Sage-Tips

What type of ratchet is best?

Our Top Picks

• Top Pick. DEWALT 3/8-Inch Quick-Release Ratchet. Photo: amazon.com.
• Best Value. ARES 3/8-Inch Drive 90-Tooth Ratchet. Photo: amazon.com.
• Most Versatile. Neiko 3/8-Inch Drive Extendable Ratchet.
• Heavy-Duty Pick. ARES 1/2-Inch Drive 90-Tooth Ratchet.
• Honorable Mention. ACDelco 12V 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet.

Are ratchets & socket wrenches the same thing?

Wrenches. Ratchets and sockets are among the different types of wrenches designed for specific tasks. They perform the same functions as a conventional wrench — tightening and loosening fasteners. However, there are some tasks that suit a ratchet and socket particularly well.

How do I know what size ratchet I need?

Drive sizes

1. 1/4 inch – Used for smaller sockets and precision work.
2. 3/8 inch – The middle sized, and in my opinion, most useful size for general use on a car.
3. 1/2 inch – 1/2″ sockets are generally used for nuts and bolts from around 10mm and up.

What are the different size ratchets?

Common ratchet sizes include 1/4-inch drive, 1/2-inch drive and 3/8-inch drive. Having different socket wrench sizes will allow you to operate different socket sizes based on your particular needs. Most ratchets use a geared drive.

Are quick release ratchets weaker?

Ratchets with quick release mechanism. Ratchets without quick release mechanisms still have ball detent retention mechanisms, but require more pulling to remove a ratchet. Those with quick release mechanisms might have stronger retention, until you press that release button even just a little bit.

How many teeth should a good ratchet have?

Fine, or high-tooth-count, ratchets range from about 72 teeth to 160 teeth. Now, tool manufacturers can create these high-tooth-count ratchets a few different ways. You can obviously machine more teeth onto the drive gear or you can add more pawls.

What size ratchets are there?

Which accessories can be used with ratchets?

Ratchet Accessories

• Bit Sockets.
• Breaker Bars.
• Flip Sockets.
• Ratchet Accessories.
• Ratchets.
• Sockets.
• Spark Plug Sockets.
• Torque Extensions.

Whats bigger 3/8 or 1/2 socket?

If your socket set is limited to one drive size, choose 3/8-inch drive to cover the majority of sockets you will use. 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.

Is more teeth on a ratchet better?

Ratchet Tooth Count The higher the tooth count, the less the handle has to move to engage the next tooth. That means if you’re in a tight situation you’ll be able to take things apart that you might not be able to with a ratchet that has a larger swing arc.