Indexable Head Ratchet

[Randy Kegg]

Can anyone explain the advantages to owning an indexable head ratchet?
I actually have one and I don't know why I bought it.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[Fedwrench]

Sorry, I can't think of a situation where an indexable head ratchet would be better than the wide assortment of different style ratcheting wrenches I have. I've thought about getting an indexable head ratchet but, I can't think of where I would need it so, I haven't pulled the trigger

 

[crf450x]

I don't have one. Never even used one. But maybe it would allow an angle to get an extra couple clicks on those bolts that are tight all the way out but in a spot where you get one click at a time. Just a guess...

 

[ocloc24]

Yeah same, I haven't ever owned one but I could imagine to get around certain obstructions it could be handy. I thought about picking up the hf one just to see if I'd find it handy but I haven't ever heard anything about them. Seem somewhat gimmicky but who knows, maybe I'm missin' out.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[jdlong]

I have one. It got me out of a jam breaking bolts on Grand Am control arms. The bolts are nested in the frame. I had the car on jack stands and there was no room for a long handle ratchet. The indexing head allowed for horizontal positioning of the handle and with a pipe I broke the bolts free.

 

[Stevenn1]

I have some. Used on top starter bolt on 1994 Crown Victoria 4.6L. They can do a push pull action too. One of those tools that mostly sits in the drawer.

 

[bimmer630]

For me they come in handy sometimes when trying to run an already loosened fastener off. In a weird spot where you only have so much room and it will take forever to swing a ratchet handle back and forth, you can release the indexing head and just rotate the bolt off by pushing and pulling up and down on the ratchet handle.

Basically the same as the concept with these https://store.snapon.com/T-Handle-mm-C675014.aspx

 

[unslow1]

I have a couple. It's like an obstruction wrench. Rarely needed but you sure are glad to have it when you do. Header bolts and spark plugs around headers are what first comes to mind. The other would be suspension and brakes.

 

[njric71]

I was glad I opted for the HF version when I got mine. I can't recall that I've ever used it. It sits in 1 of my embarrassingly more than 1 drawers of tools I bought "just in case" and have never used... But won't get rid of because I'm sure that one day each and every one of those "just in case" tools will end up being the answer to all my problems..

 

[4Kings]

Do these things typically have locking detents or can you lock then anywhere along the plane of roatation

 

[trekgod3]

Here's the thread I started regarding the HF indexable ratchets a while back:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355056

 

[48548]

I have the snappy versions, but have not used them yet....

 

[bimmer630]

 

[davethorik]

Do these things typically have locking detents or can you lock then anywhere along the plane of roatation

It depends on who made it. The Armstrong index heads rely on spring tension and pins (no freewheeling at the index joint) and the head cannot sweep 360° due to handle design.

Proto/Mac sound similar to HF. There are perhaps 40 positions they can be locked in, they can free wheel, and can rotate 360°.

I don't have experience with HF or Snappy.

 

[bimmer630]

The snappy ones used a splined piece that had a ball detent in it. You could just pop it in and out of place to freewheel it. I have the old Superior ratchet and tool company one that snapon sold as a bluepoint for a while and then stole the indexing design which caused some legal stuff forcing snapon to stop making them altogether

 

[48548]

The snappy ones used a splined piece that had a ball detent in it. You could just pop it in and out of place to freewheel it. I have the old Superior ratchet and tool company one that snapon sold as a bluepoint for a while and then stole the indexing design which caused some legal stuff forcing snapon to stop making them altogether

I fixed my picture and it shows what you are talking about. Damn photobucket....

 

[bimmer630]

I fixed my picture and it shows what you are talking about. Damn photobucket....

I used to have the same 1/4" drive ratchet. Didn't use it much and needed dough so I sold it.
Now there's one on eBay that's in the 300.00 range due to it being a "collectible". I ended up just buying a used srtc

 

[48548]

What are these worth?

 

[Stevenn1]

All my Snap-on ones are dated 2001, ones in good shape are getting harder to find.

 

[bimmer630]

I remember those speeder handled ratchets. Wonder why they stopped making them, and also wonder if a dual 80 head could be retrofitted to that handle...

 

[48548]

I remember those speeder handled ratchets. Wonder why they stopped making them, and also wonder if a dual 80 head could be retrofitted to that handle...

I did that to them and one I put a f72 kit in a 1/4 as well to make a mini 3/8. One 3/8 is still a 936....