Sirsalliyan Small Air Compressor

Ratchet Wrench

Tips for Selecting Hand Tools

Hand tools can be easily judged for quality, long life and usefulness if you just learn a few simple rules. Here are some tips and tricks of the trade for making great selections without breaking the bank.

Look for add-ons and gadgets

The reason that all the great tools never change is they were already perfect.  Improvements to grip, contact surface toughness and ergonomics can be very useful and add to the life of the tool. Big changes like changeable bits, reversible shafts, and ratchets contained in small handles are not true improvements. These kinds of changes only make the tool have weak points that are bound to fail in anything other than light and occasional use.

For instance a hand screwdriver that has ¼ inch hex recess and magnet in the end of the shaft and multiple bits with a ratchet in the handle has inherent problems. The shaft is weakened because the hollow to accept the bit is very thin walled and has a tendency to warp and enlarge allowing the bits to wobble.  This can also make alignment difficult. The ratchet in the handle doesn’t last because the parts are so small and inexpensively made even the torque an average person can apply with one hand is enough to cause failure. 

Look for tolerances in manufacturing

Hand tools with moving parts are especially subject to failure. Just because a tool has a nice chrome or matte finish does not mean it is a quality tool. Two-part hand tools such as hand pliers and water pump pliers can be judged by how smoothly they operate without being loose. If one handle can be twisted in comparison to the other than you can bet the tool is of low quality.  Unfortunately tool manufacturers are all too familiar with the average consumer’s weaknesses.  If the packaging is attractive enough and the appearance of the tool is expensive, they know they can skimp on the actual quality of the tool itself.   

Look for comparisons between two tools

Many times you can quickly tell the difference in the true quality of a tool by comparing it side by side with another brand.  A ratchet wrench, for instance, should have very little turn in the driving shaft before it clicks into the next locking tooth.  Turn two ratchets upside down and turn the drive observing how far it turns before it clicks.  Pick another and perform the same test.  If one is higher quality than the other, the difference will be obvious.  Take some time to play with the tools in the store before you decide which one to buy.

About the Author

Robert Rockefeller is a freelance writer for Bicwharehouse.com. Bic Warehouse offers broad range of carpentry hand tools, laser measuring tools, automotive tools, tool sets, and tool boxes for construction.

http://www.bicwarehouse.com/tools-hand-tools.html

Gibraltar Ratchet Drum Key wrench $9.99 Gibraltar Ratchet Drum Key wrench

Gibraltar Ratchet Drum Key Wrench $9.99 Gibraltar Ratchet Drum Key wrench

Ratchet & Clank - Wrench (Child) $9.99 Includes wrench.

Ratchet Plug Wrench $14.99 Motion Pro Ratchet Plug Wrench 13/16" ratchet spark plug wrench made specifically for today's water-cooled 2-stroke engines with those hard to reach spark plugs The ratchet mechanism makes installation and removal of spark plugs very easy Use one side for installation and flip it over for removal

Gibraltar Ratchet Lug Wrench $9.8 The ratchet wrench was invented so people wouldn't have to remove the wrench from the bolt for each turn. For decades, this innovation has been put to good use on drums. The ratchet lug wrench is perfect for hurry-up-and-tune situations. Imagine this familiar scenario: one of the kids marching tenors busts the 10" head on the last note of the lot, just before you start walking to the field. You need to replace/tune a new head fast - nothing works better than a ratchet lug wrench. This tool is heavy duty to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use, and includes a clockwise/counter-clockwise switch.We'll keep you posted on the release of the pneumatic lug wrench, but it could be a while.

Mini Ratchet Wrench Set $8.99 Bikemaster Mini Ratchet Wrench Set 17-piece kit fits just about anywhere and packed full of essential bits Quality ratchet and bits made from tool steel Comes with 5 cross head, 3 flat head, 2 torx head, 5 sockets and extension All of the most popular sizes and types included in carrying case

JET JSM-3330 3/8-in 150 RPM Air Ratchet Wrench $149 3/8-in 150 RPM Air Ratchet Wrench - JSM-3330

JET JSM-3430 1/2-in 150 RPM Air Ratchet Wrench $149 1/2-in 150 RPM Air Ratchet Wrench - JSM-3430

