Ratchet head sets: an overview of the best professional models

Ratchet head sets are quite popular today. It is worth considering in more detail their features and purpose.

Socket wrenches are the next, improved generation, originating from open-end wrenches. Snap-on ratchet heads often help out where it is difficult or completely impossible to approach even with a head without a ratchet. The ratchet is a mechanism based on a ratchet wheel-cogwheel with spring-loaded latches on the sides. The ratchet mechanism gives a good fixation of the rotating rod, which keeps the latter from turning when the tool handle is turned.

In professional sets, the ratchet may not be the only one: Often they put a spare one in an emergency, when it is impossible to quickly fix a broken ratchet, and the work does not tolerate downtime. For example, "KamAZ" does not pull further - you need to adjust the valve mechanism of the engine, replace the valves, and you can't do without a ratchet. Expensive equipment under the threat of a delay in delivery, entailing a forfeit many times greater than the cost of repairing an engine. And all because of one person.

Ratchet head kits can contain from one and a half dozen to several hundred components. The last option is for owners, for example, a service station, a professional garage, or companies that have an on-site construction and installation group.

Hundreds of kit parts require a box or a large case, in special cases - a trolley box, in which not only the ratchet itself with heads is transported, but also completely different tools, for example, a set of pliers, nippers, pliers and a hammer. The more complete and comprehensive the selection of ratchet sockets, the easier and more efficient it will be to work.

As an example, let's take ready-made options for socket and hex head sets with a ratchet mechanism.

The set of heads contains the following components:

• end heads ranging in size from 4 to 13 mm;
• 2 extensions (50 and 100 mm);
• 2 handles (insertable and sliding);
• gimbal-based hinge;
• 14 bit;
• built-in hex wrench for 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm.

The features of the set are as follows:

• the smallest vacation standard - 1;
• quick change matrices;
• 12 sockets for nuts and bolts from 4 to 13 mm in size.

The ¼ ratchet wrench includes the following set:

• 12 bit bits;
• built-in hex key from 3 to 6 mm;
• straight slotted pin 5.5 and 7 mm;
• angled screwdriver with sizes from 1.25 to 3 mm;
• extension cords for 5 and 10 cm;
• sliding handle;
• cardan-type hinge.

Ratchet wrench with 1/2 in. Stroke return is supplied in the following set:

• 13 end heads ranging from 10 to 32 mm;
• extension cord for 7.5 and 25 cm;
• 2 nozzles for mounting and dismounting spark plugs.

The rest of the accessories are the same as the previous set. The set is placed in a small plastic suitcase.

The set contains 46 components, namely:

• ¼ inch ratchet;
• socket wrenches for bolts and nuts ranging in size from 4 to 14 mm;
• Torx socket wrenches ¼: E5, E6, E7, E8, E10;
• socket wrenches with inserts for slotted screws on ¼: SL4; SL5.5; SL7 mm;
• cross bits: PH1, PH2, PH3; Pozidriv PZ1, PZ2; Hex from 3 to 8 mm; Torx T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T30;
• ¼ inch gate - 110 mm;
• 45-tooth ratchet for a length of 150 mm;
• handle 150 mm;
• rigid extension cords 5 and 10 cm;
• 15 cm bendable extension;
• cardan joint 4 cm.

The kit is supplied in a plastic case.

This is the simplest mini-set of sockets, complete with a ratchet, sealed in a plastic bag. Unscrewing / screwing the fasteners is carried out without changing the working hand, which also allows to reduce the load on the wrist. Ratchet mechanism ⅜ ”square. High strength chrome vanadium steel withstands repeated stress. The set contains 10 hexagonal sockets ranging in size from 7 to 22 mm.

Ratchet heads should be made of high quality tool steel such as chrome vanadium alloy. They don't have to be chrome-plated aluminum - Chinese manufacturers often try to play on this, making, in fact, these sets from rejection and working off, diluting normal steel with softening and cheap alloys. The kit must not corrode rapidly.

An unfortunate example is hex keys, sets of which are sold everywhere (even in malls and non-building stores): sellers simply order such sets in boxes.

The set of heads and keys should not have chips, scuffs, peeling of the protective layer (if any), defective shape, asymmetry of performance on each of the components. Kits from leading companies necessarily provide a guarantee - a reasonable period of 1-3 years is considered, but life-long one simply does not exist - this is a tricky advertising move: no one will replace a kit for free in 10 years, even if the defect that caused the breakdown is obvious.

Try not to buy 12-sided edges unnecessarily - such heads wear out faster, if the 12-gon is already approaching the circle, there is a threat of edge breaking. If a breakdown does happen, a special head or nozzle may be required to help unscrew a bolt or nut with torn edges. 12-point heads are good only in cases where repairs are necessary, and a triangular or flat screwdriver is indispensable.

More information about ratchet tools can be found in the next video.