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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

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

Other Notables

• The breaker bar.  Sometimes this tool is mistaken as a ratchet.  Since is has no mechanism in it's head it is technically a wrench with a socket end.  A breaker bar is usually a long wrench used for applying great amounts of force to break loose (or break off) tough nuts and bolts.

Recommendations

• 1 1/4" Ratchet

• 1 each 3/8" ratchet in short and long sizes.  A long flex head usually is very useful.

• 1 each 1/2" ratchet in short and long sizes.

• Torque wrench.

Popular Ratchet Manufacturers and Resellers

Craftsman
SnapOn
Matco
Husky

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