Greenlee Wrench 1" hex Ratchet. Each $52.02 Manufacturer: Greenlee. Each. Cutting Opening Size = 1/4 in (hex) Type = Punch Wrench Customers also search for: Discount Wrench 1" hex Ratchet, Buy Wrench 1" hex Ratchet, Wholesale Wrench 1" hex Ratchet, 783310349419, 34941, Knockout Punch Parts and Acc

Professional 140mm Ratcheting Ratchet Wrench $11.99 Description:Wonderful Ratchet Wrench with 1/4 inch square driveSocket wrench is a type of hand wrench that uses separate, removable sockets fit many different sizes of fittings and fasteners, most commonly nuts and boltsThe Steel Torque Wrench includes a one-way ratcheting mechanism that allows the Ratcheting Wrench turn to one direction The sockets attach to the ratchet through a 1/4 inch square fitting that locks onto itAnti-slip rubber grip is easy to hold Heavy duty steel shaft of the Pocket WrenchTotal length: 140mmShaft length: 80mmWeight: 175g

Ratchet & Clank Wrench Child $12.99 Includes: Wrench Material: Polyurethane Care instructions: Wipe clean Seasonal , Costumes , Boys , Toy Weapons

4-Way A/C Ratchet Wrench $22.95 A reversible wrench with four square openings: 1/4'' and 3/16'' on one end, and 3/8'' and 5/16''on the other end. Sizes are stamped near the openings.By Robinair.

Proto® - Torque Wrench Ratchet Repair Kits $15.8 Handy and convenient ratchet repair kit. Proto® - 1/2?dr Ratchet Repair Kit, Torque Wrench. Torque wrench ratchet repair kit for models 6016M, 6016NM, 6068 and 6072. Also for models 6014, 6014M, 6014NM and 6016. With 1/4" to 1" ratchet wheels manufactured from strong alloy steel for uncompromising toughness and durability. Easily manage field repairs on torque wrench ratchet heads with compatible repair kits.

3 Pc. Ratchet And Shorty Wrench Set $21.95 ? Set includes: Shorty Dual Drive Ratchet (3/8'' and 1/4'' drive, 72 tooth), Standard Length 72 tooth 3/8'' Dr. Ratchet, and a 5-3/4'' long Shorty Adjustable wrench. ? All feature comfortable and durable grips.By Astro Pneumatic.

Ratcheting Ratchet Wrench 10 x 12mm (FS1510C) $9.99 Description:Precision Ratcheting WrenchProvides the speed and performance advantage over the traditional Ratchet Wrench Ideal for loosening or tightening fasteners where access is limitedGear Wrench drive quickly turns fastenersFast ratcheting action: 10 x 12mmSize: about 15cm longWeight: 101g

Steel 1/4 Inch Square Drive Ratchet Wrench $11.99 Description:Wonderful Steel Wrench with 1/4 inch square driveWrench is a type of hand wrench that uses separate, removable sockets fit many different sizes of fittings and fasteners, most commonly nuts and boltsThe Steel Wrench 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. The sockets attach to the ratchet through a 1/4 inch square fitting that locks onto itAnti-slip rubber grip is easy to hold Heavy duty steel shaft of the Ratchet WrenchTotal length: 150mmShaft length: 85mmWeight: 203g

KD Tools Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/4 Dr for 3/8 Wrench. Each $8.1 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/4" Drive x 3/8" Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse Customers also search for: Discount Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/4" Dr for 3/8 Wrench, Buy Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/4" Dr for 3/8 Wrench,

General T Handle Type Reversible Ratchet Tap Wrench -Forward or Reverse $16.99 Description:Ratchet tap wrenchType: Sliding T Type Ratchet Tap Wrench for extra leverageRatchet Action With Forward / Reverse Operation & LockUse the small knurled knob on the top of this Reversible Ratchet Tap Wrench for starting the tap or backing out.Friction holds the crossbar handle in the most convenient position.The T Handle Ratchet Tap Wrench Has A Ratchet Arrangement Which Is Perfect For Tapping Holes In Tight Confined Spaces Or Just Because It's EasierVery Nice Chrome Plated Ratchet Tap WrenchKnurled Knob for Starting the Tap Forward and Reverse Ratchet ActionWeight: 186g

