Air Ratchet Wrench or Impact Wrench?

I am trying to decide whether to purchase an air ratchet wrench or an air impact wrench. I do lots of basic repair work on my car and the engine in my spare time. Is an air ratchet wrench a cheaper alternative to an impact wrench?

Thanks for the question. Basically they are two different air tools for different applications. An air impact wrench is great for busting off stubborn lug nuts. An air ratchet wrench simply doesn't have the power to break a tough nut. However, if your are working in a tight space like an engine compartment, an air ratchet wrench is great. For one thing, you can't get an impact wrench into a tight space and they are probably too powerful anyway. An air ratchet wrench is great upgrade from your hand held socket set. You can reach down into a tight spot and just squeeze the trigger. The air from your portable air compressor does the work for you. No cranking your handheld socket set smashing your knuckles on the engine block. Here are some articles on the subject too.

• Why use an air ratchet wrench?
  
  
• An Air Impact Wrench Can Over Tighten Your Lug Nuts!