VIM has some duds and some gems. This one is a GEM!
- Thread starter impactims
- Start date
Skyman
Well-known member
How's the backdrag on that item?
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Looks like the manufacturer made this oddball configuration too:
KnurledNut
Well-known member
From what I can tell, the same tool is available from Laser Tools (6691):
As well as a 3/8 drive version (6690):
As well as a 3/8 drive version (6690):
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I would have put that in the dud category. 
different strokes for different folks 
different strokes for different folks Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Yeah, I can't picture a scenario where that would be of much use.
Just_Steve
Well-known member
Thumb and palm ratchets have been around forever.
Indexmill
Well-known member
I have em but never needed to use one...
If they also have red ones, I'd totally install them on my faucetsLooks like the manufacturer made this oddball configuration too:
I don’t know what you guys are working on that you see thumb ratchets are useless. I use them constantly. And this particular thumb ratchet is pretty cool. I like the built in extension. Much better than a standard thumb ratchet with an extension temporarily put on by the user.
Start the bolt by hand, then thumb ratchet it in the rest of the way. Finish with ratchet, torque wrench or wrench, depending on the scenario.
Also very useful are palm ratchets, spinners and speed handles in place of a thumb ratchet….depending.
Start the bolt by hand, then thumb ratchet it in the rest of the way. Finish with ratchet, torque wrench or wrench, depending on the scenario.
Also very useful are palm ratchets, spinners and speed handles in place of a thumb ratchet….depending.
GX460DIYguy
Well-known member
Honest question, what are you using them for that you use them often? I’ve wanted a palm ratchet, but I’m afraid it’ll just end up not getting used and listed for sale after a while. I’ve got a buddy that helped me install something on my suv and we had to use his snap on tkf72 and I really wanted one after that, but haven’t needed it enough to buy it.
Hannahranga
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2023
- Messages
- 217
I'll spin the fasteners on by hand, if I need to more force I'll use a a deep socket, nut spinner or extension with knurled grip (primarily cos it's handy). I'm not surprised there people that prefer them tho, just wasn't for me when I tried on.
wkndwarrior29
Well-known member
I could see myself using that for something that only needs to go hand tight, but generally I grab one that I can throw a ratchet on. I like this style (not this model specifically), I think mine are craftsman from back in the day. Works good to get something started when you don't have a knurled extension or socket to hold on to.
bwringer
Well-known member
I think a lot of the old grumps around here only work on 30+ year old diesel equipment. They consider 1/2" drive to be useful only for the "little stuff", and metric to be the work of the devil.
But yeah, if you work on modern cars and motorcycles much, having options like these is always good. I have an insane amount of tools along these lines for getting into ridiculously tight spaces.
driftpin
Well-known member
I 'second that emotion.' Sometimes having something like that will make an easy job out of a much-harder one, due to the right tool providing clearance. Been there, done that.
david3921
Well-known member
I just used my cheap one a few days ago. I was reinstalling a blower cover on a Chevy Trax. Machine screw with a 7mm head into a recessed hole. Not enough clearance for a nut driver or even my shorter spinner.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I have the Craftsman set you're talking about; I probably use them on average less than once per year. I did actually use it the other day though with a small flathead bit on some screw down electronic connections that were hard to access.
As far as a palm ratchet, I don't see where it does me any good over a standard Stubby ratchet; especially when the task calls for an extension.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I work on nothing but late model stuff. Personally, I'm not a fan of the thumbwheel ratchet but, that's just me. It's probably because I have every imaginable stubby, low profile ratchet I can find to add to my arsenal of tools. For something cozy, I really like the stubby Titan micro ratchets.
https://www.jbtools.com/titan-tools...coop&msclkid=f127e5f9e0361e4442a0823ac5b5ea2a
If you like the VIM thumbwheel ratchet, use it and enjoy it. Everyone has their favorites and that's the joy of choice.
https://www.jbtools.com/titan-tools...coop&msclkid=f127e5f9e0361e4442a0823ac5b5ea2a
If you like the VIM thumbwheel ratchet, use it and enjoy it. Everyone has their favorites and that's the joy of choice.
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Meursault74
Well-known member
I get coupons/deal from O'reilly auto a few times a year. I use them to pick up some tools here and there for lower cost. I have something similar here, but it has 1/4 bit drive on the opposite side as well. Maybe cost me $5-6 after the deal. I haven't used it a lot. I know I did a couple of times, but I can't remember for what at the moment. Pretty sure it was helpful.
I guess price plays a role in having something just in case or that you've encountered a task in the past and see something that you you believe would have made it easier, so you get it. Getting a "deal" usually helps justify it in my mind. I'm probably not alone in the sentiment around here.
Looks like the OP's VIM tool is north of $30, for me that would be too high to buy for "this might come in handy later". I'm not saying it isn't worth it for someone that will use it a lot.
I guess price plays a role in having something just in case or that you've encountered a task in the past and see something that you you believe would have made it easier, so you get it. Getting a "deal" usually helps justify it in my mind. I'm probably not alone in the sentiment around here.
Looks like the OP's VIM tool is north of $30, for me that would be too high to buy for "this might come in handy later". I'm not saying it isn't worth it for someone that will use it a lot.
GaryM909
Well-known member
joel63
Well-known member
Can't beat the price.I work on nothing but late model stuff. Personally, I'm not a fan of the thumbwheel ratchet but, that's just me. It's probably because I have every imaginable stubby, low profile ratchet I can find to add to my arsenal of tools. For something cozy, I really like the stubby Titan micro ratchets.
https://www.jbtools.com/titan-tools...coop&msclkid=f127e5f9e0361e4442a0823ac5b5ea2a
If you like the VIM thumbwheel ratchet, use it and enjoy it. Everyone has their favorites and that's the joy of choice.
Who called it a gem that has never used it?
American cars and Japanese motorcycles largely