6850 - 1/4Dr. Ratchet Wrench $389.79 [065-6850] 0.19 LB

68222 - Ratchet Wrench Set $151.2 [409-68222] UPC: 09264468222 3.12 LB

Chicago Pneumatic KF125190 Valve Throttle for Ratchet Wrench. Each $5.63 Manufacturer: Chicago Pneumatic. Each. 1 yr warranty on material and workmanship Customers also search for: Discount Chicago Pneumatic KF125190 Valve Throttle for Ratchet Wrench, Buy Chicago Pneumatic KF125190 Valve Throttle for Ratchet Wrench, Wholesale

KD Tools Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 3/8 Dr for 1/2 Wrench. Each $10.52 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. GearWrench Ratchet Adapter - 3/8" Drive x 1/2" Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse Customers also search for: Discount Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 3/8" Dr for 1/2 Wrench, Buy Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 3/8" Dr for 1/2 Wrenc

KD Tools Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/2 Dr for 3/4 Wrench. Each $9.92 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. GearWrench Ratchet Adapter - 3/8" Drive x 1/2" Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse Customers also search for: Discount Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/2" Dr for 3/4 Wrench, Buy Gearwrench Ratchet Adapter 1/2" Dr for 3/4 Wrenc

Carbon Steel Ratcheting Ratchet Ratchet-Action Box-End Wrench Set with Straight Handle $11.99 Description:Precision Box-End Wrench is made of metal & steel finishThis Ratcheting Box-End Wrench provides the speed and performance advantage over the traditional Ratchet WrenchThis Ratchet-Action Box-End Wrench is ideal for loosening or tightening fasteners where access is limitedRatchet Box-End Wrench drive quickly turns fastenersLength: 13.9cmSize: 3/16", 5/16", 1/4", 3/8"Weight: 111g

Klein Tools Ratchet Box Wrench. Each $13.35 Manufacturer: Klein Tools. Each. Laminated construction for strength Different size opening at each end Ratchet reverses by turning ratchet over For use in confined spaces and on long studs No. of Points = 6 Opening Size = 1/4 in, 5/16 in Opening Type =

Robinair ROB10696 4Way A/C Ratchet Wrench $30.28 A reversible wrench with four square openings: 1/4 and 3/16 on one end and 3/8 and 5/16 on the other end. Sizes are stamped near the openings.

Sunex 3/8 Drive Impact Ratchet Wrench. Each $190.09 Manufacturer: Sunex. Each. Features and Benefits: 70 ft./lbs. of torque with ZERO reaction Fits anywhere you need a ratchet Dura-life head design brings durability and slip resistance Weighs only 2.8 lbs. Covered under a 2 year limited warranty Amazing 5

Sunex SUNSX3835 .38in. Drive Impact Ratchet Wrench $254.46 70 ft./lbs. of torque with Zero reaction. Fits anywhere you need a ratchet. Duralife head design brings durability and slip resistance. Dimension: 3 W x 12.25 L x 2.25 H. Amazing 500 rpm of free speed. Patented Impacting system bri

Proto Wrench Ratchet Box 1/4" x. Each $13.39 Manufacturer: Proto. Each. No. of Points = 6 Opening Size = 1/4 in, 5/16 in Opening Type = Box/Box Head Width = 9/16 in, 5/8 in Head Thickness = 3/8 in Overall Length = 4 9/32 in Handle Jaw Handle Customers also search for: Discount Wrench Ratchet Box 1

Apex Tool Group Tools 8in. Adjustable Ratchet Wrench FR28SMP $42.91 Adjustable ratchet wrench. Serrated jaws add improved gripping power and reduce slippage. Thumb recesses for superior grip. Wide dial for easier and tighter jaw adjustments. New ergonomic and longer grip for increased comfort and torque. 8 . Carded. Length: 5. Width: 7.5. Height: 11.5

1/4'' Palm Air Ratchet Wrench $56.95 ? Compact and lightweight ? Ideal tool for confined working areas such as under dashboard work ? Ergonomically designed blue composite body ? Overall length 5 1/2'' (140mm) Specifications: Square Drive 1/4'' (6mm) Free Speed 240rpm Overall Length 5-1/2'' (140mm) Net Weight 0.94lbs. (0.43kg) Max. Torque 16ft./lbs. Bolt Capacity 1/4'' (6mm) Air Inlet Thread 1/4'' NPT Air Hose I.D. Size 3/8'' (10mm) Avg. Air Consumption: 4cfm Model Number 1111 Air Pressure 90psiBy Astro Pneumatic.