Zephyr Mag Drive Ratchet

[Cleary37]

Anybody know anything about this ratchet from Zephyr? Seems like it replaces the springs in a ratchet with a strong magnet. Made in USA, too. Interested to try one and compare to a sprag clutch ratchet.

Can’t find anything about it online anywhere, other than the attached flyer on the zephyr website. I haven’t been able to find it in any zephyr catalog either to get a part number for reference. Any help appreciated. I’ve reaches out to them but haven’t got an response yet.

 

[j3rf]

That looks cool. Wonder how much torque it could withstand?

 

[DekNgo]

This does look interesting, but like you, I can't find any other information about it.

 

[four.cycle]

Zephyr / Zephyr Mfg. Co., Inc., 201 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90301 / https://zephyrtoolgroup.com/ / est. 1939 / "Lok-Fast", "Zephyr", "Martin" / specialty hand and power tools for aerospace industry /

 

[ericg]

I emailed them and, as of now, they are only available direct from Zephyr. I inquired about pricing and availability andI am awaiting a response from the sales rep.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have a Kobalt direct drive ratchet that uses rollers instead of teeth. Not sure if it uses magnets to the switch position, but it does have a zero back drag. I don't know how much force I would be willing to put on it, but it is good for tight spaces, and it's very quiet.

I don't believe it was made in the USA, but it seems to be well constructed.

Also...

Zero Degree Gearless Ratchet Brings Back a Solid Kobalt Design

toolguyd.com

 

[Cleary37]

I have a Kobalt direct drive ratchet that uses rollers instead of teeth. Not sure if it uses magnets to the switch position, but it does have a zero back drag. I don't know how much force I would be willing to put on it, but it is good for tight spaces, and it's very quiet.

I don't believe it was made in the USA, but it seems to be well constructed.

Also...

Zero Degree Gearless Ratchet Brings Back a Solid Kobalt Design

toolguyd.com

Bubba, following your link and doing some reading I ended up on the website for zero degree tools.

On that page if you scroll down a bit the text and photo are identical to the zephyr website I linked in my post. I believe zero degree to be imported so I suppose zephyr is making a version under license in the USA.

 

[dnschmidt]

Gearless ratchets aren't new. TOPTUL makes one which I never bothered to order since it seemed like if it was any good everybody would be using it. Here's a link: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-520575/Gearless-Reversible-Ratchet-Handle-with-Quick-Release.html

 

[kbeefy]

I have several 'sprag' style ratchets, I like them for low torque limited access applications. They are not magnetic.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Bubba, following your link and doing some reading I ended up on the website for zero degree tools.

On that page if you scroll down a bit the text and photo are identical to the zephyr website I linked in my post. I believe zero degree to be imported so I suppose zephyr is making a version under license in the USA.

Interesting. TBH I didn't know Zephyr made anything other than screwdriver bits. Perhaps this is a way for them to sell to government agencies that are required to buy from US or TAA compliant countries.

 

[ericg]

I emailed them and, as of now, they are only available direct from Zephyr. I inquired about pricing and availability andI am awaiting a response from the sales rep.

I heard back from sales. The price is $106.40 and is available directly from Zephyr. I have to say that Crystal has been very responsive to my inquiries, something not to common today, as we all know.

 

[Hytekrednek]

is that a 1/4'' drive? or 3/8'' for $106?

 

[ericg]

3/8” is what I was told