Ratchet Speed Adapters

[Marvin Berry]

I remember when these things were everywhere-- the cheap sets had plastic ones (I remember them usually being blue for some reason), and higher level sets had metal ones, but I only ever saw cheap aluminum ones, so I must never have seen tool truck versions. I also remember them being in a fishbowl display on auto parts store counters.

I've been looking for some lately, and couldn't find any of them anywhere, regardless of quality, until I stumbled on an addiction for one of the craftsman sets:

There weren't many listed for sale, and they STARTED at $49!

I'm stunned by this for some reason.

I have an idea to make my own, but I'll probably post that in the fabrication forum so I can get some advice.

Does anyone know if there are any other brands of these still around? (I'll probably end up just buying some rhft ratchets, but I'd rather go this route even just to save space in my toolbox.)

 

[Oldtuleguy]

They still come in the El cheapo sets

 

[Wrench97]

They were replaced by cordless ratchets........................

 

[Marvin Berry]

All my ratchets are already cordless.

 

[Etchase]

More expensive then I remember.

Proto Stanley J5251 3/8" Spinner Ratchet, 1-1/2" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HW8ZIE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Williams B-70 3/8 Drive Ratchet Spinner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YR9030/?tag=atomicindus08-20

S&G Tool Aid 13100 Spin-A-Ratchet Attachment, 3/8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QV3RBK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I always called these speed wheels, but knew others called them thumb wheels, but spinner gives the best search results. Lot easier to find stuff if you know the name. I have the Proto, so looked up the part number.

 

[Marvin Berry]

More expensive then I remember.

Proto Stanley J5251 3/8" Spinner Ratchet, 1-1/2" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HW8ZIE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Williams B-70 3/8 Drive Ratchet Spinner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007YR9030/?tag=atomicindus08-20

S&G Tool Aid 13100 Spin-A-Ratchet Attachment, 3/8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QV3RBK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I always called these speed wheels, but knew others called them thumb wheels, but spinner gives the best search results. Lot easier to find stuff if you know the name. I have the Proto, so looked up the part number.

I knew about those, but they're different. Those are basically short extensions with a knurled wheel. The ones I am talking about are just flat disks with the appropriate sized square drive hole through the center.

If I could figure out how to cut/punch a nice square hole, I would make my own. I think coins would be perfect to use.

 

[RTM]

Here is what I would use to cut a square hole. I just need to spend $52 on a appropriate punch and die set.

No. 20 Portable Punch-Ball Bearing - Roper Whitney

The No. 20 tool offers 20 tons of punching power to meet heavier job requirements, and greater versatility in punching flat sheets and angles. Includes one 1/2" round punch and die set. The No. 20 and No. 20 CTL are similar, except that the frame around the die pocket of the CTL20 is machined to...

www.roperwhitney.com

 

[Etchase]

Here is what I would use to cut a square hole. I just need to spend $52 on a appropriate punch and die set.

No. 20 Portable Punch-Ball Bearing - Roper Whitney

The No. 20 tool offers 20 tons of punching power to meet heavier job requirements, and greater versatility in punching flat sheets and angles. Includes one 1/2" round punch and die set. The No. 20 and No. 20 CTL are similar, except that the frame around the die pocket of the CTL20 is machined to...

www.roperwhitney.com

The GJ solution!

 

[Marvin Berry]

The GJ solution!

I have a 20 ton press that I used to use to punch holes out of the centers of coins in order to make rings, I just need a square punch and die set, but I don't think they exist.

 

[RTM]

Look at the bottom of this page, you can order square.

Type R

No. 20 Portable Punch-Ball Bearing - Roper Whitney

The No. 20 tool offers 20 tons of punching power to meet heavier job requirements, and greater versatility in punching flat sheets and angles. Includes one 1/2" round punch and die set. The No. 20 and No. 20 CTL are similar, except that the frame around the die pocket of the CTL20 is machined to...

www.roperwhitney.com

 

[Zrxrunner]

Remember the old "do in a pinch method" Drill as close to correct sized round hole, stop at gas station for 6 pack...finish with a file to correct square sizing. May not be ideal, but should work with minor investment.

 

[Farmer J.]

I have a couple of these flat disc spinner things, not used them for years. They may come in handy, but when i did try to use them they prevented the socket from going on to the square drive all the way, the detent ball couldn't engage so the socket kept falling off. I regard them as more gimmick but might be useful in certain tight spot situations.

 

[MShaw]

I preferred the SO style. Like the ones above they give a good grip and don't affect socket retention. The Williams looks to be the same as the SO.
When I worked for New Britain the quality manager was perplexed by the number of plastic ones that came back broken. I told him that the side of a ratchet is a frequent substitute for a hammer. Shortly thereafter they changed to a steel stamping.

 

[Houdini5150]

I remember these in my dads old tools when I was a kid. I always wondered what it was for. That is pretty slick.

 

[d42jeep]

I found these stashed in my ‘57 set. I thought that they looked familiar.
-Don