Extending a 1/2 ratchet

[2mJps]

I just saw the bobbed 3/8 ratchet very nice. It got me to thinking agin i need another long 1/2 ratchet. I have several 1/2 ratchets i am thinking about makeing the handle longer on one. If you had a choice what kind would you do this to Besides a SO or mac. I not planing on useing this for a breaker.

 

[tkonetzke]

Im not really fond of the idea of lengthening, creates a weak spot. Not a breaker? Then why are we going longer? I definetly think it was easier to bob the ratchet and clean up then it would be to weld and clean up. I doubt the latter would yield very desirable results. as far as making a ratchet longer I would consider a flex head ratchet head on a breaker bar handle if the pin would work? but then you dont have locking flex head, and I think that is some scary stuff.

best words of advice would be to buy a longer ratchet, sorry but thats the best Ive got

 

[03protege]

Im not really fond of the idea of lengthening, creates a weak spot. Not a breaker? Then why are we going longer? I definetly think it was easier to bob the ratchet and clean up then it would be to weld and clean up. I doubt the latter would yield very desirable results. as far as making a ratchet longer I would consider a flex head ratchet head on a breaker bar handle if the pin would work? but then you dont have locking flex head, and I think that is some scary stuff.

best words of advice would be to buy a longer ratchet, sorry but thats the best Ive got

Pinning a ratchet to a breaker bar is actually a halfway decent idea, how it would hold up would be the only thing. One way to find out...

 

[bobcatdan]

the long 24" 1/2" ratchets are handy for stuff, but when te going gets tough, I always switch to the 3/4". The big 1/2" have lot flex when really giving it. I own a matco and SO. I have snapped the drives off both.

 

[tkonetzke]

But if just for form and not function, an sk ratchet or any with a "barrel" handle, no ergonomic curves. You could then find some DOM tubing with an inner diameter near the existing handle, sleeve the handle and weld tubing at the shoulder. With access to a lathe you could knurl the tubing, or otherwise design as you see fit. He comes the 56" long 1/2" drive ratchet.

 

[davesnothere]

Im not really fond of the idea of lengthening, creates a weak spot. Not a breaker? Then why are we going longer? I definetly think it was easier to bob the ratchet and clean up then it would be to weld and clean up. I doubt the latter would yield very desirable results. as far as making a ratchet longer I would consider a flex head ratchet head on a breaker bar handle if the pin would work? but then you dont have locking flex head, and I think that is some scary stuff.

best words of advice would be to buy a longer ratchet, sorry but thats the best Ive got

Agreed.

 

[TwoInch]

i too doubt extending a ratchet would turn great results....

but if i was to do it, i would cut the handle at a long angle, over 3" or 4" of the existing handle, and cut the solid extension to match that angle, bevel a little, and weld em together... would look hideous, chrome would be trashed. but i would imagine it would hold fine...?

 

[03protege]

i too doubt extending a ratchet would turn great results....

but if i was to do it, i would cut the handle at a long angle, over 3" or 4" of the existing handle, and cut the solid extension to match that angle, bevel a little, and weld em together... would look hideous, chrome would be trashed. but i would imagine it would hold fine...?

Paint it flat black, it would then be "industrial" hehe


I just looked at my HF breaker bar and it is a no go for mating a chicom RP Cman to it. the search continues.

 

[bustdknuckle]

I got 2 words for you "cheater pipe"

 

[JKady]

I'd have no problem with it so long as the drive could take it. Piece of tube that just fits over the existing handle, preferably hammer/press fit (all of it), welded at the shoulder and then a couple plug welds farther down and have at it till it breaks.

 

[Rogue1987]

Get one of these http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWAAYQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
42" 3/4 dr ratchet, Wright,

I'm pretty sure it was a fair bit less than the amazon price from my local Wright distributor.

Just an idea for a longer ratchet.

 

[TwoInch]

see, i dont fear long ratchets and blowing up the drive or mechanism, for the same reason i dont mind using a cheater on ratchets. i dont use a cheater to put huge torque on stuff, i use it to make myself work less. you can still judge what is too much, and decide to back off and get a bigger tool. the difference being that you wont have your whole body weight into the ratchet when you make that call. i have noticed that i dont "punch" car parts, or rip my knuckles up nearly as often, because im not putting an uncontrollable amount of *** into my hand/ratchet when breaking stuff free...

get to extending, and post some pics!

 

[JKady]

see, i dont fear long ratchets and blowing up the drive or mechanism, for the same reason i dont mind using a cheater on ratchets. i dont use a cheater to put huge torque on stuff, i use it to make myself work less. you can still judge what is too much, and decide to back off and get a bigger tool. the difference being that you wont have your whole body weight into the ratchet when you make that call. i have noticed that i dont "punch" car parts, or rip my knuckles up nearly as often, because im not putting an uncontrollable amount of *** into my hand/ratchet when breaking stuff free...

get to extending, and post some pics!

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, sometimes the room for that bigger tool isn't there, sometimes the time to remove the things in the way isn't there. Knowing how to not hurt yourself is just something you have to get a feel for. I still tear my hands up if I really have to haul *** on a job but it's still not as bad as when I was just fumbling with things.

 

[tube_guy]

I don't know for sure if this has been extended or not, but it sure looks like it to me. And it doesn't look too bad at all.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Britain...349?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d553d89d