Aviation ratchets and fasteners

[4Kings]

So I was perusing the Cripe's site the other day and stumbled on a 1/4" Aviation ratchet by Armstrong. Not quite understanding what an aviation ratchet is I headed to google. So if I understand this, the access hole allows you to "hold" a fastener from turning while the nut is attached. I also saw mention of Hi-lok fasteners of which looks like hundreds of styles.

Can someone confirm the usage of the aviation ratchet for me.

 

[jallyn]

The Armstrong Maxx is a sealed-head 88-tooth ratchet. The high tooth count and low profile head is good for working in confined spaces, like aviation maintenance.

 

[StevenMorgan]

yup, also called a hilok ratchet. Hiloks are basically a permanent nut/bolt combo installed completely from once side once the pin is inserted into the hole from the opposite side.

I've got one from snap on. It does not have a retention ball to keep a socket in place, otherwise it is completely usable just like any other normal 1/4" drive ratchet

 

[AviationTech]

Correct, that particular ratchet is the version used for in aircraft installation/removal of HI-LOKS. If the HI-LOK pin wants to spin during install or removal of the collar you insert a hex key through the ratchet anvil and into the end of the pin to hold it while continuing to turn the collar. HI-LOK's are very strong, made from variety of metals, and used extensively in medium to large airframe assembly/repair. They offer the best benefits of both rivets and bolts. Many times though, the pins are installed in tolerance fit holes and wont spin. The collar can be removed without having to hold the pin. Some HI-LOK pins are installed so tightly and wet sealed in for fuel tanks that even with the collar off you need a rivet gun to hammer it out. Thank you by the way for finding this, I'm going to purchase on, I need a new one for that price. They generally are quite expensive, unless you by off ebay. Another company who makes good HI-LOK ratchets is Omega. In my opinion they are the industry standard due to head size and no ratcheting mechanism, they use a roller ratchet design.

 

[pescados666]

Correct, that particular ratchet is the version used for in aircraft installation/removal of HI-LOKS. If the HI-LOK pin wants to spin during install or removal of the collar you insert a hex key through the ratchet anvil and into the end of the pin to hold it while continuing to turn the collar. HI-LOK's are very strong, made from variety of metals, and used extensively in medium to large airframe assembly/repair. They offer the best benefits of both rivets and bolts. Many times though, the pins are installed in tolerance fit holes and wont spin. The collar can be removed without having to hold the pin. Some HI-LOK pins are installed so tightly and wet sealed in for fuel tanks that even with the collar off you need a rivet gun to hammer it out. Thank you by the way for finding this, I'm going to purchase on, I need a new one for that price. They generally are quite expensive, unless you by off ebay. Another company who makes good HI-LOK ratchets is Omega. In my opinion they are the industry standard due to head size and no ratcheting mechanism, they use a roller ratchet design.

I was considering grabbing a 1/4" drive hilock roller ratchet since it seemed useful. Have you ever used one of these before? I have no use for hi-loks, but the infinite position of the roller ratchets seems pretty useful if they can withstand the same as a normal 1/4" ratchet.

I have an armstrong ratcheting screwdriver which seems to have a roller bearing and it seems plenty strong and is very nice to use. Haven't even considered upgrading to a snap-on. I also have a bicycle with a silent shimano rear hub that I believe uses roller bearing also. It seems to be nice, but I don't want to have to treat it like glass if the ratchets aren't strong enough for normal use.

 

[cvairwerks]

Also quite useful for eddie bolts. Used to install them by the hundreds.

Watch about buying a roller ratchet, as not all of them are reversible....

 

[AviationTech]

I was considering grabbing a 1/4" drive hilock roller ratchet since it seemed useful. Have you ever used one of these before? I have no use for hi-loks, but the infinite position of the roller ratchets seems pretty useful if they can withstand the same as a normal 1/4" ratchet.

I have an armstrong ratcheting screwdriver which seems to have a roller bearing and it seems plenty strong and is very nice to use. Haven't even considered upgrading to a snap-on. I also have a bicycle with a silent shimano rear hub that I believe uses roller bearing also. It seems to be nice, but I don't want to have to treat it like glass if the ratchets aren't strong enough for normal use.

Omega Technologies makes very solid and durable tools. I also like the knurling they put on them. All my experiences with there tools including their universal low profile swivel sockets have been very positive. Like any product though that is branded for a specific purpose, that drives cost up. Omega roller ratchets are readily available on eBay form aviation surplus.

 

[kams1973]

When I worked in aviation, I was facinated with the hi-loc ratchets, but I was rarely able to use them. Access was always an issue. I installed hi-locs with a combination wrench the majority of the time.

 

[pescados666]

Another question I just thought of, are savi sockets the same as the stripped bolt extraction sockets sold by irwin and a few others?
They look like they do the exact same thing, but they're pretty expensive to buy without being certain. I don't think I'll have to ever remove and hiloks but I get a stripped bolt every once in a while

EDIT: why did this thread get 20000 views already lol