Is a thumb wheel ratchet useless?

[anti-everything1990]

I just picked up that gearwrench 1/4 drive set from advanced auto for 40 bucks. Look in the hot deals thread to find it, Its an awesome deal! The only thing is it came with this thumb wheel ratchet thing. It seems like the most useless thing ever. It takes up more space than a ratchet head, and you get less leverage. Seems to me like its just useless, anyone actually use these things?

 

[Kracin]

i personally have never had an instance where i needed a thumbwheel to get something done or get something done faster, so i would vote not too useful in most situations imho.

 

[byoungblood]

I've used the Craftsman (made by S-K) one a few times. It is handy for dash screws in where its profile is low enough to get into spots where you can't get a screwdriver into and/or can't swing a regular ratchet.

 

[t4runner]

I bought a 3/8" and 1/4" about 40 years ago and I don't think I ever used it but once. Im sure someone likes them or they wouldn't make them.

 

[Davefr]

It's one of those tools that's not used too often. However sometimes it's the ONLY tool that will work and can be a lifesaver in those situations.

 

[JBradley500]

I use a 3/8 thumb wheel (non-racheting) quite a bit. It can be used as a short extension too so that's helpful then you just take off the ratchet and use the wheel to spin in/out the fastener.

 

[jakemac]

I use mine after I loosen a long bolt, but when using the ratchet to run the threads out becomes tedious. Same thing for putting a bolt back in. Run it in with the thumbwheel so I don't have to swing a ratchet and hold the socket for tension. Then tighten it up with the ratchet. It makes things go faster.

They are also good for working in tight spaces.

They don't get used often, but they're handy when needed.

 

[rsanter]

Yes, they are handy
Think of it like using a short ratcheting nut driver but you can have a deep socket on there or even a Allen drive.
Good for low torque applications where you want more feel

Bob

 

[bob from indiana]

I have the SK 1/4" thumbwheel ratchet. It is very useful to run screws into radio and App. cases. I used to use it much more before I had a cordless driver.

 

[Deskmechanic]

I used the 1/4 snap-on with hex bit sockets for motorcycle bodywork. Because it's easy to break the plastic if you torque them too hard.

And it's shorter than a ball hex driver, like on the top of a front fender, etc.

 

[kblazer87]

I use mine quite a lot when removing interior parts for my vehicles.

 

[woodstockva]

It's one of those tools that's not used too often. However sometimes it's the ONLY tool that will work and can be a lifesaver in those situations.

Definitely agree.....Not a lot of consistent use, but a real time saver in tight spots. I have multiples of 1/4" & 3/8".

I use mine quite a lot when removing interior parts for my vehicles.

Same here!

 

[rtole]

I like them.......not the gearwrench one.......I got the same one and gave it away. I had an sk one I liked. I sold it, and want it back. When you need one......it can be a life saver.

 

[Jim C.]

They're hardly useless! I used one last summer when removing/installing a few metal balusters from the rails on my deck. Three balusters were in a tight corner and partially obstructed by a concrete retaining wall. It's hard to describe the circumstances but trust me, I couldn't get a stubby screwdriver or small ratchet in the corner to remove them, and then later re-install them. Anyway, I put a #2 Phillips bit socket on a 1/4" drive thumbwheel ratchet and was just able to get my hand in the corner to remove those balusters. After painting them and doing a little repair work, I was able to re-install them using the thumbwheel ratchet and Phillips bit socket. When you need one, you'll be glad you have it.

Jim C.

 

[davethorik]

nope. i have the sk 49270 1/4 drive and i want to get a 3/8 soon. I always seem to find fasteners in tight spots.

 

[cheechi]

I use mine after I loosen a long bolt, but when using the ratchet to run the threads out becomes tedious. Same thing for putting a bolt back in. Run it in with the thumbwheel so I don't have to swing a ratchet and hold the socket for tension. Then tighten it up with the ratchet. It makes things go faster

This is how I use it most of the time.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I just picked up that gearwrench 1/4 drive set from advanced auto for 40 bucks. Look in the hot deals thread to find it, Its an awesome deal! The only thing is it came with this thumb wheel ratchet thing. It seems like the most useless thing ever. It takes up more space than a ratchet head, and you get less leverage. Seems to me like its just useless, anyone actually use these things?

Yeah it's worthless. I got one (in bit format) but I didn't pay much for it and I can use a 1/4" ratchet with it. For bits it's gonna be pretty good for worm clamps but nothing really that exists on a modern vehicle or you can't do differently.

 

[Steven67fr]

I use one all the time for hose clamps, dash screws, even in compact engine bays like econoline, astro, and aerostar, they're great for easing the work involved in changing coils, etc.

 

[bulletpruf]

Good thread. The SK stuff looks nice. HF has a set of 3 for $6 but apparently you need to dissemble 'em, clean, and reassemble with light oil.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I've got the SK 1/4 version with the 3/8 on the way.

I also use them n tight spots when the ratchet gets tedious and the bolt is loooong. Quicker than spinning it out by hand.

 

[bob from indiana]

I have an SK 1/4". It is great for dashboard and appliance work.

