SK Wayne 3/8 ratchet 45170 bends, is it normal?

[dogfight]

Dear all,

I buy a second hand SK Wayne 3/8 ratchet (45170). I receive it and figure out that the neck bends a little bit (attached images, first image shows it bends)

My question is: did SK make it bend, or it was bent by accident? Please help me.

 

[tym]

By "bends" do you mean it flexes when you use it? Or do you mean that you used it and it bent permanently?

If it is flexing/bending, how much torque are you applying to it? Mine is quite solid in use--in fact, I used it two weeks ago to break loose suspension bolts on my car without any flexing or bending.

 

[dogfight]

Hi tym,

My question is: Or do you mean that you used it and it bent permanently

it is a used one, I buy it in internet. I just received it yesterday. It seems that working well, but I am still worry about the bend.

By "bends" do you mean it flexes when you use it? Or do you mean that you used it and it bent permanently?

If it is flexing/bending, how much torque are you applying to it? Mine is quite solid in use--in fact, I used it two weeks ago to break loose suspension bolts on my car without any flexing or bending.

 

[tym]

So it was already bent when you got it?

That probably means somebody abused it. If it concerns you, you can always buy another one on eBay--they are on offer frequently and not terribly expensive.

 

[dogfight]

Yes, I just received it.

I am not sure how they can bend it like this, because the neck is very sturdy compared to the head complex. I still think that when applying force, the head should be broken first.

So it was already bent when you got it?

That probably means somebody abused it. If it concerns you, you can always buy another one on eBay--they are on offer frequently and not terribly expensive.

 

[firworks]

View media item 70437View media item 70436
Yours looks OK to me. This is a vintage SK-Wayne 45170 along with a more modern SK 45170. I think they have a slight bend backwards like that. If you think about it, how would you even abuse a ratchet to bend the handle backwards like that? If it were bent in the direction you apply force to tighten or loosen a fastener sure maybe it was abused but... Unless they were using it and a socket to take off bottle caps I don't know how you'd ever bend one like this.

 

[dogfight]

Yours look a little bit bend but I see that mine's bending angle is much higher .

View media item 70437View media item 70436
Yours looks OK to me. This is a vintage SK-Wayne 45170 along with a more modern SK 45170. I think they have a slight bend backwards like that. If you think about it, how would you even abuse a ratchet to bend the handle backwards like that? If it were bent in the direction you apply force to tighten or loosen a fastener sure maybe it was abused but... Unless they were using it and a socket to take off bottle caps I don't know how you'd ever bend one like this.

 

[txlch]

Can you take a picture like Firworks ratchets are? It does look to me yours is bent more but a picture from a similar position to compare would help

 

[dogfight]

Hi,

In my previous post I post a similar picture. Pls take a look.

Can you take a picture like Firworks ratchets are? It does look to me yours is bent more but a picture from a similar position to compare would help

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Probably got ran over. You can put it in a press and bend it back if it bothers you, or return to sender if they were shady about it.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Looks like it won't affect performance in the least and would provide you with some slight additional knuckle clearance. Use it.

 

[dogfight]

Anyway it looks quite new, right?

Looks like it won't affect performance in the least and would provide you with some slight additional knuckle clearance. Use it.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

It looks unused in your photo, but if it is marked "S-K Wayne", it is approximately 50 years old. If you remove the ratcheting mechanism and then place the body on a level surface you may be better able to tell if the handle is bent or if it is only an illusion. Either way, it is completely serviceable as far as a tool.

 

[txlch]

Yours look a little bit bend but I see that mine's bending angle is much higher .

You must of posted that between the time I opened the thread and then went looking for my ratchet.

 

[thehorse13]

I've never come across an SK Wayne ratchet with a 15 degree bend in the handle. It could be a factory defect or as someone else suggested, it may have ended up under a truck tire.

All of that said, it's not a rare, expensive or collectible ratchet. It can be used without issue as is. If it bothers you this much, sell it and grab another one at the local flea market.

 

[dogfight]

You must of posted that between the time I opened the thread and then went looking for my ratchet.

 

[finn]

Most likely was bent during the manufacturing process in 1966.

It made it 50 or so years and will probably go another 50 without affecting performance, but if it bothers you, a few minutes in a shop press should straighten it out.

That's the process they would have used in the factory to straighten it in 1966.

 

[crazymonkey2465]

I would leave it how it is. I'm not very familiar with SK tools, but I know Hazet sells a ratchet with a bend in it like that. I assume it is for knuckle or finger clearance, pretty smart in my opinion.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[bubinga]

Hey, Never know, Might save your **** some day?...........lol
I agree, I wouldn't worry about it, or, as stated, straighten in a press.
Place across some metal support, protect with rags or leather, 0r use wood supports.
Wood "may" give too much not sure.
Really though, as said, I wouldn't sweat it.
Just do like the rest of us, and get about 14 more.
Keep a kit in your car. Make that the car rat. if you're not crazy about it.

 

[dodge610]

Funny you guys should bring up that ratchet just got one of those in a box that i bought. Its in pretty good shape too.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I would leave it alone, Don't really matter one way or the other. If it really bothers you box it up and send it to me. I will keep it safe for you. I have a place in my tool box awaiting it's arrival. Rich

 

[bubinga]

Good Job. You got a good deal on it right?

 

[dogfight]

Thanks.

Pls show your irregular items in your toolbox to make sure that my ratchet will not be alone.

I would leave it alone, Don't really matter one way or the other. If it really bothers you box it up and send it to me. I will keep it safe for you. I have a place in my tool box awaiting it's arrival. Rich

 

[bubinga]

Thanks.

Pls show your irregular items in your toolbox to make sure that my ratchet will not be alone.

I'll see what I can come across.

 

[davethorik]

I have an SK Dresser era 45170 and the handle is slightly bent opposite of yours dogfight, it puts your hand closer to what you're working on. It was bent when i acquired it nos.

 

[SuperCat]

I have "more than" several used SK 45170 3/8 drive ratchets that I have acquired over the past few years. They are from different years and eras, and none of them have a bend in the handle like yours. However, I see that as an advantage for knuckle clearance. I would use it, as is, and report back to us on whether you like the bend or not. I suspect there are some people here who would bend their handle, now that you have shown yours. If there is no obvious damage to ratchet from an accident (like being run over by a truck) or signs of abuse, it may have come from the factory that way. Let us know what you decide, I've never seen anything like that before.

 

[dogfight]

It works well. I keep it in my box. Thanks @SuperCat

 

[twertsy]

Notice also how, between the 2 examples shown up front, the heads merge into the shaft differently. If I remember I'll take a look but I personally think it's an illusion. Other than intentionally, like in a press, a truck would be just about the only option to bend it that way........and I bet that wouldn't work.

 

[Technics]

The bend makes it even more functional I certainly would keep it, and if it bothered me enough I'd just get another one to go with me!

 

[LarrytheComputerGuy]

Have what looks like exact same one...NOT bent normally!

 

[Ed_Hazard]

Here's a pic of some SK 45170 I have on hand. Top two are SK Wayne, no bend.

 

[bonneyman]

Nice!