Impact wrench or rachet or both?

[RottenWillow]

Automotive peeps, do I really need both of these? I'm thinking of just asking for a butterfly impact wrench for Christmas to use for pretty much everything. I know it'd work for removing the big bolts on that transmission I just did (b/c I've seen one used for exactly that application) and of course it'd work for lug nuts. Do I really need an air rachet too? The nice air rachets aren't cheap and I don't want to ask for one of those unless it's something I'd really need.

 

[puddlemonkey]

 

[puddlemonkey]

 

[PICK3]

 

[PICK3]

 

[shirlene29]

cant get into a lot of places with an impact gun...
but then...cant get into a lot of places with an air ratchet either


too big

 

[RottenWillow]

cant get into a lot of places with an impact gun...
but then...cant get into a lot of places with an air ratchet either


too big

butterfly, girl. Thems get into little places

or this with a extension bar

Whaddaya think?

 

[digimon7068]

impact wrenches are great if you're removing stuff like flywheels and wheel hubs and stuff that wants to turn while you're reefing on it, because it will "rattle" the bolt loose without turning what the bolt is affixed too. . .they can also be very useful for stubborn nuts and bolts that you don't want to put the "heat wrench" to. . .but, if you're going to use it sparingly, you can get a decent electric one pretty cheap and spend your money on the air ratchet that you'll use all the time. . .my $.02

 

[RottenWillow]

impact wrenches are great if you're removing stuff like flywheels and wheel hubs and stuff that wants to turn while you're reefing on it, because it will "rattle" the bolt loose without turning what the bolt is affixed too. . .they can also be very useful for stubborn nuts and bolts that you don't want to put the "heat wrench" to. . .but, if you're going to use it sparingly, you can get a decent electric one pretty cheap and spend your money on the air ratchet that you'll use all the time. . .my $.02

But if I already have air and can get a decent Craftsman butterfly for $60, do I really also need a decent air ratchet for an additional $100? I guess I don't understand the applications for these. Seems like there are some things a "rattle wrench" can do that an air ratchet cannot, but is the reverse true? Could I tear up some stuff trying to use a butterfly on it instead of an air ratchet?

 

[Metaltn]

As a person that only uses hand tools and a good breaker bar on such hard bolts you are referring too, I must say a good air ratchet does come in handy. And I will agree to digimon's statement below.

if you're going to use it sparingly, you can get a decent electric one pretty cheap and spend your money on the air ratchet that you'll use all the time. . .my $.02

Also if I may make a recommendation. Don't use an impact wrench on lugs, not necessary. A simple 4-way lug wrench tightened by hand is all thats needed. Plus helps with easy removal when on the side of the road with a flat.