 

[monomach]

I just picked up that gearwrench 1/4 drive set from advanced auto for 40 bucks. Look in the hot deals thread to find it, Its an awesome deal! The only thing is it came with this thumb wheel ratchet thing. It seems like the most useless thing ever. It takes up more space than a ratchet head, and you get less leverage. Seems to me like its just useless, anyone actually use these things?

I have the 1/4" Gearwrench one that comes in that set you bought. It seems like I use it at least once a day.

It's not for places where you need a thin ratchet head. It's for places where you can't even swing a ratchet. Think of it more as a ratcheting nutdriver, except:

a) you can get more torque than you can with a nutdriver
b) you can use a deep socket on it
c) you can use extensions to make it as long or short as you want

 

[cludwin]

The SK thumb drives are really nice.

I have a SK 3/8 drive and I can think of twice where I used it and it was really helpful.
Like some others have said earlier in this thread it doesn't get used really often.

98% of the time it sits in my toolbox and looks pretty but every once in a while it's really handy.

I got mine with an SK set, given how frequently I use mine I don't consider it a must have tool, just a nice to have one and I probably wouldn't own one if it wasn't part of the set I was already going to buy.

 

[bobbycos]

i got me the 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" ones and the have been useful in certain situations

i personally like them

 

[lakota]

Have the cheap HF set. Use them , maybe once a year. Glad I have then.

 

[bulletpruf]

My SK 1/4 showed up today. Very nice. The 3/8 is on the way. I don't know if I'll ever have a need for a 1/2 but Williams makes one so I ordered it, too.

 

[drivesitfar]

I never knew there was such a tool. i'm sure i would have used one many times in the past instead of the impact or ratchet for long bolts. it would be handy for those tight spots too. interesting.

Bulletproof: i know you are across the pond, but you have good shipping from the military available to you so where did you buy your set and which brand if you don't mind sharing if you bought them in the US?

 

[bulletpruf]

I never knew there was such a tool. i'm sure i would have used one many times in the past instead of the impact or ratchet for long bolts. it would be handy for those tight spots too. interesting.

Bulletproof: i know you are across the pond, but you have good shipping from the military available to you so where did you buy your set and which brand if you don't mind sharing if you bought them in the US?

The Williams 1/2" came from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YR9SY6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The 1/4" SK and 3/8" SK are from eBay -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-8-Drive-T...92873013?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item461a88a335

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sk-49270-1-...63589101?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item3a98519eed

Scott

 

[dnschmidt]

I like ratchets that have this feature built in. Craftsman use to make ratchets that had wheels you could turn to help speed things off and Facom has them as well. TOPTUL has a great copy of the Facom for cheap that shares the spinning wheel on the perimeter of the ratchet head. Are they used a lot, no. Are they nice to have built into the tool anyway, yes I think so.

 

[uncletater]

If you work on a BMW e30 ever then you will love this tool.

 

[Exceller8]

The Williams 1/2" came from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007YR9SY6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The 1/4" SK and 3/8" SK are from eBay -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-8-Drive-T...92873013?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item461a88a335

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sk-49270-1-...63589101?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item3a98519eed

Scott

Boy are you going to be shocked when you realize that the Williams is a ratchet spinner and not a thumb wheel ratchet!

 

[Gregg33]

Great for hose clamps, carbs and anything else you don't want to over-tighten.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have a little reversible one (1/4" square and hex) I picked up off of the Matco truck maybe 5 years ago. It's just sat in my road box since. I may have actually used it once.

Between small 1/4" drive ratchets, and bit ratchets, I've never had any use for it.

 

[bulletpruf]

Boy are you going to be shocked when you realize that the Williams is a ratchet spinner and not a thumb wheel ratchet!

What's the difference?

Scott

 

[vandezand]

What's the difference?

Scott

Im pretty sure Its on a ratchet and then you spin it vs not having to with a wheel ratchet

 

[davethorik]

Im pretty sure Its on a ratchet and then you spin it vs not having to with a wheel ratchet

yup, basically a short extension with a knurled thumbwheel on it, Still a useful tool, I picked up a Snap-On 3/8 version with some other stuff a while back, and I use it a lot, but I like having a thumbwheel on a ratchet handle.

I know Snappy makes the thumbwheel ratchets too, it is possible they make a 1/2 drive version. Other than that I think all the 1/2 thumbwheel rats are overseas-sourced.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have an SK 1/4". It is great for dashboard and appliance work.

X2


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Jacobson]

I have one and never use it. The grip is terrible, and like you said, you get almost no torque leverage. Easier to just use your fingers in those situations.

 

[brass89]

I've got a couple that came with my SK sets. I like them. They weren't a daily user, but like others have mentioned better feel of threads and more convenient to me than using a ratchet for longer bolts either installing or removing. Maybe not something I would have set out to buy specifically but handy since I had them. They're not meant to break anything loose or tighten it up (much beyond finger tight, maybe a little tighter). Helps when you're in a tight spot that a ratchet wouldn't have the room to swing or trying to stuff an air ratchet and hose into.

 

[espyking83]

More useless than a ***** who cant make change for a twenty