Thoughts on ratcheting adapters

[puttsy]

Hey all, I'm looking for some input on one of the odd tools I come across people talking about here. I'm looking for a ratchet adapters. The things you put on a breaker bar or t-handle to add the ratchet feature/function.

I just bought 3 sliding T-handles and being able to use them as a ratchet would make things mighty nice on occasion. I spent a significant amount of time looking for a t-handle ratchet for this specific purpose but, those really don't exist in a 'reputable' tool brand IMO. (MotionPro has a 1/4" and 3/8" but I haven't ever held their tools nor seen people raving about them...)

Any ideas on 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" ratchet adapters? I saw that Snap-On has some but was hoping for something a little closer to my price range. We know that ratchet adapters are a handy tool to have but, not something used as a daily driver. Anything from Williams? I'm open to looking for used ones, I just don't know where to start. Which brands did make them and have a rebuild kit (if any) that can be used to revive one that's seized up?

 

[68-camaro]

I this what your looking for. I have a Proto brand like this that I have never used. Maybe I should sell you mine.

http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Proto/PTO577-5247.html

 

[adamsredlines]

Williams makes 'em, I found one at the flea market for $3

 

[puttsy]

I this what your looking for. I have a Proto brand like this that I have never used. Maybe I should sell you mine.

http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Proto/PTO577-5247.html

That's the ones I'm looking for! My price would be quite low, seems everyone on the forum here has run across them for dirt cheap at flea markets but me (It would help if I actually went to any though...) I'll PM ya about it and see if we can come up with a price, I was hoping someone might know of some that were decent but also--affordable for me to buy as a pure convenience. I've heard those Proto's are built like a tank too...

I couldn't find Williams ones when I looked. I thought I saw somewhere Williams' were discontinued when they were bought by Snap-On but if you know a part number or where to look, let me know! I doubt I would have as much use for one as I want but it's always worth taking a look. Thanks!

 

[plinker]

Check ebay, they may have some at pretty fair prices.

I'm not sure if Williams still makes them or not either. Proto or Snap-on may be the best bet. Wright may have them too(?).

 

[retDAC]

What is your price range?

Do they have to be US made?

 

[lzenglish]

I have a 1/2" snap-on, and a 1/2" proto. To be honest with you, I have never ran into a situation that I have used either one of them yet. I bought them because I collect vintage tools, and they were on the table, for the right price. As I remember, 2 to 3 bucks each. They both seem to be well made, but I wonder how much torque they would take before they broke a tooth?

Wayne

 

[blacK20]

I've broken and warrantied my SO 1/2" ratcheting adapter more times than I can count. I've used them mainly with my breaker bar on torque to yield head bolts. Have since given up on it, and my SO guy was nice enough to let me put that money towards a proper ratchet.

 

[64merc]

I have one in 3/8 and 1/2 but I can't say that I've ever used them. I wanted them and the price was right so I bought them. It doesn't seem like too many people use them anymore.

 

[kartracer55]

I don't own one and have never needed one, but the ones I have seen always seem to be much "heftier" than their equivalent size ratchets. Perhaps these are stronger? Anybody care to pull one of theirs apart?

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, there have been a couple of previous threads here on ratcheting adapters. A few say they couldn't work without them. Most say they never use them. I've got the Snap-on in both 3/8" and 1/2" and years go by without finding an operation where they are necessary.

jack vines

 

[nw2571]

Just out of curiosity, what are the advantages of a sliding t-handle w/ ratchet adapter, vs a standard ratchet with extensions? Do you just like the ergonomics of the t-handle? I use my ratchet w/ long extensions like I think I would use a t-handle all of the time. I've never bought t-handles for this reason.

 

[bassbone52]

They really come in handy (at least the 1/2" drive) if you are using a beam-type torque wrench on lug nuts or some other similar application. Saves you from repositioning the wrench.

 

[camarotoolman]

I think originally they were for old style torqe wrenches. I've sold many of them, guys seem to have a job in mind for them before they buy. 1/2 s.o. $25, 3/8s.o. $35, 3/4 s.o. $75. I've had mac, proto, williams. Sold a 1/2 s.o. the burnin 53 about aweek ago for $25.

 

[puttsy]

What is your price range?

Do they have to be US made?

Price range? Not much, these are for occassional use as a 'convenience', NOT as a necessitiy so I can't justify tons (ahem $80 Snap-On) of cash on um'

USA made is not essential for me on these. As long a they work and work well, I would be haooy,

Thanks!

 

[Tool Pants]

All but one of these came from the flea market.

 

[crewchief888]

i bought my 1/2" dr to torque turn rod bolts.

"back in the day" about the longest 1/2" dr ratchet was 15"-18", 18" breaker bar and ratchet adapter was the way to go.

i have a 3/8" dr that ive never used, believe it's a thorsen, no idea why my dad would have had it.

 

[NY Old Guy]

I have this 1/2" Snap On ratcheting adapter:

I'm going to rebuild it, which I'm looking forward to. I want to purchase a 1/2 sliding T handle so that it can be used as a ratcheting spinner. It will also come in handy for beam type torque wrench application.

 

[puttsy]

Just out of curiosity, what are the advantages of a sliding t-handle w/ ratchet adapter, vs a standard ratchet with extensions? Do you just like the ergonomics of the t-handle? I use my ratchet w/ long extensions like I think I would use a t-handle all of the time. I've never bought t-handles for this reason.

It's pure comfort and convenience.I like the balance of a t-handle if I'm tightening something up. Mainly, I would be using t-handles for what most people use speeder's, I'm not comfortable with speeder handles though (personal thing). Functionality wise though, there isn't a difference between just using a regular ratchet w/ extension; At least for what I do. Motorcycle and small engine shops swear by t-handles but, I don't extensively work on either of those.