Lowest tooth count ratchet

[Neoumlaut]

I've got a little bit of an unusual question regarding ratchet tooth count. It seems like every company these days has 80+ tooth ratchets, and it got me thinking. What is the lowest tooth count used in a ratchet? As far as I know "normal" coarse ratchets have somthing like 32-36 teeth, but companies don't really advertise tooth count if it isn't a fine tooth ratchet.

I'm not particularly interesting in actually using a ratchet with coarser teeth, this is more of a "tool history" question.

 

[rijndael]

Proto has a 24T
http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...roto®-Long-Handle-Classic-Pear-Head-Ratchets/

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap-on started out with a 20 tooth, but the 30 tooth kits drop right in.

 

[Revere Cycles]

Proto has a 24T
http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...roto®-Long-Handle-Classic-Pear-Head-Ratchets/

These are a carryover from when they were Plomb. I have one with a similar construction that is 12T. Great ratchets, I use my old Plomb ratchets almost daily, great feel and never lock up like my 84T Craftsman Professional (USA made) or new SK will do from time to time.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Ampco W141R, 12 teeth

But... they are bronze/brass so Non-Sparking, Non-Magnetic, Corrosion-Resistant.

I sold one on GJ a while back...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142985

 

[rmsg0040]

Gray Tools still produce 20T ratchets

 

[flushcut]

I have a stripped out chicom ratchet with one or two teeth. lol

 

[jonshonda]

I don't know how many teeth my RP CM ratchets have, and "feel" can only be described as summer teeth of various sizes and shapes.

Reference this link for the meaning of summer teeth: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=summer%20teeth

 

[DFB]

Ya I'd swear its those RP teardrop Craftsman Plus they skip too!

I pack mine with waterproof wheel bearing grease

 

[Jim C.]

I don't know how many teeth my RP CM ratchets have, and "feel" can only be described as summer teeth of various sizes and shapes.

Reference this link for the meaning of summer teeth: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=summer%20teeth

The standard Craftsman Teardrop raised panel 1/2”, 3/8”, and 1/4” ratchets, produced between about 1956 and 1993, had 32, 24 and 24 teeth respectively. The early version of the 1956, 1/2” drive ratchet, came with 40 teeth, but was eventually reduced to 32 teeth.

Jim C.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Or a Car crank.
One right,
No Left.

Wow! Mine has 4... must be the new, improved version!

And it's the only nut I know of that will turn backwards all by itself and bust your arm, or at least cause great pain.

That *****.

 

[barev]

On a side note, what's the strongest tooth count for ratchets?

 

[American Locomotive]

I believe Koken still makes a bunch of low-tooth count ratchets - but they try to make up for it with having a very smooth, low back-drag mechanism.

On a side note, what's the strongest tooth count for ratchets?

It's complicated with modern ratchet designs. Modern ratchets typically engage multiple teeth at once. For example, the new SK 90T ratchet engages something like 10 teeth at once. So 10 teeth of a 90T ratchet is probably going to be stronger than 1 tooth of a 24T ratchet.

 

[ReggieR]

On a side note, what's the strongest tooth count for ratchets?

I'd have to say the early S&K and Wrights which were around ....40 tooth. It you manage to break one by hand, no pipe extension, no two drunks jumping on them,check into a mental institute or lay off the 'roids. It's about build quality.......not just counting teeth. Those original Proto pieces are up there too as are the very old Waldens.
You'll wreck a breaker bar as easy or easier than an old Wright or SK ratchet

 

[American Locomotive]

You'll wreck a breaker bar as easy or easier than an old Wright or SK ratchet

Eh, the ratcheting mechanisms on most modern ratchets are pretty strong. You'll shear the drive anvil off before the ratcheting mechanism breaks on just about any half-decent ratchet these days.

 

[north]

My old King **** alu ratchet has 16 teeth.

 

[Tsurumonkey]

Yeah koken still makes a 24 tooth. Other than older industrials get low tooth count