Longest 1/2" Ratchet?

[seanb02]

Who makes a good quality 1/2" ratchet that has an absurdly long handle on it?

Specifically working inside the cutterhead of our silage chopper, I can't get a 3/4" drive ratchet in there. Unless someone knows of a 3/4" ratchet that has a slim head and is somewhat fine tooth count?

I've pretty much ruined the handle on one of my 12" 1/2" SK round head using a 36" cheater pipe on it. The mechanism has never missed a beat, but the handle has been bent quite badly to the point the chrome is flaking off. After being bent back and forth a few times I would imagine soon the handle might entire fail. I've shattered the mechanisms of a couple of lesser quality ratchets long before the handle bent.

I can't utilize a breaker bar in here even with a 12 point socket I just don't have enough options for placement of the socket and still have the swing needed. Torque of the bolts is around 350 ft-lbs, and with added corrosion they are quite tight.

So to recap, long ratchet needed! Either super long 1/2" drive or extremely slim head 3/4" drive.

 

[cvairwerks]

Sounds like you need a torque adapter to move the ratchet head over some.

 

[Skin]

I think Snap-On makes the longest but if you want a slim profile get a Matco. They still go to about 24" and their heads are about the thinnest available. Their 1/2" is the same thickness as most other brands 3/8" drives (including SO).

 

[earthmover1980]

Hello,
The longest ratchet I have is a Matco 24" flex head.
It is very strong, and I am not brand loyal either. I really like it and have used it in some high torque scenarios.
At home, I have a Craftsman flex head 1/2 Dr ratchet I have Removed the existing handle (14") and added the handle of a 18" long Craftsman breaker bar. The only thing that holds ratchet head or square drive end on is a roll pin, and yes the ratchet and breaker bar handles interchange. These solutions have worked for me. You will find many other variants here. Cheers brother

 

[ChrisLS8]

Have you tried shallow sockets with a breaker such as the Astro Nano? Most long 1/2 is 24-25"

 

[plinker]

Most quality brands have a 24" 1/2 drive ratchet, typically a flex head though.

350ft lb is definitely 3/4 drive territory, Snap-on's 3/4 ratchet is slimmer then most, spendy though. The Williams in the link looks to be the same as my Snap-on. Carlyle may be another option.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-H-51AB-Hand-Tools-Sockets-Drive-Tools-3-4-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

Snap-on does have a long handle (40") that should fit.

 

[Skin]

350ft lb is definitely 3/4 drive territory

Not even close. Most 1/2" ratchets are rated for double that.

 

[plinker]

Not even close. Most 1/2" ratchets are rated for double that.

Maybe, but I've seen sockets fail at that torque. I usually figure 250lb to be a safe limit for 1/2 drive. The 1/2 electronic torque wrench S-O has does 300ft lb though. YMMV

 

[Skin]

Snap-on rates S80s at 700 foot pounds. 88s are probably just a little behind that.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm not sure if it will meet your needs but, look at what Tekton just released.

https://www.tekton.com/ratchets?quantity=1&drive-size=1-2-in&length-type=long

 

[Snaparxon]

30 inches long.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...30-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET-ORANGE/

 

[seanb02]

A 24" might do it. I've popped them loose with an 18" before without a cheater pipe, but after a couple I have to take a break and recharge. I would like to hear about a 30" or so, but I realize that is probably not available in 1/2" drive.

There is no clearance to either side of the nut to where I could come in at a different angle with a different type of tool, a shallow or deep socket would not make any difference either. From where they are recessed I just don't have the swing to do it with a breaker bar, sure I can grab it with a 12 point, but the flex in the handle of the breaker bar is up against a piece of steel on one side or the other before it breaks it loose enough to remove and go again in the next socket tooth.

In a 1/2" drive I don't need it to be a slim profile, but even a thick head 1/2" is far slimmer than a standard 3/4" drive which creates the issue. If I could get an impact drive in there that would be the way to go for sure, but by the time I add a swivel and extension the impact looses far too much torque to do any good.

