Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 17:39:12 +0000
Reply-To: Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
Subject: Ratchet
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Hi David,
Well I not sure I'll be a lot of help, but I'll register a data point
since I went through this.
First the Ratchet, 1/4" SK. It's my second one , since I put a couple
of repair kits in the first one during 25 years of use they gave me a
new one. It's identical to my first one. My dad has had his as long as
I can remember, in fact he bought my first one as a birthday gift.
I like it because it's short, and the fine tooth ratchet head means that
even a little wiggle room will still advance the mechanism. Second is
that I have a penchant for torquing things down, so the little ratchet
is just fine for rattling things off and on. I can usually break a 13 mm
head fastener free by hand, but that's pushing it some. I've never broke
the mechanism it just wears to the point where you can't reverse
directions, but even this is years apart, like 8 to 10.
Next is the tension on the mechanism. This is the lightest I'm aware of.
So what happens is that you can still use it when a fastener is really
free, but unreachable.
My next ratchet of choice is a PROTO 3/8" Flex head ratchet with an
external grip ring around the head, and a socket locking pin. This is a
commonly sold as a "spark plug" ratchet, I have two or three others, but
quality varies greatly. This is also an extremely fine ratcheting
mechanism, so the light tension and fine sprocket or gear, allow you to
move small increments and free fasteners. The next best thing is the
flex head allow you to begin speed wrenching as soon as you can.
As to other bests. I have been impressed with the short handle 3/8, and
one 3/8 that had the flex setup so that it pivoted from the sides and
could be used like a nut driver.
I have no idea about 1/2" stuff, my are just craftsman. I only use them
for heavy stuff which I consider to be the domain of medium and heavy
duty trucks and the like.
This is off topic somewhat but if you have an air compressor, an air
ratchet is a consideration. I had a large air valve Campbell Hausfield,
that would almost pin your hand if your weren't careful, but boy could I
rip apart stuff in the frame. For bench work, I hate em.
Some points to consider.
Mark Keller
91 Carat
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