through socket sets
- Thread starter indestro
- Start date
Stick Figure
Well-known member
probably be a great thing to have if a ratcheting wrench couldn't do 99% of the same job.
bgott
Well-known member
The only time I can think of needing one is on emergency brake cable adjusters. That, and maybe some deal that uses stupidly long all-thread.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've only used mine a couple of times on front engine covers. There wasn't enough room for a flex head gearwrench to fit. The Gearwrench or Kobalt models with the flexhead ratchet are the most useful. They're one of those tools you won't use regularly but, when you need it, you're glad you have it.
HankMurphy
Well-known member
Lowell makes similar specialty ratchets. Here is a link:
http://www.lowellcorp.com/applications.html
For light duty applications (which probably includes most automotive uses), the comment by stick figure is probably correct - a ratchet wrench will probably work as well. But for heavy fasteners over one inch in size, something like the Lowell stuff will probably be better. YMMV.
Of course, since this is the tool forum, my advice is to buy both
)
http://www.lowellcorp.com/applications.html
For light duty applications (which probably includes most automotive uses), the comment by stick figure is probably correct - a ratchet wrench will probably work as well. But for heavy fasteners over one inch in size, something like the Lowell stuff will probably be better. YMMV.
Of course, since this is the tool forum, my advice is to buy both
)Merkava_4
Banned
I guess if you're dealing with long threaded rod every day, it might be beneficial. 
They come in handy when installing ductwork and piping. 9 times out of 10 the hangers are attached to the building with long threaded rod. Cut the rod an inch or two long, level your pipe run, and go back when you are done and cut off the excess rod.
That tool has it's place, and it does quite well as a time saver.
That tool has it's place, and it does quite well as a time saver.
warmpancakes
Well-known member
rear diff u bolts 99% of the time the impact socket is just a little short
Handyman163
Well-known member
They're good for tight spots because the sockets are thin-walled and very low profile once snapped into the ratchet head. As a result of the thin walls, they're not too tough.
I used one to pull the spark plug out of my chainsaw the other day - my dad has a set in his truck that I used. Nothing I had would even get close to getting at the plug, but this set made quick work of it. The set can be thought of as a versitile, light-duty socket set that can also work on long bolts.
I used one to pull the spark plug out of my chainsaw the other day - my dad has a set in his truck that I used. Nothing I had would even get close to getting at the plug, but this set made quick work of it. The set can be thought of as a versitile, light-duty socket set that can also work on long bolts.
Slip_Kid
Well-known member
The Tin Knockers hanging duct work with threaded rod use this or something like it, works well.
I have a set. Asked for for Christmas the year I was working on rear U bolts. It is also used as a portable SAE road set. It's held up to light duty use. I agree that gearwrenches have taken most of their thunder, but those weren't so common ten years ago, especially flex heads at a reasonable price.