Offset Handle Ratchets

[The Critic]

They appear to be an inverse of the old-school “spark plug ratchet.”


Truthfully, I did not know this existed. I can see this design being useful for some repairs. Does anyone use this style of ratchet on a regular basis?

 

[impactims]

I use them once in a while. Must have? Yes. Gets used often? No.

 

[mikey03]

The ones I seen got 45 degree handles and honestly idk what there used for so if someone can post a pic of a fastener in some weird access spot that this is the right tool I’d love to see that please

 

[Wamsutta]

It's made to clear obstructions just like a deep offset box wrench. Sometimes you don't have room to add extensions.

 

[impactims]

The ones I seen got 45 degree handles and honestly idk what there used for so if someone can post a pic of a fastener in some weird access spot that this is the right tool I’d love to see that please

Just buy one from snap on. Sooner or later you will find a need for it.

Anyone that uses tools knows that often times one can technically get by without a certain specialty tool, but the specialty tool can make things go much easier thus it is better to have the specialty tool. I know I have plenty of tools that I could get by without, but life would be harder without them.

 

[The Critic]

The ones I seen got 45 degree handles and honestly idk what there used for so if someone can post a pic of a fastener in some weird access spot that this is the right tool I’d love to see that please

What do you think of bent-handle flex head ratchet?

I was surprised when the YouTuber mentioned that he used that ratchet as his main driver for first 15 years, because I have the exact same ratchet and I have never used it in the past 7-8 years. Not even once. That is a pretty big difference. So I am wondering why and when this type of ratchet...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[64C10]

I’ve got a Diehard offset (fixed head) I saw at Advance Auto a couple years ago and thought “that looks really handy”…… to date it has never been used. But, deep down I know that one day it will be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

[ohhimark]

Does anybody other than Snap On make one?

I bought a SK palm control ratchet from Sears with that kind of offset. It would've been great if it worked, but it had the same issues most palm control ratchets were known for, and I never found the sweet spot adjusting it. SK had me send it back for a flex head bent handle ratchet, which works fine. I got a 1/4" palm control ratchet at the same time and it has worked flawlessly.

 

[Hohn]

Just buy one from snap on. Sooner or later you will find a need for it.

Anyone that uses tools knows that often times one can technically get by without a certain specialty tool, but the specialty tool can make things go much easier thus it is better to have the specialty tool. I know I have plenty of tools that I could get by without, but life would be harder without them.

Well yes. We could get by with no internal plumbing, no heat but a fire and no air conditioning. At least our ancestors could.
But me, I'm no heathen. I buy specialty tools. Especially any tool that is the difference between me doing it DiY or having to hire out.

I have an oscillating multitool I've used maybe three times. Cordless, works with my battery system. Needed to to cut out a shower drain that was leaking at the pan but hard-locked in by mineral deposits. Tool cost $100. Hiring a plumber would have cost triple that. If I never touch it again, I'm still money ahead.

 

[mikey03]

this one has the bend in a diff spot

 

[Rabid Badger]

Huh. Looking at the ratchet in the OP is making me wonder why that isn't the default design for short-handle flex heads. It seems like that would save a lot of busted knuckles.

 

[The Critic]

Huh. Looking at the ratchet in the OP is making me wonder why that isn't the default design for short-handle flex heads. It seems like that would save a lot of busted knuckles.

My exact thought.

 

[Wamsutta]

I recommend buying one before they discontinue the Dual 80 and make you settle for the junky 100 tooth design.

 

[The Critic]

I recommend buying one before they discontinue the Dual 80 and make you settle for the junky 100 tooth design.

They appear to have made some updates to the 100 tooth so it is getting less junky.

 

[mikey03]

If it has a flex head why can’t you just flex the handle to get clearance for your knuckles? I’m sure there’s some reason for these but I can’t visualize it

 

[dnschmidt]

FACOM makes them and TOPTUL makes a copy of the Facom: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-5...t-Head-Ratchet-Handle-with-Quick-Release.html

I have them but never use them. I sold one to Matt Bernstein of Schrodinger's Box You Tube fame and he loves it. I just have other ratchets I like more.

 

[bobg03]

this one has the bend in a diff spot

I have a much older Craftsman like this except w/a push button release, when you need it it's great. When you don't it's purty resting in wait til it's needed.

 

[Kurt4440]

If it has a flex head why can’t you just flex the handle to get clearance for your knuckles? I’m sure there’s some reason for these but I can’t visualize it

Correct, flex heads are literally more flexible.

If the ratchet doesn't have a flex head, offset handles can provide additional clearance for your hand, especially with shallow sockets.

There are plenty of cheap offset handle ratchets, if you want to try one before spending Snap-on money.

 

[KnurledNut]

Get an older Snap-on and flip the handle over. Thats what I did. Its all about options in this game.

 

[mreisner]

Correct, flex heads are literally more flexible.

If the ratchet doesn't have a flex head, offset handles can provide additional clearance for your hand, especially with shallow sockets.

There are plenty of cheap offset handle ratchets, if you want to try one before spending Snap-on money.

I've actually got that one and it's a darn handy little ratchet. The back drag isn't terrible and it definitely has served it's purpose.

 

[Mick56]

I had a Wright ratchet with an offset

 

[Wamsutta]

They appear to have made some updates to the 100 tooth so it is getting less junky.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 80 tooth design. They wasted all that money on research and development for a 100 tooth ratchet that's no where near as smooth as the 80 tooth; plus the thing goes into neutral. Ratchets aren't supposed to go into neutral. And after all that, they're still lagging behind in the tooth count wars. Cornwell has a 120 tooth ratchet now. I would've been way more impressed if Snap-on said we're sticking with our 80 tooth and the hell with everybody else.