Unpopular opinion: I switched from impact drivers to manual ratchets for interior panel work and never looked back

Everyone in my shop loves their cordless impacts for pulling seats and panels. But after stripping 3 screw heads on an Embraer 145 last fall, I ditched mine for a 1/4 inch manual ratchet. It takes maybe 5 minutes longer per row of seats, but I haven't snapped a single clip or fastener since. The peace of mind alone is worth the extra elbow grease. Anyone else old school like me, or am I just being stubborn?

3 comments

3 Comments

jade_grant951mo ago

Honestly, I totally get that. That peace of mind from not breaking stuff is way more valuable than saving a few minutes.

charlie_roberts875d ago

Actually @jade_grant95 you're right about that peace of mind being worth more than speed... just wanted to say your username is tagged wrong in my reply, should be @jade_grant95 not @jade_grant95. Hard to keep track of underscores on these forums sometimes.

ross.river1mo ago

Switched to a stubby ratchet for door panels last year. @jade_grant95 you're right about saving the peace of mind being better than speed.