Ratchet Wrenches
An air ratchet runs fasteners where an impact wrench will not fit — under dashboards, inside engine bays, on small fasteners that a 1/2 in. gun would snap. Chicago Pneumatic builds a single 16-model line covering 12.5 to 90 ft-lb at 150 to 280 rpm, in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in. square drive, all on a 1/4 in. air inlet and 1.08 to 2.73 lb of tool. The CP9426 and CP9427 put 27 ft-lb in a 5.1 in. body, the CP828 ratchet makes 50 ft-lb behind a TriSpring anti-slip head, and the extended-body CP824 series reaches 7.75 in. into tight work. Fit them with impact sockets and adapters, compare the range on the CP air ratchet wrenches page, or step up to an air impact wrench for breaking loose.
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Showing the single result
One Line, Not Two
CP splits its impact wrenches and grinders into separate industrial and vehicle-service families with very different torque and speed. Ratchets are the exception: one 16-model catalog serves both, so you choose on drive size, head profile, and length rather than on which line the tool belongs to. Everything runs on a 1/4 in. inlet at 90 psi, which means a small shop compressor feeds any of them.
Compare CP Air Ratchets
Torque and length pull against each other — a longer body gives leverage and reach, a short one gets into the work. Figures below are the ones CP publishes for each series.
| Model | Built for | Published figures |
|---|---|---|
| CP7829 | Heavy general mechanics wanting torque in a short body | 6.6 in. (169 mm), 1.1 lb (0.5 kg), adjustable side exhaust |
| CP7830 | General maintenance, high duty cycle | Aluminium alloy head, grease fitting on the reverse button |
| CP824 | Under-dash and small-engine work needing reach | 7.75 in. (197 mm), 1.13 lb (0.51 kg) |
| CP825 | Tight access at moderate torque | 6.6 in. (169 mm), 1.1 lb (0.5 kg), composite head cover |
| CP826 | Fine throttle control on small fasteners | 250 rpm, polyurethane grip |
| CP828 | Durability where heads get abused | 50 ft-lb (70 Nm), TriSpring anti-slip head |
| CP886 | High torque behind a low-profile head | Compact head, easy-grip reverse |
| CP9426/CP9427 | The tightest access on the line | 27 ft-lb (35 Nm), 5.1 in. (130 mm) |
See the models above, or work back up to the industrial tools range.
Ratchet or Impact?
Use the ratchet for access and control: it spins a fastener down quickly, holds a socket square in a blind spot, and will not shear a small bolt. Use an impact for breaking loose and for anything above 90 ft-lb. Many techs carry both plus a torque wrench, running the fastener down on air and setting final torque by hand.
Common Questions
How much torque does an air ratchet make? CP’s line runs 12.5 to 90 ft-lb. The CP828 series is rated 50 ft-lb (70 Nm) and the mini CP9426 27 ft-lb (35 Nm). Anything past that wants an impact wrench.
What kills an air ratchet? Dry air and a worn head. The CP7830 and CP828 carry a grease fitting on the reverse button for exactly that reason — keep an inline oiler or an FRL unit on the drop, and pull exploded views from the parts and diagrams hub.
Will my impact sockets fit? Yes, on matching square drive — 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 in. Shop bolting accessories for sockets, extensions, and adapters. In-stock parts ordered by 4 PM ET ship the same day from Denver.