The funky ratchet

[ClineWrench]

So, I spotted a completely funky ratchet that I couldn't help but pick up. It's branded as a Popular Medhanics ratchet, and I assume some major tool company made it.

That said, it's the strangest ratchet I've ever seen. It doesn't operate by swinging the handle, it operates by twisting the t handle at the end! What's more is that the back of the head is completely smooth, and the switch is just below the face.

So that's my funky ratchet. Let the schooling begin on what the heck Popular Mechanics was thinking when they built this thing.

 

[quattroJoe]

I think the idea is to use it in places where there is no room to swing a ratchet or wrench.

 

[duke5572]

Sort of makes sense. Use the leverage of the ratchet to loosen the fastener initially, and then use the spinner at the end (which wouldn't provide much leverage at all) as a sort of 90 degree speeder.

I could find a use for this.

See here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125390

 

[logical]

It's called the "sidewinder", and was around in the 1980's.....and you can still buy them today.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have another version where a regular style handle spins where the T handle was. For my hands it helps make up for where l lost dexterity.

There is little love for those on the tool forums but mine is the only l use anymore.

 

[jim1987]

HF has emmmmm

 

[mossyboy6]

They actually come in really handy sometimes, but not handy enough to own one.

It saved my *** once in a parking lot, but I haven't found a use for one since.

 

[ClineWrench]

Great info and perspectives guys. It's certainly an odd ratchet, and I have to admit, I kinda like it.

The price was right...free. So I suppose I'll keep it around for awhile.

 

[rockinacummins]

I've got one. Really nice for spark plugs on those old v8 fords that are so hard to get to

 

[Jarhead0408]

I've got one as well. Never had to use it, but I still hang on to it just in case!

 

[warweapon762]

I prefer the Stanley Rotator, but these do come in handy. Newer models have a much lower profile that is considerably better than the older ones, but good luck finding anything that isn't an import of some sort now.

 

[JDon99]

I've also used the Stanley Rotator(or one of the rebrands from the same manufacturer). Works great in certain situation where you don't have the room to get much of a swing, especially on a longer threaded bolt. It's worth keeping one around for those "just in case" situations.

 

[Tim37]

Popular mechanics was a house brand for Walmart supriseingly they werent bad they weren't great but along the same lines as stanley. I have the same ratchet the problem is its so bulky its hard to get in a tight spot where its intended to be used

 

[twertsy]

I believe mine's a Kobalt? Interesting side note, a gentleman in my neighbor shop has designed / applied for patent/patent pending on a ratchet whose action is engaged by "pumping" the ratchet handle up and down, no lateral movement required at all. Pretty cool design (I've seen all the schematics and even 3D printed him some prototype parts) even though I've mentioned to him I'm not sure how much it'd be called for in everyday use, particularly where torque is required??

 

[ClineWrench]

Now that would be interesting to see Twertsy. I can see practical applications for a pump style ratchet.

Not a bad idea at all.

 

[twertsy]

Now that would be interesting to see Twertsy. I can see practical applications for a pump style ratchet.

Not a bad idea at all.

Really? I still can't think of a place I'd use it on an old car where I wouldn't just grab my Kobalt and "turn" the handle rather than pumping it? I'd be interested in hearing where you could see it being the "go to" solution?

EDIT: don't get me wrong, I think it's "cool" and all, and I'd probably own one if for no other reason than a friend invented it..........or that I'm simply a tool *****.

 

[iajonesy]

I have a Blackhawk ratchet that operates in a similar way. You can twist the handle to rotate the socket or use as a regular ratchet. They must have stolen the idea from P/M.

Mike

 

[farmall57]

I have the Blackhawk version as well, and use it a lot. One thing I would really like is a lock to keep the handle from rotating when you want to use it as a normal ratchet.

 

[Milton Shaw]

These are real handy for sparkplugs on older engines like a sb chevy or ford where the plugs were below the exhaust manifold and not a lot of room to swing a normal ratchet. AC/Delco used to sell a tool like that just for this application. Lifesaver when you need it.

 

[Scimmia]

In any situation where I could see this being handy, I would rather just use a pneumatic ratchet