Who makes the longest 1/2” ratchet

[Big Bad Jon]

Doesn't sound like anything particularly precise here. Why not a cheater?
If just snugging up existing fasteners why use a ratchet? How many degrees are you turning this thing? Seems a breaker bar do as well.

I don’t use cheater bars for anything I do routinely. A breaker bar might be ok however.

 

[308guru]

I’d rather not have to buy a 3/4” 1-1/2” socket

But you're willing to spend a lot more on a really long 1/2" drive ratchet?

 

[lund]

Check out this Hazet extendable and fine tooth ratchet:

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/...sx8tSCYPO7EvVFIvfoUMa8BBzFu-aU1xoCPRYQAvD_BwE

It extends to 616 mm (about 26") according to the link but I think it is somewhat longer than that. You can make it shorter to fit, as needed. It is fine toothed and very strong. I pull this out OR a large matco (think it is 88 line or similar) flex that is about 28" long when things are *really* stubborn. It sometimes seems the fastener breaks free in fear when it sees either of these coming For longer handles, the ability to adjust handle length helps access. You make it the min you need to also reduce risk of breaking things. Flex can help access too with the matco but the handle is also very long and you cannot make it shorter. You can easily break off most bolts you are likely to use with these with in home & automotive applications. They are expensive but worth it. The ratchet mechanisms in both are very strong (the anvil should break first so it would not help to be any stronger). You can even put a heavy pipe on the end of of both if you really need to. But I only needed to do things like that a few times in 20 years (a stuck ~3 1/2 in diameter jack cylinder I was rebuilding for example).

If you need more than these can provide, then you should be using 3/4 or 1" drives and impact. 3/4 drive tools are also be much more rigid in terms of extensions and general handle heft for better torque transfer. But those should not be necessary unless you are working on industrial scale stuff, large trucks, agricultural equipment, etc. I do not even want stuff like that at home since it costs a lot, take up a lot of space, and will mostly gather dust with my applications. I might feel different if I owned a combine or something like that.

 

[dr_clyde]

I don't generally need more torque than my 24" Snappy ratchet will provide without bumping up to 3/4 drive.

Would you be able to use a ratchet adapter on a large breaker bar?

PROTO Ratchet Adapter, - J5447

Order Proto 1/2" Drive Ratchet Adapter, Chrome, J5447 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[mikey03]

But you're willing to spend a lot more on a really long 1/2" drive ratchet?

Stop trying to make our addictions make sense.

 

[mikey03]

I don't generally need more torque than my 24" Snappy ratchet will provide without bumping up to 3/4 drive.

Would you be able to use a ratchet adapter on a large breaker bar?

PROTO Ratchet Adapter, - J5447

Order Proto 1/2" Drive Ratchet Adapter, Chrome, J5447 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

I heard about these ratchet adapters isn’t that from like back before we landed on the moon?

 

[dr_clyde]

I heard about these ratchet adapters isn’t that from like back before we landed on the moon?

Lol.

They aren't exactly new tech.

I have a few old Snap-on ones from the Apollo era, so yeah. But they work.

 

[sparky 1971]

For this use case I would have probably opted for a long breaker bar. Break the bolt loose, tighten it up. All done and I didn't have to flip a direction switch. But I'm lazy and have a 30" breaker bar. I also have a 26" long 1/2 ratchet so it's not like I'm taking the cheap route.

 

[dnschmidt]

You're asking the wrong question. You don't always want the longest handle as normally you can't fit it anywhere. What you want is a handle that can go from normal length to very long length in the rare cases you need that extra leverage. This TOPTUL, of which I have several, is the answer to that question: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-3...het-with-Adjustable-Handle-Quick-Release.html If you've ever taken a 6.0 Powerstroke apart the girdle bolts and the head bolts need all the leverage you can get. This tool is very handy in that situation.

 

[Wrench97]

I heard about these ratchet adapters isn’t that from like back before we landed on the moon?

I have a 1/2" from the early 80's before long handle ratchets were a thing.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

Preface: I am deep in the rust belt.
Breaker bars? I work on passenger cars and for me it seems to be a rock paper scissors where breaker bars dont fit.
Take it off with a ratcheting wrench. Cant? Blow torch comes out and it moves after that. If you use a breaker bar you WILL snap the bolt.

 

[KnurledNut]

I'd probably use a slugging wrench for this application.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

I'd probably use a slugging wrench for this application.

Whoah! A manual impact gun!

 

[dr_clyde]

I'd probably use a slugging wrench for this application.

For a wedge anchor in concrete?

I'm not sure that would work very well, but I guess I have never tried it.

I've installed LOTS of wedge anchors, and they tighten up just fine with just a ratchet. Once the sleeve expands and bites in it can be tightened with just about anything in my experience. We used to just use battery impacts, never had any issues.

