Ratcheting Adapter?

[rhp]

What is the purpose of a Ratcheting Adapter?
Why would it be attached to a breaker bar instead of using a stout ratchet?
Can it be attached to a driver handle for use as a ratcheting screwdriver?
Thanks, RHP

 

[bad69cat]

The one I'm thinking of turns your box/combo wrenches into a low profile ratchet handle - instead of buying a whole set of ratcheting wrenches. Kinda handy and much cheaper!!

 

[krusty the clown]

i guess the answer to you question could be yes and yes.

another "i see no use for tool"...........i would think that a ratcheting adapter would be too bulky for use as a ratcheting screwdriver as well.

 

[Mike83]

Lets say you want to do a compression test, but you don't have a remote starter. You can take your 24" breaker bar, attach the ratcheting adaptor and socket and voila you can turn the engine crankshaft to get the piston to TDC and get your compression value.

You could use a 24" ratchet, but the cost is usually pretty high for those. Ratcheting adaptors allow users to gain some flexibility in how they use their breaker bar.

 

[rhp]

Thanks to all for answering both my question today. RHP

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I believe (not old enough to remember) they are an old school tool, that are still valuable. When I was a kid, I notice most of my grandfathers stuff, came with breaker bars, they no longer do, but instead come with ratchets. Maybe someone with some of the old catalogs, can share the price of the adapters in them, with the early ratchets. Breaker bars extend ratchets lifetimes, these allowed you to carry less.

 

[speed bump]

Back before the days of ratcheting torque wrench mechanisms these were all the rage.

Also its easier to carry an adapter and a big bar than an a big bar and a big ratchet.