Silca T-ratchet

[seber]

Has anyone tried this tool in a real world environment? I've been looking for a T-handle 1/4" ratchet and most of them look like garbage.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094KQMA4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This is not cheap but if it is made well it might be worth every penny. It is advertised for bicycle purposes. That might indicate low torque but it maybe not.

 

[1cargarage]

SILCA is a brand among bicycle enthusiasts that has become VERY coveted mainly with respect to their tire inflation pumps and their outstanding quality - specifically the vintage specimens. Silca pumps' reputation is well-deserved (not just hype), as their vintage pumps were/are absolute workhorses and do not share the pitfalls of most pumps in terms of fragility (dropping it once = broken forever). They were made extremely well and nice examples can still fetch a pretty penny.

If i'm not mistaken, SILCA was acquired semi-recently (past ~5 years) and their newer products' prices are overinflated (pun intended) simply because they carry the SILCA badge and pedigree. I remember reading a little while back that their tools are all rebranded and not even close to worth the money. Just fancy-pants bike tools for people who have money to burn, as is not uncommon in the high-end bicycle world.

If you are looking for a high-quality, low-torque wrench/ratchet, I'd consider CDI (USA) and NORBAR (UK), both of which are currently owned by Snap-On, and both of which make a great tool. In fact, CDI and Snap-On torque products are made in, calibrated in, and serviced in the same facility. I have a couple 1/4" NORBAR click-style torque wrenches which are outstanding and were very reasonably priced. Also, I've had CDI torque wrenches that I got used (DRMO) which all were made very well and worked flawlessly.

 

[jimmyin3D]

If you’re looking for a t-handle torque driver the above suggestions are excellent choices.

If all you’re looking for is a t-handle screwdriver there is none better in my opinion than the PB Swiss PB455.M
It has a storage area in the upper handle and it’s just a beautiful tool, I smile every time I use it.






——————————————————————-
Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[seber]

Nice tools but what I want is a 1/4" T-handle ratchet. One that won't break when stressed or dropped.

 

[1cargarage]

Are you looking for just a T-handle ratchet? or does it have to be a T-handle torque wrench/ratchet? There are a bunch of reasons for why T-handle torque wrenches aren't common - mainly to do with a designated point along the ratchet handle at which force is applied.

GEDORE 2093 U-3 $53.41
https://www.kctoolco.com/gedore-2093-u-3-t-ratchet-with-t-handle-1-4-140-mm/

 

[lardy1]

I impulsively bought a cheap t-handle ratchet I read about. When it arrived I could barely spin it with my fingers because the back drag is so strong. I don't blame the tool. I blame the fool. The price point was a huge red flag I consciously ignored.

You are wise to do your research first.

 

[seber]

Are you looking for just a T-handle ratchet? or does it have to be a T-handle torque wrench/ratchet? There are a bunch of reasons for why T-handle torque wrenches aren't common - mainly to do with a designated point along the ratchet handle at which force is applied.

Just the T-handle. That Gedore looks pretty good. My normal go to ratchet is a flex. Second is a sliding T with ratcheting adapter. That works for both 3/8 and 1/2" but in 1/4" the adapter is too bulky. Somehow I've managed to collect a lot of premium standard ratchets over the years and none of them ever get used other than 1/2" drive.

 

[M6erfan]

Have you considered the Williams?

https://www.amazon.com/Williams-WRS-1-Magnetic-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B001DNUZL2?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002NI1LZK&th=1

 

[MasterOMayhem]

I have this set from silca from the kickstarter. I am an avid cyclist. I carry the torque in my every day kit but not the ratchet. The first version that i have is hard to see the torquespecs but later versions are better. I prefer to carry this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UOOZ6M/?tag=atomicindus08-20 with this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MF45KO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do like the silca tool but i try to carry the smallest stuff


for the shop i love this https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/t-way-wrench-the-ultimate-shop-tool-1 15 bucks is a great deal

and now they have a ratcheting one. https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/ratcheting-t-way-wrench ask if you have more questions

 

[seber]

I have this set from silca from the kickstarter. I am an avid cyclist. I carry the torque in my every day kit but not the ratchet. The first version that i have is hard to see the torquespecs but later versions are better. I prefer to carry this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UOOZ6M/?tag=atomicindus08-20 with this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MF45KO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do like the silca tool but i try to carry the smallest stuff


for the shop i love this https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/t-way-wrench-the-ultimate-shop-tool-1 15 bucks is a great deal

and now they have a ratcheting one. https://store.fixitsticks.com/products/ratcheting-t-way-wrench ask if you have more questions

That would be perfect if it were 1/4" drive instead of a bit driver.

 

[MasterOMayhem]

they do make adapters.

 

[jimmyin3D]

You can switch the Williams ratcheting t handle with a 1/4 square drive there’s a DIY on here somewhere or there’s this Hazet one as well.









——————————————————————-
Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[rijndael]

If i'm not mistaken, SILCA was acquired semi-recently (past ~5 years)

Josh Poertner, a former Zipp guy, bought it.

 

[1cargarage]

Just the T-handle. That Gedore looks pretty good. My normal go to ratchet is a flex. Second is a sliding T with ratcheting adapter. That works for both 3/8 and 1/2" but in 1/4" the adapter is too bulky. Somehow I've managed to collect a lot of premium standard ratchets over the years and none of them ever get used other than 1/2" drive.

