dutchgray
Well-known member
I showed mine to a guy I know who does quite a a few cycle trips, sort of a week or more at a time, he said it would be great for an on bike tool kit because of the light weight.
Titanium 1/4" Drive Ratchet 2.0
- Thread starter teagueo
- Start date
dutchgray
Well-known member
I thought the fees I had to in the UK were bad enough.Update we have a new sad winner
I ordered and received a 1/4” ratchet , send to the Netherlands, (the lowlands)
Inport tax and fees €65,50 roughly $ 72,- US
still happy with the ratchet
Sometime in August I'll be posting up way too many pictures of them lol.
You've taken the top spot for sure...insane.Update we have a new sad winner
I ordered and received a 1/4” ratchet , send to the Netherlands, (the lowlands
Inport tax and fees €65,50 roughly $ 72,- US
still happy with the ratchet
I'm glad you still like the ratchet after that highway robbery. I thought @dutchgray had it bad in England....taxes do get you some nice things in Europe (generally) but that's a huge cut they're taking.
I saw your post in the "Made in Japan" thread. You have some really nice tools man!
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If you have to use tools , you better use tools you like, that makes it more enjoyable
I spent 25 years at sea as an engineer with ” usable” tools or make it into functional tools, now I want to use tools that are nice to begin with.
So yes I like nice tools and I don’t particularly give attention to were it comes from, I judge it on its functionality and quality.
And that’s most of the time not the most economical purchase for me
Here you see is a lot of “ bad garagejournal‘ I wish didn’t click on that because now I want that too and I really going to need that yesterday
So who can name all the inspiring treats here on this expensive forum? That cost me dearly on import tax
About your ratchet, here it’s earning its keeping on an axel job on my cabrio
if you wander what’s hiding in the handle is a Stahlwille 2” locking extension, due to its locking feature it’s a perfect fit that doesn’t fall out easy and ready when you need it for a bit of extra reach. (user tip)
When not in use , it lives here
Awesome. I always thought that was a cool job to make anything a ship needed at sea - what a huge responsibility though!
Who needs Factory Gear when you have that setup at home lol. Beautiful stuff man. Koken is my go-to for sockets too, especially the shallow ZEAL (that's what's in my motorcycle kit).
These really caught my eye:
I love it. That shadow foam is being used exactly as intended. It's in good company too with those Snap-On pliers
Great minds think alike with that Stahlwille extension in the handle! Thanks for posting up those pics.
I got the inspiration from @cargar who uses a Titanium "cheater pipe" with his ratchet while working on CT machines.
It's a 100 mm Ti extension that has a holding feature for different lengths.
They've just finished shot peening - now for testing. The large OD has a huge advantage in bending (and torsional) stiffness even though they're hollow.
Gold Nepros w/ spinners seems to be a running theme with guys who buy our ratchet lol:
Attachments
The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 swingarm is a beauty! Won't miss the single sided one with this new design.
Saw it and then I couldn't unsee it...
Form follows function lol.
They trimmed a bit of weight off the new model. Looks awesome without the intake holes in the fairing - completely smooth front end like a GP bike.
Saw it and then I couldn't unsee it...
Form follows function lol.
They trimmed a bit of weight off the new model. Looks awesome without the intake holes in the fairing - completely smooth front end like a GP bike.
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Guess the double sided does end up being a bit lighter (less material for same rigidity, plus the bearings can be WAY smaller when supported on both sides), but the single sided design makes it very easy to swap the wheel.
However, I miss Ducatis old out-of-the-box thinking a bit. They started making non-desmodromic engines now. The swingarm is a cool design but I wish they added some quirk to it. For example, the wheel tensioner. The 500 GTV didn't go down in history the way Ducati wanted it to, but it was a very interesting unique design from the company for sure. The chain tensioner was eccentric, like it was common in the 90's, except that the wheel was fittted completely rigidly and the eccentric adjuster was actually on the other side at the swingarm pivot. I guess this actually gives even less unsprung weight and cleans up the rear of the swingarm without many downsides. Can't seem to find any good photo of it cause they capped up the adjusters with some plastic, but there are alloy adjusters under there, just like on any eccentric adjuster (gpz1000rx etc...).
However, I miss Ducatis old out-of-the-box thinking a bit. They started making non-desmodromic engines now. The swingarm is a cool design but I wish they added some quirk to it. For example, the wheel tensioner. The 500 GTV didn't go down in history the way Ducati wanted it to, but it was a very interesting unique design from the company for sure. The chain tensioner was eccentric, like it was common in the 90's, except that the wheel was fittted completely rigidly and the eccentric adjuster was actually on the other side at the swingarm pivot. I guess this actually gives even less unsprung weight and cleans up the rear of the swingarm without many downsides. Can't seem to find any good photo of it cause they capped up the adjusters with some plastic, but there are alloy adjusters under there, just like on any eccentric adjuster (gpz1000rx etc...).