I'm not afraid of the price for the right tool for this application, and while I have avoided purchasing SnapOn tools for a very long time, I am considering going that route for this particular purpose. If I could test fit one of their versions of a 3/4" drive ratchet I would be fine with going that route, but all the other 3/4" drive ratchets I have tried were a no go. Which brings me right back to 1/2" being the best option.

 

[Skin]

30 inches long.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...30-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET-ORANGE/

Says 33.25" actually. That is one big damn ratchet with a big damn price to match.

 

[seanb02]

30 inches long.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...30-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET-ORANGE/

Bingo, exactly what I wanted to see!

So if Matco makes one, does SnapOn make one as well? I know that Matco does not make any of their own tools, so who else carries other branded versions of those? If nothing, then I'll call up my local Matco guy and get one of those!

 

[3baygarage]

Is a Wright 3/4 ratchet too bulky? They have that 42”.

 

[seanb02]

Is a Wright 3/4 ratchet too bulky? They have that 42”.

Sadly yes I'm pretty sure that the head is too large since it appears quite similar in width to my SK 3/4" drive. However I do want one of those for other farm equipment uses!

EDIT: Not a bad price for those things either, might just have to put that on my list of must haves.

 

[Skin]

Bingo, exactly what I wanted to see!

So if Matco makes one, does SnapOn make one as well? I know that Matco does not make any of their own tools, so who else carries other branded versions of those? If nothing, then I'll call up my local Matco guy and get one of those!

I think its their locking flex which is 26". I thought they made a SLLF but maybe im confusing it with the FLLF. Just be aware the 1/2" 88s are a bit wide at 1-5/8" at their widest point since that matters to you.

The mechanism isn't exclusive but the ratchets are, supplied under contract by AJ manufacturing. No secondary brand for the exact same ratchet.

 

[seanb02]

I think the slightly thicker head profile will be okay, it is still significantly less than the 3/4" drive varieties I have available.

Guess I'll have to hit up the Matco guy and see what I can make happen. Unless it is typically cheaper to buy online rather than off the truck. Have only bought one thing off the Matco truck before, and that has been my only tool truck purchase thus far, so I don't have experience there to compare to.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have a non locking flex head 24" dual 80 snap on with comfort grip as do dozens of other mechs as it one of the nice tools they will actually buy for us at the factory. It gets used regularly by everyone and the 3/4" ratchets rarely get used any more. I have actually hung off of it (230 lbs) and bounced so 500ftlbs? I bigger sizes most of our sockets are proto impacts. I have yet to see one of either broke in the 5 years we have had them.

It pretty rare for me to get out my personal 42" 3/4 snap on now.

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-174-Technology-Soft-Grip-1-2--1-2-Drive-80-Tooth-Soft-Grip-Long-Flex-Head-Ratchet-P651017.aspx

 

[WittHay]

I think that is the Matco 30" ratchet in the picture. Picture from a Matco dealer up North.

The 1/2 stuff flexes a lot over 300 ft.lbs. Have the Snap-on SN36 breaker bar and it not bad, really bends and it seems to straighten out. The Snap-on 24" flex ratchet feels like the joint will break over 300 ft.lbs. (feels) is different than actually breaking though

What size socket are you using? I think you original plan is the best, instead of a SK ratchet maybe a Snap-on S80 short handle and a cheater pipe like a truckers tie down bar

 

[seanb02]

I think that is the Matco 30" ratchet in the picture. Picture from a Matco dealer up North.

The 1/2 stuff flexes a lot over 300 ft.lbs. Have the Snap-on SN36 breaker bar and it not bad, really bends and it seems to straighten out. The Snap-on 24" flex ratchet feels like the joint will break over 300 ft.lbs.

What size socket are you using? I think you original plan is the best, instead of a SK ratchet maybe a Snap-on S80 short handle and a cheater pipe like a truckers tie down bar

1-1/4" socket size. It's a Canadian engineered machine... Dion... Maybe you Canadian guys have a better solution for the engineering downfalls?

