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jeepfan.com
Guide to a Jeeper's Garage
Hand Tools
Ratchet or
Socket Wrench
A socket wrench
is a type of wrench, or tightening tool, that uses separate,
removable sockets to fit many different sizes of nuts. It
generally includes a ratcheting mechanism that allows the
nut to be tightened or loosened with a continuous motion,
rather than requiring that the wrench be removed and
refitted after each turn. Typically, a lever behind the
socket switches the wrench between tightening and loosening
modes. The sockets attach to the ratchet through a square
fitting that locks onto them and come in four standard
sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. (Despite
being denominated in inches, these are international
standards and no "metric" counterparts exist.) The largest
fitting is usually reserved for use on fasteners used on
larger industrial vehicles.
The modern
socket wrench, with interchangeable sockets, was invented by
an American J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vt. The tool was
patented through the Scientific American Patent Agency on
the 18th of June, 1863. The first illustration of the tool
appears on pg. 248 of the April 16, 1864 issue of Scientific
American. Previously, sockets were attached to the handle,
so different-sized nuts required different wrenches.
Source: Wikipedia
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Types
Speed, Long, Short,
Stub, Flex-Head, Torque, Fine Tooth, Thumbwheel, Low
Profile, Quick Release, etc...As you can see there
is almost a limitless list of the different types of
ratchets available. The greater number of
variations you have the more likely you will have
the one that fits your need. Longer handles
allow for greater torque to be applied with less
effort. Obviously a longer handle requires
more room to move.
Detail on some special
ratchets:
- Fine Tooth -
These ratchets allow for minimal arc movement
and are excellent for tight quarters.
- Thumbwheel -
Very small ratchets that fit in the palm of your
hand.
- Quick Release -
These will hold a socket firmly in place until a
button is pressed to release the socket.
- Torque - A
torque ratchet is a specialized tool that allows
you to tighten a bolt to a specific "tightness".
Typically the wrench makes a click sound when
the set torque is reached.
thumbwheel ratchet |
torque wrench |
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Other
Notables
Recommendations
Popular
Ratchet
Manufacturers and Resellers
Craftsman
SnapOn
Matco
Husky
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