Ratchet wrenches

Ratchet wrenches are tools which are used to tighten or loosen fasteners. These wrenches function based on the ratcheting mechanism they are fitted with. It includes a toothed wheel with a pawl which prevents motion in one direction. Thanks to such a design, it suffices to rotate the spanner to a small angle, besides, there is no need to remove it and refit while working. This allows working with bolt fasteners in a limited space in different parts of a car.

Types of ratchet wrenches

These tools differ in the type of the ratcheting mechanism. It can be:

• Single-pawl which can rotate only in one direction.
• Dual-pawl with reverse rotation. Such tools are fitted with a special switch to enable the motion in the backward direction.

The gear that ensures the rotation can have different numbers of teeth. The more teeth it has, the smaller the increments and, as a result, the smoother the tool moves. Another criterion for the tool classification is the size of the square seat to be fitted with different sockets: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 or 1 inch.

As a rule, these tools are made of chromium vanadium steel or chromium molybdenum steel.

In the catalogues of many manufacturers, you can find hinged tools that help you to work at any angle. There are also torque wrenches. They are fitted with displays that show how much torque is applied to tighten the fastener.

Ratcheting socket wrenches: tips on use

1. Do not use the spanners to loosen the bolts and nuts stuck due to rust or corrosion. The ratcheting mechanism consists of a number of small parts that can break if too much force is applied. It isn’t also recommended to produce any additional impact using the lever.
2. Only use the tools that fit. Do not place any pads between the fastener head and wrench.
3. When the work is over, wipe the tool with a dry cloth.
4. Do not use the wrench with a damaged ratcheting mechanism or any other failures.

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