How strong are ratcheting wrenches?

[MarcSeattle]

Has anyone tested the strength of ratcheting wrenches? I don't use them to break loose the fastener because I don't think that they could take a lot of torque. The various brands are probably similar in the force they can take before breaking. It seems that all the ratcheting wrenches are based upon the same design. There is one company in Taiwan that holds the patent and my guess is they probably make the mechanism for most or all of them. but maybe not. Has anyone seen a test?

 

[tonydanzah]

very strong, myself and most others use the ratcheting part to break loose fasteners all the time. Lots of threads on this.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I used my craftsman ratcheting wrenches to replace wheel bearings on my girlfriends Saturn Ion this weekend. I put some serious torque on them, never skipped a beat!

 

[y20dth]

Anymore info on the taiwan co. and the ratcheting patent?
Sounds interesting.

 

[Danglerb]

In good shape, lots of force, but ratchets do wear out and eventually bloop, won't hold any force.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I use mine like any other wrench and don't worry about it...

 

[TAftw]

I hardly ever use them, they always seen to slip or break on me. Then again, the only ones I've used are Blackhawks and Huskys. I'm sure the truck brands are quality products.

 

[mrshaun]

I may warranty one a month for the head slipping. and I know the guys use them to break loose everything in the world. or they come back grinning and say this thing went through hell before I broke it.....

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

Pretty strong. I have a full set of full polish Craftsman reversible ratcheting wrenches and I use them all the time to break loose fasteners. I haven't had one fail yet and I've had them for 2+ years.

Heck, I use them probably more than my non ratcheting combination wrenches.

 

[mrshaun]

why use a wrench when you can use a ratchet wrench......
I grab a ratchet wrench before I go for a regular one. Now If I am holding back up on something, then I go for the regular wrench....