What's the point of large / long ratchets?

[awemawson]

I suspect that the better quality 'many click' ratchets have multiple teeth on the pawl to increase the load capacity.

 

[Rocketman]

That's what I suspected to but didn't want to say because I wasn't sure.

 

[MattF]

Can't say as I've ever been inside one of the fine ones, so no idea on that front personally, but if that's the case, there should be negligible difference between fine and coarse. There's one simple way to find out if one type is more resilient than the other.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Back on the bolt stretching theme we used to stretch steam turbine split line and steam chest bolts and they were 5-1/2" whitworth. You needed more than a long ratchet to get those suckers off.

 

[daleyd]

Thats similar to mine, 72 teeth and not a pawl as such but more of a toothed quadrant. (Not my picture, I've never needed to strip mine down)

 

[Rig Pig]

If it is it's the cheapest one on the market! My Norbar was over £700!

 

[Maker]

That would be a torque multiplier

Nah, torque multipliers have a "foot" to stop the body twisting and they're much bigger. This is what is is:

This is off google images and it looks to be only 3/8".

 

[gordon stephenson]

As mentioned. Torque multipliers have reaction arm.

 

[daleyd]

It's a ratcheting adapter - handy if you are a mobile service engineer or similar and don't want to carry breaker bar and ratchet handle, just carry breaker bar and one of these.

Used to have one when I travelled abroad a lot with weight limit on toolcase. (Think I still have it in garage somewhere)

 

[gordon stephenson]

Norbar multipliers are awesome. Our pneumatic ones only operated at less than 90psi. I have seen one break a 3" square drive without raising a sweat. The big ones. So quiet and smooth but power to spare

 

[Rig Pig]

Norbar multipliers are awesome. Our pneumatic ones only operated at less than 90psi. I have seen one break a 3" square without raising a sweat. The big ones. So quiet and smooth but power to spare

They are very handy bits of kit and so much lighter than dragging the Hytorc gear out to nip up one or two bolts.

 

[Maker]

Hytorc gear

Ooh, what's that, sounds nifty?

 

[gordon stephenson]

When you get in to those realms they really are big boys toys.