A very dumb tool question

[Sigarms]

Looking at getting my son a birthday present.

I have my Klein socket/ratchet set now over 25 years, served me well.

Son was talking about a electric ratchet his Sergeant has that he really likes, seems to make things much easier (I guess) when they work on cars together.

Here is the dumb question...

What is the difference between a battery operated ratchet and a batter operated wrench?

Seems like the ratchets are either 1/4" or 3/8", and you can get the wrench in 3/8" or 1/2"

Example of ratchet

Example of wrench

I love the kid, but I'm not getting him both (LOL), and was wondering the pros and cons of both working on cars.

I'm also assuming if you go with the ratchet, you don't need impact sockets?

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

generally their wrenches have higher rpm and torques.

 

[Sigarms]

generally their wrenches have higher rpm and torques.

That's why I was wondering if you actually need impact sockets with an electric ratchet.

 

[oldnslo]

Electric Ratchet is similar to hand operated ratchet in design and function so impact sockets are not required.

 

[grsthegreat]

But for small bolts, can overtighten easily and break stuff.

 

[Rockbadchild]

• Electric Wrench (Impact Wrench):
  • Designed to apply high torque for loosening or tightening large, stubborn bolts and nuts.
  • Often used in automotive, construction, and heavy-duty applications.
  • Uses a hammering mechanism (impact) to deliver bursts of torque.
• Electric Ratchet:
  • Used for fastening or loosening smaller bolts and nuts in tight spaces.
  • Ideal for low to medium torque applications.
  • Mimics a manual ratchet but is powered, saving time and effort.

• Electric Wrench: High torque output, often ranging from 100 ft-lbs to 1,000+ ft-lbs depending on size and model.
• Electric Ratchet: Lower torque output, typically around 30 to 60 ft-lbs, which is enough for smaller fasteners.

• Electric Wrench: Higher speed and more power, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
• Electric Ratchet: Slower but provides consistent turning power, often used for assembly or disassembly in confined spaces.

• Electric Wrench: Larger, bulkier, and heavier.
• Electric Ratchet: Smaller, compact, and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

 

[etpm]

I know some guys who repair cars for a living. They have both kinds but use the ratchet the most. The ratchet is not strong enough much of the time to break a bolt or nut loose but that can be done easily by hand. Then the ratchet quickly removes the bolt or nut. The big advantage of the ratchet is that it fits in confined spaces. They also only rely on torque wrenches for final tightening of anything where it matters. This may be because of the place they work, the owner is really fastidious. But I think that's part of the reason they work there.
Eric

 

[bigtiller]

During the moment of highest torque...

A ¼" ratchet may give you a bruise.

A ½" wrench will draw blood if your not paying attention.

I have used both but they were both air powered.

 

[ruffdog]

During the moment of highest torque...

A ¼" ratchet may give you a bruise.

A ½" wrench will draw blood if your not paying attention.

I have used both but they were both air powered.

Thanks for the memories....I too came from the air powered era.

 

[jaxs]

So the question you have to ask is whether he does mostly large,high torque fasteners or small but numerous fasteners(the latter for me).
Don't be fooled when you see someone using a device to r&r lugnuts, it's probably fuel canister powered and all battery does is supply ignition.

 

[Sigarms]

So the question you have to ask is whether he does mostly large,high torque fasteners or small but numerous fasteners(the latter for me).

Most likely the latter for my son as well.

 

[Sigarms]

Appreciate the feedback everyone.

Kind of what I was thinking, specific tool for a specific job.

Have a couple M12's myself for other daily areas (not car work). Can kind of get expensive. They like to nail you on the batteries. Luckily I have an extra charger he can have.

 

[Rustyiron]

Idk if HF has gift certificates and I know it's not as personal as sending him a tool, but they have 1/4" (useless imo) and 3/8" in both short and long body configurations.
They (HF) are certainly just fine for the hobbyist and an affordable way for a young man to begin building his toolbox.
I have a fair share of HF wrenching stuff and have never broken one.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have the M12 small battery version of that electric ratchet in 1/4 and 3/8 sizes. It's much smaller & lighter than the larger battery model, but the larger batteries will fit if necessary. Much easier to get into tight places. Small battery still has enough juice for most repetitive jobs and I have yet to exhaust one during a project.

Love the tool! Saves lots of time when working with multiple fasteners.

Also looking at the electric wrench but if I need more torque, I just use a conventional ratchet or torque wrench.
Less risk of overtightening with the ratchet.

 

[LouNY]

So the question you have to ask is whether he does mostly large,high torque fasteners or small but numerous fasteners(the latter for me).
Don't be fooled when you see someone using a device to r&r lugnuts, it's probably fuel canister powered and all battery does is supply ignition.

Not sure were you are coming from with this. My Milwaukee M18 1/2" impact has about a 1000 ft. lb of removal torque.
It certainly can remove most lugnuts and tighten them using a 110 ft. lb torque stick.

 

[WM75Guy]

I would think deciding on the battery system going forward is key to cordless tool purchases. Like you said, they get you on the batteries. I have the Dewalt 20V Max 3/8" ratchet. It is pretty spendy now at $200 for the tool only but I bought it on sale and have plenty of batteries. It does well for assembly and disassembly work. For harder stuff I go for the 1/2" cordless impact or switch to air or hand tools.

HF has a Bauer 20V 3/8" ratchet tool only for $60. A 2-pack of 5A batteries is on sale for $80. Plus they have a 15% off coupon for this weekend. Might be a good start to see how he likes a cordless ratchet.

 

[WinterDeere]

During the moment of highest torque...

A ¼" ratchet may give you a bruise.

A ½" wrench will draw blood if your not paying attention.

I have used both but they were both air powered.

^ This. I have air ratchets, and also impact drivers, multiples of each in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". I hate the air ratchets, every time I pull one out of the tool box I figure there's a 50/50 chance my knuckles will be bleeding in the next 5 minutes. But they're a necessary evil, as there are times when they're the only practical tool that will fit in the hole in which I'm working.

Something the shape of an air ratchet, but which had an impact function, would be both awesome for the user and brutal on hardware.