Originally Posted By: yonyon
When choosing a 3/8" air ratchet you'll do well to choose one with a lower profile over one with more torque. Normally you'll mostly need maximum torque only for breaking loose a bolt to unscrew it and it's no bother to turn the ratchet a few degrees by hand anyway. When there isn't enough clearance to fit the tool where you need it to be, any old rock you find on the ground is just as good of a tool.
The nice thing about a knuckle-buster air ratchet is that it gives you a lot more control over final tightening torque. It doesn't really take much practice at all to learn to control an air ratchet, but occasional slip-ups are going to happen. If you can tolerate a little pinch on your fingers for a few seconds then go with the knuckle buster. If you're more comfortable dealing with an occasional broken bolt or stripped threads choose an impact.
Here's what prompted this thread. I'm starting to develop arthritis in my fingers from years of working with a paint brush. The impact gun I have makes certain tasks a snap, so I thought it might be time to use air tools more when working on the cars. The last thing I want to do is smash my knuckles, and honestly I wasn't thinking of that until it was brought up in this thread. So know I have to start thinking about an air ratchet that won't smash the fingers, and isn't so big that it won't fit in small places. Then I want a button instead of a lever if that exists. Basically I'm back to the drawing board, but thanks for all the replies! Keep'em coming..
