, 3 – 6 gallon tanks are ideal for air ratchet use.

Flow Meter Requirement for Air Ratchet:

Most compressors come with a built-in flow meter that measures how much air is being delivered at a given PSI and HP level. This will help you make sure your compressor is providing enough air to power your tools effectively.

Duty Cycle Requirement for Air Ratchet:

The duty cycle of an air compressor refers to how often it can be used before needing to rest or cool down. Generally speaking, more expensive compressors have longer duty cycles, allowing them to run for longer without having to shut down. If you’re running multiple tools simultaneously, then look for a compressor with a higher duty cycle rating so you don’t have to worry about it overheating or shutting down mid-task.

Portability Requirement for Air Ratchet:

If you plan on taking your air compressor to different job sites or having to move it around a lot, then portability is an important factor. Look for air compressors that have wheels and handles so they can be easily moved from one place to another. Also consider the weight of the compressor, lighter models are much easier to transport than heavier ones.

Conclusion:

The use of an air ratchet in combination with a reliable air compressor can make many tasks faster, easier and more efficient. But it’s important to choose the right size compressor and to maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance. Make sure you understand the PSI rating, horsepower and CFM requirements for your air ratchet, as well as any additional safety or maintenance measures that come with its use. Investing in quality tools will ensure years of dependable service from your air compressor and all attached tools.