 

[ecotec]

Check out this Hazet extendable and fine tooth ratchet:

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/...sx8tSCYPO7EvVFIvfoUMa8BBzFu-aU1xoCPRYQAvD_BwE

It extends to 616 mm (about 26") according to the link but I think it is somewhat longer than that. You can make it shorter to fit, as needed. It is fine toothed and very strong. I pull this out OR a large matco (think it is 88 line or similar) flex that is about 28" long when things are *really* stubborn. It sometimes seems the fastener breaks free in fear when it sees either of these coming For longer handles, the ability to adjust handle length helps access. You make it the min you need to also reduce risk of breaking things. Flex can help access too with the matco but the handle is also very long and you cannot make it shorter. You can easily break off most bolts you are likely to use with these with in home & automotive applications. They are expensive but worth it. The ratchet mechanisms in both are very strong (the anvil should break first so it would not help to be any stronger). You can even put a heavy pipe on the end of of both if you really need to. But I only needed to do things like that a few times in 20 years (a stuck ~3 1/2 in diameter jack cylinder I was rebuilding for example).

If you need more than these can provide, then you should be using 3/4 or 1" drives and impact. 3/4 drive tools are also be much more rigid in terms of extensions and general handle heft for better torque transfer. But those should not be necessary unless you are working on industrial scale stuff, large trucks, agricultural equipment, etc. I do not even want stuff like that at home since it costs a lot, take up a lot of space, and will mostly gather dust with my applications. I might feel different if I owned a combine or something like that.

614mm is 24.17”. That is around a regular extra long 1/2” ratchet.

 

[lund]

614mm is 24.17”. That is around a regular extra long 1/2” ratchet.

Edit: i was wrong sorry on the lengths. Both the Hazet (extended) and Matco flex are 24". That being siad, both are good ratchets and i would be surprised if longer would be a good idea relative to 3/4 drive. I suspect you would break the anvil. You can do several hundred foot lbs of torque easy with these.


I am pretty sure it is significantly longer than the Zorro link data when *extended*. When i compared to a 24" ratchet (tekton) it was significantly longer. Maybe 28 or 32". Perhaps they are giving the unextended measure. I can check it with a ruler when i am home measuring anvil center to handle end (as should be appropriate).

I should have also said that it has very little back drag. So it is quite good by most measures: length (and adjustable), back drag, strength, etc. It is a little heavy though. But that is good when using something you really want strength with.

 

[terrific]

Pretty sure itvis longer than that when i compared to a 24" ratchet it was significantly longer. Maybe 28". Can check when i am home. Anvil center to handle end is appropriate.

I should have also said it has very little back drag. It is quite good

I'd like to see TTC or PF break one of those for science.

 

[humpty]

Yes

I have that same one, when something is stuck that will either get it out or break it.

 

[humpty]

These are nuts that hold an industrial washer to the floor via concrete wedge anchors. Because of the floor anchors, I do not want to use an impact.

The floor anchors have to be checked for “tightness” weekly, but no torque spec is listed. And because they have to be really tight, I want as much leverage as possible.

I’m trying to stay away from 3/4” drive because I don’t have any other 3/4” sockets. I know if I go 3/4” I’ll need to own the entire set

If you are on GJ and asking this question there is no point avoiding it, buy the 3/4". You know you want to. It's just one little ratchet, what could it hurt?

 

[Big Bad Jon]

If you are on GJ and asking this question there is no point avoiding it, buy the 3/4". You know you want to. It's just one little ratchet, what could it hurt?

I’m trying to hold off, but I give it a week or two.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

You're asking the wrong question. You don't always want the longest handle as normally you can't fit it anywhere. What you want is a handle that can go from normal length to very long length in the rare cases you need that extra leverage. This TOPTUL, of which I have several, is the answer to that question: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-3...het-with-Adjustable-Handle-Quick-Release.html If you've ever taken a 6.0 Powerstroke apart the girdle bolts and the head bolts need all the leverage you can get. This tool is very handy in that situation.

I rarely work on automobiles beyond changing oil. Cramped work areas aren’t really an issue here.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

Just use a breaker bar. You don't need a ratchet for this at all

The longest breaker bar Snap On sells is 36” anyways. So the 36” Matco ratchet I bought should be about the same.

 

[KnurledNut]

For the sake of discussion more so than for the OP's needs, Teng Tools makes a unique 1/2 drive breaker bar head. I have one. The female end is really beefy and recessed for strength (seems to help alleviate the stress riser) and can be used with any length extension. Satin finish. I don't know of anyone else that makes this tool.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

If you are worried about buying a 3/4" set, I would suggest a simple and basic set from your local tractor/ farm supply. You can get "cheap" set for way less than $100.

If you buy a set and break a socket, just buy a readily available replacement.