The 'spinner' T- handles are a great option too. Blue Point or Pit Posse depending on your preferences

BLUE POINT T9TURBO $64.75

 

[Mr. Tool]

Has anyone tried this tool in a real world environment? I've been looking for a T-handle 1/4" ratchet and most of them look like garbage.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094KQMA4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This is not cheap but if it is made well it might be worth every penny. It is advertised for bicycle purposes. That might indicate low torque but it maybe not.

What did you finally end up going with?

I also have been contemplating on buying the Silca complete T-Ratchet Torque tool kit as well ($99.00!).
https://silca.cc/products/updated-t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit?_pos=1&_sid=525e1c33c&_ss=r

But yes there are a few other options, below are just two.

There's also the "Adjustable torque" (sort of T-handle) handle that Park Tools sells ($67.95)?

https://www.parktool.com/product/adjustable-torque-driver-atd-1-2

And (not exactly T-handle but..) finally there is the "beam type" torque wrench that Kona bikes sells ($29.99)?
https://com.konaworld.com/product/tools/torque-tool-w-set/

All three being compact, light and easy to carry with you while riding.

 

[TalonFE]

https://www.harborfreight.com/t-bar-with-3-8-eighth-inch-flexible-ratchet-98484.html

Odd tool but useful, head pivots 180 degrees, decent piece of kit. May be a bit long though.

 

[seber]

The Hazet 863Q was what I was looking for. I also tracked down Smato ratcheting adapters when I was cruising Ebay and ordered one of those. Looks like a month shipping time so it may be a while before I can report on that.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Well I went ahead and took the plunge and purchased the Silca T-Ratchet ($98.00 with free shipping and no tax!...estimated time of delivery, this Saturday May 30th!).

When I recently purchased my Kona Dew Plus bike ( https://www.konaworld.com/dew_plus.cfm ) a few weeks ago I also had purchased the small beam style type of torque wrench that I listed in my previous post.

Used it and works well but still wanted a torque click type style that is durable, various torque value settings, compact, reliable and quality made.

Too bad Tohnichi does not make torque T-handle ratchets because they are the ultimate in quality, durability and precision torque wrenches, IMHO.

I have a few Tohnichi torque wrenches and they are badass!

https://www.tohnichi.com/products/dial-torque-wrench-T.htm

The closest that Tohnichi has in T-handle torque wrench is the following....

 

[Dave455]

Have you considered the PB Swiss “Cross Handle”?

They offer quite a variety of these, and I have the 1/4” hex bit version (both ratcheting and non ratcheting) as well as the version for the large interchangeable blades shown.

These are the most comfortable and ergonomic tools I have ever used.

 

[Samuel D]

Used it and works well but still wanted a torque click type style that is durable, various torque value settings, compact, reliable and quality made.

The Silca is all of those things except click-type. It just winds up silently and you eyeball the twist that occurs, a bit like a torsional version of the beam-type Kona.

It works well with the low-torque fasteners for which it is intended, because those have no problem of access and the low effort means it’s easy to put your head in a place where you can see the torque so you know when to stop.

 

[Mr. Tool]

The Silca is all of those things except click-type. It just winds up silently and you eyeball the twist that occurs, a bit like a torsional version of the beam-type Kona.

It works well with the low-torque fasteners for which it is intended, because those have no problem of access and the low effort means it’s easy to put your head in a place where you can see the torque so you know when to stop.

Merci....Samuel D. for the info!

Also a few other options for compact torque tools for bicycles.

https://www.rei.com/product/147664/feedback-sports-range-torque-wrench-ratchet-combo

https://www.rei.com/product/823101/effetto-mariposa-giustaforza-ii-deluxe-torque-wrench-kit

https://www.rei.com/product/875920/dakine-torque-driver-tool

https://www.rei.com/product/823100/giustaforza-ii-professional-ratchet-torque-wrench-kit

 

[MasterOMayhem]

https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/all-cycling/products/ratcheting-t-way-wrench

t handle ratchet. it works well.

ritchey torquekey https://us.ritcheylogic.com/us_en/torque-key-6-bit

feedback range torque wrench

https://www.feedbacksports.com/product/range-torque-wrench-ratchet-wrench-combo/

 

[caltemus]

Have you considered the PB Swiss “Cross Handle”?

They offer quite a variety of these, and I have the 1/4” hex bit version (both ratcheting and non ratcheting) as well as the version for the large interchangeable blades shown.

These are the most comfortable and ergonomic tools I have ever used.

I really want one of these, but as far as I can tell they are discontinued or out of stock everywhere.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Alright, received my Silca T-Ratchet in this mornings mail, a day early.

After inspecting it and all I noticed on the side of the box that it apparently is actually made in Taiwan!?...of all place’s. Now if it was produced and made in Japan that would be a whole different story to me. That's just not the case here though.

Kinda disappointed in that fact because I strongly believe in the saying..."you get what you pay for....you pay cheap, you get cheap".

Yes even though, to me at least, what I paid for this wasn't cheap so hopefully it is made with good quality in mind (at this point wishful thinking maybe?).

It just may turn out to be cheaply made?...won’t really know only time will tell. I always try to avoid buying cheap tools so I’ll see how this one works out? No I won’t send it back as a return I’ll just keep it

If by chance this Silca does not work for me I’ll pursue REI’s Giustaforza II Professional Ratchet Torque Wrench Kit or Effeto Mariposa Giustaforza II Delux Torque Wrench Kit (actually both made in Italy).

Then last there is also the Feedback Sports Range Torque Wrench Ratchet Combo that REI also offers on their website just don’t really know what country that particular ratchet kit is actually made at?