Ratchet strength comparisons?

[Gotmayhem]

Has anyone seen any comparisons of different ratchets in terms of how much torque they will take? The only one I can remember seeing is this one

http://www.sonic.net/~alexz/Ratchet shootout.pdf

I've seen scans of tests in magazines comparing wrenches but not so much ratchets.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Guess not?

 

[metaleltr]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78193

http://www.ssl.umd.edu/projects/wrench/commercial/ with this test unfortunatly the brands are not revealed.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Sweet thanks, that's the sort of stuff I'm looking for!

 

[metaleltr]

I have thought about doing something like this, but I'm not sure If/when it would happen. I do have access to a 1/2 digital torque wrench (250ft-lb max) that could be used to test to failure. It's just a matter of having the disposable income to spend on ratchets that will just be broken.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Yes true, you can't exactly blame people for not wanting to put their $150 S/O ratchet on the line.

 

[metaleltr]

Yes true, you can't exactly blame people for not wanting to put their $150 S/O ratchet on the line.

Yeah, but I guess at the end of the day any ratchet worth testing would carry a warranty.

 

[General Geoff]

Warrantying a ratchet that was intentionally tested to destruction seems kind of dishonest.


That said, I would love to see how much torque various 1/2" ratchets can withstand. I suspect it would require a 4 foot cheater bar and at least one heavy guy standing on the end, to really test the stronger 1/2" ratchets out there.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Yes true, you can't exactly blame people for not wanting to put their $150 S/O ratchet on the line.

haha.... huh?
I thought they were basically indestructible.... and if they did somehow break, an upgrade would be forthcoming complete w/miles of smiles.... after all, it was paid for!!

That said, I would love to see how much torque various 1/2" ratchets can withstand. I suspect it would require a 4 foot cheater bar and at least one heavy guy standing on the end, to really test the stronger 1/2" ratchets out there.

This long drink of water would only need a 3' cheater.... if that much.

Let's do it!!

 

[metaleltr]

Well I know for a fact the most recent USA Cman Rp 1/2 only need about a 3ft cheater.

The S80A on the other hand will probably be in the 8ft range considering they put a 25" handle on that same head.

 

[Gotmayhem]

haha.... huh?
I thought they were basically indestructible.... and if they did somehow break, an upgrade would be forthcoming complete w/miles of smiles.... after all, it was paid for!!

If they were indestructible then there would be no reason for rebuild kits or warranty. While it's true that many ratchets come with a lifetime warranty nowadays that doesn't mean that people will be willing to purposely try to push their favorite to the limit. They don't want a new one, they like the one they have.

 

[sberry]

I wonder why it would matter, if its used like its sposed to be its way stronger than the man operating it.

 

[j6684]

The last test on the Mac apears to be a round head not a pear head.