Omega Technologies RR40AP ratchet

[BeninTucson]

Hi all . . .

In my hunt to find a nice compact 1/4" drive ratchet, I came across this rather interesting one . . .

http://omegatec.com/hi_lok_roller_ratchet_long.aspx

Since this is marketed towards the aerospace industry, I gather it's more than up to the task for anything I would be throwing at it.

From what I gather from reading the product description, it lacks a convenient flip switch for reversibility but, rather, one pops out the drive assembly from the head and reinsert 180° to change directions . . . a relatively minor inconvenience to allow it to have what is a very tiny head assembly.

Another interesting feature is the the drilled-out drive assembly, which allows it to be also used with insert bits.

Anyone here seen one of these before, used one or know anything more about it?

Thanks . . .

Ben in Tucson

 

[ChevyEFI]

Probably not as heavy duty as a regular gear ratchet.

More thoughts on roller ratchets:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193875

 

[BeninTucson]

Thanks for this, Chevy EFI . . .

I found it entertaining to read the posts on that link - and following the links within several of those posts - to bring me up to speed on gearless or roller ratchets. The old Blackhawk stuff was obviously a pinnacle in this type of tool and I'm also intrigued by the Stepless Ratchet Youtube video (surprised they haven't gone the Kickstarter route to bring it to the market.)

Well, weighing all the positives and the caveats against each other, I think I'm going to take a chance and try out the Omega. It's not as if I'm going to be removing 18-wheeler lug nuts with a tool like this, as stainless steel fasteners on aluminum bicycle frames have to be handled a bit gingerly anyway. I'm liable to ruin the sort of projects I work on with excessive force long before I break a wrench like this.

Will check back in on this thread after I get the tool and have a chance to "take it for a spin."

Ben in Tucson