L-shape ratchet - anyone ever use one

[beardking]

I get weekly spam from Northern Tools (I'm ok with it, I like to look at their stuff) and in today's email, there was a link to this ratchet. I have never seen a ratchet like this before. I can see it being useful at times, but not really sure. Anyone use this ratchet or one like it?

 

[autoclassicnut]

Looks like a factory mistake...LOL I don't know of a place that I could use it... but's it's priced right!

 

[rhandwor]

Thats one I never observed before.

 

[ImportTuner]

It's cheap enough .. if you are collecting

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

link does not work....

 

[Mike83]

It'll make more torque in the wrong direction making your socket slip off the nut or bolt. Seems less than useful imo.

 

[nate379]

Can use it to fire up that Model T I guess?

 

[rsanter]

seems like it would be good for changing tires

bob

 

[beardking]

It'll make more torque in the wrong direction making your socket slip off the nut or bolt. Seems less than useful imo.

Not sure I understand how it would make more torque in the wrong direction.

seems like it would be good for changing tires

bob

That's actually what I was thinking as well. The lug nuts on my truck are a pain in the tookus to get off, especially with the factory knuckle buster. So, I've considered getting something like this or just a long breaker bar and a socket that fits the nut well and keep them in my truck.

 

[bmxr4life87]

it can be used similair to a speed handle?

 

[nate379]

I use the **** out of my flex head ratchets because they end up being a speed handle. Once the bolt or nut is loose, flip the handle so it's in line with the socket and crank it off.

 

[Kurt4440]

The only way the L-Shape Ratchet will not create more torque is if the 90 degree bend in the handle is straightened out. torque = force x distance
I keep a 3/4" breaker bar with the appropriate size socket and extension in the truck to remove lug nuts.

 

[MAD]

Not a ratchet, but I do have an L-shaped speeder.

 

[Coach James]

Tractor Supply carries those L shaped ratchets also. They're usually in the bins by the front door.

Coach

 

[cruiser808]

Proto and Craftsman had old versions of the ratcheting L- design. Judging from the prices they fetch on Ebay, they seem to be highly collectible. Still, they've been long discontinued, validating their questionable value in the real world of day-to-day automotive repair. Didn't Snap-on also have something like this once upon a time, only to eventually drop it from their line up?

 

[bgott]

It would be easier to jump up and down on that handle than a straight handle.