Good to hear input from another guy that is in farming, most of the regular auto mechanics tools don't see the abuse that is mandatory with farm equipment repairs.

I'm not at all opposed to the idea of sticking with a regular ratchet with a cheater pipe if it will get it done. I don't purposely abuse my tools, but at the end of the day the job has to get done. I'm certainly not going to cry about it and push for warranty of anything like what I've done to that SK ratchet.

Quite the opposite actually, I'm rather impressed with how well it has held up to what I've put it through. I'll buy another one of those for regular use, but just need a different type for this particular application.

 

[WittHay]

^ Most Canadian stuff is fairly well engineered. Work on a Agland Macerator and everything is handy and easy to get at. Not familiar with Dion. I assume you are working on the knives.

The Versatile we have uses a lot of 30mm or 1 3/16. Just at the borderline between 1/2 and 3/4 drive. I tighten them up with the 1/2 drive 36" breaker bar and a 12-point socket. Anything less and they come loose.

Maybe try the Matco 30 or the Snap-on 24 as a 1 1/4" socket is not huge. They will come in handy for other things as well

 

[Wamsutta]

I wish Snap-on would make their chrome handle like that. No grooves.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I have a suggestion. Why not phone a dealer and ask to speak to their shop foreman. Ask how they deal with the issue.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Bingo, exactly what I wanted to see!

So if Matco makes one, does SnapOn make one as well? I know that Matco does not make any of their own tools, so who else carries other branded versions of those? If nothing, then I'll call up my local Matco guy and get one of those!

My SHLFD80A is about 26" long. I believe retail on them is $239.95.

 

[seanb02]

^ Most Canadian stuff is fairly well engineered. Work on a Agland Macerator and everything is handy and easy to get at. Not familiar with Dion. I assume you are working on the knives.

The Versatile we have uses a lot of 30mm or 1 3/16. Just at the borderline between 1/2 and 3/4 drive. I tighten them up with the 1/2 drive 36" breaker bar and a 12-point socket. Anything less and they come loose.

Maybe try the Matco 30 or the Snap-on 24 as a 1 1/4" socket is not huge. They will come in handy for other things as well

It is well engineered for the most part, just flipping cow poo to make light of the difficulties. I am 1/2 Canadian, so I can't complain too much anyways.

 

[seanb02]

I have a suggestion. Why not phone a dealer and ask to speak to their shop foreman. Ask how they deal with the issue.

Good point, and I will likely follow up on that suggestion. Because how is it supposed to be torqued to 350 ft-lbs if you can't get a torque wrench in there?

I have good "feel" but it still worries me every time I go through the knives.

 

[WittHay]

It is well engineered for the most part, just flipping cow poo to make light of the difficulties. I am 1/2 Canadian, so I can't complain too much anyways.

Hey no worries, i knew you were just kidding. This is a picture of a Mac 3/4 drive 400 ft. lb torque wrench. I use it mainly for torquing idler bearings on disc mower cutterbars to 300 ft.lbs. Its about 34" long with a regular size 3/4 ratchet head

Like you mentioned there has to be someway to torque those bolts to 350 ft.lbs

 

[RedneckWelder]

Whatever you buy make sure it is something very easy to warranty they are easy to break.

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh I be inclined either pick up couple sk ratchets or a snapon short handle and epoxy a cheater pipe custom to my needs.
other option is SLL80A mainly as higher torque rating and don't flex as much as most, wouldn't go with flex models unless really a benefit as area of weakness/deflection .
Tekton low cost option and their 1/2" rated a bit over 500 lb/ft but from what I seen of them they do deflect quite a bit .

 

[RPH]

Tekton warranting is a photo of the unit, a quick explanation of the problem. Send the email. I have found great respect for Tekton. The son and I ran small farms, so rebuilding of old machinery is mandatory. Can’t afford new stuff for the amount of use. But the Tekton tools the son has bought has held up well. For $45 that half inch long handle ratchet will soon be living in the shop here. My preference is for SK but no millionaire here and I have to use common sense at times. As much as I love my SK.

