Can anyone provide pics of the new Williams round head ratchet mechanism?

[SMKS]

Can someone who owns one of the new Williams round head ratchets please pop it open and take some pics? I don't own any of the new design, or I'd post pics myself.

Williams updated the mechanism in the round head ratchets in recent years. The catalog was never updated, so it still says the ratchets use a dual-pawl mechanism. I believe they have now been updated to a single-pawl design similar to the one used in some Facom, SK, Mac and Proto ratchets. The new round head ratchets should have an "A" at the end of the part number. For example, B-52A.

This issue has come up several times recently, with people still wondering if the ratchets use a dual-pawl mechanism. The catalog description causes a lot of confusion.

There used to be pics online of the new repair kit showing the single pawl, but I haven't been able to find them recently to show people how the new mechanism works.

I suppose I could be going crazy and have completely mis-remembered the entire updating of the Williams ratchets, but some pics would show if I'm right or wrong.

 

[oak_park]

Williams 3/8dr B-52A

Things to note....screw is 7/64 Hex. I used blue thread locker on screw putting it back together. Back of direction selector has rubber o-ring, the heart shaped spring goes in the small hole in the pawl.

 

[SMKS]

Thanks. Hopefully this will help reduce some of the confusion regarding the continued incorrect description in the Williams catalog.

 

[Biomed]

Just curious, how does the new single-pawl design compare to the old double-pawl? Folks seemed to really like the old B-52 ratchets. I'm thinking about ordering a new single-pawl but would look for a used double-pawl if it was superior.

 

[Monte]

Facom style...interesting....

 

[winlinmac]

This is confusing indeed. I was under the impression that the newer B52/S52/S53a ratchets were all dual pawl. Was there a another decent design change which would indicate this ratchet being dual pawl, or is it still single pawl (as per the design change which occurred several years ago)?

Also, wouldn't a 36-tooth single pawl ratchet last longer, compared to a dual pawl mechanism?

 

[gdocktor3]

Just from quickly looking at the pic, it seems more teeth are in contact with gear in the newer design than the old dual pawl. I would only assume Williams made this change because it is a better design. They're not the type of company that makes a tool with less parts to save money. With that said, my old dual pawl Superratchet is super strong and super smooth. I think either design will surpass any expectations. I wonder if the internals are interchangeable? Anyone?

 

[Fedwrench]

Also, wouldn't a 36-tooth single pawl ratchet last longer, compared to a dual pawl mechanism?

I think it depends on who and how it's being used and that a blanket statement wouldn't apply.

If you look at the current 36 tooth Williams pear head ratchet, you only have two teeth on the pawl gear engaging the drive gear. Now, it's a classic design and they might be some strong teeth but, I prefer the floating pawl design wherein you have 7-11 teeth on the pawl gear engaging the same number of teeth on the drive gear. It makes for fine tooth action and strength in a pear head ratchet. In round head ratchets, I don't think you can do better than the Facom design posted above

 

[winlinmac]

Is something wrong with my tool decision making? I ordered an SK Hand Tool 42472 and Williams S53A

Someone is going say I should have gone with Snap On

 

[Fedwrench]

Is something wrong with my tool decision making? I ordered an SK Hand Tool 42472 and Williams S53A

Someone is going say I should have gone with Snap On

Someone here will always say you should have got snap on

All that matters is that you're happy with your purchases & that the tools serve you well. To me I think you over think each purchase but, that's just me.

 

[nic6paul]

I just picked up an s52a myself and I couldn't be happier. I would like to grab the 3/8 and maybe the 1/4 but the 1/4 seems to be of a different design.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Is something wrong with my tool decision making? I ordered an SK Hand Tool 42472 and Williams S53A

Someone is going say I should have gone with Snap On

Round head is not my cup of tea and I don't have any SK. I can tell you that you will NOT be upset in any way with Williams.

 

[winlinmac]

This thing built like a Tank, Look at the number of teeth engaging.