This. Or look for 3/4" set on Marketplace. They can be tough to sell, I had an extra Craftsman set that took awhile to move. Older but nothing wrong with it and reasonable price.

 

[AJHD]

This. Or look for 3/4" set on Marketplace. They can be tough to sell, I had an extra Craftsman set that took awhile to move. Older but nothing wrong with it and reasonable price.

HF has 3/4" has sockets, ratchets and breaker bars and their own versions of cheap sets.

Not saying it's the case here, but I assume the OP is needing this for work purposes... at previous jobs it would of been a safety violation if caught using anything that would be considered a cheater bar, snipe, pipe, etc. I personally prefer just using the proper tool for the job.

 

[HannibalLecter]

Hazet 916HPLG

 

[f121]

Is undoing these and doing them back up weekly in the equipment/anchor spec? If it’s literally ‘check they are tight’ I’d get a breaker bar, pull on it and check there not didn’t move, then move on.

 

[OneEyedMan]

There was a thread with this question years ago in regards to loosening bolts on a forage chopper, iirc. I can’t find it for searching but it would be interesting to know what the conclusion of that question was.

I know a 3/4 would be a slam dunk but it also sounds like an SLL80 or SLF80 would be adequate for the job. The longer you get with the handle, the better the internal you want.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

HF has 3/4" has sockets, ratchets and breaker bars and their own versions of cheap sets.

I'm aware. Personally, I prefer older USA made.

 

[ecotec]

Hazet 916HPLG

24ish”… that is around a standard extra long ratchet. I am pretty sure that the OP was looking for something longer than that.

 

[AJHD]

I'm aware. Personally, I prefer older USA made.

They are generally a few hundred bucks, but I see them on OfferUp sometimes... Craftsman, Proto, Williams, Snap On.

Been tempted to buy a set in the past, but I have no realistic need for them and rather spend the money elsewhere.

If I was still wrenching on equipment I'd have a set by now. But they might be HF.

 

[Sal Bandini]

This is for work? Why are you nickel and diiming? Just get a 3/4 socket and 3/4 breaker bar.

You probably spent more on company time posting and reading replies than the 2 pieces are worth.

 

[drokihazan]

44” enough?
https://webcat.cornwelltools.com/CT...Super-Strong-Flex-Head-Ratchet-Set-p371692905

Holy cow, what's that thing cost?

 

[nicks78camaro]

Holy cow, what's that thing cost?

$399.95 list

 

[Orangina]

according to standards as ISO 3315 or DIN 3122 the torque is limited by a ratchet or socket with a

drive size​	Nm torque​
1/4"​	62 Nm
3/8"​	202 Nm
1/2"​	512 Nm
3/4"​	1412 Nm
1"​	2515 Nm

So with my weight and the length of standard extendable ratchets I'm over the edge of these 512 Nm.
E.g. my up to 614 mm or 24" extendable HAZET 916 HPLG is made for up to 1000 Nm - but the used sockets too?

The discussion regarding greater length and power/torque should therefore lead to a different drive size.

regards,

 

[liliysdad]

according to standards as ISO 3315 or DIN 3122 the torque is limited by a ratchet or socket with a

drive size​	Nm torque​
1/4"​	62 Nm
3/8"​	202 Nm
1/2"​	512 Nm
3/4"​	1412 Nm
1"​	2515 Nm

So with my weight and the length of standard extendable ratchets I'm over the edge of these 512 Nm.
E.g. my up to 614 mm or 24" extendable HAZET 916 HPLG is made for up to 1000 Nm - but the used sockets too?

The discussion regarding greater length and power/torque should therefore lead to a different drive size.

regards,

There is no ISO in my shop…

 

[FTG-05]

according to standards as ISO 3315 or DIN 3122 the torque is limited by a ratchet or socket with a

drive size​	Nm torque​
1/4"​	62 Nm
3/8"​	202 Nm
1/2"​	512 Nm
3/4"​	1412 Nm
1"​	2515 Nm

So with my weight and the length of standard extendable ratchets I'm over the edge of these 512 Nm.
E.g. my up to 614 mm or 24" extendable HAZET 916 HPLG is made for up to 1000 Nm - but the used sockets too?

The discussion regarding greater length and power/torque should therefore lead to a different drive size.

regards,

Translation:

45.7 ft-lb
149
377
1041
1855

 

[Wrench97]

So much for the 1/2" impact guns that put out over 1k now......

 

[T444e]

Translation:

45.7 ft-lb
149
377
1041
1855

Thank you, Nm is a foreign language to me.

 

[danielbuck]

I'd just find a nice strong ratchet (even a 3/4" ratchet with a stout reducer) and use an extension on the handle. why keep a 6 foot tool around when it can be in 2 sections and easier to store?

My big torque wrench breaks down, the head pops off, and the handle is in 2 pieces.