Ratchet 'smoothness' part II

[German Satin]

Was reading through a thread about ratchet smoothness from 2013:-

Ratchet "smoothness"

Can anyone explain what directly contributes to ratchet "smoothness"? I've seen some claim that their Depression-era 24-tooth ratchets are the smoothest ever made, others that it's a Dual-80 or nothing...so I know it's not tooth count, and it probably isn't machining tolerances. What is it?!

www.garagejournal.com

I was reading up on the various ratchet pawl styles particularly the pear head single pawl and 2 pawl designs (not to be confused with dual pawl). Not surpriseingly I stumbled across the above GJ thread. I found it really interesting and just the sort of info I was after. General consensus is that the design goes a long way in explaining the efficiency of ratchet performance and that the 2 pawl style offers a slicker, smoother or lighter operation than the single pawl. Said designs shown below.



The styles I'm talking about are from top left the 1st and 3rd image.

I think my preferred style is the 2 pawl arrangement as it tends to offer a lighter ratcheting motion. This is important when the fastener is being loosened and offers less and less resistance the looser it gets. A heavier ratcheting action will limit how much the fastener can be loosened as it's opposing resistance or friction exceeds that of the fastener and generally becomes less satisfying to use. Of course I have only offered a general brush stroke on the subject and there are others factors to take into account as discussed in the original thread.

Would appreciate anyone's 2 cents ...

 

[1foxracing]

You might want to try a Koken Z-series, I own many different brands of ratchets and Koken models offer the absolute lightest backdrag period.

 

[German Satin]

You might want to try a Koken Z-series, I own many different brands of ratchets and Koken models offer the absolute lightest backdrag period.

Thanks for the pointer 1foxracing. Never tried Koken ratchets.

 

[four.cycle]

"...some claim that their Depression-era 24-tooth..."

Get yourself an old 1661 Penens (or Fleet) 1/2" drive model. Open it up, clean it out, put some lube in it, and try it out. I think you'll be surprised.
This is the cheapest copy right now that's in fairly decent shape: https://www.ebay.com/itm/194546941907

 

[German Satin]

Get yourself an old 1661 Penens (or Fleet) 1/2" drive model. Open it up, clean it out, put some lube in it, and try it out. I think you'll be surprised.
This is the cheapest copy right now that's in fairly decent shape: https://www.ebay.com/itm/194546941907

thanks for the info. i'm assuming the Penens is a single pawl?
my experience with single pawl ratchets of the coarser gear variety is very limited but so far I've had a stahlwille 22tooth 1/4 drive which i found very notchy so got rid. i currently have a Felo 1/4 ratchet 36T single pawl which is much better. i also own a Hazet 30T 3/8 ratchet (single pawl) which has what i would describe as a very 'positive' action; i really like this ratchet ... it feels very durable in use.
i love to find out how things work and why they work as they do so i will definitely explore this some more.

 

[bonneyman]

The smoothest action ratchet that I have is an old 1930's Herbrand pear head. Only has about 24 teeth on the gear, but - after cleaning and lube - it turns like butter.

The nicest action in a "modern" ratchet is the sliding pawl design from FACOM (and licensed to S-K for awhile) in the TUFF 1 ratchets. I think they're 72 teeth, very fine action.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I honestly do not remember. I gave mine to a friend and I just placed a bid on that one I posted above.
Only thing about it I can remember clearly was that the grease in it had hardened - like wax - and I had to use a pick tool to dig it all out.
Once it was cleaned up and lubricated properly I was surprised by how nice it was.

I have quite a few ratchets. Some are real clunkers. Some are, as bonneyman has noted, like butter.
Personal Preference and Confirmation Bias are usually greater determining factors than tooth count or "backdrag".

 

[dutchgray]

The smoothest action ratchet that I have is an old 1930's Herbrand pear head. Only has about 24 teeth on the gear, but - after cleaning and lube - it turns like butter.

The nicest action in a "modern" ratchet is the sliding pawl design from FACOM (and licensed to S-K for awhile) in the TUFF 1 ratchets. I think they're 72 teeth, very fine action.

The Facom round heads have been around since the 80's, not that modern but great ratchets so long as you don't mind a round head, very strong.
Kokens ratchets are all smooth low back drag stuff if you don't mind low tooth counts, I like that they do about 4 different handles in the standard range, or buy the new Zeal 72 tooth range.

I have some old Indestro ratchets that are really nice as well.

 

[MushCreek]

I used to think that my old Craftsman 1/2" used rocks for pawls, but after I took it part, cleaned it, and lubed it, it was amazing how much better it was. A few years ago I bought a couple of GearWrench sets in 1/4" and 3/8" They are super-smooth, especially the 1/4" 120 tooth, but the 3/8" periodically falls apart in use. The snap ring is way too loose. I have a bunch of 3/8", so I haven't messed with it.

 

[RFBIII]

The smoothest action ratchet that I have is an old 1930's Herbrand pear head. Only has about 24 teeth on the gear, but - after cleaning and lube - it turns like butter.

The nicest action in a "modern" ratchet is the sliding pawl design from FACOM (and licensed to S-K for awhile) in the TUFF 1 ratchets. I think they're 72 teeth, very fine action.

Brand new to this forum. I'll jump in and concur that the SK Tuff 1 ratchets are very nice in their smoothness and lack of back drag. Guess that's why I own a bunch of them, properly lubed with Lubriplate SFL-0 grease.
As likely stated elsewhere, these FACOM design ratchets (currently available in FACOM and Proto round head offerings, both Stanley Black and Decker companies) have their detractors but usually the issues do not spring from the mechanism design but operation with improper lubrication. Unfortunately it was often the factory grease that congealed into a tacky goo that caused the problems!
I have a few Allen and Craftsman "Tri Prop" (not "Tri Wing") ratchets which are close cousins, typically using a hook spring inside instead of a heart spring. They are also very nice ratchets which (if properly lubricated) will give long, reliable, and smooth service.

 

[threewood]

I have a few Nepros 90 ratchets and they are about the smoothest I have owned.