 

[CR888]

I'd get a 3/4" breaker bar handle in 36" and undo/remove the drive end & replace it with a 1/2" ratchet heat that has a reputation for demanding tasks. @350ftlb+ 1/2" handles flex to much, I would want the torque going to the fastener not into a bendy handle. I only like using 1/2" handles up to 250/300ftlb, not saying they can't do 400 but a 3/4" handle will do it with authority.

 

[Snaparxon]

A member has one for sale in the classifieds.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402181

 

[scooby074]

SBF80A ? You mention needing clearance in a tight area. This is a bent handle 1/2 drive flex. Not the longest handle but it can do wonders if you need clearance. Dont have one, but Id like one. Its relatively new IIRC.

SLX80A locking flex is excellent. actually longer than the "extra long" 1/2 non-flex head.


Something way cheaper, either the 3/4 or 1/2 extendable handle ratchets from EZRed or equivalent. Some importers have them in flex head too.

 

[flushcut]

Maybe it's just me but I would be looking for an easier way in. Sounds kind of odd that a knife change would be so restricted. Cut in an access door or something and sell the patent back to the company as a design flaw.

 

[WWheeler]

May not be the 'longest', but my 26" Snap-on flex SHLF80A has never left me wanting for one even longer. If I did need longer than that we have entered 3/4"dr territory.

 

[Professional Tool User]

The longest 1/2 drive ratchet I have is a 24" Made in Taiwan ratchet that EZ Red and others rebrand. If it is really that tight and seized, get a torch. As someone who works on medium and heavy duty trucks and trailers for a living, there are big seized fasteners that even 1" guns or cheater bars can't handle on their own.

 

[Olafur]

Judging by experience and destructive tests available most current 1/2 drive Taiwan made ratchets should do the trick - with cheater pipe. I can't remember if it was Four Wheeler or Hot rod Magazine that did destructive tests on cheap 1/2 drive ratchets. Basically China made failed @6-700 lb/ft and Taiwan made @ 7-800 lb/ft. At the same time their old American counterparts, Craftsman and perhaps some others (I can't remember the brands tested) failed at something like 300 lb/ft

The point is, many current Taiwan ratchets are incredibly strong. Fedwrench is probably spot on recommending Tekton.

Ps
I wrench daily with Snap On dual 80 - I have several and I love them, but I am not blind and my co-workers hammer on Taiwan ratchets all day and they are very capable and last long. SNA shareholders are rich enough already.

 

[bobcatdan]

30 inches long.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...30-EIGHTY8-TOOTH-LOCKING-FLEX-RATCHET-ORANGE/

If it's anything like my 24", the drive will snap off before you ever get to 350 ft lbs. Same can be said for my 24" snap on as their strength is about equal.

 

[bobcatdan]

Who makes a good quality 1/2" ratchet that has an absurdly long handle on it?

Specifically working inside the cutterhead of our silage chopper, I can't get a 3/4" drive ratchet in there. Unless someone knows of a 3/4" ratchet that has a slim head and is somewhat fine tooth count?

I've pretty much ruined the handle on one of my 12" 1/2" SK round head using a 36" cheater pipe on it. The mechanism has never missed a beat, but the handle has been bent quite badly to the point the chrome is flaking off. After being bent back and forth a few times I would imagine soon the handle might entire fail. I've shattered the mechanisms of a couple of lesser quality ratchets long before the handle bent.

I can't utilize a breaker bar in here even with a 12 point socket I just don't have enough options for placement of the socket and still have the swing needed. Torque of the bolts is around 350 ft-lbs, and with added corrosion they are quite tight.

So to recap, long ratchet needed! Either super long 1/2" drive or extremely slim head 3/4" drive.

You are not going to be happy with a long 1/2" for that torque. The bars flex too much that you will need a ton of room to break stuff loose or final tighten. All at that high of torque, if they don't break the first time, they will break the 5th time. I have both snap on and matco 24" ratchets and I break both about twice a year.