The chain tensioner was eccentric, like it was common in the 90's, except that the wheel was fittted completely rigidly and the eccentric adjuster was actually on the other side at the swingarm pivot. I guess this actually gives even less unsprung weight and cleans up the rear of the swingarm without many downsides.
Never seen that style swingarm before - really cool idea!
I was always a fan of the SSS bikes. Adjusting the chain tension while keeping perfect wheel alignment is so effortless with them. And they look awesome with the exposed wheel on one side.
Actually had the eccentric hub out right after the Willow Springs track day (pic above). The bare aluminum hub weighs around 800 g.
MotoGP bikes don't change tires often and they use double-sided ones, so there must be an advantage...
The new double sided one is still pretty unique with the gaping holes and big chamfers. The casting looks really thin too - must've been optimized pretty heavily.
Crazy move. To me, Ducati = Desmo valves, but at least they're keeping it for most models. They stretched the service intervals nicely with the valve springs though...
Don't think mine qualifies there, can't really see the SSS. But they always were more agricultural than any other bikes on the road.
It's the last iteration of the classic 2 valve/cylinder pushrod standard big twin Guzzi, the 1200 Breva. Quite thirsty but mechanically as simple as it can be.
Yes I do not doubt the bikes must be nice. I am only concerned in which direction they are heading with such decisions. Being owned by VAG probably has good and bad sides. To me they are cool exactly because they do stuff differently. SV650 and HawkGT are very cool bikes, but the 90's Monster is undoubtedly what defined that class. Not to even mention the 916...
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Thanks for posting that up!
Great video - he makes some very solid points for semi-deep sockets too.
Brilliant work using the Stahlwille extension as handle extension. I learned a similar trick from my Dad but using carbon fiber tubes as handle extension/ cheater bar.If you have to use tools , you better use tools you like, that makes it more enjoyable
I spent 25 years at sea as an engineer with ” usable” tools or make it into functional tools, now I want to use tools that are nice to begin with.
So yes I like nice tools and I don’t particularly give attention to were it comes from, I judge it on its functionality and quality.
And that’s most of the time not the most economical purchase for me
Here you see is a lot of “ bad garagejournal‘ I wish didn’t click on that because now I want that too and I really going to need that yesterday
So who can name all the inspiring treats here on this expensive forum? That cost me dearly on import tax
About your ratchet, here it’s earning its keeping on an axel job on my cabrio
if you wander what’s hiding in the handle is a Stahlwille 2” locking extension, due to its locking feature it’s a perfect fit that doesn’t fall out easy and ready when you need it for a bit of extra reach. (user tip)
When not in use , it lives here
Ohh man the extensions look goooooood!!!Awesome. I always thought that was a cool job to make anything a ship needed at sea - what a huge responsibility though!
Who needs Factory Gear when you have that setup at home lol. Beautiful stuff man. Koken is my go-to for sockets too, especially the shallow ZEAL (that's what's in my motorcycle kit).
These really caught my eye:
I love it. That shadow foam is being used exactly as intended. It's in good company too with those Snap-On pliers
Great minds think alike with that Stahlwille extension in the handle! Thanks for posting up those pics.
I got the inspiration from @cargar who uses a Titanium "cheater pipe" with his ratchet while working on CT machines.
It's a 100 mm Ti extension that has a holding feature for different lengths.
They've just finished shot peening - now for testing. The large OD has a huge advantage in bending (and torsional) stiffness even though they're hollow.
Gold Nepros w/ spinners seems to be a running theme with guys who buy our ratchet lol:
codeadidas
Active member
Mid month bump! I’m pumped!
codeadidas
Active member
End of month bump, looking forward to this release!
codeadidas
Active member
Good Morning Sir! Any updates, pre-order dates, teaser pics?I got the inspiration from @cargar who uses a Titanium "cheater pipe" with his ratchet while working on CT machines.
It's a 100 mm Ti extension that has a holding feature for different lengths.
They've just finished shot peening - now for testing. The large OD has a huge advantage in bending (and torsional) stiffness even though they're hollow.
I appreciate the enthusiasm! Been super busy lately...
There are some pretty interesting things coming soon.
codeadidas
Active member
The big brother to the 1/4"?! Plus in oil slick PVD? Incredible, when can all these nice people hope to have these available?
GirchyGirchy
Well-known member
It's probably anodization, not PVD.
That's a 1/2" drive that weighs less than a few 3/8" ratchets...It does look like an iridescent oil slick!
Can't give a solid ETA yet if I'm being honest haha.
