Snap on 1/4 ratchets bolts on top or bottom?

[Chadwilliam1]

Why are some snap on 1/4 ratchets have the bolts going down through the top and some going up from the bottom?

I have several 1/4 and they are all going in through the bottom.


Thank you

 

[mhejl]

The THLL ones have a slightly different mechanism. There's an additional retaining clip under the cover plate and the repair kits are different.

 

[qqzj]

I remember screwhead on the bottom is less strong, so some updated versions moved to the top

 

[vjquan]

The THLL ones have a slightly different mechanism. There's an additional retaining clip under the cover plate and the repair kits are different.

Not true, exact same mechanism. Only diff in the kits are the screws. The screws going through the body are supposed to be stronger, but don't know why SO doesn't do it for all of them.

 

[mhejl]

Not true, exact same mechanism. Only diff in the kits are the screws. The screws going through the body are supposed to be stronger, but don't know why SO doesn't do it for all of them.

Right - I don't know why I thought there was a circlip. I must be remembering another ratchet; maybe the 3/8 fhllf. But, the 1/4 kits are different as you mentioned.

Somehow, I've misplaced my stash of repair kits to check.

 

[shibertus]

The screws going through the body are supposed to be stronger, but don't know why SO doesn't do it for all of them.

Is it the longer handled ones that have screws through the body?

 

[qqzj]

Not true, exact same mechanism. Only diff in the kits are the screws. The screws going through the body are supposed to be stronger, but don't know why SO doesn't do it for all of them.

it is done for those with longer handle so that extra torque is possible in theory. they suppose people don't use cheater pipes.

 

[vjquan]

Is it the longer handled ones that have screws through the body?

Yes. There's also the argument of possible striped threads and if it did happen, you'd only need to replace the plate, but the SO screws are quite long and I don't see that happening.

 

[vjquan]

it is done for those with longer handle so that extra torque is possible in theory. they suppose people don't use cheater pipes.

You're more likely to bend the handle on a 1/4" than to cause any damage to the head.

 

[qqzj]

You're more likely to bend the handle on a 1/4" than to cause any damage to the head.

Maybe, want to find some test video to prove that?

 

[kniptastic]

You're more likely to bend the handle on a 1/4" than to cause any damage to the head.

My long handle 1/4 snappy ratchet on its third rebuild kit begs to differ. Handle is still straight as an arrow, even after 3 broken square drives.

 

[vjquan]

My long handle 1/4 snappy ratchet on its third rebuild kit begs to differ. Handle is still straight as an arrow, even after 3 broken square drives.

I was referring to the plate design. I agree that the anvil is the weak point, but to say through screws make it a stronger design is moot. I'm saying you're more likely to bend the handle than to explode the ratchet head just because it didn't screw all the way through.

 

[Wakefield]

Was there an update/redesign based on people saying that the screws got loose?

 

[vjquan]

Maybe, want to find some test video to prove that?

Chris (ClientGraphics) does a lot of ratchet tests. Not SO specifically, but he does show some brands (Tekton) where the handle bends before the ratchet fails and Tekton doesn't have the through screw design.

 

[vjquan]

Was there an update/redesign based on people saying that the screws got loose?

I don't think it's an issue with loose screws. The screws have loctite from the factory.

 

[qqzj]

Chris (ClientGraphics) does a lot of ratchet tests. Not SO specifically, but he does show some brands (Tekton) where the handle bends before the ratchet fails and Tekton doesn't have the through screw design.

We are only talking about snap on here. Those evidence is irrelevant. If you don’t think the decision is related to strength, what is your conclusion?

 

[vjquan]

We are only talking about snap on here. Those evidence is irrelevant. If you don’t think the decision is related to strength, what is your conclusion?

It is relevant. The discussion is about whether or not a through screw design is stronger than screw to body. I'm saying it most likely doesn't matter because there are other failure points to consider, SO or not. What's your beef?

 

[qqzj]

It is relevant. The discussion is about whether or not a through screw design is stronger than screw to body. I'm saying it most likely doesn't matter because there are other failure points to consider, SO or not. What's your beef?

What’s tekton’s design? Unless it’s identical to SO, why is it informative? They might have different failure points.