Tools to make life easier

FredG · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2021, 07:29 AM

My stepson is a mechanic. He said you have to try these. Stubby ratchets. They have been a welcome member to my toolbox especially since there are so many hard-to-reach areas in these cars. They don't ratchet so they grab immediately.

DanEC · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2021, 11:41 AM

I have several 1/4 and 3/8 stubby ratchets including a couple with swivel heads and they are handy. But I haven’t seen one the doesn’t ratchet - is it a real fine tooth ratchet or some type of friction lock?

I also love my flex head ratcheting combo wrenches by Grarwrench that I bought years ago from Sears. After those, I also treasure my extra length box end Craftsman wrenches. They are nearly twice as long as normal box wrenches and make loosening and tightening bolts a snap and have saved me many scraped knuckles. I have these in both SAE and Metric and would be lost without them.

FredG · #3 (**permalink**) 05-19-2021, 05:39 PM

It could be a ratchet but a very very fine one. It's very smooth. These things really come in handy

MAStuart · #4 (**permalink**) 05-19-2021, 10:35 PM

Who makes it? What size is it 1/4 , 3/8? How do you change directions?

Tom Wells · #5 (**permalink**) 05-20-2021, 03:04 PM

Here's one source: https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-2...GX1TTVFAM7E3FZ

1795 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-2021, 05:34 PM

Thanks Tom, wish that I saw this earlier as I just ordered some 4 AN lines and a Riv Nut tool and spare inserts from Amazon.

Jim

cycleguy55 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-21-2021, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAStuart

Who makes it? What size is it 1/4 , 3/8? How do you change directions?

Looks like 1 each of 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

You push the square drive through and flip the wrench over to change directions.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-2...279415-9476024

cycleguy55 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-21-2021, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredG

It could be a ratchet but a very very fine one. It's very smooth. These things really come in handy

Description says they're gearless and "Minimal 3-Degree sweep"

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-2...279415-9476024

1795 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2021, 06:31 PM

I ordered a set, I will let you guys know how they work and quality.

Jim

Gaz64 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-21-2021, 11:15 PM

My favourite is my 1/4 drive 72 teeth flex head ratchet.
I also have a straight gearless 1/4 drive. Similar principle to a sprag clutch.

Whodeeny · #11 (**permalink**) 05-24-2021, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Description says they're gearless and "Minimal 3-Degree sweep"

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-2...279415-9476024

It seems to me that with that type of reversing mechanism it would be possible to find yourself in a tight situation where you needed to reverse the wrench to remove it and not be able to do it.
BD

eschaider · #12 (**permalink**) 05-24-2021, 12:22 PM

I have a set and they work very nicely. When you get them if you submerse the sprag end in a light oil to lube it they work even better. Small enough to get into otherwise unreachable places and easy to tighten / loosen fasteners. The push through square drive becomes a natural after a little use.

At the price they're asking for them, this is a no brainer. Buy a set and you'll put them when you can easily get to them — they're just very handy.

Ed

1795 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-24-2021, 01:32 PM

The set seems pretty solid, have not had the need to use them yet, but will shortly. Definitely a nice option for tight places that you could not otherwise use a ratchet.

CobraResurrect · #14 (**permalink**) 05-25-2021, 09:25 AM

I bought mine at Northern Tool. The Amazon set looks identical and are cheaper.

NXPRSS · #15 (**permalink**) 07-25-2021, 04:37 PM

Just bought this set due to this thread from ebay... amazon was discontinued...