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Air Tools and the LBC

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kindofblue

kindofblue

Jedi Warrior
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I just moved from a dealer tech to parts person at a dealer. I have a set of air tools and I am considering using a compressor. My impact gun will come in handy for some seized bolts. What I really wonder is if people use air ratchets on the LBC.

I have a 1/4 and 3/8 air ratchet will are indispensible for dealer use. Does it take the fun out of working on the antique to use tools that make the job faster. On the other hand, can any damage result from the sensitivity of forty year old parts.

I guess it goes against my grain to use air tools, but it sure saves hands and back.

Any recommendations on air compressors?
 
If an air ratchet damages a nut or bolt I sure would not want that nut or bolt on my car. That is of course assuring the socket fits correctly.

Anything to make the job easier.

Bruce
 
Nothing wrong with using the best tool for the job. The only way hardware will be damaged by air tools is if you overtighten or if the part was so old and weak that it needed to be replaced anyway. I use air tools but typically it's faster to grab a hand tool than to hook up the proper air tool, run the line to the car and squeeze it into whatever mouse hole I'm working in. If something needs persuasion to come loose I usually grab a 24" breaker bar and a 6-point socket.
 
With all the fine threaded hardware on the TR's, I find air ratchets almost indespensable to retaining one's sanity.
 
I always use my air tools to loosen and thread the nut on until it touches. Then I tighten fully with a torque wrench or just a wrench- whatever is required.
 
The only thing I might add is the wheel studs and too much pressure. They have been known to break w/air but it's probably a good idea to replace them with the next set of tires anyway.
 
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