"Tite-Reach" ratchet etension

[sti491]

I searched the threads - but just some general comments when this first came out and also similar general comments about discontinued blue point chain extensions... My Question:

Does anyone who actually owns a "Tite-Reach" ratchet extension like it? What is your review on quality and function?

I'm not a mechanic by trade, just a back yard mechanic, and this is a tool that would not be frequently used, so I'm not so concerned about it not being USA made.

I was thinking about picking up a couple for Christmas, one for me and one for my son - figuring it's something unique that he would never buy, and might like in his tool box. Buying a couple gets free freight on some sites.

Please let me know what you think. I think this is one of those gadgets that could come in handy when I'd infrequently want it, and it would make a nice gift for another tool head in the family... but I don't want to buy or give junk.

 

[JeremyManning]

They look almost as big as the ratchet that is turning it not sure what the advantage would be. I have one of these for tight spaces, I know this is a canadian retailer but I 'm sure these are rebranded to other mfg's

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...it+Driver+and+Socket+Set,+35-Pc.jsp?locale=en

 

[sti491]

Thanks for the reply. I agree they look kind of bulky. But the advantage is supposed to be there is no need to move it for the ratcheting, as that motion is done at the other end swinging a conventional ratchet wrench, where in theory you have the room.

So, I think, even though it's a bit bulky, if you can fit it in and on the bolt head or nut, that you can remove it even if you can't swing the tool... because you don't have swing it - it stays still.

I'm thinking it would have been really handy when I had to deal with belt replacement on my wife's Nissan Maxima... which was nearly impossible with conventional tools due the extraordinary tight and hard to reach adjusters, alternator bolts, etc. Also it might be ideal for pulley bolts with little fan blade and radiator clearance.

Does anybody have one of these or used one?

 

[MoToys]

Looks interesting but a bit expensive.
Wonder how cheap they make the diy version in order to charge so much less.

 

[ears]

I have a reechet, sort of the same thing. It works well when I remember that I have it.

 

[kxxr]

This is the 'Tite Reach'. Clever. $46
Tite- Reach Extension Wrench- For 3/8" Socket Sets or with 3/8" and 1/2" impact wrenches up to 400/ftlbs.
Reach those "Tite" areas with ease
Works with 0 degree of arc
Use a driver or impact wrench-(3/8" = up to 150 ft/lbs)-(1/4" = up to 25 ft/lbs)
Light weight but indestructible
1 to 1 gear ratio

And here's an older, bulkier design with the 'Popular Mechanics' brand. Looks like torque might be difficult with either one. Maybe not.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I don't own one but i really like the idea behind it and being able to use it with an impact.

 

[diesel research]

Looks like torque might be difficult with either one.

Speaking of torque, that might be another appropriate use for it? Torque adapter for times your torque wrench won't fit?

I have had to use traditional torque adapters mounted at a right angle many many times when a torque wrench wouldn't fit.

 

[MoToys]

I thought of the rotator ratchet too when I saw this post. That rat is cool and has uses but there is no way you could spin the handle only to break a fastener free. This thing gives you the ability to still swing that ratchet and yes the ability to put an impact on it is pretty sweet.

Group buy?

 

[retDAC]

I just got a 1/4" and a 3/8" drive from Tooltopia due to the influence of the members here.

They are made in China by Huisman Global Ventures for TR Tools LLC in Iowa according to package lit. No deception as to COO or maker. Its even on the back of the tools themselves but will probably wear off.

They do seem high priced these days for what you get. However one should keep in mind: there seems to be no other tool quite like this (no competition); this is a low volume sales item; and we are used to every Asian tool being low priced relative to its quality level.

They consist of two piece aluminum shells containing sprockets with a chain like a bicycle between them. The shells have yellow nylon? inserts on each end for sprockets to ride in. There is a double ended male lug provided with each. Hang on to it! Unless you have or get spares.

They seem smooth enough and have oil? but you might want to put some more lube on it should you get one.

Be careful with the screws. The hex recesses on my 1/4 seem a bit delicate. Also you are turning them into aluminum threads. The good news is aluminum makes them lighter and stiffer than common sheet steel of the same weight. At least it seems that way now. Oh yeah when you put them back together after cleaning, make sure the shell halves are aligned correctly. Easy to miss.

Lit on packaging states the 1/4" is rated for up to 60 ft/lbs. Implies ratchet only.

The 3/8" up to 400 ft/lbs with 3/8" or 1/2" impact wrenches.

I personally would rather break a fastener loose with something else first.

Approx__Weight___Length___Head Width__Thickness
for

1/4"____9-1/2 oz____11"______1-1/8"______11/16"

3/8"___22-3/4 oz___11-3/4"____1-3/4"______15/16"

Note: End of each female drive will add about 1/16" to the Thickness.

1/4" lug projects about 1/2" when inserted; 3/8" about 3/4".

Finish seems good, not great. Can see some minor imperfections in the blue paint. Nothing I care about.

Internal fit: chains rattle, especially in the 3/8". Whether that will matter in use I can't tell yet. Doubt it right now. On the other hand, maybe this much play is necessary should one want to completely disassemble for cleaning.

As someone said regarding his old US made counterpart, it is only for certain seldom encountered (in his experience) needs, but it sure speeds things up then. I myself do not have a US model to compare.

 

[sti491]

Thanks for the great review!

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have a set of the Blue-Point versions. They were produced by a small company in the Dakotas that went under 10 years ago. I have never found them in a Snap-on catalog, but I remember seeing them on the truck only one year. They are great for the inside starter bolts on equipment. The BP version was riveted together with an oil hole for maintenance.

 

[retDAC]

Forgot to mention I got mine from Tooltopia. They are the standard duty models. I see there is a low priced light duty model on sale at the Tite-Reach website.

 

[sti491]

Just ordered a set. Seems like the type of thing that's nice to have when you need it!

 

[usdemt]

The company that sells them is only about 45 minutes from me. I have thought about going over there and talking with them some time.

 

[Sask dude]

Anyone know where these might be available in Canada

 

[ZRX61]

I find those Task Force ones with the double flex doodad ideal for getting into tight spaces. You can operate them by just push/pull method with the flex doodad unlocked.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_266855-29091-A-TINA+266855_0__?productId=3386950

 

[K-Dog]

Just added the Tite Reach to my Amazon wish list.

 

[LXCam]

I just bought a complete set at SEMA. Haven't used it yet but I have on regular occasion the perfect application for their use. And as it turns out, that'll be thanks giving weekend when I'll be using them.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

Here is a review where he uses it.

 

[mrborohachi]

I remember this Japanese company made one. They are called "Merry" (I think, now it's someone else turn to find the post in the "Tools of Japan" thread

 

[dede2897234]

I remember this Japanese company made one. They are called "Merry" (I think, now it's someone else turn to find the post in the "Tools of Japan" thread

mrborohachi,

GJ member "ricleh" owns the Merry YL-1A, 3/8" drive Extender Drive. It is also known as a barrier wrench. Here is the link to the GJ thread (post #'s 792, 793): LINK. Frankstools sells this type of hand tool here: LINK.


Dave

 

[dodge610]

The tite reach website has a combo pack of 1/4 and 1/8 for $94.00 for both sizes. Just looked it up may have to get both. That would of saved me quite a bit of frutration a few times.