What are flex head ratchets for?
A flex-head has a built-in pivot to help access hard-to-reach fasteners. The flex point built into ratchets allows for the head of the ratchet to be at a different angle than the rest of the handle.
What is a 3/8 drive ratchet?
A 3/8″ drive can drive sockets of all sizes. It is big enough to apply quite a lot of force, but not too big to fit into tight spaces. 1/2 inch – 1/2″ sockets are generally used for nuts and bolts from around 10mm and up.
How much does a flex head ratchet cost?
Compare with similar items
| This item Extra Long Flexible Head Ratchet 1/4″ inch Drive w/ 11″ inch Long Handle | Performance Tool W38181 3/8-Inch Drive Flex Head Long Ratchet, 1-Pack | |
|---|---|---|
| Add to Cart | Add to Cart | |
| Customer Rating | 4.0 out of 5 stars (198) | 3.8 out of 5 stars (318) |
| Price | $2195 | $34.98$34.98 |
| Sold By | JR Quality Tools | Amazon.com |
What are the different size drive ratchet?
Typically, a small lever on the ratchet head switches the wrench between tightening and loosening mode. These drive fittings come in four common sizes: 1⁄4 inch, 3⁄8 inch, 1⁄2 inch, and 3⁄4 inch (referred to as “drives”, as in ” 3⁄8 drive”).
How much torque can a 3/8 ratchet handle?
The maximum recommended torque for a 3/8 in. ratchet handle is 1800 lbs.
What is a drive ratchet?
A ratchet is a handle into which sockets are attached that allows for torque to be applied to the fastener. The word ratchet refers to the standard geared drive mechanism that is used in the tool which permits it to rotate freely in one direction but be locked in the opposite direction.
What does drive size mean for sockets?
The drive socket size is a measurement of the distance between the flat sides of the square recess. The drive socket size must match the drive square size of your turning tool for the socket to fit correctly. For example, a 1/4″ drive or 1/4″ square drive will attach to a turning tool that has a 1/4″ drive square.
Does ratchet drive size matter?
The smallest and largest drive sizes are very useful too, though. Small, ¼-inch drive sockets can sometimes reach small nuts or bolts in tight spots more easily. Large, ½-inch drive sockets can handle more torque and are ideal for larger fasteners that require a longer ratchet or breaker bar to loosen or fully tighten.
How much torque can a 1/2 socket take?
SOCKET DRIVE SIZES – TORQUE LIMITS & MAXIMUM TYPICAL LOADING
| Drive Size | Reasonable Torque Rating Limit* |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2″ Square Drive | 11,500 ft-lbs [15,600 Nm] |
| 2-1/2″ Square Drive | 45,000 ft-lbs [61,015 Nm] |
| 3-1/2″ Square Drive | 100,000 ft-lbs [135,590 Nm] |
| 4-1/2″ Square Drive | 200,000 ft-lbs [271,165 Nm] |
What is the most common ratchet drive size?
The most common ratchet sizes are ¼ inch drive, 3/8 inch drive, and ½ inch drive. There are also larger ratchet sizes including ¾ inch drive and 1-inch drive available. Most ratchets used with sockets contain a gear mechanism that is designed to allow for rotation in one direction only.
Why is breaker bar better than ratchet?
The long handle on breaker bars compared to shorter wrenches allow a larger torque to be generated with the same amount of force. Also, the absence of a ratcheting mechanism makes a breaker bar considerably stronger than a ratchet. This allows greater torque to be applied to a fastener without the tool failing.