It does look like Anodize but it's actually a thin film DLC (ta-C type). More towards the diamond end of the spectrum for DLC coatings - Hard AF. They're using it on end mills a lot now.
Our normal DLC is a a-CH type which has more of graphite characteristics.
PMD1966
Well-known member
I have an S-K 1/4" drive ratchet that is about 40 years old. Still works and not too heavy to carry around.I still haven't broken this old monster I've had since 2004. It's crazy notchy and slips out of gear now but still works:
codeadidas
Active member
Spark plug socket pre-ordered Ratchets soon?
Ratchets soon?We barely just put those sockets up! Much appreciated brother - thanks for supporting these crazy tools.Spark plug socket pre-ordered
These are ready to go, just allowing time for everyone to choose their coating.
The ratchets are taking a bit longer - they're much more intensive to make...
We're getting up past 97 ft-lbs on our custom gears (pre-production) so far. One of the strongest 1/4" drives I've seen.
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Yes!!! I have the snap-on SKF80A, 1/2" stubby ratchet. About 8" and 20.8 oz. How much lighter is yours?
SO SKF80A 1/2" Drive: 20.8 oz (589 g) | 8" L
TRO Titanium 1/2" Drive: 9.2 oz (260 g) | 9.25" L
So less than half the weight at 1.25" longer...in-between stubby and full length.
Longer post about it here comparing to other 1/2" ratchets: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/extremely-lightweight-hand-tools.499659/post-10851143
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Thank you sir! We're aiming for a limited edition run of the 1/4" drive by the end of the year.
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dutchgray
Well-known member
Got a spark plug socket ordered.
The 1/2" drive ratchet is looking amazing.
The 1/2" drive ratchet is looking amazing.
Thanks for supporting the cause again, Dutch!
I hope there's less hands out at Customs this time...
The 1/2" version came out pretty good - but the weight(lessness) of the thing is nuts.
dutchgray
Well-known member
It will be nice to use because of the low weight.
I suspect I have 1/2" drive sockets that weigh more than the ratchet.
demarpaint
Well-known member
Very Impressive!!
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
View anything I say with extreme skepticism because I'm not in the know and I do not speak for the manufacturer and I've never tried their products. Not ordered one etc etc... and in general, I'm probably just an idiot.
Okay, that said my guess is that this ratchet will be $200 - $300 (remember, I guess, but I think that a larger ratchet they produced was in that range)
Where will you probably buy them when they're finally taking orders? Probably on their website. I think that this link takes you to a product they had previously
TRO 1/4" Drive Titanium Ratchet
The TRO Superleggera is the Lightest & Smoothest Ratchet ever Produced. Features of the TRO Titanium Superleggera Ratchet: Intricately CNC Milled Titanium Chassis Ti-6AL-4V (Grade 5), the highest specific strength alloy available. The machining is no-expense spared - No compromises were made for...
www.trodesigns.com
But my guess is that you will order it on their website.
I chose to follow this thread and I assume that they will make an announcement of some sort when it is available.
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lol! Helluva follow up with the pics!! Those look great Teague seriously can’t wait to get my hands on them. Especially the 1/2”I don't see why not...
Amazing setup!!! I was wondering what kind of screwdriver that is on the third pic you posted?? Wood handle Any info would be great!If you have to use tools , you better use tools you like, that makes it more enjoyable
I spent 25 years at sea as an engineer with ” usable” tools or make it into functional tools, now I want to use tools that are nice to begin with.
So yes I like nice tools and I don’t particularly give attention to were it comes from, I judge it on its functionality and quality.
And that’s most of the time not the most economical purchase for me
Here you see is a lot of “ bad garagejournal‘ I wish didn’t click on that because now I want that too and I really going to need that yesterday
So who can name all the inspiring treats here on this expensive forum? That cost me dearly on import tax
About your ratchet, here it’s earning its keeping on an axel job on my cabrio
if you wander what’s hiding in the handle is a Stahlwille 2” locking extension, due to its locking feature it’s a perfect fit that doesn’t fall out easy and ready when you need it for a bit of extra reach. (user tip)
When not in use , it lives here
Veritas Magnetic Screwdriver Handle - Lee Valley Tools
www.leevalley.com
Veritas magnetic screwdriver handle.
It holds bits really well, even Japanese bits.
That’s correct, the most secure bit holder screw driver that makes it basically a fixed driver, magnet plus mechanical locking ( like a mini drill chuck) best suited for longer bitsVeritas Magnetic Screwdriver Handle - Lee Valley Tools
Veritas magnetic screwdriver handle.
It holds bits really well, even Japanese bits.
,the next best solid feeling bit driver is the WIHA Centrofix model
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