Paineilmaräikkä

Paineilmaräikkä is a Finnish term that translates to "air ratchet" in English. It refers to a type of pneumatic tool used for tightening and loosening fasteners, primarily nuts and bolts. Air ratchets are powered by compressed air and utilize a ratcheting mechanism to efficiently turn fasteners. They are commonly found in automotive repair shops, manufacturing environments, and general maintenance tasks where repetitive fastening is required.

The operation of a paineilmaräikkä involves connecting it to an air compressor via a hose. When the trigger is squeezed, compressed air flows into the tool, driving a motor. This motor, in turn, rotates a drive shaft that engages with the socket head. The ratcheting mechanism allows the tool to continue rotating in one direction while the internal gears momentarily disengage and re-engage on each stroke, enabling continuous turning without needing to reposition the tool on the fastener.

Compared to manual ratchets, air ratchets offer significantly increased speed and reduced user fatigue. They are particularly useful in tight or awkward spaces where manual turning would be difficult or time-consuming. However, they require a source of compressed air and can be louder than manual tools. The torque output of an air ratchet is typically less than that of a manual impact wrench, making them more suitable for general assembly and disassembly rather than high-torque applications. Various sizes and drive types are available to accommodate different fastener sizes and applications.