Tool review: SP Air Corp. Super Fast Mini Impact Ratchet

Sept. 8, 2014

Using the 1/4” Mini Impact Ratchet saved Moore time on smaller jobs, and kept him from switching tools as often.

The SP Air Corp. 1/4” Super Fast Mini Impact Ratchet, No. SP-1764, provides a maximum speed of 500 rpm and a maximum torque of 55 ft/lbs. A patented reaction-free impact mechanism helps minimize damage to the user’s wrist and knuckles. This tool comes in a compact size to safely and efficiently reach tight, space-restricted areas. This product has an overall length of 6-7/8”, and weighs 1-3/8 lbs.

Review

Eric Moore, co-owner of DeMary Truck in Columbus, OH, found the SP Air Corp. 1/4” Mini Impact Ratchet straightforward and easy to use. He says, “A simple trigger and directional switch were as common as any other air ratchet.”

Moore says that the SP-1764 saved him time on smaller jobs, where he would typically use an impact driver to break loose fasteners and spin them apart. Using the 1/4” Mini Impact Ratchet kept him from switching tools as often.

The SP Air 1/4” Mini Impact Ratchet came packaged with an installed cover for the ratchet head. Moore says that there was some setup involved. “There is a manual and a very detailed parts explosion. I followed the instructions, added three drops of oil prior to first use, and regulated the line pressure to 90 psi constant when (the) trigger was depressed.” Before using the product, he also says, “I had to install my own line fitting for use with my shop air.”

Moore used the SP-1764 to remove a master cylinder assembly from a 2008 Mazda Speed 3. He also used it to replace a valve cover and plenum gaskets on a 1998 Toyota 4Runner with a 3.4L V6 engine.

He says, “The SP Air SP-1764 1/4” Mini Impact Ratchet, kept me from switching back and forth between and impact driver and hand tools for disassembly. I used it sparingly for reassembly, so as not to over-torque the fasteners.”

Moore has used many other air ratchets in the past, but found the impact feature of this specific ratchet helpful, saying “It added speed to the repairs.”

There wasn’t anything that Moore didn’t like about the SP-1764, however when asked about a possible improvement, he says, “Personally, I would like to see (this tool) have a positional exhaust, so that you could aim the exhaust.”

On a scale of one to 10, Moore rated the 1/4” Mini Impact Ratchet a 9.5, noting, it’s an “excellent product with great usability and diversity for a multitude of jobs.”